As a general rule I find Aaron Sorkin to be both overrated and preachy, but that doesn’t mean I’m not looking forward to checking out The Newsroom when it premieres on HBO on June 24th.

This new series centers on a cable news anchor (Jeff Daniels), his new executive producer (Emily Mortimer), his newsroom staff (John Gallagher, Jr., Alison Pill, Thomas Sadoski, Dev Patel, Olivia Munn) and their boss (Sam Waterston). Together they set out on a patriotic and quixotic mission to do the news well in the face of corporate and commercial obstacles and their own personal relationships.

Check out the poster below (via Collider).

Related posts:

1. ANCHORMAN 2 has a poster and a new name
2. New teaser poster for TRUE BLOOD
3. One more supercool TRUE BLOOD poster

New poster for Aaron Sorkin’s THE NEWSROOM HollywoodHubbub

It’s not long until Charlie Sheen returns to our televisions in Anger Management, based on the Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson comedy.  The show set to premiere on June 28th on FX.

Here’s the “train wreck” trailer which includes a nod to Sheen’s troubles.

Related posts:

1. First poster for Charlie Sheen’s ANGER MANAGEMENT
2. First trailer for TRUE BLOOD’s 3rd season
3. New trailer for MAGIC MIKE starring Channing Tatum

Train wreck trailer for ANGER MANAGEMENT starring Charlie Sheen HollywoodHubbub

The CW’s comic adaptation, Arrow, stars Stephen Amell, Colin Donnell, Katie Cassidy, David Ramsey, Willa Holland (who I love because she was in The O.C.), Susanna Thompson and Paul Blackthorne.

Related posts:

1. New poster for 2nd season of THE WALKING DEAD
2. A truly awesome fan made LOST trailer
3. SPLINTERHEADS trailer

Trailer for The CW’s ARROW HollywoodHubbub

NBC aired three episodes of Community to finish off the season today, and whilst this apparent burning off (and the #sixseasonsandamovie hashtag at the end of the season finale) would ordinarily fill fans like me with an impending sense of doom, NBC has in their infinite wisdom renewed Community for a 13 episode 4th season.

Read on to see my thoughts on this triple header end to the third season.

Season 3 episode 20 – “Digital Estate Planning”

I don’t usually like the overly meta pop culture parody episodes of Community, and instead prefer episodes like “Modern Warfare”, “Conspiracy Theories and Interior Design” and the brilliant “Paradigms of Human Memory”.  However, being a ’90s kid and a lifelong believer that the 16-bit Super Nintendo/Sega Genesis (Megadrive) will forever be the best video game era, how could I not love “Digital Estate Planning”.  Not only were the group reduced to ’90s RPG avatars for pretty much the entire episode but it was damn funny too thanks to the racism and generational gap of Cornelius Hawthorne.

The group are attacked by jive turkeys and hippies, Pierce suffocates in a hole, Annie sets someone on fire and then bludgeons him to death, Troy and Pierce lose at strip poker, and Abed marries a women who spawns a million babies which then allows Abed to reimagine the game Matrix style.

On top of all this, Giancarlo Esposito (Gus Fring from Breaking Bad) guest stars and Pierce isn’t quite as racist as he typically is.  There’s nothing to dislike about this episode.

Rating:  8/10

Season 3 episode 21 – “The First Chang Dynasty”

She may look like something out of an asian horror movie but I think Gillian Jacobs (Britta) looks hot as hell in this episode as some weird goth chick.

This is the episode where “The Greendale Seven” finally set about bringing Chang’s misdeeds to light after he assumed power by kidnapping Dean Pelton and replacing him with a doppelgänger, and it’s another parody episode with obvious ties to Ocean’s 11.  However, thanks to Ken Jeong, Jim Rash and Donald Glover it rises above some of the previous overblown parody episodes (I’m looking at you “Basic Lupine Urology”) and brings an enjoyable end to the otherwise uninteresting arc of the group’s expulsion.

I’m actually disappointed that the rise of Chang didn’t lead to more screen time for Ken Jeong.  He’s by far my favourite person on Community and I always feel he’s underused.

