It’s no secret that I’m a big TV watcher. We are probably the only ones left in the world that get real life cable. I love it. Completely love it.
While I often cover Fall TV for other sites that I write for, this year, I’m bringing it to bellingFAM!
Here it goes… Can’t wait to hear what you’re loving/hating/holding out on, too!
NOTE: SPOILERS AHEAD!
RETURNING SHOWS
Survivor: This is the 29th season of Survivor, or something crazy like that. We haven’t watched it the entire time, just here and there, but have picked back up on it this season and it’s just as crazy as ever. I think I spend the entire hour thinking about what it takes to create everything behind-the-scenes — the challenges, the ever-changing issues, Jeff Probst’s endless safari-esque outfits… This year, I’m most impressed with the girl contestants who have caught on to getting a gel manicure before they head to Survivor. Brilliant.
Scandal: A favorite, naturally. I wasn’t that into the first episode, but the second felt like it was back in its groove. The Mellie story line is especially hilarious. Those Ugg boots? And the constant eating and grave sitting? It’s good. I’m not sure how much longer I can stand this coldness between Olivia and the President, however.
The Good Wife: If I had to pick one show as my favorite, this would be it. The Good Wife nails it, every episode, and I devour it as soon as I can find time to watch. Loving the potential of Alicia running for State’s Attorney, although, I’m not certain she’ll actually head down that path. And, the entire thing with Cary and jail and drug smuggling? Ugh. It kills me. He’s my fave.
Chicago Fire: I mean, I came for the fire fighters. But, I stayed for the stories. This show is a borderline soap opera, but Josh and I both love it. Everything is SO DRAMATIC all of the time.
Project Runway: This show is actually just wrapping up and it’s the kind of show that I put on when I’m working and need some background noise.
Modern Family: Finally, Modern Family is making me laugh again. I felt like the past couple of seasons were a bit womp-womp. But so far, so good. How much do you love Phil and Claire? I mean, I just can’t get enough of them.
Grey’s Anatomy: Is this show still going? I skipped a couple of seasons along the way and I just keep watching to see where it will end, but really, so many of the good main characters have left now that I feel like it’s just all Derek and Meredith, all of the time. Maybe time to pull the plug?
Saturday Night Live: I had such high hopes for this season, but I know that they made a lot of changes over the summer and I’m not sure it was for the best. We watched the first show, with Chris Pratt, and it was just okay. We didn’t even finish the show with Sarah Silverman. And, I miss Cecily Strong on Weekend Update.
Nashville: This is a soap opera in disguise, right? I’m this close to not watching anymore, because I feel like I can only go around-and-around on the relationship merry-go-round so many more times. But, I can’t quit Connie Britton.
Parenthood: Loving the final season, so far. And, super curious to see where things end up. I’ve loved this show, consistently, over the years and these are some of my favorite actors on TV. Plus, let’s talk about how glad we are that Hattie has dropped that horrible haircut.
Chicago PD: The sister show to Chicago Fire, this is one of my guilty pleasures. Sometimes, I can’t tell if it’s amazingly good or horribly awful. But, I don’t even care.
The Voice: Janie and I watch this together for a few minutes each night after the little kids go to bed. I don’t think we’ve ever watched the entire season, usually just the blind auditions at the beginning, but we’re hoping to stick it out this year. Loving Pharrell and Gwen.
NEW SHOWS
Manhattan Love Story: This show caught my eye at the last-minute and it was very cute. Looking forward to seeing where it goes as a funny romantic sitcom.
Bad Judge: I tried to watch this last week, but it was too awful. Deleted it.
The Mysteries of Laura: I stuck with this show for a few episodes, but I wasn’t that into it. I really wanted to like it. I really did, but I wanted it to either be funnier or more dramatic. It felt stuck in the middle in an awkward, soon-to-be-cancelled kind of way.
A to Z: I wasn’t expecting to like this sitcom as much as I did! It’s very well put-together and the story line is very clear and intentional. Thumbs-up for the pilot! Hoping it sticks around…
Red Band Society: Josh and I have been watching this together. We were torn after the first episode, but after watching another one last night, I think we both like it more.
How to Get Away with Murder: Apparently, this was the most-watched premiere of the season and I do like it. At times, it’s a little much and the secondary story line feels confusing. But, sticking with it to see where it goes, as we know that Shondra Rhimes can do no wrong.
YET TO WATCH
Madam Secretary: I have these stocked up to watch, but haven’t dug into them yet. Hoping it’s a hit!
The Amazing Race: Same old, same old. I’m not really sure why we keep watching it. I might save it to watch with Janie… she might think it’s cool.
Top Chef: This premieres next week (October 15) and I always love watching it. It’s another show that I often put on in the background while I work in the evenings.
Homeland: The last season just started on Sunday evening and I think we’ll save these up until we have the entire season to binge watch.
Forever: A new show about a doctor who has been alive for 200 years, or something like that. Looks interesting.
Scorpion: Josh was looking forward to watching this. I heard some very negative reviews, but that probably means we’ll like it.
Stalker: I added this one at the last-minute and it looks good. A good psychological thriller type of show.
The Affair: This is new on Showtime and it’s premiering this weekend. It looks juicy.
The Blacklist: One of our favorites that debuted last year (or earlier this year, maybe? January?), I’ve heard that this season kind of goes crazy town on you.
bellingFAM 
Okay, I am working my way through the Good Wife – I usually only watch it in the mornings when I’m on the elliptical – I’m finishing up season 2. SO GOOD. My step daughter got me hooked on it.
We watched the first two episodes of Homeland last night – they were excellent.
Still deciding on How to Get Away with murder. Also watching Gotham. And excited for the return of the Walking Dead this weekend!!
