Monday, November 28, 2016

Primetime TV Update - November 2016

Here's a quick description of all of the shows I've watched and completed in November 2016. Of course, as always, there is a possibility of spoilers for any prime time show I mention.

This November, I mainly watched things that didn't end yet for the autumn. Since this is a "complete" list, it is pretty much PBS this month.

On NBC, the fall finale of "The Good Place" aired. This show has less than 15 episodes for its first season. I enjoy it due to its unique premise. It is about a group of people who died who were sent to "the good place" instead of "the bad place". The problem is at least two of the people who are there shouldn't have gotten in, a manager who has no idea what he is doing, and a helper who is the equivalent of a "heavenly robot" though she looks human. Very high concept show, not for everyone, but it has made me smile and laugh, which is a very good thing.

On PBS, they finished the runs of three of their Masterpiece shows: "Durrells in Corfu", "Poldark", and "Indian Summers". All three are period pieces that take place in different time frames and locales. Durrells is based on memoir of the lives of a British family who moves to the Greek island and lives without electricity. Serious themes including homosexuality are discussed, which surprised me considering the time frame. This show has been renewed. Poldark, just aired season two in the US after it was on BBC earlier in the autumn. Its third season is now in production. This year had more about the lives of Ross, Demelza and their friends/foes. Dr. Enys (Dwight) got a lot more to do in the second series, and a love interest. Indian Summers finished up its second and final series also. While it was cancelled, the ending was satisfying. Interracial relationships, illegitimate children, religious woes (Muslim versus Hindu), spousal abuse, terrorism, and violence marred the lives of the main characters. The amount of serious topics this show explored was remarkable, and yet I wasn't bored by it. Of course, since it is a period piece many may not be interested.

With reality shows, I completed two: "Dancing with the Stars" and "Worst Cooks in America" Celebrity Edition, season two. ABC's DWTS Season 23 didn't have a surprising winner, as on paper Laurie Hernandez looked to be a contender due to her being an Olympic gymnastic. The most surprising celebrity was James Hinchcliffe from Canada, a IndyCar racer, who had amazing skills for someone who had no previous experience. On FoodNetwork, was the cooking show. This isn't one I've watched in the past, though there are older seasons available on demand that I may catch up with now. Basically they take clueless celebrities who don't have backgrounds cooking and two chefs attempt to teach them to cook. This is a fun show if you have an hour to spare and want to not think too hard.

So that's what I've watched and finished during November 2016. Happy Viewing!

No comments:

Post a Comment