« 12.01.06
02.01.07 »
Two-A-Days (MTV)
"Modestly compelling."
Maureen Ryan, Chicago Tribune
Two-A-Days (MTV)
"As reassuringly wholesome as it is to see MTV teens who aren't either spoiled, drunk, or having a drunk, spoiled threesome, these realistically bland kids just aren't all that riveting."
Josh Wolk, Entertainment Weekly
Big Day (ABC)
"The honeymoon for this sad sack sitcom was over before it began."
Mike Duffy, Detroit Free Press
Big Day (ABC)
"Irrepressibly funny."
Barry Garron, Hollywood Reporter
The Real Housewives of Orange County (BRAVO)
"If reality TV remains a fungus on our democracy, I have a persistent itch for 'The Real Housewives of Orange County'."
Paul Brownfield, LA Times
« 12.01.06
02.01.07 »
Angels Fall (LIFETIME)
"Locklear proves, once again, that she is, without a doubt, awesome."
Matthew Gilbert, Boston Globe
Angels Fall (LIFETIME)
"Awful."
Karen Hunter, Hartford Courant
Kindness of Strangers (BBC AMERICA)
"Now this is how you make a psychological thriller."
Ray Richmond, Hollywood Reporter
The Power of Choice: The Life and Ideas of Milton Friedman (PBS)
"The film is so unabashedly venerating — it would credit Mr. Friedman with inventing the Hubble Telescope if it could — that it ultimately does its subject a disservice, refusing the spirit of argument that was so obviously Mr. Friedman's lifeblood."
Ginia Bellafante, New York Times
The Liberace of Baghdad (SUNDANCE)
"The most damning failure of the picture is a lack of any discernible payoff."
Peter Hanson, Film Threat
« 12.01.06
02.01.07 »
The Valley of Light (CBS)
"Eye-numbingly sappy."
Jessica Shaw, Entertainment Weekly
The Valley of Light (CBS)
"Feels more like a 'Twilight Zone' episode than a movie-length premise."
Brian Lowry, Variety
The Valley of Light (CBS)
"It's not a bad movie, exactly, just a hokum-laced forgettable one."
Mike Duffy, Detroit Free Press
Extras (HBO)
"It's got edge galore, but it's the kind that sneaks up on you and proves again that Gervais has the subtlest kind of brilliance, hard to categorize but easy to enjoy."
Tom Shales, Washington Post
Extras (HBO)
"Necessary viewing."
Melanie McFarland, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
King of the Hill (FOX)
"No TV show - drama, sitcom or reality series - captures the current state of our everyday lives quite like 'King of the Hill'."
Adam Buckman, New York Post
King of the Hill (FOX)
"A family sitcom executed with depth, honesty and a sweet sense of humor."
Tim Goodman, San Fransisco Chronicle
« 12.01.06
02.01.07 »
Friends of God: A Road Trip With Alexandra Pelosi (HBO)
"If Pelosi's intent is to show that evangelical faith suffocates reason, the point is well-made."
Barry Garron, Hollywood Reporter
Friends of God: A Road Trip With Alexandra Pelosi (HBO)
"Unfortunately, this documentary may ultimately say more about the insulated Blue Stater behind the camera than the Red Staters in front of it."
Matthew Gilbert, Boston Globe
Friends of God: A Road Trip With Alexandra Pelosi (HBO)
"'Friends of God' is powerful filmmaking in a uniquely understated way, a tour through another America that is sometimes funny, sometimes touching, and sometimes scary as hell."
Tom Shales, Washington Post
Friends of God: A Road Trip With Alexandra Pelosi (HBO)
"It's a lively, interesting film, if not always deeply penetrating."
Florangela Davila, Seattle Times
Pros vs. Joes (SPIKE TV)
"The central problem with 'Pros'...is that once you've seen one episode you truly have seen them all."
Andrew Lyons, Media Life
Pros vs. Joes (SPIKE TV)
"It's the kind of show where you can send your brain to bed early, watch anyhow and miss nothing."
