Let’s open the TV Gal mail bag . . .

Can't remember if you're a Moonlight fan or not, but I have a question about when it returns. Most lists say April 11, but my TiVo isn't showing an episode until April 18, and that's a rerun. Any ideas? Elizabeth

You are right Elizabeth. A prime time episode of The Price is Right airs this Friday. Moonlight isn’t back on the schedule until April 18 and that’s a repeat of the last new episode we saw back on January 18. New episodes begin April 25 and that's when Eric Winter, Robert’s brother on Brothers & Sisters, begins his guest star stint as an Assistant District Attorney Benjamin Talbot.

I am a working, single mom and have roughly one hour a night to wind down and watch TV (live or TIVOd). If you have just one hour a night to watch TV, what would you choose? One of the hours every week has to be Lost so while I suspect that might be on your must-see list, if it is not, just tell me six hours of viewing. It should also be something I can jump into without getting a headache trying to figure out the plotline. Thanks! Andrea

Andrea, I LOVE this question. Here’s my advice night by night:

Sunday: Brothers & Sisters (10 p.m. ABC) – If you’re not already watching this show, you’ll easily jump into the heartbreak, drama and hilarity of the Walker family. It’s arguably the best family drama on television. This Sunday the show isn’t on, so check out Eli Stone instead.

Monday: I’ll give you two choices. Feeling like a drama, check out Medium (10 p.m. on NBC) or House when it returns on April 21. If you’re looking for a laugh, I’d go with How I Met Your Mother (8:30 p.m. on CBS) and Samantha Who? (9:30 p.m. on ABC).

Tuesday: I’d go with Reaper (9 p.m. on CW) which I think is continuing to improve and beginning to live up to the promise of its pilot. It's a really fun hour of TV.

Wednesday: Watch Tuesday night’s American Idol and then fast forward through the results show (9 p.m. on FOX) to see who got kicked off.

Thursday: I’m so with you – watch Lost as soon as you can. You don’t want to miss out on what everyone is talking about.

Friday: Watch 30 Rock and The Office which you recorded Thursday night (8:30 and 9 p.m. on NBC). If you can squeeze in another 30 minutes, I highly recommend Scrubs.

Saturday: Watch Ugly Betty, which you also recorded on Thursday night (8 p.m. on ABC).

Those are my night-by-night picks for Andrea. What are yours?

I would like to nominate a topic for discussion. With the recent guest appearances by Britney Spears and Sarah Chalke on HIMYM, I thought a future column could talk about the most memorable guest stars/moments from shows past and present. Shaun

A fabulous topic! The guest star appearance that immediately comes to my mind is when Brendan Fraser played Perry’s best friend and Jordan’s brother Ben on Scrubs. I still think the February 24, 2004 episode when Ben died is one of the best TV episodes ever.

I kind of love Dan Futterman in everything he’s in. But I really loved him when he played Karen’s cousin Barry on Will & Grace. Right until the series ended, I kept hoping he would come back and reunite with Will. And I’ll probably always be a little loyal to Sarah Lancaster because I thought she was great as Madison on Everwood. Who are some of your favorite guest stars? Talk about it below.

Idol Gives Back

As you probably know, American Idol turns over two and a half hours of programming tonight (Wednesday, FOX, 7:30 p.m.) to raise much needed funds for six worthy nonprofit organizations - Children’s Defense Fund (www.childrensdefensefund.org); The Children’s Health Fund (www.childrenshealthfund.org); The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (www.jointheglobalfund.org); Make It Right (www.makeitrightnola.org); Malaria No More (www.malarianomore.org); and Save the Children’s U.S. Programs (www.savethechildren.org). It is an extremely admirable effort and I think impressive that Idol, the number one show in the country, is using its moment in the pop culture sunlight to highlight the very real suffering around the world.

