Reasons I’m Thankful for TV

At this time of year everyone typically gives thanks for the important things in their lives. We here at NiceGirlsTV are no different, but we do have a slight slant to the things for which we are thankful.

As you can imagine, those things tend to be TV related and the following list is just a small sample of the things on my TV for which I am most thankful for this year.

Castle – This not-so standard procedural follows the exploits of mystery novelist Richard Castle and his latest muse New York City Detective Kate Beckett, as they investigate all manner of murder and mayhem in the Big Apple. With assistance from trusty Detective Kevin Ryan, Detective Javier Esposito, Medical Examiner Lanie Parish and Captain Roy Montgomery they solve some of the most unbelievable crimes. Meanwhile, Castle also deals with typical family drama at home with his wise-beyond-her-years daughter Alexis and his actress-mother Martha. This series is one of the highlights of my TV viewing every week and I am so thankful that ABC has continued to support this show by renewing it since its debut in 2009.

The Vampire Diaries – The TV show that is based on a series of popular vampire-themed novels by L.J. Smith has become the guilty pleasure of the year after having a fantastic debut season last year. The tale of Elena Gilbert and the Salvatore brothers – Damon and Stefan – has captured an avarice audience with spell-binding stories that weave a multi-layered story of vampires, witches and werewolves that is never slow-going and always packs a punch. My Thursday night viewing would not be complete without this series.

Chuck – For four seasons now Chuck Bartowski has evolved from a Buy More Nerd Herd employee on the fast-track to nowhere into an international spy of, well, maybe not necessarily mystery and intrigue, but certainly a man finally on the fast track. With the help of his ever present protectors (and girlfriend) Sarah Walker and (friend/co-worker at the Buy More) John Casey, they get to the bottom of cases that threaten national security. The trio is helped, albeit most times ineptly, by Chuck’s best friend Morgan Grimes and fellow Nerd Herders Lester Patel and Jeff Barnes. On the home front, Chuck’s support system is his devoted sister Ellie and her husband Devon Woodcomb. This is one spy I want on my side and on my TV screen for as long as possible.

Leverage – The hitter, the hacker, the thief, the grifter and the mastermind; that’s the high-tech team of crooks who attempt to steal from wealthy criminals and corrupt businessmen to help those who have nowhere else to turn. Nathan Ford, Sophie Devereaux, Eliot Spencer, Parker and Alec Hardison combine their unique skills into a masterful team who twist and turn any situation to benefit their clients. They are like a modern-day A-Team combined with Robin Hood and his merry men, who I happily enjoy watching in action every week.

Glee – While the series as a whole may be hit or miss at best in terms of overall quality story-telling, the characters, for the most part, are engaging and captivating, it is all of the musical numbers that make this show so appealing. The antics of Rachel, Finn, Puck, Quinn, Mercedes, Kurt, Tina, Artie, Santana, Brittany, Mike and Sam as well as teachers Sue Sylvester and Will Schuester and guidance counselor Emma Pillsbury are over-the-top and oftentimes silly, but their show-boating and incredible stage work makes it all worthwhile. And, they get some of the best guest stars such as Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel, Cheyenne Jackson, Eve and John Stamos. All I can say is I am proud to be a Gleek and cannot wait for the next misadventures of New Directions.

My list of what to be thankful for would not be complete without an honorable mention or two:

The USA Network – This is the go-to network for great series, including Burn Notice, Psych, Royal Pains, In Plain Sight, White Collar and Covert Affairs as well as the upcoming new series Fairly Legal. Each one of these shows is well-written, filled with great characters and fantastic actors who embody their roles. These are the shows that are worth watching.

Summer Programming – What can be said about the summer programming this year? It was nothing short of terrific (at least in my opinion). Besides the shows mentioned above on the USA Network and the aforementioned Leverage, there was also The Closer, Rizzoli & Isles, Army Wives, The Glades, Pretty Little Liars, Drop Dead Diva, Warehouse 13, Eureka, Haven and Unnatural History. Needless to say, this summer was full of fun television that I am so looking forward to next summer and am thankful to the networks for airing these shows.

What are you most thankful this year? Please share your thoughts and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!