Rating:  7/10

Season 3 episode 22 – “Introduction to Finality”

I don’t see how this episode couldn’t have fit at any point this season after Shirley decided she wanted to open a sandwich shop in the Greendale cafeteria.  It’s essentially a standalone episode in which Jeff gets to say that he wants to be a good person.  It certainly functions as a series finale instead of a season finale, and I can’t help but feel that it was produced to actually be a series finale.  Hell, it even had that #sixseasonsandamovie hashtag at the end.  Everyone got a little bow tied on their story at the end of an otherwise forgettable episode about Pierce and Shirley arguing over who would sign a lease for their sandwich shop.

Given that all fans of Community know it’s coming back for a short order 4th season, that bit of melancholy nostalgia at the end of the episode doesn’t hit as hard as it would of if the show had been cancelled.

All this isn’t to say that the finale was without any redeeming qualities.  After all, we did get to see a good amount of Evil Abed, including him taking Britta down a peg or two and attempting to cut off Jeff’s arm.

The problem is the other story involving Troy being forced into air conditioner repair school and discovering he was their Messiah was equally unimpressive.  Plus there was nothing for Annie to do.

As a season finale this was a letdown and I think “The First Chang Dynasty” would have worked better as the finale.

Rating:  6/10

Related posts:

1. COMMUNITY 1×01 review
2. COMMUNITY pilot script review
3. LOST 5×16/17 season finale review

COMMUNITY season 3 finale review HollywoodHubbub

The TV season is just about over so I thought I’d have a look back at the best shows of 2011-2012.  Some things don’t line up that well because the way cable channels like FX and HBO air their shows is slightly off kilter to the networks.

Below are my thoughts, rankings and scores for the 29 shows I watched on an ongoing basis this season from worst to first.  Bear in mind that my rankings are based on what I’m most excited to watch each week so they might not match up with the score I give for the quality of the show.  Oh, and I’m behind on Mad Men so that’s not included in the list.

29. Don’t Trust the Bitch in Apartment 23
Meh.  Talk about high concept, that ridiculous title says it all.  I’ve watched the first two episodes and it’s very ordinary.  Kristen Ritter basically plays the same character she did in She’s Out of My League.  It’s not very funny and that hurts a sitcom.  Still, bonus points for James Van Der Beek.  4.5/10

28. Awake
The pilot was intriguing, but the few additional episodes I watched beyond the pilot just reinforced that the show is a basic procedural but with two storylines for the protagonist crammed into each episode.  It’s not necessarily bad I just don’t like procedurals.  It’s been cancelled now and you can read my opinion on that here.  5/10

27. Alcatraz
It’s a far cry from the brilliance of Lost, but that should be expected.  It’s in effect a basic police procedural with a hint of sci-fi and mythology to suck in genre fans.  Jorge Garcia is wasted and Sam Neill is almost as annoying as David Caruso in CSI: Miami.  Oh, and Fox has cancelled the show now.  5/10

26. The Secret Circle
It was obvious from the very beginning that The Secret Circle wanted so desperately to be The Vampire Diaries that it was embarrassing.  The truth is it’s not even close.  There’s no chemistry, there are no characters to root for, there’s no “big bad”, there’s no overarching plot, there’s shitty dialogue and lame special effects.  The CW has opted to not bring the show back next season and I think that’s one of the smartest decisions the netlet has made in a long time.  5/10

25. How I Met Your Mother
Just like Glee, HIMYM doesn’t feel like the show I used to love.  Something’s off and I’ve continued to lose interest in the show from the beginning of the season.  It’s a shame because I always looked forward to each new episode.  Aside from the good episode here or there, I think the show started to lose something when Barney and Robin got together, and things only got worse when Marshall and Lilly moved out of the apartment they were sharing with Ted.  The show did improve once Marshall and Lilly moved back into the apartment in Manhattan, and the season finale was pretty good, but I just know it’s gonna be another long drawn out season when it starts up again in September.  I should just stop watching because I know HIMYM never really delivers on the promises it makes.  5/10

24. 2 Broke Girls
I started watching this show simply because I’m a big fan of Kat Dennings (having loved her in Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist and Charlie Bartlett), but it quickly became apparent that the show isn’t that good.  Beth Behrs has grown on me, as has the Russian cook in the diner, but the Asian dude and the black guy are annoying racist stereotypes that I can’t let slide.  There’s also the glaring problem that the show isn’t funny.  Sitcoms are supposed to be funny.  5/10

