"Rich & Shameless" is a collection of seven premium films produced by TNT and Raw. The series delves into the lives of individuals who have achieved enormous wealth and the ups and downs that come with it. The films offer a glimpse into the realities of extreme wealth, something that most people never experience.
Each film in the series tells a true story, capturing both the successes and failures of the individuals involved. Viewers are taken on a journey that explores the thrills and miseries that accompany such immense wealth. Through this series, viewers gain a better understanding of the complexities that come with a life of luxury.
The series provides a unique insight into the lives of the wealthy and famous. It reveals the harsh realities of their experiences, which are often glamorized in popular culture. With "Rich & Shameless," viewers can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of wealth and the struggles that come with it.
Charlie's Angels first came our way back in 1976 and was a huge hit! Now this "reboot" promises to be at least as successful as the original due to beauty and brilliant writing. Seems these three young, self confident, and self reliant women each have a rather shady past. One was a cat burglar, another was a dirty cop, and the third was booted out of the Marine Corps. But Charlie Townsend (Victor Garber), who just happens to be extremely wealthy and dedicated to fighting crime, helps these young ladies get back on the right track when he hires them to assist in solving crimes. As he directs them over the telephone we never actually see who Charlie is but just hear his voice. Abby Sampson (Rachel Taylor of Grey's Anatomy) is a thief who originally came from a wealthy family. Kate Prince (Annie Lionzeh formerly from General Hospital) is an ex cop who got involved with corruption while with the Miami PD. Then there is Gloria Morales (briefly played by Nadine Velazquez from My Name is Earl before the character is killed off). And once Gloria is killed in a car bombing she is replaced by Eve French (Minka Kelly most recently seen on Parenthood). Eve was close with Gloria and now she loves to race fast cars and chase down bad guys. Look for some well written scripts (Alfred Gough & Miles Millar) as well as plenty of fast action from these beauties!
The competition is high and so are the stakes for the U.S. version of The X Factor. Judges have been selected from the cream of the celebrity music crop and with a recording contract worth $5 million the winners in each category will need to be at their best and give the performances of their lives. Simon Cowell is creator of The X Factor and will oversee the talent as well as the judges, assuring the show goes on in an audience pleasing manner. Each of the judges will handle one of the four assigned categories that include boy singers (ages 12-25), girl singers (ages 12-25), group singers, and those who are over the age of twenty five. Unlike other programs of this sort there is no upper age limit for the competitors. Judges will mentor those in their category and offer help and advise as the competition progresses. Getting that advise from the likes of Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger, L.A. Reid, or Simon Cowell himself will be invaluable to the aspiring singers as they have helped fashion many super stars in the music industry. There are to be five competitive stages involved: Auditions by the producers, auditions by the judges, a Bootcamp, visitation to the judges houses, and finally the live shows where it all comes down to a single winner or group. As the five stages of the competition progress, it promises to get more exciting each week
Emily VanCamp, who was previously seen on ABC's Brothers & Sister now gets far more serious and sinister as she moves to the Hamptons seeking Revenge for wrongs committed on her family. The close knit community welcomes her but has no idea what she intends to do while getting her Revenge. The concept comes loosely from an Alexandre Dumas novel titled The Count of Monte Cristo and revenge is something most of us have wanted as some point. Other stars of Revenge include Madeleine Stowe (Unlawful Entry, Twelve Monkeys) as Victoria Grayson, Gabriel Mann (The Thacker Case, Dark Streets) as Nolan Ross, and Henry Czerny (Clear and Present Danger, The Pink Panther) is Conrad Grayson. Exacting Revenge can be dangerous but also rewarding and we will enjoy following along each week as Emily Thorne gets even with those who shaped her future ever since her childhood. She finds plenty of "skeletons in the closet" of the rich and powerful living in the Hamptons and does not want to forgive any of them. She will get her revenge one way or another!
American reality shows seldom satisfy as much as the fabulous dishes produced on this program! That is they would if we could get our hands on them and actually taste them like the judges do. Contestants have challenges in each episode that test their culinary talents specifically in the art of making desserts. Gail Simmons is the host and judges include Johnny Luzzini, Hubert Keller, and Dannielle Kyrillos with two challenges per episode. One challenging test is called a Quickfire followed by the Elimination Challenge. Quickfire being as the title implies, a quick test of the contestant's fundamental and basic skills in the kitchen. Elimination round is difficult and each chef must show how adaptable and creative they can be with a list of needs and use of specific ingredients. As with many other reality style shows, one contestant is eliminated at the end of each week, until there are only two remaining and the heat is not only in the kitchen but almost comes through the screen to us, the viewing audience. The loser is announced during the "Judges Table" at the end of each episode. Challenging these "experts in their own field" is a fun way to find out who can take the pressure and stand the heat until the finale at the end of the season. The winner receives $100,000 and the prestigious title of Top Chef in the world of Pastry Desserts.
Carrie Wells has what is considered a gift. A medical condition called hyperthymesia which is rare and not always welcome for those who have it. It involves total recall and the ability to remember every thing. She was a detective with the NYPD and now is called back into service to help solve some difficult cases involving murder. Homicide detective Al Burns is played by Dylan Walsh (Brooklyn South, Everwood) and he is Wells former partner as well as love interest which complicates things for the two of them. An interesting side note to this is that creative consultant Marilu Henner herself possesses the condition, hyperthymesia and she also plays a smaller role in Unforgettable being Wells aunt who suffers from Alzheimer's disease in its early stages. Henner starred in Taxi and Evening Shade. Unforgettable was originally titled The Rememberer which is the title of a short story by J. Robert Lennon. Starring Poppy Montgomery (Without A Trace, True Blue) as Carrie Wells who is also trying to find who and how her sister was murdered this hour long crime drama will make for interesting watching.