There are many reasons to tune in. But I must confess I’m most excited about an appearance by the Band from TV. The band from TV is comprised of Bonnie Sommerville (Cashmere Mafia), Greg Grunberg (Heroes), Hugh Laurie (House), James Denton (Desperate Housewives) and Bob Guiney (The Bachelor). For the performance, which was taped Sunday, Teri Hatcher joined them. Years ago I saw Hatcher in a terrific performance of Cabaret. I can’t wait to see her sing tonight.

Where Have I Seen Them Before?

Ryan recognized Gretchen Egolf as Detective Andrea Sparr on NCIS. She was Katie Vasser on Journeyman and we just saw her as the woman who faked her own death on Medium. Ryan also caught Reggie Lee, Bill Kim on Prison Break, as Jonathan Chow on NCIS.

Greg recognized Kevin Rankin as the junkie accused of murder on NCIS. Rankin is Herc on Friday Night Lights and was Doc on My Guide to Becoming a Rock Star. And we just saw him as Nathan on The Bionic Woman.

Ron recognized Hallee Hirsch as Amy on Ghost Whisperer. Hirsh played Mattie on J.A.G. and Mark’s daughter Rachel on ER. She’ll be back on Ghost Whisperer this week.

Michelle was the first to catch Ravi Kapoor, Bug on Crossing Jordan, as Earl’s doctor on My Name is Earl.

David recognized Nicholle Tom as Connie Gallen on Criminal Minds. We recently saw Tom on Burn Notice and she was Maggie on The Nanny.

Mary and Joe recognized Kirsten Nelson, Karen on Psych, as Amy on Eli Stone. And I’ll always remember her as Buffy’s boss at the Doublemeat Palace on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Jude Ciccolella was the construction owner donating money to Manuel’s campaign on Medium. He was Mike Novick on 24 and the principal on Everybody Hates Chris.

Stephen Root was the man who ate a seal on Boston Legal. He’s the voice of Bill on King of the Hill and perhaps best known for playing Jimmy James on News Radio.

William Ragsdale, Herman on Herman’s Head, was the lawyer for Franklin Romar on Without a Trace.

As always, there were a slew of familiar faces on CSI. Jack McGee was the father-in-law who killed his son-in-law and tried to make it look like a gang hit. McGee was Chief Jerry Reilly on Rescue Me. Natasha Gregson Wagner was his daughter. She was April on The 4400 and Beth Greeley on Pasadena. David Burke was her husband. We just saw him on Eli Stone. He was talk show host Jack Bishop on the first season of Brothers & Sisters and Father Ken Mallory on Joan of Arcadia. But I’ll always remember him as Arthur on The Tick.

That’s all for today. I’ll be back on Friday with quotes of the week. Have a question? Seen a familiar face? Want to nominate a quote of the week or a topic for discussion? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com. Talk to you on Friday.

Amy Amatangelo, TV Gal ®

Comments

Kristine Sutherland, Joyce Summers from Buffy, played John's ex-partner's wife on New Amsterdam.

Mickey | Apr 9, 2008 12:10:07 PM | #

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Sorry Amy, I have to offer one alternative on the one hour a night tv - Numb3rs on Friday night. That said, I love your list.

Melissa | Apr 9, 2008 12:16:32 PM | #

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As a fellow TV lover and mom who has very limited time to watch TV, I would suggest Bones for Andrea! It has been moved around some, but I think it returns next Monday at 8. It is must-watch TV for me! And perhaps she could dedicate her TIVO and VCRs to Thursday nights so that she can spread them out over the week: Lost, Supernatural, CSI, and Ugly Betty. Those would be mine recommendations, Andrea! Enjoy!

AndreaC | Apr 9, 2008 12:20:33 PM | #

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Amy, I'm so surprised that you didn't mention Nicholle Tom was the female student who accused Gil the teacher of sexual assault on 90210.

Pam | Apr 9, 2008 12:47:26 PM | #

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And "Buffy's Mom" still has that unfortunate matronly hairstyle. A shame, since she's so naturally pretty.

I ALSO saw Teri Hatcher in Cabaret - I had completely forgotten about that.