23. Glee
This show seems so far removed from the one I loved in season 1 that it doesn’t even feel like the same show anymore.  Rachel has been sidelined and the other voices given more screentime.  Each episode is framed to force feed a moral story on a weekly basis.  And the one gay relationship I do like on the show, Brittany and Santana, never seems to go anywhere.  I’m hoping that Kurt, Mercedes, Artie and Quinn disappear for good next season.  I rank it higher than the stuff listed above for the simple fact that every now and then they do a good cover, and Heather Morris is awesome.  Quality-wise it’s subpar.  4.5/10

22. Veep
I’ve only watched the first episode so I’m a little behind, however I’m happy that Tony Hale is back on TV and that I can see Matt Walsh each week.  I’m concerned that a political parody like this show is going to get tiresome quickly though.  6/10

21. Justified
Another solid season for this Elmore Leonard based show.  It’s never spectacular but Dickie Bennett (played by the extremely talented Jeremy Davies) more than makes up for that.  Plus Timothy Olyphant has been a favourite of mine since Scream 2, Go, and Deadwood.  6.5/10

20. South Park
How the mighty have fallen.  South Park was the best animated show for a very long time but as soon as Archer debuted it fell to second place and I even think that Bob’s Burgers is better now too.  The show is still good but it’s far more hit or miss now than it ever was before.  5.5/10

19. Bob’s Burgers
H Jon Benjamin strikes again, and whilst it’s not as good as Archer, it’s another good animated show which is far superior to everything on Fox’s Sunday animation block.  Kristen Schaal does a great job as Louise and there’s great cinematography (if that even applies to animated shows) in episodes now and then.  I remember being really startled during the pilot when there’s a shot of a leaf falling towards Bob.  I’d never seen something animated that way in a show before and it really impressed me.  It’s also laugh out loud funny on a consistent basis.  6.5/10

18. Happy Endings
I decided to watch this show simply because Damon Wayans Jr was in the pilot of New Girl and then disappeared due to his commitment to Happy Endings.  I was surprised to discover that the show is decent, and very surprised to discover that Elisha Cuthbert has some comedic ability beyond being stalked by a cougar.  6/10

17. Game of Thrones
You know what, this show is nothing special.  It’s got a crazy enthusiastic following, both because of the books and because of the show, but it never blows me away.  It just keeps plodding along, sometimes jumping along in time from episode to episode, sometimes with each episode being very close together in the timeline.  Still, it’s suitably violent every now and again, and it did allow me to see Carice Van Houten naked again, so I’ll continue to watch.  I’m really looking forward to Joffrey being killed and Daenerys doing something (anything) other than threatening to do something.  6/10

16. American Horror Story
It’s bat shit fucking insane and has completely random stories, but it’s weirdly addictive all the same.  I remember having a chat with a friend about the show and whilst neither of us could articulate why we enjoyed it, we both did.  I’m intrigued to see how the second season plays out with an entirely new cast and location, although given that Ryan Murphy is responsible I fully expect the storytelling to be just as disjointed as the first season (and Glee).  6/10

15. Survivor
Colton was the villain that didn’t go far enough, Chelsea was really fucking hot, Troyzan was probably my favourite, but Kim deserved to win.  Thankfully the person who deserved to win actually did, which isn’t something that happens very often on Survivor.  You can check out what I thought of the season and the finale here.  6/10

14. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
It continued to be highly inappropriate and wonderful because of it.  Thinking back on the season the things that really stick out are the gangs visit to the Jersey Shore and the game of Chardee MacDennis.  6.5/10

13. Modern Family
I never keep up with Modern Family on a week to week basis, but when I do eventually sit down and catch up I’m always angry with myself that I wasn’t watching the episodes as soon as they aired.  Everyone in this show is good, but I am most impressed by Sophia Vergara, Ty Burrell, Sarah Hyland, and Ariel Winter.  It’s not the best comedy on TV (network TV), that honour probably goes to Parks and Recreation, but it’s gotta be in the top 5.  7/10

12. Boardwalk Empire
It continues to be a slow-burn show, which has flashes of violence and mayhem and not enough pure mob related drama, but it deserves credit for having the balls to whack Jimmy in the season finale.  I didn’t think that would happen.  7.5/10