David Hinckley, New York Daily News
« 12.01.06
02.01.07 »
George Lopez (ABC)
"How is it possible that a network so creative and astute on the hour-long front can be so inept and tone-deaf when it comes to comedy?"
Robert Bianco, USA Today
Oprah's Roots: An African American Lives Special (PBS)
"You don't have to be a fan of the daytime talk-show host to find this interesting."
Kevin McDonough, United Features Syndicate
The Naked Trucker & T-Bones Show (COMEDY CENTRAL)
"Like nothing else on TV."
Maureen Ryan, Chicago Tribune
In Case of Emergency (ABC)
"Sodden, forbidding, a waste of 22 good minutes.
Verne Gay, Newsday
Beauty and the Geek (CW)
"Third time is even more charming for this unexpectedly sweet reality game show."
Matt Roush, TV Guide
« 12.01.06
02.01.07 »
Lincoln Heights (ABC FAMILY)
"Outstanding."
Marshall Fine, Star Magazine
Lincoln Heights (ABC FAMILY)
"It's not a bad show by any stretch, but it's by no means revolutionary."
Rob Owen, Pittsburg Post-Gazette
Dirt (FX)
"An embarrassing dud that's both trashy and self-pitying."
Matt Roush, TV Guide
Dirt (FX)
"It's a mishmash that wastes an interesting cast…and the few intriguing ideas it has."
Charlie McCollum, San Jose Mercury News
Beyond the Call (PBS)
"Slightly disjointed but stimulating."
Gregory Kirschling, Entertainment Weekly
« 12.01.06
02.01.07 »
Prison Break (FOX)
"One hell of a fun roller coaster ride."
Kelly Woo, America Online
Prison Break (FOX)
"A deliciously preposterous premise that worked."
Mike Duffy, Detroit Free Press
Boulevard of Broken Dreams (E!)
"E!'s new docu-series that is what the old 'True Story' used to be - warts, moles and all."
Linda Stasi, New York Post
I Love New York (VH1)
"But oh, the downloadable moments — they're already piling up."
Virginia Heffernan, New York Times
« 12.01.06
02.01.07 »
The Dresden Files (SCI FI)
"Brooding, seductive and smart."
Marilyn Moss, Hollywood Reporter
The Dresden Files (SCI FI)
"There's a decent helping of mystical escapism here."
Maureen Ryan, Chicago Tribune
The Dresden Files (SCI FI)
"'The Dresden Files' is currently mediocre, a series searching for the right tone, seemingly unsure of itself and all The while not quite selling itself to the non sci-fi crowd."
Tim Goodman, San Francisco Chronicle
Hyperdrive (BBC AMERICA)
"More droll than funny."
David Kronke, LA Daily News
Jane Eyre (PBS)
"'Jane Eyre' is not an inspired reinterpretation; it's another respectful, faithful telling of a well-known tale."
Alessandra Stanley, New York Times
Psych (USA)
"It's nonsensical, relies heavily on the likeability of its leads to distract from thin plots, and won't leave much of a lasting impression."
Alynda Wheat, Entertainment Weekly
« 12.01.06
02.01.07 »
Scrubs (NBC)
"Fall-on-the-floor hilarious."
Chuck Barney, Seattle Times
Scrubs (NBC)
"Wonderfully silly."
Maureen Ryan, Chicago Tribune
Scrubs (NBC)
"Among the best song-and-dance episodes of a TV show I've seen."
Matthew Gilbert, Boston Globe
Scrubs (NBC)
"'Scrubs' injects itself with music for an episode that's bright but will hardly leave you humming."
Mark A. Perigard, Boston Herald
Smallville (CW)
"If 'Smallville' wants its thunder back from 'Heroes', it'll have to try harder."
Jeff Jensen, Entertainment Weekly
Smallville (CW)
"The series ranks as one of those rare TV commodities: A true unsung hero."
