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Are There Too Many Chef Shows on TV?

BuzzSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:30:02 -0800

We've already talked about the abundance of dance shows on TV, but there's another genre that seems to be taking over the networks - competitive cooking. NBC just picked up United Plates of America, a new series by the producers of Top Chef which will pit hopeful restaurateurs against each other for the ultimate prize of starting their own chain. The winner gets to open four locations on the night of the finale. That's a pretty cool gift package, but it has me thinking - don't we have enough of this programming on TV already?

The premise does sound more unique than most, but it used to be that the Food Network was the only TV cooking choice with its popular Iron Chef franchise. Since then, other channels have gotten in on the act, too, like Fox's Hell's Kitchen and of course Bravo with Top Chef, Top Chef Masters, Top Chef: Just Desserts . . . need I go on?

Of course, if you're a foodie, you may be excited to have yet another show for your TiVo queue, but I wonder if all of this is overkill. How about you?

TCA News Roundup: "Simpsons," "Dance," Green "24"

BuzzSugar — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 10:29:59 -0700

"The Simpsons" has loaded up a season of guest voices including Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Dan Rather, Steve Buscemi and Kelsey Grammer. Lionel Richie will guest in the season's opening episode, which will involve Homer saving Mr. Burns from drowning in a mall fountain. To thank him, Mr. Burns will send Homer on a trip in his private jet, with perks including a serenade by Richie. Colbert will appear in that episode as a life coach who helps Homer develop a plan to get his own jet.
"24" is also joining the green-shows trend that we've previously heard about from NBC and the CW this week. The show is aiming to have a carbon-neutral season finale by using biodiesel fuel and solar power.
Big summer reality hits "Hell's Kitchen and "So You Think You Can Dance" will be back next summer for fourth seasons. Meanwhile, the network has also ordered 13 more episodes of "Don't Forget the Lyrics."

Photo courtesy of Fox

90210 vs. Melrose Place: Which Was More Scandalous?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:30:19 -0800

The Tuesday night CW block made a particularly strong showing this week. Personally, I thought 90210 had one of its best episodes of the season - nice character development, a few teary moments, and some "oh no she didn't" disses. And as for Melrose Place, I've got two words for you: Heather Locklear. Yes, Amanda Woodward is back, and it's quickly becoming clear that the residents aren't going to have it easy any time soon.

So with plenty of drama to go around, which show shocked more? Let's break down all the juicy tidbits and decide the victor when you read more.

90210 point: Well, Annie sleeps with Jasper, and she skips into the kitchen in the morning to tell her parents about her new boyfriend. Debbie invites him for dinner - but once Dixon warns about his druggie reputation, Deb and Harry are less than enthused and forbid Annie from seeing him. She, of course, gets defensive, and as for Jasper's reaction? He tries to kill Navid by pushing him down the stairs at school.
Melrose Place counterpoint: Speaking of crazy murderers, did Michael off Sydney? Sure seems like it after David ransacks his car and finds her bloody necklace in a plastic bag. Now, he's determined to clear Auggie's name (who has since been shunned by all of his friends) and get payback by putting Michael behind bars.

90210 point: Richard and his mom walk in on Naomi with Jamie. (How about the Dean sarcastically calling Naomi "classy?" Ouch.) Naomi admits to Jamie that she was dating Richard for the wrong reasons, and he breaks up with her over it. Her guilty conscience getting the best of her, Naomi then confesses to Richard, too. Jamie finds out and asks to get back together, but unfortunately for him, Naomi had an epiphany during their 24 hours apart - she's still not over Liam.
Melrose Place counterpoint: Like I said, Amanda Woodward is back, and she's out to make Ella's life hell. First she fires Caleb, and then she sends in an agent named Melissa to lure Ella away from WPK as a "test." Oh, and did I mention that Melissa comes on to Ella and the two women make out in a back room? That part totally came out of nowhere - talk about scandalous.

90210 point: Last week Silver's mom Jackie wasn't waking up, and this week starts with her being rushed to the hospital. The doctor tells Silver and Kelly to say their goodbyes, but Kelly refuses after all the years her mother mistreated her. She regrets that decision later, so she finally makes amends and tells Jackie that she forgives her. Jackie passes soon after, and I admittedly got a bit choked up.
Melrose Place counterpoint: Things are looking up for Riley - her jeans campaign is all over magazines - but once Amanda Woodward steps in, she concocts a rags-to-riches fake bio for Riley for PR purposes. Once the press starts asking questions, Riley admits to the lie and things blow up in WPR's face. Amanda seeks revenge by asking Ella to rat on Riley for abusing her sick days for the photo shoots. When Ella won't agree, ruthless Amanda does it herself, and Riley gets fired.