11. True Blood
God this show is frustrating.  There are so many elements which make it good, like Pam, Jessica, Russell, Godric, Sophie-Anne, the flashbacks, the sex, and the violence.  Then there are the terrible things which drag it down, like Tara, the Merlotte family, the love triangle between Sookie, Bill and Eric, the shitty villains in season 2 and 4.  True Blood never gets the majority of things right.  Never.  Yet I can’t stop watching.  I’m not sure there’s ever been a show as addictive and truly frustrating as True Blood before.  5.5/10

10. New Girl
For a show that I only started watching so I could see Zooey Deschanel it’s very pleasing to know that it introduced Schmidt, the best new character on TV.  Not only that, but Jake Johnson, Lamorne Morris, and Hannah Simone have made this into a true ensemble show.  The only thing I’m not looking forward to in season 2 is the inevitable “will they won’t they” between Jess and Nick.  7/10

9. Luck
Who would of thought that a show about horse racing and betting could be so damn good. Considering my undying love for Deadwood I shouldn’t have been surprised that David Milch would create another great show.  Luck also did the impossible, it made me like Dustin Hoffman.  It’s a distinct shame that the renewed second season was cancelled due to a number of deaths of horses on set.  7.5/10

8. Community
Some of the super-meta, pop culture referencing parody episodes go a little too far in my opinion, but there’s no doubt that Community is a very good show that doesn’t have the viewership it should do.  This show deserves praise for introducing Donald Glover, Danny Pudi, Annie’s boobs, Dean Pelton, and Chang.  Plus I’m a big fan of Chevy Chase so having him back on a regular basis is awesome.  No matter how much of a prick he’s supposed to be in real life.  It’s great that NBC has picked up Community for a 4th season but somewhat bittersweet because they’ve only ordered 13 episodes.  But you never know, maybe one of their other million new sitcoms will be shit and they’ll extend the episode order for Community.  We can only hope.  7/10

7. Parks and Recreation
To be honest, this season has been a little bit of a letdown after what we’ve come to expect from the show.  Still, it’s been enjoyable and funny, and Adam Scott has remained, which I didn’t think would happen when he was first introduced.  We also got to see Paul Rudd and Kathryn Hahn on a fairly regular basis which was pretty cool.  7/10

6. Archer
The best animated show on TV by a wide margin.  It’s often hilarious and inappropriate, and there are never enough episodes.  There’s not much more that needs to be said.  8/10

5. Breaking Bad
I find it hard to sit down and watch a single isolated episode of Breaking Bad because each season is constructed in a way that demands you watch it from start to end.  There’s a beauty to just about every episode of this show that you don’t find anywhere else on TV with the exception of Mad Men.  I’m very disappointed that the final season is going to be broken up into two segments, but I’m looking forward to how the tale of Walter and Jessie ends.  My money is on Hank discovering the truth and Walter killing him.  Walter has gotten darker each season and I can only see that trend continuing right until the very end.  8/10

4. Girls
There’s been a crazy amount of online chatter and criticism about this show which was mostly a knee jerk reaction to the fact that a 26 year old girl was writing, directing and starring in a very good show on HBO, and people were upset/jealous about it.  There were also those who were mad that the show didn’t depict the female gender as they see it or live it.  Whatever.  Girls is funny and entertaining, and it seems grounded in reality (to me at least), so what’s not to like?  I’ll continue to watch and hope for many more seasons to come.  I also want to give kudos to Dunham for getting naked a lot.  I would of thought that someone of her age who’s able to control what she does on screen would not have flashed her tits so often, if at all, so I’m pleased that she’s not shy about it in the slightest.  Chances are we won’t see Allison Williams naked though based on what she said in an interview with Vulture.  I’m also continually amazed that this show does stuff that I’ve never ever seen on TV before.  Who would of thought that Adam jerking off while Hannah watches and admonishes him would be so damn funny (and tragic).  7.5/10

3. Louie
It has to be the most unique show on TV right now because despite being a comedy it can often be very serious and poignant.  Witness the God episode from last season, or the Afghanistan episode from this season.  I don’t see any other comedic shows being able to do something like that and do it so well.  It’s a credit to Louie CK and FX that the show is the way it is.  Here’s hoping that we get plenty more before the show finally goes off the air.  8/10