And my favorite sitcom is The Mindy Project. ;-)
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Yes, a million times, for The Good Wife. I look forward to it every week and plan to stay up late to work/watch on Sundays!
Looking forward to Homeland, too! We watch that together and love it. She’s so damn crazy.
I agree with HTGAWM. I don’t like how it jumps all over the place. But, I’m holding out faith.
Have heard good things about Gotham… and we’ve never watched Walking Dead! I shouldn’t admit that!
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Ok, first off, I want to say THANK GOD I’m not the only one addicted to my DVR. It’s embarrassing how many shows I have in my queue.
Scandal, love love love! I was hooked on season one. It’s like a good book, i’m sad when the episode is over because I know I have to wait an entire week before it’s back on (hummm maybe wait until Mid Week to watch so that the wait is not that long… )
Grey’s, I’ve been a fan since the beginning, although I am not sure how I feel about the new sister and Christina being going. Still deciding on keeping it or not.
Nashville, I am with you, seriously people figure it out! That being said, I’m addicted, and love Connie Britton too.
Madame Secretary, I recorded this one thinking I’d save it for a rainy day (seeing how I have a gazillion other shows that I have to keep up on) but seeing how the rain came a little sooner than expected, I watched it and am now hooked! I keep telling myself, “why did you start another show” but have to say, I’m glad I did
Parenthood, enough said! This is one of my favs and sad that it has to end.
The Voice, Gwen and Pharell, LOVE!
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Another TV junkie here — I still get cable TV too and not just basic cable I might add!
Good Wife – this season I was wondering where it would go but I am loving the whole story line with Cary and the drugs and Alicia maybe running for states attorney.
Homeland – LOVE this show so much. Claire Danes is the CIA’s Crazy Eyes! I tend to watch it on a different night because I can’t sleep after I watch and I have to be awake to really watch it because it’s deep. I love Saul and Carrie together….I don’t even miss Brody.
Nashville – COME ON! You can’t give up Connie Britton. But I have to say the first two epsiodes left me feeling a little “what – I wanted more!” Love Deacon – Don’t Love Deacon – Love Deacon – Don’t love Deacon – get on with it. I think it’ll get juicer. It has to or it’ll be over!
Parenthood – that had me at first show. I typically cry each episode. They are some of my favorite actors and it’s such a “real” storyline – things that really happen in a family. I am sad it’s the last season.
Greys – I don’t know how much longer it can go on….but it’s on my DVR but it’s one I watch when I don’t have anything else!
Bad Judge – I thought it was AWFUL too – I was so disappointed.
The Mysteries of Laura – still on the fence. It’s not one I stay up for but I’ll watch it if nothing else is on….
Madam Secretary — Tea Leoni is awesome – it’s sorta Homeland like but with not so much evil. I really am liking it a lot.
Masters Of Sex on Showtime….another good one – a definate after the kids are asleep show but I am finding it slightly addicting.
Shameless – if you haven’t seen that Showtime series it’s awesome. It’s so bad (politically incorrect it’s just good) I got ST into it and he watches it on the road – he’s caught up now. It starts in January.
Ray Donavan – Leiv Schreiber – and it’s so good. I think Josh would like that as well. It’s Shannon’s favorite show. Just good – lots of sex, violence and swearing. ha ha….and I never know what is going to happen.
Who doesn’t like a good Reality show? Come on – Dance Moms just ended last night. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that show! It makes me feel so totally normal. Real Housewives of Jersey. That is awesome this season. Chrisley Knows Best. You have to watch that one at least once! You’ll either laugh or be so disgusted you turn off the TV.
My guilty pleasure are the shows on the CW network! ha ha….Hart of Dixie…..
Hi my Name is Amy and I have a TV issue!
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Glad I’m not alone in my LOVE for TV & DVR!!
My favorites are definitely: Blacklist, Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, Parenthood, Criminal Minds, CSI & Mindy Project.
3 reality shows: Survivor, Amazing Race & The Voice. I am in love with The Voice & loving Pharrell & Gwen for sure!
I have to have a few comedies so I am not drowning in cop and criminal shows ;) So, Mindy Project, Modern Family, New Girl & Brooklyn 99 (which is pretty dumb humor…but I can watch quickly and get a couple laughs.)
I told myself I would not start a new show this season…but recorded some Pilots anyways….Scorpion I’ve watched the first couple….it’s a bit far fetched and dramatic but something about the characters I am enjoying. I hope it sticks around. I didn’t watch A-Z yet…I didn’t want to start a new show! Bad Judge I watched as well. Thumbs down.
Have you seen the promo for ‘The McCarthys’ on cbs? I am scheduling that to record at the end of the month…only because of the cast. :)
SNL I have on season record so I watched bits of the first 2 episodes…but mostly fast forwarded through the episode. :( Not that good. I also record The Tonight Show but never have time to get through a full episode. I just love Jimmy.
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I LOVE TV too!!! Episode 1 of The Affair is On Demand and it is a doozy!
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I too watch both Chicago’s fire and pd and love them both! And there is that Grey’s and I’m still watching it waiting for them to finally end the whole show. It has gotten long and over done, but some how I am still watching… I think so I can say that I watched it all the way till the end. But really another sister we already did this story line with lexie. I have found that I like red band society, and I think I like mystery of Laura, but I don’t stay up for it, I wait and watch it later on On demand. I also watch Big band theory and New girl on demand and mostly as back ground. I have watched every season of the voice till this year, but this year I gave it up its 3-4 hours a week to stay caught up and I wanted to watch some other shows, so between everything else and football I just didn’t have time for the voice anymore. I did start how to get away with murder, just the first episode so far, and it was a bit confusing to keep up on, but I will watch the next couple episodes and then decide. Oh tv how I love thee too.
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