i watch a lot of television

As I've started to consider the possibility of working in television, I made myself watch a ton of new TV shows and luckily, there have been a lot of great shows. Here's the new stuff I've been watching in the past six months or so.

9. Parks and Recreation, NBC- Should be better, but right now, it's way too derivative of The Office. They need more UCB guest stars.

8. In the Motherhood, ABC- Thank God for Jessica St. Clair getting her network break. She was in the first improv show I ever saw (Commedia Dell High School, when I was 15) and I've loved her ever since. The show could definitely be better what with the talent they've assembled, but I'll give it a couple more eps before I give up on it. Also, this show has an interracial relationship without making a BFD about it. Do you know how crazy rare that is on TV? Also, skinny Horatio Sanz, yay!
7. Cupid, ABC- Cute. And I adore Sarah Paulson, even if she plays the same character in everything.
6. Dollhouse, FOX- I honestly have no idea what's going on in this show, but it takes me a long time to give up on a Joss Whedon-created show.



5. Better Off Ted, ABC- This show is too smart for its own good, to the point where it's more clever than laugh-out-loud funny. Also, Portia DiRossi, like Sarah Paulson, always plays the same character in everything, but DAMN she is great at it.
4. United States of Tara, Showtime: This show was a little gimmick-y at first, but it has heart. The two kids are charming and each character has their own really captivating story. Also, speaking of people who play the same thing in everything, John Corbett could really think about moving beyond his Don't-worry-about-cheating-on-me/your-big-fat-Greek-family/your-multiple-personalities.-I'm-the-patient-boyfriend/fiancee/husband.-Aren't-I-lovable? character.
3. Delocated, Adult Swim (Cartoon Network),: The second best show you're probably not watching. If only it were more than six episodes of 15 minutes each.
2. Eastbound and Down, HBO: I don't really see how this show is going to continue for more than one season, but Danny McBride is hilarious.

1. Party Down, Starz: Definitely the best show you're not watching. I know what you're thinking-- Starz?? But this show has an amazing cast of actors who normally steal a scene or two in a Judd Apatow movie (Jane Lynch, Ken Marino, Adam Scott, Lizzy Caplan, and the always lovable Martin Starr). Witty writing, great ensemble work, and what comedies today often forget about: Pathos. Not since the first season of The Office have I found myself caring about comedic characters without feeling manipulated.

So there you have it. If you haven't watched these, every one of these shows is either on On-Demand or available online, so check them out.

my springtime mix

Even though I have already broken out the flip flops twice and seen three different Mister Softee trucks so far in 2009, and despite the fact that, weirdly enough, it snowed yesterday, today officially feels like the first day of spring, when you can hope for 50-plus-degree weather from here on in (with perhaps a couple of exceptions). In honor of that, my springtime mix:

That's Not My Name, by the Ting Tings
Fidelity, by Regina Spektor

Just Like Heaven, by the Cure
Girls and Boys in Love, by the Rumble Strips
New Spell, by Cryptacize
Hair, from the Revival Cast Recording
You Don't Know Me, by Ben Folds f. Regina Spektor
Love You Madly, by Cake
Modern Love, by David Bowie
Don't Get Me Wrong, covered by Lily Allen
Elevator Love Letter, by Stars
What Makes You Happy, by Liz Phair
Adrenaline, by Emma Pollock

Springtime has honestly always been the cure to all ailments for me. Spring has endless memories of walking home through Central Park and sitting in the Eliot courtyard and midnight walks, Tasti and bubble tea and Pinkberry and so much iced coffee that I have to pee pretty much constantly. And watching Adventureland just makes me want to be outside in the sunshine listening to the Cure all day long. So even though I am clearly a dorky twee 16-year-old as soon as it hits 55 degrees, I don't care because dear lord, it is SPRING!!!!