2. Eastbound & Down
It’s a credit to Danny McBride that a guy as loud, brash, hedonistic, and completely immoral as Kenny Powers can be so damn likeable.  There are so many things to love about this show that I find it difficult to believe that anyone couldn’t be a fan.  Whether it’s Kenny’s ridiculous insults or turn of phrase, Stevie Janowski (the best sidekick ever),  Ashley Schaeffer, Deep Roy, the change in locations for each season, the nudity, the soundtrack, or the fact that Kenny basically stayed the same throughout the show, I don’t think I can pick fault with Eastbound & Down.  8.5/10

1. The Vampire Diaries
My A #1 favourite show last year is in the top spot once again.  This season was kinda all over the place.  It started well with Stefan being dragged around by Klaus, it lagged a bit in the middle, it introduced the entire Original Family only to scatter them and kill some, mother Original Ester was very underwhelming, father Original Michael was awesome and then dead far too easily for someone that Klaus (the baddest most scary of Originals) was running from for centuries, Klaus got softened too much, the Salvatore brothers were given too much leeway by the Originals considering they are clearly inferior to Klaus, Rebeka, Elijah and the rest, Jeremy still comes across as the emo younger brother who throws temper tantrums, and Bonnie is still the second most annoying person on a vampire show behind Tara on True Blood.  None of that matter.  I love this show and waited with baited breath for each new episode.  Now that Elena has finally been turned (or will be next season once she transitions) I cannot wait to see what happens.  As long as Klaus gets back in his own body soon I’m gonna be very happy.  7.5/10

Related posts:

1. Best of the Week: 25th Sept – 1st Oct 2011
2. Best of the Week: 18th – 24th Sept 2011
3. Best of the Week: 9th – 15th Oct 2011

The best TV shows of 2011-2012 HollywoodHubbub

Continuing in the spirit of the last couple of days here’s the trailer for Fox’s new serial killer show The Following starring Kevin Bacon, James Purefoy, Natalie Zea, Jeananne Goosssen, and Shawn Ashmore.

I read the pilot script a while ago, and whilst I wasn’t blown away by it, I do think there’s potential.  It certainly doesn’t hurt that they were able to land Kevin Bacon as the lead, although it looks like each season will only contain about 13 episodes due to Bacon’s desire to be able to continue filming movies.

THE FBI estimates there are currently over 300 active serial killers in the United States. What would happen if these killers had a way of communicating and connecting with each other? What if they were able to work together and form alliances across the country? What if one brilliant psychotic serial killer was able to bring them all together and activate a following? Welcome to THE FOLLOWING, the terrifying new thriller from creator/executive producer Kevin Williamson (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Dawson’s Creek,” the “Scream” franchise). When notorious serial killer JOE CARROLL (James Purefoy, “Rome”) escapes from death row and embarks on a new killing spree, the FBI calls former agent RYAN HARDY (Emmy-nominated actor Kevin Bacon, “X-Men: First Class”) to consult on the case. Having since withdrawn from the public eye, Hardy was responsible for Carroll’s capture nine years ago, after Carroll murdered 14 female students on the Virginia college campus where he taught literature. Hardy is a walking textbook of all-things Carroll. He knows him better than anyone; he is perhaps Carroll’s only psychological and intellectual match. But the Ryan Hardy who broke the Carroll case years ago isn’t the same man today. Wounded both physically and mentally by his previous pursuit of this serial killer, it’s been a long time since Hardy has been in the field. This investigation is his redemption, his call to action. In contrast to nine years ago, Hardy isn’t calling the shots on this case. He works closely with an FBI team, which includes all-business and tough-as-nails JENNIFER MASON (Jeananne Goossen, “The Vow,” ALCATRAZ) and young, razor-sharp MIKE WESTON (Shawn Ashmore, “X-Men”).

The team considers Hardy to be more of a liability than an asset. But Hardy proves his worth when he uncovers that Carroll was covertly communicating with a network of killers in the outside world. It quickly becomes obvious that he has more planned than just a prison escape, and there’s no telling how many additional killers are out there. The FBI’s investigation leads Hardy to CLAIRE MATTHEWS (Natalie Zea, “Justified”), Carroll’s ex-wife and mother of the criminal’s 10-year-old son, JOEY (newcomer Kyle Catlett). Close during Hardy’s initial investigation, Hardy turns to Claire for insight into Carroll’s next move. The tension rises when Carroll’s accomplices kidnap his intended last victim from nine years ago. Hardy becomes ever more determined to end Carroll’s game when he realizes that this psychopath intends to finish what he started. The thriller will follow Hardy and the FBI as they are challenged with the ever-growing web of murder around them, masterminded by the devious Carroll, who dreams of writing a novel with Hardy as his protagonist. The reinvigorated Hardy will get a second chance to capture Carroll, as he’s faced with not one but a cult of serial killers.