Brian Lowry, Variety
« 12.01.06
02.01.07 »
The Naked Trucker and T-Bones Show (COMEDY CENTRAL)
"A Southern-fried mess."
Andrew Lyons, Media Life
The Naked Trucker and T-Bones Show (COMEDY CENTRAL)
"Despite the talented performers involved, this is one of those instances in which a friend would say, 'Don't give up your night job.'"
Brian Lowry, Variety
The Naked Trucker and T-Bones Show (COMEDY CENTRAL)
"Their work as a comedy duo loses some of its edge when it is refined and processed, sliced and diced, and repackaged for half-hour episodes of television."
Barry Garron, Hollywood Reporter
The Naked Trucker and T-Bones Show (COMEDY CENTRAL)
"Smart and funny."
Mike Duffy, Detroit Free Press
In Case of Emergency (ABC)
"Shapeless, pointlessly annoying comedy."
Matt Roush, TV Guide
Beauty and the Geek (CW)
"Effortlessly watchable, with more laughs than many of this year's sitcoms."
David Bianculli, New York Daily News
« 12.01.06
02.01.07 »
American Idol (FOX)
"Despite their undeniable popularity, these audition episodes have always struck me as out of character for the show and somewhat dispiriting…"
Robert Bianco, USA Today
Real Housewives of Orange County (BRAVO)
"It evokes the fun of its inspiration, 'Desperate Housewives,' without feeling like a cheap imitation."
David Hinckley, New York Daily News
Frontline: Hand of God (PBS)
"Unnecessarily stacked with visual clutter, 'Hand of God' would have been a much better movie if Cultrera had been more judicious about editing himself."
Janice Page, Boston Globe
Dirt (FX)
"'Dirt' is like a tabloid: The glossy surface lures you in, but there isn't a lot more there."
Hal Boedeker, Orlando Sentinel
Dirt (FX)
" It should be fun, and it isn't."
Gillian Flynn, Entertainment Weekly
« 12.01.06
02.01.07 »
Extras (HBO)
"Painfully funny."
Rob Owen, Cincinnati Post
Extras (HBO)
"You will indeed find yourself bloody laughing."
David Bianculli, New York Daily News
Rome (HBO)
"A joy to watch."
Maureen Ryan, Chicago Tribune
Rome (HBO)
"This splendidly acted melodrama delivers a bloody good time barreling toward oblivion, delivering enough political intrigue, violence and sex to slake even the most debauched viewing appetites."
Brian Lowry, Variety
24 (FOX)
"Even in its sixth season, '24' remains remarkably compelling."
Alessandra Stanley, New York Times
24 (FOX)
"If the rest of the season lives up to the first four hours, season six could be '24''s best yet."
Andrew Lyons, Media Life
Johnny and the Sprites (DISNEY)
"As close to appointment television as it gets."
Barry Garron, Hollywood Reporter
« 12.01.06
02.01.07 »
Armed and Famous (CBS)
"I'm not sure whether to recommend it or warn you to flee to the nearest bookstore for the evening."
Rick Ellis, AllYourTV.com
Armed and Famous (CBS)
"Maybe one of these 'celebrities' should arrest the network executive who approved this project."
Marc Berman, Media Week
Rob and Amber: Against the Odds (FOX REALITY)
"Die-hard fans might welcome the reunion, but rest assured, there's little 'reality' here."
Brian Lowry, Variety
Afro Samurai (SPIKE TV)
"Excellent."
Virginia Heffernan, New York Times
Men in Trees (ABC)
"Increasingly enjoyable."
Robert Bianco, USA Today
« 12.01.06
02.01.07 »
Armed and Famous (CBS)
"Worthless ratings bait."
Rob Owen, Pittsburg Post-Gazette
Armed and Famous (CBS)
"CBS' latest addition to the 'Marginal celebrities will do just about anything for attention' genre."
Brian Lowry, Variety
Armed and Famous (CBS)
"Yes, just when you thought they couldn't reach lower down into the M-list celebrity junk pile for the formerly famous to star in what can only be termed one of the stupidest ideas in reality TV to date - they did."