90210 point: Adrianna tells Navid that he was easy to get over because she was never really in love with him. Brutal. Then Naomi discovers Adrianna's stash, and she says good riddance to Adrianna, too. This can't be good for her substance problem.
Melrose Place counterpoint: Can we talk about Violet and Auggie's sex scene on the kitchen counter? Lauren's stripteases make me blush enough already, but this may have even topped that.

90210 point: I still can't stand Jen, but we're slowly starting to see her softer side. Ryan suggests going camping, and she packs a fondue set and a Burberry rain coat - not exactly low-maintenance is she? After she complains a lot, Ryan tells her he's disappointed since he's always bending over backwards for her. She takes his words to heart - even builds a fire! - and opens up about being broke . . . and still married.
Melrose Place counterpoint: In other couple news, David woos Lauren by decorating her apartment like Autumn, complete with falling leaves. But just as things get hot and heavy, she puts on the brakes, because of her "issues" with intimacy. How long are they going to drag this out?

While I really enjoyed 90210, we're talking about scandal here, so I'm going to give this week to Melrose Place. Having Amanda Woodward on your side already makes you a lock, but then throw in the borderline porno - Auggie and Violet, Lauren and David, Ella and Melissa - and it's a no-brainer. Plus, we had a great MP cliffhanger - what exactly is Sydney is referencing in her letter to Amanda that says, "You'll never find it?" You'll never find what?!

Tell me your theories (and what you thought about the episodes) in the comments! And don't forget that if you're a 90210 follower, you can always join the 90210 Superfans group in the Buzz Community.

Photos courtesy of The CW

What to TiVo: Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:50:30 -0700

ABC is new with Shark Tank, Dancing With the Stars, and The Forgotten
CBS is new with NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, and The Good Wife
FOX is new with Hell's Kitchen
NBC is new with The Biggest Loser
The CW is new with 90210 and Melrose Place
VH1 is new with Behind the Music: 50 Cent and 2009 Hip Hop Honors
Bravo is new with Flipping Out
Comedy Central is new with The Daily Show With Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report
FX is new with Sons of Anarchy
MTV is new with The Hills and The City
Late-night highlights include Sienna Miller on The Late Show With David Letterman on CBS; John C. Reilly on The Jay Leno Show on NBC; The Flaming Lips on The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien on NBC; Jack Black and Cobra Starship on Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC; Andy Samberg on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon on NBC; and Chris Kattan and Lily Allen on Last Call With Carson Daly on NBC

What to TiVo: Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:50:18 -0700

ABC is new with Shark Tank, Dancing With the Stars, and The Forgotten
CBS is new with NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, and The Good Wife
Fox is new with Hell's Kitchen and So You Think You Can Dance
NBC is new with Biggest Loser
The CW is new with 90210 and Melrose Place
MTV is new with The Hills and The City
A&E is new with Parking Wars
Bravo is new with Flipping Out
FX is new with Sons of Anarchy
Late-night highlights include Paul Shaffer and Eliza Dushku on The Late Show With David Letterman on CBS; Kristen Bell on The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien on NBC; Julia Louis-Dreyfus on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on CBS; and Lewis Black on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon on NBC

What to TiVo: Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:50:52 -0700

ABC is new with Shark Tank, Dancing With the Stars, and The Forgotten
CBS is new with NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, and The Good Wife
FOX is new with Hell's Kitchen and So You Think You Can Dance
NBC is new with The Biggest Loser
The CW is new with 90210 and Melrose Place
Bravo is new with Flipping Out
MTV is new with season premieres of The Hills and The City
Late-night highlights include Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Billy Crystal on the Jay Leno Show on NBC; Kelsey Grammer on the Late Show With David Letterman on CBS; John Krasinski on the Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien on NBC; and Ricky Gervais on Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC

What to TiVo: Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:50:30 -0700

ABC is new with Dancing With the Stars and the series premiere of The Forgotten
CBS is new with the season premieres of NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles and the series premire of The Good Wife
FOX is new with Hell's Kitchen
NBC is new with The Biggest Loser
The CW is new with 90210 and Melrose Place
Bravo is new with Flipping Out
MTV has a repeat of The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards and is new with Daddy's Girls and The Hills Season Preview
Late-night highlights include Pee Wee Herman and Amy Poehler on The Jay Leno Show on NBC; Bill Clinton and LeBron James on The Late Show With David Letterman on CBS; Rebecca Romijn on The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien on NBC; David Duchovny and Kid Cudi on Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC; Reba McEntire and Dave Annable on The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson on CBS; and Seth Meyers on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon on NBC