Related posts:

1. My thoughts on UNTITLED KEVIN WILLIAMSON PROJECT serial killer script
2. Full trailer for GO ON starring Matthew Perry
3. Trailer for the RED RIDING trilogy

Trailer for THE FOLLOWING starring Kevin Bacon HollywoodHubbub

Following on from the brief clip of Go On that was released the other day after NBC revealed it’s fall lineup, the network has now provided a proper full trailer for the show, and it’s made me even more excited than I previously was.  It gives a good look at not only the tried and true “Matthew Perry performance” that I love, but also the supporting characters, and also hints at some of the underlying heart of the show.  I think most comedies need to have a tender and endearing side to them to go along with the fun, and that’s why shows like Parks and Recreation, Modern Family, and How I Met Your Mother have been favourites of mine.  I really truly hope that Go On allows Matthew Perry is to attain the success he had with Friends once again and I’m very excited to check out this show.

Go On follows sportscaster Ryan King (Matthew Perry, Friends, Mr. Sunshine) who thinks misery should just be left alone.  After taking some time off, Ryan – who recently lost his wife in a car accident – is now ready to get back to work. And while he seems like his same old charming, cocky self, his boss won’t set him back on the air until he seeks counseling.  So, Ryan reluctantly joins a support group with one goal in mind: get in, get out and get back on the radio as quickly as possible.  Played by the fast-talking, sarcastic, and charismatic Perry, Ryan gives grief a real run for its money.  Within one day of group therapy, he hijacks the meeting and suddenly the downtrodden are cajoled into playing a game of “who’s got the best sob story?”  And in no time all of them are battling it out, trying to one-up each other’s despair.

Laura Benanti (The Playboy Club), Julie White (Transformers), Suzy Nakamura (Dodgeball), Khary Payton (General Hospital) and Allison Miller (Terra Nova) also star and it looks like John Cho has some kind of role too.

Related posts:

1. GO ON and REVOLUTION, the only two new NBC shows that look decent
2. Three new MR SUNSHINE posters
3. Full trailers for Fox’s THE MINDY PROJECT, BEN & KATE and THE GOODWIN GAMES

Full trailer for GO ON starring Matthew Perry HollywoodHubbub

Fox has announced their Fall schedule and in conjunction they’ve released trailers for their new comedies The Mindy Project, Ben & Kate and The Goodwin Games.

I typically find Fox to be the most frustrating network because they seem to have the least amount of patience when it comes to letting shows grow and develop.  That being said, I’m very excited about their three new comedies.

The Mindy Project looks promising thanks in a large part to the charm of Mindy Kaling.  I’m not too sure about having another hospital set show because I find that scenario to be pretty boring, but I’m hopeful that Kaling’s obvious talent both as an actress and writer will elevate this show beyond Scrubs.  It also doesn’t hurt that she has cameos from Bill Hader and Ed Helms.  Here’s hoping those guys make return appearances.

I’m very surprised by Ben & Kate because the title led me to believe it was gonna be another married couple piece of shit sitcom like The King of Queens.  Thankfully it looks very promising due mostly to the presence of Nat Faxon and Lucy Punch (who I absolutely adore).  The trailer certainly makes the show look funny and heartfelt which isn’t an easy thing for a comedy to achieve.

The Goodwin Games looks just like I imagined it would when I read the script.  I found the pilot script to be very entertaining, and despite being a little unsure about the casting of Scott Foley I’m fully behind this show.  Although, I have to say that based on the pilot script the trailer doesn’t really do the show justice.

Check out the full synopsis’ and trailers for the shows below.