Joe | Apr 9, 2008 12:50:09 PM | #

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MMMM! Thanks for the pic of Mick'n'Beth!!! Can't wait for the return of Moonlight on the 18th and a NEW EPISODE on the 25th!!! (can you tell I'm EXCITED???) After that, I'll just need the announcement about a renewal, and I may survive!!! ;-)

Gagagirl | Apr 9, 2008 12:59:26 PM | #

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If Andrea would just put her kid(s) up for adoption, she'd be able to cut back on her work hours and come down off that cross. It would give her LOTS more time to watch TV. That way, she wouldn't have to miss Moment of Truth.

Glasser | Apr 9, 2008 1:01:29 PM | #

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Some other great guest star appearances from Scrubs:

Micheal J Fox as a doctor with obsessive compulsive disorder. The scenes with the roof toilet were especially memorable.

Heather Graham as the new staff phsycologist who becomes good friends with Eliot. Especially the episode where Dr. Cox and Dr. Kelso try to break her spirit and she's always one step ahead of them.

Colin Hay, the former lead singer of the Australian band, Men at Work, who keeps appearing throughout the episode playing guitar and singing.

sac | Apr 9, 2008 1:07:37 PM | #

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Wasn't Stephen Root in Office Space? I think he played the weird, creepy guy who didn't want anyone to touch his stapler.

Sue | Apr 9, 2008 1:17:36 PM | #

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he was in office space as milton and in Dodgeball as the guy who liked obscure sports.

Also in Seinfeld as the manager of the bank that gave 100 if you don't get a hello.

Monday New Amsterdam
Tuesday Reaper
Wed. hmm might be a good day to read
Thursday Lost and 30 rock THe Office and Scrubs if you can get it in.
Friday Numbers
Saturday Torchwood
Sunday if HBO or USA has nothing up then Netflix or maybe this is when you watch the Office.

Kevin | Apr 9, 2008 1:32:54 PM | #

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You mention Nicholle Tom on BURN NOTICE, but not that she is one of the leads (as Tara) on IFC's THE MINOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF JACKIE WOODMAN? Shame.

Mase | Apr 9, 2008 1:39:09 PM | #

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OMG Kristen Nelson was Buffy's boss I forgot that! If I knew that I would have remembered she was the Young Mrs. Landingham from that episode of West Wing which I loved!

Francesca | Apr 9, 2008 1:54:06 PM | #

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Thanks for the shout out to my all-time favorite episode of Scrubs (and there are many)!

And sac, thanks for mentioning those other excellent Scrubs guest shots. Colin Hay? LOL!

Mike | Apr 9, 2008 2:03:54 PM | #

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Hmm, my picks for not misses are different. One show each night is hard, but here goes:

Sunday: Aliens in America
Monday: Heroes or Bones
Tuesday: Reaper
Wednesday: South Park
Thursday: Supernatural
I don't watch anything Friday or Saturday.

Potch | Apr 9, 2008 3:14:53 PM | #

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What? No one's mentioned Morena Baccarin, who was Inara Serra on "Firefly" as Claire, who contaminated another actress's drink in order to take over her part. Holy All-About-Eve!

Art Carnage | Apr 9, 2008 3:16:03 PM | #

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I absolutely second Andrea's recommendation of Bones! It's incredible, and not too difficult to jump into every week without too much effort. Don't miss it this Monday at 8/7c!

Amy, I love that episode of Scrubs with Brendan Fraser too. I was even just watching it last week, and it gets me every time. In season 6, they included a part of it in the clip episode that they did (when the man had amnesia after jumping off a building to try to kill himself), and it was perfect.

I loved the episode of "Alias" that Ricky Gervais guest-starred in. It was a pretty stand-alone episode, but there was some excellent character development that I loved, especially during season 3, when the characters all lagged a bit for me. Except for Jack, of course. ;)

Sarah | Apr 9, 2008 3:22:20 PM | #

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I'm glad you mentioned the "My Screwup" episode of Scrubs. I teach English at the college level, and I used to show that episode in my 101 classes for an assignment on evaluation. Reactions were always mixed, though I still believe it's one of my favorite episodes.