Linda Stasi, New York Post
The Knights of Prosperity (ABC)
"The Knights have a happy mutt's lovability."
Troy Patterson, Slate
The Knights of Prosperity (ABC)
"You'll root for these inept amateurs, but sustaining this premise won't be easy."
Matt Roush, TV Guide
Tease (Oxygen)
"Armageddon truly must be right around the corner."
Ray Richmond, Hollywood Reporter
« 12.01.06
02.01.07 »
Armed and Famous (CBS)
"Worthless ratings bait."
Rob Owen, Pittsburg Post-Gazette
Armed and Famous (CBS)
"CBS' latest addition to the 'Marginal celebrities will do just about anything for attention' genre."
Brian Lowry, Variety
Armed and Famous (CBS)
"Yes, just when you thought they couldn't reach lower down into the M-list celebrity junk pile for the formerly famous to star in what can only be termed one of the stupidest ideas in reality TV to date - they did."
Linda Stasi, New York Post
The Knights of Prosperity (ABC)
"The Knights have a happy mutt's lovability."
Troy Patterson, Slate
The Knights of Prosperity (ABC)
"You'll root for these inept amateurs, but sustaining this premise won't be easy."
Matt Roush, TV Guide
Tease (Oxygen)
"Armageddon truly must be right around the corner."
Ray Richmond, Hollywood Reporter
« 12.01.06
02.01.07 »
Dirt (FX)
"Delirious, dizzy, decadent and altogether delicious."
Glenn Garvin, Miami Herald
Dirt (FX)
"A wickedly entertaining show."
Tom Shales, Washington Post
Dirt (FX)
"Ms. Cox is strangely wooden and bland."
Alessandra Stanley, New York Times
My Boys (TBS)
"Yawn."
Aaron Barnhart, Kansas City Star
Rome (HBO)
"C'mon, it's sex, violence, and fancy book learnin' — everybody wins."
Alynda Wheat, Entertainment Weekly
« 12.01.06
02.01.07 »
Gay, Straight or Taken? (LIFETIME)
"It's as silly and fake and tiresome as can be."
Matthew Gilbert, Boston Globe
Gay, Straight or Taken? (LIFETIME)
"Those expecting harassment and hysterics will be sorely disappointed — this is more like 'Supermarket Sweep' than 'Flavor of Love'."
Brian Juergens, After Elton
Lincoln Heights (ABC FAMILY)
"A refreshing surprise."
Amy Amatangelo, Boston Herald
Lincoln Heights (ABC FAMILY)
"Finally, someone's making a family drama for television that actually stands for something."
Adam Buckman, New York Post
To Be Fat Like Me (LIFETIME)
"It could be described as a two-hour public service message - which is fine, just not necessarily very compelling television all by itself."
David Hinckley, New York Daily News
Anti-Semitism in the 21st Century: The Resurgence (PBS)
"Sometimes complex, often infuriating and always eye-opening…"
Barry Garron, Hollywood Reporter
« 12.01.06
02.01.07 »
Starveillance (E!)
"Viciously funny."
Rob Owen, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Starveillance (E!)
"It's the kind of lighter-than-air distraction that dovetails nicely with the cable net's aspired-to niche as a haven for showbiz snarkiness."
Brian Lowry, Variety
I'm From Rolling Stone (MTV)
"You're excused for not caring."
Ray Richmond, Hollywood Reporter
Gunslinger Girl (IFC)
"Each haunting chapter leaves you heartbroken, disturbed and hungry for the next."
Melanie McFarland, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
The Apprentice (NBC)
"It's time to consign him [Trump] to the pop-culture trash heap, along with his relic of the reality-show boom."
Robert Bianco, USA Today
The L Word (SHOWTIME)
"Remains a juicy bit of TV melodrama with a strong acting ensemble, glittery guest stars, often snappy writing and a nice measure of risk-taking in its storytelling."
