February is the month of mid-season replacements on TV. Reality shows dominate the arena of new programs but this year they are joined by dramas and sitcoms. One drama is “Dragnet” on ABC and the big new sitcom is “My Big Fat Greek Life” on CBS. Both of these shows are not completely new ideas as “Dragnet” was a popular television program in the 60s as well as a comedy movie starring Tom Hanks and Dan Aykroyd and “My Big Fat Greek Life” is based on the hit movie, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” from last year.
“My Big Fat Greek Life,” which debuted Feb. 24, stars Nia Vardalos, the woman who wrote and starred in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” The time period of the show is going to be directly after her marriage. The movie, for those of you who didn’t see it, is a hilariously romantic comedy. The show is attempting to capture that comedic energy and hopefully they succeed. This show with either be an instant hit for CBS, or it’ll blow up and turn out to be a horrible piece of trash.
“Dragnet” has already begun showing on Sunday evening at 10 on ABC and, after watching it, I think this was a good move by ABC. Ed O’Neill, as Detective Joe Friday, leaves the role of Al Bundy far behind with his gruff but likeable homicide detective. As a cop show, it ranks up there with “Law and Order: SVU” but pales in comparison to the original series of L’O and “The Shield.” It’s a worthwhile show for ABC to support and has very good potential to become a hit show.
Lastly, we’ve got the numerous reality television shows coming out. The old warhorse, the “Survivor” series, is back with “Survivor: The Amazon,” on Thursday, 8 PM EST, CBS. From the beginning I’ve disliked “Survivor” but from talking to the masses, it’s shaping up to be another hit for CBS.
ABC is joining the reality shows war with two new entrants, “I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!” and “Are You Hot? The Search for America’s Sexiest People.” “I’m A Celebrity” is a show that takes ten “celebrities”, or old washed up people more accurately, and drop them into Australia’s jungles. The viewers get to vote people off, so they control the show. This was a hit in Britain and evidently ABC execs thought it was good idea. This begs the question, why are we copying the Brits? I don’t have tea and crumpets everyday so why should I watch this show? The answer is I won’t be and I hope no one does because it looks horrid.
Now, “Are You Hot?,” on the other hand, isn’t British and is a take-off of all the talent shows. Instead of showing off their skills, people flaunt their bodies. I watched the first show and truthfully, it has no redeeming value apart from you get a chance to look at half-naked people. It’s just an extension of our materialistic culture and our need to view other people. If you want to watch women and men in bathing suits watch this show but if you have slightly higher standards, then stay away.
As usual, the networks are attempting to boost their ratings mid-season, and this year looks to contain some of the worst additions ever. Congratulations. I’ll stick with the old standbys and see how these programs turn out.
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