It’s official — 2013 is right around the corner. Since we haven’t all died from the end of the world, I figured it was time to put a positive(ish) spin on the year ahead and make some super-hopeful TV predictions, with only minimal sarcasm. Enjoy!
New Canadian show I’m most excited about: After visiting the set of Motive I fell in love with the cast, but what I’m really jazzed about is the debut of Canada’s very own multi-camera comedy, Package Deal. It’s been a long time since we’ve attempted the live studio audience format for a scripted show, and I have high hopes given the resumé of the guy in charge, Andrew Orenstein (Malcolm in the Middle, 3rd Rock From the Sun).
Show I’ve been waiting for since last summer: Anyone who has read this column shouldn’t be surprised to learn that this one goes to The Following. The pilot was one of the best I’ve ever seen, and it left me positively batty, wanting more. Here’s hoping that Kevin Bacon, James Purefoy and showrunner Kevin Williamson continue to deliver on what was one of the most gut-wrenching, addictive hours of television I’ve even seen.
This year I resolve…: To finally, finally watch The Wire in its entirety. Yep, there you go. Now you all know my dirty little secret, that I’ve never watched the most critically-acclaimed series in television history. I promise that by this time next year, I will no longer carry that shame.
Dream storyline: I’m just going to put it out there, but I think it would be pretty cool if American Horror Story’s third season revolved around some sort of crazy town a là Haven. Only, creepier, of course, since the show airs on cable TV. Other settings that have been tossed around the TV Guide Canada’s offices? A summer camp, a boarding school and a hauntingly murderous vacation destination.
I’m most looking forward to: Finding out who the mother is on How I Met Your Mother. I almost don’t care, except I’ve watched so many episodes of that show by now that I actually sort of really, really do. I’m also pretty pumped for the final season of Breaking Bad, but that goes without saying.
I’m least looking forward to: NBC dumbing down its comedies for mass audiences. It’s unfortunate that viewership is still recorded by the ever-faulty Nielsen ratings system, because it means shows like Parks and Recreation never get a fair shake. I also believe that if NBC had stronger shows to begin with, its newer shows would grow. Then again, so many people are afraid to invest their time in anything anymore because so many programs just wind up cancelled. This is why cable is growing in popularity, people — at least we’re guaranteed to get a full season.
This is the way the world really ends: Not with a whimper but a bang — also known as the final season of Breaking Bad. I’m always happy when a show recognizes the logical end and doesn’t push itself past expiry, but I’m telling you, without Walter White in my life I am going to be more lost than Jesse was watching his Roomba bang into the walls over and over again. May the show go down in the books as one of the greatest of all time.
What are you looking forward to, TV-wise, this year? Add your own opinions below — I always love hearing your thoughts. And for those missing it, next week we’ll return to our regular question-and-answer format here at Ask Amber. Until then!