The Mindy Project
A new single-camera comedy from Emmy Award-nominated writer/producer and New York Times best-selling author Mindy Kaling (“The Office”) that follows a woman who, despite having a successful career, desperately needs to break bad habits in her personal life. After all, how many doctors make inappropriate toasts at their ex-boyfriend’s wedding, nearly drown at the bottom of a stranger’s pool and get arrested for disorderly conduct just moments before having to deliver a baby? Funny, impatient and politically incorrect, MINDY LAHIRI (Kaling) can quote every romantic comedy starring Meg Ryan that exists. She loves the good ones and the bad ones, because the girl always gets the guy. Mindy is determined to be more punctual, spend less money, lose weight and read more books – all in pursuit of becoming a well-rounded perfect woman…who can meet and date the perfect guy. Mindy is a skilled OB/GYN and shares a practice with a few other doctors, none of whom make life any easier for her. JEREMY REED (British writer/comedian Ed Weeks) is the walking definition of total bad news. He not only shares a practice with Mindy, but sometimes her bed as well – despite her best efforts to resist. He is funny, self-absorbed and super sexy. In contrast, DANNY CASTELLANO (Chris Messina, “Damages”) is a hothead and guys’ guy who has a habit of stealing Mindy’s patients. Danny criticizes her for everything, including her struggling love life and her lack of professionalism – even though it’s obvious to everyone except Mindy that he secretly admires her work. His blue-collar childhood gives him a big chip on his shoulder, but he is a dedicated physician, which Mindy can’t stand to admit because he’s always getting on her case. Rounding out the office staff are the receptionists – BETSY PUTCH (Zoe Jarman, “Huge”), young, earnest and easily excitable, who thinks the world of Mindy and is always trying to impress her; and SHAUNA DICANIO (newcomer Dana DeLorenzo), a self-assured Jersey Girl who is indifferent to Mindy, always knows where the cool party is and carries a poorly concealed torch for Danny. Mindy is in constant communication with her beloved best friend from college, GWEN GRANDY (Anna Camp, “The Good Wife”), who also happens to be the governor’s daughter. Gwen is a hilarious, sometimes too-blunt friend, and secretly a former carefree party girl (which only Mindy seems to remember). Although Gwen is now happily married to a financial analyst, with a six-year-old daughter, this lawyer-turned-Pilates mom remains squarely in Mindy’s corner. As Mindy attempts to get her career off the ground and meet a guy who passes her red flag test (no drug habits, no skinny jeans and no secret families, among others), only time will tell if she gets her romantic comedy ending.

Ben & Kate
What happens when an exuberant, irresponsible dreamer who always says “yes” moves in with his overly responsible little sister to help raise her five-year-old daughter? BEN AND KATE, a new single-camera young ensemble comedy, follows these odd-couple siblings as they push each other out of their comfort zones and into real life. KATE FOX (Dakota Johnson, “The Social Network”) followed the rules all her life…until she got pregnant in college and dropped out just shy of graduation. After the birth of her daughter, MADDIE (Maggie Jones, “We Bought a Zoo,” “Footloose”), Kate put her twenties on hold. Now working as a bar manager to make ends meet and maximize her time with five-year-old Maddie, she’s uber-prepared for every possible catastrophe – except for the arrival of her older brother, BEN FOX (Nat Faxon, “Bad Teacher”). Ben likes trouble a lot more than his sister does. His infectious energy makes you want to follow him into any number of bad ideas. He’ll totally screw up your life, but somehow, you’ll feel good about it. Where Kate is all about planning and preparing, Ben is big on spontaneity and out-of-the-box ideas. But don’t let the Velcro wallet fool you – he’ll probably be a millionaire someday. When Ben comes to crash on Kate’s couch for a few days, he finds a sad state of affairs. Kate’s surviving, but not living. Ben realizes that for the first time in their lives, Kate needs his help and he’s determined to bring some much-needed chaos into her overly stable world. He starts by offering to help look after Maddie so Kate can get back to experiencing her mid-twenties and making mistakes, since the one real “mistake” she’s made turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to her. Always there to help with Ben’s crazy schemes is his partner-in-crime, TOMMY (newcomer Echo Kellum), who worships Ben like a hero and nurses a serious crush on Kate. Kate’s British best friend, BJ (Lucy Punch, “Bad Teacher”), is a cocktail waitress at the bar that Kate manages and an all-around hot mess who would do anything for Kate, even if her advice is often questionable and occasionally illegal. From writer/executive producer Dana Fox (NEW GIRL, “What Happens in Vegas”) and executive producer/director Jake Kasdan (NEW GIRL, “Bad Teacher”), BEN AND KATE is a heartwarming story of deeply mismatched siblings: a sister who needs to go for her dreams and a brother who needs to get his head out of the clouds.