This year, though, I screened the "Slap Bet" episode of HIMYM and they responded to that much more positively.

Jeff | Apr 9, 2008 3:51:38 PM | #

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I think Bones is a great show that you can jump in at any time. I also have to go with Numbers on Friday nights, and would also say that Ghost Whisper is a great show to save for a night when there isn't much on like Saturday.

Hettie | Apr 9, 2008 3:53:21 PM | #

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Hi Amy and everyone,
Sounds like some great suggestions I can try out. I'm going to TIVO a few and see what sticks. Thanks for the info!

Andrea | Apr 9, 2008 5:39:04 PM | #

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Can anyone please tell me where the "Best Bets" daily feature went? Will it be back soon?

JC | Apr 9, 2008 6:14:07 PM | #

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I was wondering about "Best Bets" too. It just disappeared.

Glenn | Apr 9, 2008 6:37:12 PM | #

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Another great show that you can just jump right into without any trouble is The Big Bang Theory.

However, if you like Lost a few shows that I would recommend if you are willing to give it some time to catch up would be Heroes, Kyle XY, Torchwood, Moonlight and Supernatural. Happy Viewing! =)

Nicole | Apr 9, 2008 7:12:35 PM | #

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Can not believe no one mentioned Friday Night Lights as the best way to spend an hour. And I agree with Bones. The Thursday night shows are also winners

Alleylou | Apr 9, 2008 7:35:39 PM | #

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Oh Quentin Tarentino on Alias was another good one.. the first season guest spots were FUN

Francesca | Apr 9, 2008 8:42:08 PM | #

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Jeff, I teach English 101, too! How did you teach "Slap Bet" in your class? I think mine would love it.

Cat | Apr 9, 2008 9:04:23 PM | #

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Oh Amy you're right. Dan Futterman is superb, especially during his time on "Judging Amy". When he showed up at the end of season 5 unannounced and uncredited to declare he needed a place to stay I jumped for joy! It's sad he rejoined the cast only for it to get axed! he so needs another program!

Little known fact: He played Kitty Walker's fiancee' in the un-aired "B&S" pilot, which reunited him with his "Birdcage" girlfriend Calista Flockhart. The role had to be recast when they re-filmed because he was committed to "A Mighty Heart"

Ryan | Apr 9, 2008 10:25:45 PM | #

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Well, if it were on (darn it!), I'd highly recommend "Friday Night Lights" for Andrea. Also, Tarantino's guest stint on "Alias" was awesome.

John in Sac | Apr 9, 2008 11:45:32 PM | #

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For Andrea: If I had one hour daily, I would use my TIVO, and watch one drama and one sitcom, without comercials, that's 64 minutes = a drama is only 42 minutes and a sitcom is 22 without commecials and credits / promos for other shows.
Here's what i would TIVO, then the days I would watch what:
TIVO: Sitcoms= Mondays/ How I Met Your Mother, Big Bang Theory, Samantha Who?, and The Hills; Thursdays/ My Name Is Earl and 30 Rock. Dramas= Sun/ Desperate Housewives; Mondays/ Bones, House, Gossip Girl, and Medium; Tuesdays/ Reaper and Shark; Wednesdays/ Boston Legal; Thursdays/ LOST, Smallville, Grey's Anatomy, and Supernatural; Fridays/ Battlestar Galactica, Sarah Jane Adventures, Doctor Who.
Then this is what I would watch on which day between now and the end of May Sweeps: Sundays/ House and 30 Rock; Mondays/ Desperate Housewives and Earl; Tuesdays/ Medium and The Hills; Wednesdays/ Reaper and Samantha Who?; Thursdays/ Bones and How I Met Your Mother; Fridays/ LOST and Big Bang Theory; Saturdays/ Grey's Anatomy. After May Sweeps, when all the new episodes have aired, clear the TIVO this way: Watch five or six episodes per week of a series: JUNE= 1st week Boston Legal every night; 2nd week Smallville; 3rd week Gossip Girl; 4th week Battlestar Galactica; JULY= The Sarah Jane Adventures and Doctor Who. Substitute other shows that you would like to watch for shows that don't interest you, and use the pattern. For example, use Ugly Betty instead of Supernatural if you don't like Supernatural, etc.
If that's too complicated: here's six hours of viewing:
MONDAY: BONES
TUESDAY: REAPER
WEDNESDAY; BOSTON LEGAL
THURSDAY: LOST
FRIDAY: 30 ROCK & HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
SATURDAY: HOUSE

