New Shows

Since the beginning of the year, I have been watching new television programs. A couple of them have been on for more then a year. The other is still in its first season.

Bones (FOX)

Bones first aired on September 13, 2005. The show is about an forensic anthropologist, Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and her FBI partner Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz). What led me to watching the show was the books which the show is based on. Late last year, I read a couple of books written by Kathy Reichs. The series is loosely based on her life as a forensic anthropologist. I really enjoyed her books, so I wanted to give the TV show a shot.

When I first watched the show, I hated Brennan's character. I thought she was so smug. After watching two DVDs, my attitude toward the Brennan character changed. She actually has dry humor and I found myself laughing during the show. Great character timing and great writing. I have watched Season 1 on DVD. I am currently watching Season 2. I have a long way to go before I am caught up to date.

Downton Abbey (PBS)

Downton Abbey is a British television show based in the 1920s. The show follows the lives of the Earl and Countess of Grantham and their servants on the estate of Downton Abbey. The show was created by Juliian Fellowes. Fellowes also wrote the script for the British movie, Gosford Park.

As I was reading the USA Today's Life section, there was a story about the season premiere of Season 2. I read the article and saw it was created by Fellowes. I liked the movie, Gosford Park, so I thought I would watch at least watch it once. Even though I had no idea of who any of the characters were, I thought it was a well acted show.

The season finale aired on Sunday. I'm still learning the characters and back stories, but I thought it was very good. I'm very happy for Lady Mary and Matthew. They got engaged. I have Season 1 on my Netflix queue. Can't wait to watch the show from the beginning to see how it all started.

New Girl (FOX)

New Girl premiered on September 20, 2011. I remember seeing the previews for it, but never tuned in. The show is about Jess (Zooey Deschanel) who moves in with three guys after a breakup with her cheating boyfriend.

After I found out that Zooey Deschanel and Emily Deschanel from Bones were sisters, is when I decided to watch the show. I still haven't seen the first episode, but this show always makes me laugh. I laughed the most during an episode of "The Landlord". Jess is a sweet girl who always sees the best in people. A flashback was shown of her as a girl. She was walking down the street, when a guy in a van pulls up next to her:

Creepy guy in van: Hey, little girl. You like candy?
Young Jess: I sure do!
Creepy guy in van: Great, my Nana made way too much! (Nana opens the van door and gives Jess candy)

I embed the episode. That clip starts at 9:54. With Hulu, there is no way to fast forward. Great stuff. I must see the first half of the season.



Pretty Little Liars (ABC Family)

Pretty Little Liars premiered on June 8, 2010. The show is based off the popular young adult novels, with the same name, written by Sara Shepard. It follows the lives of four girls who best friend disappears and eventually is found dead.

I started watching this show because Badgergirl mentioned she read the series of books. She said that they were a good and fast read. I have been enjoying reading YA books recently and will be reading these books soon. I Googled "Pretty Little Liars" to get more information about the books and found out that there is a TV show. I DVR'd the show and really liked it. Who doesn't like teen drama? It is a well acted show aimed at teens. I found myself wishing more shows were recorded. The first season of PLL is now on my Netflix queue. Maybe after I start reading the books, it can help fill in the blanks of characters and plot lines on the show.