With two young children (soon to be three) and a 24 hour a day job, I rarely ever make it to the movie theater. Luckily, TiVo and Netflix make fulfilling my entertainment needs (at least when it comes to movies and TV shows) very convenient. With that being said, here are the new shows that I am looking forward to.
Dexter Season 5:
Okay, so it’s not a new show, but with the leading man Michael C. Hall (Dexter) having cancer, a fifth season was in doubt. Thankfully, season 5 will commence on September 26 via Showtime. After the wild ending to season 4, I can’t wait.
Spartacus: Blood and Sand Season 2:
Yes, I did it again, but it’s the same situation. Leading man Andy Whitfield (Spartacus) was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and season 2 was in jeopardy. Starz decided to do a prequel for season 2 that would not revolve around Spartacus (giving us back Lucy Lawless). Filming is set to begin in August with the series returning in 2011. As a bonus, Whitfield is currently cancer free and is scheduled to appear in 2 episodes and future seasons to finish off the Spartacus legacy.
Pillars of the Earth:
Starz is set to bring us Ken Follett’s epic novel in an eight part mini-series beginning July 23.
This epic tale of passion and greed begins when a mysterious secret disrupts the succession to the English crown and an unlikely member of King Henry’s family takes the throne. A power struggle between Henry’s daughter, Maud, and nephew, Stephen, causes England to be torn by war as battles rage for the rightful heir. Meanwhile, Bishop Waleran Bigod and the Hamleigh family manipulate the conflict to satisfy their own ruthless ambitions. Within this tumultuous setting, Prior Philip fights insurmountable obstacles to keep Kingsbridge and his dream of building a magnificent cathedral alive. The task is daunting, but master-mason Tom Builder, his gifted stepson, Jack, and noblewoman Aliena work together to achieve their dreams. And in the process, the long-hidden secret is revealed.
Plus, Ian McShane will be in it.
Boardwalk Empire:
HBO’s next Sopranos.
Boardwalk Empire is set in Atlantic City, New Jersey during the Prohibition era. Starring Steve Buscemi, the show is adapted from Nelson Johnson’s book, Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City by Emmy award-winning screenwriter and producer Terence Winter of The Sopranos.
The pilot episode was directed by Martin Scorsese and he is expected to continue to be creatively involved in the ongoing production.
Memphis Beat:
On June 22, TNT brought us Memphis Beat.
Memphis Beat centers on Dwight Hendricks, a quirky Memphis police detective with an intimate connection to the city, a passion for blues music and a close relationship with his mother.
It’s a drama with a little comedy on the side.
Normally, I wouldn’t even give this kind of show a second glance, but Dwight Hendricks is being played by Jason Lee. As a Jason Lee fan, I will have to suffer through it.
MasterChef (FOX July 27):
Gordon Ramsay will shift his glare from the professional chef to the home cook.
Gordon Ramsay stars in MASTERCHEF, the new series that takes amateur chefs – many of whom simply cook as a hobby – and attempt to turn one of them into a culinary master. Contestants on MASTERCHEF will be put through the paces with various challenges as they compete head-to-head to create delicious dishes. The series will serve as a unique platform for people from all walks of life who want to follow their dream of working as a professional chef. These contestants will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to show their passion and excitement for food as their skills and palate are tested with the hopes of becoming the winner of MASTERCHEF.
My wife almost had me trying out for this show. I still don’t know why I didn’t. The least I could do is watch it.
Running Wilde:
Two words – Will Arnett. Not enough for you? Two more words – Arrested Development. Unfortunately, it will be on FOX so don’t expect a second season.
From the Emmy Award-winning creator and the star of the critically acclaimed FOX series “Arrested Development” comes RUNNING WILDE, a romantic comedy starring Will Arnett (“Arrested Development,” “30 Rock”) as STEVE WILDE, a filthy-rich, immature playboy trying desperately to win (or buy) the heart of his childhood sweetheart, EMMY KADUBIC (Keri Russell, “Waitress,” “Felicity”), the über-liberal humanitarian who got away – all told through the perspective of a 12-year-old girl.
