Ratings Season!0

Over the next month, there is a very special event happening. It’s that time of year where the air smells fresher and the grass is greener. That time of year where you notice the smiles on children’s faces and the song of birds in the trees. That’s because we can all finally put away our DVD box-sets, as we are entering RATING SEASON and all the great TV shows are starting up once more. As it gets darker and more bleak in the US, the masses begin to huddle round there TVs once more for some quality entertainment.

Of course it’s not all good as we still have terrible crap like Two and a Half Men which can’t even die when its coke fueled protagonist is killed off screen. Plus the usual popular stuff like Greys Anatomy and Glee that doesn’t do much for me. But despite all this we do have a smorgasbord of great returning shows splashed over our TV sets with their season premieres giving excitement to all who crave well written television programing. I thought I’d give my recommendations for some truly good returning shows to keep your eye out for over the next month. Let me establish that this is my personal opinion – no matter how spot on and correct it is.

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Dexter – Firstly, who can forget everyone’s favorite serial killer as he returns for his sixth season. For those of you who have been locked in an ice chest for the last few years, Dexter is the episodic story of Dexter Morgan, a blood spatter analyst working for the Miami police, who while also having a well adjusted career and family life, still has time to murder people. The show is an example of the perfect balance of drama and dark comedy. Although great from the start, it’s fourth season is considered to be it’s pinnacle thus far. Can season six bring the goods? Only one way to find out. Airing in the US and online on the 2nd of October.

Community – The funniest, smartest, most nerdy show there is and my number one  pick. It is littered with pop culture references and cleverly created homages to movies, TV and many nerdy things. This is the closest thing to an Edgar Write TV show there is (except for Spaced obviously). The first episode of it’s new (third) season aired this past weekend and is a great example of what kind of humor the show brings. There is a lot I can say about this show and already have; so read the old review I did about it early this year. Read here.

The Office – This is a show that in my opinion probably should have ended a couple of years ago. It’s always funny but to be honest it has lost some of its tension. Not to mention now that Steve Carell has left what are audiences supposed to think? Why is it on my list? Because I love this show and after watching the first episode of the 8th season I’m still convinced it is a very enjoyable and hilarious show with a few tricks still up it’s sleeve. I don’t know how a show can have sleeves but you get the idea. Plus James Spader is in this season and I miss Boston Legal so much that seeing him puts an instant smile on my face.

The Walking Dead – The zombie show has its second season and this time round we have more then six damn episodes coming to us. After its network record breaking premiere, the AMC show had a very popular first season, leaving audiences asking, “is that it?” Thankfully it was renewed almost instantly. Fans of the comic-book series will tell you this is not just a zombie apocalypse story but the zombie apocalypse.  This level of quality comes across in the story and characters which have been fantastically translated to the screen. Check out the first season, if you haven’t already, as the new season is being broadcast on the 16th of October.

Then there are a few more gems, like the sci-fi mystery cop show Fringe which many people consider to be the spiritual successor to the X-Files. It keeps getting better with every season and this week it starts it’s forth. Big Bang Theory is another show most people should know, starting its fifth season this week. One more really worth a look is Modern Family. This is a great show that is pretty broad and safe. Normally that would not a good thing, but Modern Family has three things going for it. It’s smart, funny and has great performances. Plus as with Big Bang Theory it’s a good show for the whole family. Anyway that should be more then enough to keep you busy for a few weeks. That’s assuming you don’t have anything better to do. I better get back to it after all, these shows aren’t going to watch themselves. See you next week.