Cass | Apr 10, 2008 3:44:06 AM | #

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Most Memorable Guest Star Moments:
1 Bob Barker as Barney's "Dad"
2 Mira Sorvino on "House"
3 Rosanna Arquette on "Medium"
4 James Marsters on "Torchwood"
5 Jane Seymour on "Smallville"
6 Robyn Lively on "Twin Peaks"

Cass | Apr 10, 2008 4:01:34 AM | #

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Memorable guest star moment:
Mischa Barton kisses Evan Rachel Wood on "Once and Again"

Cass | Apr 10, 2008 4:12:17 AM | #

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Most Memorable Guest Star:

1. Matt Damon on "Will & Grace" - hilarious
2. Kevin Bacon on "Will & Grace"
3. Christina Appelgate on "Friends"

DF | Apr 10, 2008 6:29:53 AM | #

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Brendan Fraser on scrubs was one of my favs. That last episode with him was heart-wrenching.
My fav guest star ever was Paul Rudd on VMars. He has always been a fav and he was super funny on that show!

Mandy | Apr 10, 2008 6:48:31 AM | #

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I burst into tears every time I see Brendan Frasier's last episode of "Scrubs." Anyone whose ever seen it ought to know when.
"Aliens in America" and "Friday Night Lights" need to be retroactively added to your list, Amy.

Wendy | Apr 10, 2008 9:15:35 AM | #

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sooo agree with all the scrubs, alias and will & grace episodes.

also:
jeffrey dean morgan on grey's anatomy
seth green on grey's anatomy
any of the cheers alumni on frasier
scott baio on arrested development

s | Apr 10, 2008 10:02:22 AM | #

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I am surprised that not very many reality shows were suggested to Andrea. Amy you gave a great idea on how to watch American Idol, but what about Extreme Makeover:Home Edition, Dancing w/ the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance for the summer months or since Andrea is a mom some of the shows on Food Network. 30 Minute Meals, Everday Italian, etc. for recipes and Dinners, Drive-Inns and Dives; Unwrapped, Paula's Party, Food Network Challange, etc. for entertainment. As for sitcoms and dramas I would have to say: Sunday-Cold Case, Monday-Bones/CSI:Miami/New Amsterdam/The Closer/Samantha Who?, Tuesday-Law & Order:SVU, Wednesday-CSI:NY, Thursday-CSI/Smallville/ER/Ugly Betty, Friday-Ghost Whisperer/Moonlight/Numbers/Vegas, and Saturday try to catch up on those you missed.

k | Apr 10, 2008 10:03:26 AM | #

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If I could only watch one hour of tv a week, my choice would be Supernatural!

Lindlee | Apr 10, 2008 10:17:59 AM | #

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No one mentioned that the guy that played Connie's brother on Criminal Minds was Nichole Tom's brother in real life, David Tom. He played Billy on Y&R for a while.

Kimberly | Apr 10, 2008 10:20:46 AM | #

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Oh my god the Slap Bet eipsode! I'm trying to get my bf into some shows I like because we looove some of the same shows (scrubs, family guy, shin chan, 30 rick) but I'm having trouble getting him into HIMYM, and I'm thinking showing him that episode could do it!

Amy, I read that an upcoming episode is called "Robin Sparkles" which I know was supposed to be the original titleof "slap bet" but it was changed so as not to give away the surprise. Is that true? Are they really bringing robin sparkles back?

I have "Let's go to the mall!" on my ipod. Don't hate. Haha.