Broken romance puts Jessica Day into a tailspin and she finds herself without a place to live until she decides to move in with three male friends. She learns a lot while staying with the "boys" and it mostly involves learning about herself, life, and even love. The guys learn a lot as well when this unlikely group settle in together. Jess appreciates the help from her new roommates including "Coach", a personal trainer played by Damon Wayans, Jr.(The Other Guys, Happy Endings), "Nick" a wiseass bartender who is played by Jake M. Johnson (Curb Your Enthusiasm, FlashForward), and "Schmidt" who is a dedicated womanizer and played by Max Greenfield (Undercovers, No Ordinary Family). Jess Day herself is played by Zooey Deschanel (Yes Man, 500 Days of Summer). Damon Wayans, Jr. will be replaced after the first episode due to his returning to Happy Endings which was thought to be cancelled but made a come back. So we will then see Winston (played by Lamorne Morris from Second City fame) as the lease holder that Coach was subletting from. New Girl recently was voted one of the "Most Exciting New Series" at Critic Choice TV Awards. This is decided based on a group of journalists who watch pilots for some of the new programs scheduled for television.
Stars Hank Azaria, Kathryn Hahn, Natasha Leggero, and Al Madrigal apparently are having fun with the US version of a British hit titled Free Agents. The PR firm of CMA is the scene for much of the frivolity and even though the employees are there to assist their clientele it seems as if they can barely handle their own personal interests let alone be of assistance to any customers. Sitcoms that deal with workplace romance and banter have been popular for a long time (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, News Radio, Scrubs, Mad Men, The Office). There may be little in the way of plot line but plenty of humor, particularly of the dark and borderline mean variety. But the cast handles it all and even succeed in making the audience like them, well most of them. Sleazy and kinky yet charismatic boss Stephen (Anthony Head of Merlin and Buffy The Vampire Slayer) makes each day difficult for his staff. In the first episode we find two of the workers have committed the "cardinal" sin of employees sleeping together. Alex, played by Hank Azaria (does several voices on The Simpsons) and Helen (Kathryn Hahn of Crossing Jordan) get wasted and spend time in bed together, waking the next morning with more than just a hangover. At work other employees drill them for details and Alex nearly becomes a stalker trying to convince Helen to let him move in.
Big D (Dallas, Texas) is the scene and living La Vida Loca is where it's at for a group of young socially upscale singles who party hard, love fast, and take life easy. The Dallas Metro area is the background for hot young singles who get involved with a bit of drama as well as comedy in each episode. From one night stands to broken hearts we witness it all and maybe even learn a bit about how not to act if we want to survive the singles scene. Those who love the nightlife and crave the excitement of night clubs and hot parties will most likely enjoy this reality series. A widely diverse group of young adults, who find their lives intersecting from time to time, are entering relationships and break up at the drop of a hat and then move on to someone else. There are a few who are serious about finding someone who will give them stability and a permanent relationship, but just where to find them? And it is actually fun to watch (and perhaps place bets) on who will find the one who's just right for them.
Whether you approve or not, Playboy is a brand name that implies class and high quality along with nudity and debauchery. Quite a combination considering it all began with a magazine that was banned from many store racks or had to be wrapped in brown paper. The Clubs spread across the country and the cream of society could often be seen in attendance. What was it about the man Hugh Hefner and his concept that created so much controversy? Why did some women feel degraded while others loved all of the attention they got? Being a "former Playboy Playmate" remains a social coup that those who claim it are most definitely proud to claim! Now to the series running on the NBC network. It was first to be called "Bunny Tales" but was changed to The Playboy Club and Hefner himself reviews each script and gives his approval even though he is reportedly keeping a "hands-off" approach to any revisions. And the much younger Hugh Hefner character on the series will only be seen from behind. Producers include Brian Grazer and Francie Calfo so this should be a quality production with top acting and good writers. Cast includes Amber Heard, Eddie Cibrian, and Naturi Naughton.
Lisa Kudrow has been a busy gal since she was part of the ensemble cast of Friends! She now produces as well as stars in a new concept in sitcom on Showtime Television titled Web Therapy. Kudrow is Dr. Fiona Wallice, a therapist who contrives a new therapy form in which she spends three minutes on a web cast with patients who were formerly treated to those long and overly "talky" 50 minute sessions where nothing really happened. Her idea is to abbreviate those unproductive bouts down, thus leaving out most of the irrelevant chit chat. Kip Wallice, Fiona's husband, is played by Victor Garber (Ugly Betty, Nurse Jackie) shows up occasionally and her mother Putsy Hodge is well played by Lily Tomlin (stand up comedienne "Ernestine"). Apparently her newly devised condensed version of has some therapeutic value as she works with various patients who have guest starring roles in each episode. Names like Meryl Streep, Phylicia Rashad, Courtney Cox, and Jane Lynch fill in the 30 minute situation comedy and the results are hilarious and especially innovative due mostly to the level of talent involved. Well worth catching if you have Showtime.
