We Like to Watch: Dec. 6th-12th, 2010
The Clash crash U.S. shores, and a pair of Pauls invade SNL.
There’s a lot of TV options to choose from. Too much for any one person to completely monitor, but that doesn’t mean we’re not going to do our best to sift through all the listings and figure out what you should be watching every week…with all the highlights, lowlights and guilty pleasures you can stand.
Tuesday, Dec. 7th
9:00 p.m. Eureka (Syfy)
Eureka features everyman sheriff Jack Carter solving crimes and problems in a small town filled with geniuses. This week’s episode not only features a holiday theme, but also has Saturday Night Live alum Chris Parnell guest-starring as one of the aforementioned smartypants (this one a scientist, and sadly not Dr. Spaceman from 30 Rock). Seems like a good place for new viewers to jump on, not to mention a likely high point for fans.
Wednesday, Dec. 8th
8:00, 9:00, 10:00 p.m. American Ninja Warrior (G4)
So, there’s this ninja course on the top of a mountain in Japan. It’s been there for 12 years, 2,500 people have attempted to finish it, and only three have succeeded. Pretty nuts, right? Well, G4 thinks Americans might have a better shot at it, hence American Ninja Warrior, a show that’s kind of like Wipeout or Most Extreme Challenge, but populated by actual athletes and not goofy losers. Not surprisingly, they had us at “ninja.”
Thursday, Dec. 9th
9:00 p.m. The Office (NBC)
Holiday episodes seem a lot less lame when it comes to the gang in Scranton, Pa.; the trend continues this season as Jim and Dwight have a massive, mano y mano snowball fight, while Pam, in her made-up role of office administrator, has to plan a pair of parties. If you’re in the mood for something a tad more heartwarming, there’s some of that too as Toby takes a leave of absence and facilitates the return of Michael’s one true love, Holly (Amy Ryan). Hey, it’s better than watching How The Grinch Stole Christmas for the 177th time.
Saturday, Dec. 11th
8:00 p.m. Spike TV’s Video Game Awards (Spike)
Finally, an awards show that matters. Spike shines the spotlight on the video game industry with categories like Best Wii Game, Best Handheld Game and Studio of the Year. (Maybe there’ll be an upset in the Best Game With Needlessly Bulky Musical Accessory category?) Tune in on Saturday for the results…I mean, who else but video game nerds would be around on a Saturday evening to see who wins? Zing! JK, love you guys.)
Also on Saturday
11:30 p.m.Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Just a quick shout-out for this week’s SNL, which features a pair of Pauls. Rudd’s hosting with musical guest McCartney (who we hope will provide a reprise of Adam Sandler’s “Red Hooded Sweatshirt”). This season has benefited from more hits than misses (hey, there’s a first time for everything), so let’s hope How Do You Know star Rudd (above, with Reese Witherspoon) and the Not Ready For Primetime Players can keep the streak alive.
Sunday, Dec. 12th
10:00 p.m. Rebel Truce: The History of the Clash (BBC America)
This British doc about socially conscious punk rockers The Clash was produced in 2007 but hasn’t been released in the states, so BBC America is your best bet for boning up on one of the raddest bands of all time. (We’re pretty sure this one has footage/tidbits not seen in the 2000 “definitive” Clash doc Westway to the World, anyway.)
THE SILVER LINING
Monday, Dec. 6th
10:00 p.m. Tabatha’s Salon Takeover (Bravo)
As Americans, we have an obsession with watching mean British people yelling at the dullest of our fellow citizens. Just look at Simon Cowell and Gordon Ramsay. Well, you can add Tabatha Coffey of Tabatha’s Salon Takeover to that list, as well. We’re not big fans of salon renovations (or shows about them, for that matter), but when it’s on, we don’t mind seeing the blonde Brit (who resembles a 40-something Pink) cutting through the bullshit and calling some of these losers on the carpet for their nonsense.
NOT EVERYTHING DESERVES A REALITY SHOW
Wednesday, Dec. 8th
9:00 p.m. The Will: Family Secrets Revealed (I.D.)
Is nothing sacred anymore? Seriously, we’re not prudish by any stretch of the imagination, but when did it become okay to take some of the most stressful and saddening moments in a person’s life and putting them on television for all to see? The Will is out to make entertainment out of death. We blame them for putting it out there, but there wouldn’t even be a show if some idiots hadn’t agreed to go on the show. (This week’s ep focuses on the estate of deceased Rat Pack-er Joey Bishop, seen above. Frank would’ve never let this fly!)