Mal | Apr 10, 2008 10:25:45 AM | #

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OMFG!!!!!!!!!!!

Have you guys seen the new scandalous Gossip Girl promotion photos for its return on April 21st!!

http://spoilertv.blogspot.com/2008/04/gossip-girl-season-returns-poster.html

This definitely going to be controversial...but personally, they do what they want you do...keep you attention!!! I can't wait till Monday April 21st at 8PM on CW!

Jasmine | Apr 10, 2008 10:32:10 AM | #

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you must only watch the predictable and silly "sitcoms" If you want sexist remarks, parents looking stupid and other nonsense then waste your time with sitcoms. I like the crime shows. If you like fantasy go with Medium, Lost and Heroes, or better yet, pick up a fairy tale book and get the same results.

reader1 | Apr 10, 2008 12:02:24 PM | #

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Wow, reader1, bitter much?

Is it really so shocking to you that different people have different taste in television programs? Or that someone else might *actually* enjoy a show you don't?

Mickey | Apr 10, 2008 1:02:17 PM | #

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Good to see so much love here for "Reaper."

It's a fun, likeable, humorous, popcorn show that doesn't take itself too seriously.

IDR | Apr 10, 2008 1:09:43 PM | #

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Great review, Amy! You always keep my quest for TV fresh and interesting. Thanks!

Cassidy | Apr 10, 2008 1:58:26 PM | #

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Brendan Fraser was definitely my favorite Scrubs guest star, but Christopher Meloni as the Cox-like pediatrician with a puppet fetish was pretty hilarious.

Hayden | Apr 10, 2008 2:35:47 PM | #

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I was so excited to see Ned Vaughan on NCIS *not* playing a bad guy. I loved him in China Beach.

Leilani | Apr 10, 2008 11:25:50 PM | #

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Brand NEW episodes of HOUSE return on FOX on MONDAY, April 28th at 9 p.m. EST.
HUGH LAURIE is AMAZING as Dr. House. (NOTE THE NEW NIGHT)

I LOVED when Cher guest-starred on WILL & GRACE. Also Leslie Jordan as Karen's nemisis was hilarious. Keven Bacon was good too but I think Sean (Jack) made the guest stars look great. I miss this show.

WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB returns on Tues, April, 29th at 10 pm on ABC. Guest star...the AMAZING GERALD MCRANEY playing Angie Harmon's father.

Grace | Apr 11, 2008 1:47:27 AM | #

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Dan Futterman on Sex & the City was awesome too - great chemistry with "Charlotte" and I loved him in the late WB's Related (RIP)

Susan | Apr 11, 2008 1:32:56 PM | #

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What I would watch if I only had 1hr to watch daily.

Sunday:Numbers
Monday:One Tree Hill
Tuesday:NCIS
Wednesday:Reaper
Thursday:Supernatural
Friday:Ghost Whisperer
Saturday:Smallville

Chaz | Apr 12, 2008 8:35:27 PM | #

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I definitely believe in the one hour = 60 minutes of viewing which would be one and one-half hours of programming or 10 hours per week. Since you are using a Tivo then it does not matter what order you watch them in so if you want something light or heavy or romantic than you can choose. I am not a reality show or comedy watcher so most of my recommendations are drama or dramedy.

Drama:

Numbers
NCIS
Life
House - ****

Soapy:

Brothers and Sisters
Gossip Girl

Light:

Chuck - superior to Reaper
Bones

SciFi:

Lost
Supernatural
Stargate Atlantis

Summer:

Eureka
Burn Notice
]

Mary | Apr 13, 2008 5:05:27 AM | #

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Aho!

Here are my pics...

Sunday : Aliens in America/Everybody Hates Chris
Monday : How I Met Your Mother/The New Adventures of Old Christine OR Gossip Girl
Tuesday : Reaper
Wednesday : Pushing Daisies
Thursday : Lost
Friday : Friday Night Lights

Favorite guest spots?
Hank Azaria on FRIENDS
Will Arnett on 30 Rock
Elizabeth Reaser on Grey's Anatomy
Jason Alexander on The New Adventures of Old Christine

Triple H | Apr 13, 2008 9:56:29 AM | #

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Aho!