Charlie McCollum, San Jose Mercury News
« 12.01.06
02.01.07 »
The Dan Ho Show (DISCOVERY HEALTH)
"The latest, coolest avatar of lifestyle bliss."
Virginia Heffernan, New York Times
The Dan Ho Show (DISCOVERY HEALTH)
"One of the most unique and authentic people to come to your television screen in a very long time."
Jimmy Moore, Blogspot
Afro Samurai (SPIKE TV)
"Finally, Spike TV is gambling on cutting-edge programming."
Sandy Deane, America Online
Afro Samurai (SPIKE TV)
"Merely knowing that Samuel L. Jackson is the Afro Samurai is reason enough to watch."
Melanie McFarland, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
My Name is Earl (NBC)
"Sweetly wacky."
Matt Roush, TV Guide
« 12.01.06
02.01.07 »
Knights of Prosperity (ABC)
"The best new network sitcom this season."
Charlie McCollum, San Jose Mercury News
Knights of Prosperity (ABC)
"…knee-slappingly and side-splittingly funny stuff."
Tom Shales, Washington Post
Knights of Prosperity (ABC)
"It has a goofy charm and outsize ridiculousness that wins you over."
Tim Goodman, San Francisco Chronicle
In Case of Emergency (ABC)
"This irritating sitcom apparently splurged its production money on a recognizable cast and forgot about hiring decent writers."
Mark A. Perigard, Boston Herald
In Case of Emergency (ABC)
"…far too broadly painted for its own good."
Maureen Ryan, Chicago Tribune
American Masters: Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens (PBS)
"An insightful look into how an artist ultimately confronts life and loss through a lens…"
Phil Gallo, Variety
American Masters: Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens (PBS)
"It's all quite glamorous and interesting, if also kind of empty."
Mark Feeney, Boston Globe
« 12.01.06
02.01.07 »
Dirt (FX)
"While imaginatively filmed, 'Dirt' is ultimately as enjoyable as bathing in sewage."
Mark A. Perigard, Boston Herald
Dirt (FX)
"It's a show where neither the world being created nor the characters populating it are remotely convincing - or interesting."
David Bianculli, New York Daily News
Dirt (FX)
"Sanctimonious yet salacious, tawdry yet preachy, and dull as, well, dirt, this haltingly comic drama has as much trouble finding a workable tone as it does making a coherent point."
Robert Bianco, USA Today
Dirt (FX)
"…explores the salacious underbelly of fame in a series that's slick-looking and easy to consume."
Florangela Davila, Seattle Times
Big Day (ABC)
"'Big Day' just doesn't deliver many big laughs."
Mike Duffy, Detroit Free Press
Big Day (ABC)
"'Big Day' should be retitled 'The Longest Day,' as it spends an entire season showing us how many dreadfully unfunny complications can spoil a single wedding day."
Matt Roush, TV Guide
A Fish Story (PBS)
"…a bit lazy."
Neil Genzlinger,
« 12.01.06
02.01.07 »
Ugly Betty (ABC)
"You can't exactly call it original, but it's not like anything else on the U.S. network schedule."
Robert Lloyd, LA Times
Ugly Betty (ABC)
"You've never seen anything quite like 'Ugly Betty'…"
Jonathan Storm, Philadelphia Inquirer
Ugly Betty (ABC)
"This is a warmhearted dramedy, which gushes charm and family appeal."
Garry Barron, Hollywood Reporter
Wicked Wicked Games (MNTV)
"Thankfully, these MyNetwork shows are scheduled for limited runs."
Angel Cohn, TV Guide
Wicked Wicked Games (MNTV)
"You keep wishing that 'Wicked Wicked Games' would flash some move that a hundred earlier soaps hadn't tried before."
David Hinckley, New York Daily News
Absolutely Fabulous (BBC AMERICA)
"The ladies of 'Absolutely Fabulous' are the ultimate party girls -- and they're much more entertaining that either Paris or Lindsay."
Courtney Potter, Zap2It
