A Quick Thank-You!

To both ABC and NBC for saving the two shows I wrote about below.

In an interesting twist, the Peacock Network said the outpouring of fan support is what saved "Chuck" (along with cash from Subway in return for what figures to be heavy product placement.)

Oddly enough, a pair of canceled shows "My Name is Earl" and "Medium" were apparently axed because fans didn't do enough.

As for "Better Off Ted" ... ABC apparently likes the critical buzz surrounding the show enough to give it another shot.

Now, do me a favor down the road and give them both a try!

Save My Shows!

I don't watch a ton of television ... and when I do ... it's usually some sort of sporting event.

That said, the networks are getting ready to announce their fall schedules ... and a pair of my favorite shows are on the bubble.

So, this is one man's plea to save them.

Let me make something clear as well.

I like shows that are inventive, clever, fun.

I get bored with crime and hospital procedural dramas.

I rarely think standard, 3-camera sitcoms (filmed in front of a live studio audience ... or not) are funny.

And, I don't watch a single reality show. Not saying they're bad, but my life is reality enough, and there's no cash prize at the end.

So, onto the shows that need saving.

The first airs on NBC. It's called "Chuck."

It's a very fun, light-hearted hour-long comedy ... with plenty of action and a splash of spy romance.

I just happen to think this show is well-written, well-acted, and well, just plain fun.

Unfortunately, it's on the ratings bubble ... and with Jay Leno taking over the 10 pm slot ... it may not make it.

NBC did not announce it's return today ... but is taking more time to ponder it.

Meantime, fans are launching a massive campaign to save the show ... including eating at Subway restaurants (which did some product placement) and sending "Nerds" candy to NBC.

Watch the show, and you'll understand why that is funny.

#2 on my list is a brand new show ... airing on ABC called "Better Off Ted."

I can't even begin to tell you how much I love the writing on this show, which satirizes life inside a major R & D company.

Now only is it well-written, it's another great cast.

And I love the fact that the main character breaks the fourth wall, and addresses the audience directly several times throughout each show.

Word on the street is that this show might get picked up, even though it's ratings are low ... mainly because the critics seem to love it.

"Ted" really reminds me of the last great half-hour comedy I fell in love with, "Arrested Development."

No laugh track, no 3-camera shoots, no silly setups and bad punchlines ... just strong writing and deep laughs.

So, do me a favor, go check them out (online at the links above, or, in Chuck's case, on DVD) ... maybe you'll like them as much as I do.

If you do, maybe they'll come back.

If you don't, well at least I did my part!