Here are my pics...

Sunday : Aliens in America/Everybody Hates Chris
Monday : How I Met Your Mother/The New Adventures of Old Christine OR Gossip Girl
Tuesday : Reaper
Wednesday : Pushing Daisies
Thursday : Lost
Friday : Friday Night Lights

Favorite guest spots?
Hank Azaria on FRIENDS
Will Arnett on 30 Rock
Elizabeth Reaser on Grey's Anatomy
Jason Alexander on The New Adventures of Old Christine

Triple H | Apr 13, 2008 9:57:20 AM | #

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I totally feel the same way about Sarah Lancaster! I always think about Everwood each time I see her in other shows. I'm so glad she's on Chuck now =)

...Uhmm just thinking about the Brendan Frazer ep of Scrubs is already making me tear up.

miki | Apr 14, 2008 10:52:09 AM | #

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Like a couple of people asked above--What happened to BEST BETS !?

Morisot | Apr 14, 2008 7:11:50 PM | #

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Another fave guest star? Scotsman John Hannah. Adored him and his yummy accent from his first spoken word in 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' and 'Sliding Doors'. Imagine my utter joy when he turned up in two first season eps of 'Alias'!

For pure hysterics, I'd have to nominate Jon Lovitz as Steve, the pothead restaurateur in a first season ep of 'Friends' ("Well, slap my ass and call me Judy!" ). Ahhh, good times...

Also, Edie Falco and Chloe Sevigny were hilarious in a sixth season ep of 'Will & Grace', playing lesbian house flippers. Certainly a segment of the population that had largely been ignored by TV until then(!)...

Minnie Driver was consistently funny as Karen's rival on 'Will & Grace' throughout a handful of eps in its fifth and sixth seasons.

I'm a longtime fan of this column and this is my first 'TV Gal' post. Although the experience was enjoyable, if nothing else, it clearly illustrates that I watch FAR too much TV!

Kristal | Apr 16, 2008 12:54:32 AM | #

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I know me and the above Kristal are late to the post but my absolute hands down favorite guest star is Giovanni Ribisi in My Name is Earl. He is hilarious!

Krystal | Apr 16, 2008 1:58:33 PM | #

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Andrea,

I am/used to be (with not many new shows I like and the old shows I loved having ended or been canceled, I don't watch many "new" shows, though I am still addicted to the reruns of old shows I love which since I watch or re-watch still makes me a TV addict :)!)

So here are my picks for the "new" or "current" shows that I think you should watch:

Sunday: "Aliens in America" (1/2 hour show, can either watch or TiVo to watch on another night) OR "Cold Case" (1 hour show, can either watch or TiVo to watch on another night)

Monday - No really good "new" or current shows. If you like crime shows can watch a hour's rerun of Law & Order on TNT, or SVU on USA

Tuesday - SVU on NBC

Wednesday: Law & Order - or if you don't like the new episodes (I don't because almost all the cast members I like are gone!) then you can watch or re-watch a rerun of an episode from its "Glory Days" on TNT

Thursday - "Without a Trace" or "ER" (however, because the quality of "ER" has deteriorated significantly since it first aired in 1994, what I do is DVR "Without a Trace", so that I can have it permanently (I record them to DVD) and either I watch "ER" or since my DVR can record multiple shows at one time I DVR "ER" and watch Without a Trace")

Friday - Canterbury's Law or Numb3rs

Saturday - No good sitcoms or dramas. Other than "America's Most Wanted" for any important alerts, this is a good night to take the kids out to the movies!

If not you can watch one of the encore airings of one of the Law & Order series (original, SVU, or CI) on NBC

Amy | Apr 16, 2008 2:31:09 PM | #

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How about James Marsters on Torchwood and Nicholas Brendan on Criminal Minds!! Can you tell how much I miss Buffy! Thank good for Bones!

Dee | Apr 17, 2008 7:53:48 PM | #

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