The Goodwin Games
Where there’s a will, there’s a way. And when that will’s worth more than 20 million dollars, you can bet someone’s going to find a way to get the cash. From the executive producers of “How I Met Your Mother,” THE GOODWIN GAMES is a single-camera comedy that tells the story of three grown siblings who return home after their father’s death, and unexpectedly find themselves poised to inherit a vast fortune – if they adhere to their late father’s wishes. If any of the Goodwin kids feel like they deserve the money, then it’s HENRY (Scott Foley, “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Felicity”), the eldest child and an overachieving surgeon. He sees himself as a role model for his less successful siblings – and reminds them every chance he gets. Returning home will force Henry to question the choices he’s made, especially as he reconnects with his first love and true soulmate, LUCINDA (Felisha Terrell, “Days of Our Lives”). Middle sibling CHLOE (Becki Newton, “Ugly Betty”) was a child prodigy in math, and her unofficial role as “the smart one” of the family still sends Henry into fits of jealousy. But long ago, Chloe gave up academics in favor of being the popular girl. Now, through a series of hidden messages, her late father will lead Chloe back to her old love of numbers – and back to the person she’s meant to be. Of the three siblings, the youngest, JIMMY (Jake Lacy, “Better With You”), could use the inheritance the most. A small-time ex-con and dull-witted guitarist who’s deep in debt to a loan shark, Jimmy may be the family screw-up, but he has more heart than anyone. Like his siblings, Jimmy’s also returning to something in this town: his eight-year-old daughter. Pulling the strings from beyond the grave is the children’s late father, BENJAMIN (guest star Beau Bridges, “The Descendants”), a college math professor. Guilty over not parenting his kids better, Benjamin has left behind a series of unique challenges – administered by his estate attorney APRIL (newcomer Melissa Tang). Through these tasks, Benjamin hopes he can get his children to rediscover their true selves and learn the lessons he failed to instill in them while he was alive. Their potential reward? More than 20 million dollars – a fortune that they never knew their father had – and the chance to become the people their father wanted them to be. So let THE GOODWIN GAMES begin!

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Full trailers for Fox’s THE MINDY PROJECT, BEN & KATE and THE GOODWIN GAMES HollywoodHubbub

It’s usually uncommon for the winner of Survivor to be someone that I actually believe deserves to win.  In fact, the only winners that I’ve been happy with during the course of the show (of which I’ve watched about 11 of the 14 seasons) are Tom (season 10 – Palau), and Boston Rob (season 22).  So it’s very pleasing that Kim, the person who’s had the most control and influence this season and had thoroughly dominated the second half of the season, was crowned the winner of Survivor One World.

Before I watched the mammoth finale and reunion shows I was preparing to write about how Sabrina and Chelsea, should either of them have won, weren’t necessarily undeserving winners but rather that Kim was the most deserving.  Thankfully events didn’t transpire which would have required me to type a whole load of stuff about how the jury can never think with a clear head and how they let their jealousy play too big a part.

Survivor lives or dies each season by the personalities and performances of the castaways, great villains like Russell Hantz make for very entertaining television and good seasons, whereas dull or underserving winners ultimately lead to poor seasons.  That’s why Survivor can be so hit or miss.  Thankfully this was an enjoyable season of Survivor thanks to Kim, Chelsea, Troyzan, and Colton, the lack of Redemption Island, no hidden immunity idol use, and a mostly sunny and pleasant location.

Now I guess I can forget about Survivor until it returns in September, along with three previous castaways who were removed from the game due to injury, and we can all go through this weird little social experiment again.

Season Rating:  7.5/10

Winner Rating: 9/10

Favourite castaway: Kim

Least favourite castaway: Alicia

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SURVIVOR ONE WORLD delivers a worthy winner at last HollywoodHubbub

Hell yeah, the True Blood season 5 trailer is finally here and it make me very excited for the upcoming season.

Not only is Eric seemingly back to his old self but Russell returns, The Authority is revealed, and Tara might finally be dead (at least her lack of appearances throughout the trailer make me hope she’s dead).

If they can steer clear of the overly melodramatic soap opera love triangle shit between Sookie, Bill and Eric then this season of True Blood could be very good.  However, considering how each of the previous seasons have played out I’m prepared to be more than a little frustrated with whatever storylines they throw out.

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TRUE BLOOD season 5 trailer finally hits HollywoodHubbub