Check out a video preview here:

And on The Office, the crew finally get to meet Sabre CEO Jo Bennett (Cathy Bates. Here’s a sneak peek:

Be sure to tune in tomorrow night starting at 8 pm for all new episodes of Community, Parks & Recreation, The Office and 30 Rock!

Also, Jack Black is guest-starring on Community, as a student who wants to be part of the “in-crowd.” (In other words, Joel McHale and his crew).

And if that’s not enough, James Franco appears on 30 Rock! Check out these video sneak peeks and be sure to tune in tomorrow night on NBC starting at 8 pm for this amazing Thursday night line-up.

Parks and Recreation:

Leslie goes to get an MRI, and Will Arnett plays the MRI technician:

Amy Poehler talks about working with her husband, Will Arnett on Parks and Recreation:

Community:

Jack Black talks about his character, Buddy, that he plays on Community:

30 Rock:

Sneak peek of James Franco on 30 Rock:

1.  Parks and Recreation: I did not enjoy this show in its first season. It was always all about “the pit” and getting rid of the pit. I adore Amy Poehler, but her role seemed a bit too Michael Scott-esque to me. However, whatever happened during the off-season was fantastic. Season two has been hilarious. The pit has taken a secondary role, and each character has had a chance to develop and grow. I didn’t care for Andy in the first season, but he has become one of my favorites. I think this show deserves a ton of recognition for really stepping up its game. It is a show I look forward to every week.

2. Lost: This past season has been phenomenal. Time changing, Dharma goodness, Hurley’s hilarious questions…it’s all been great. The creators are brilliant, and I have faith that they know exactly what they are doing and that the series finale is going to blow our minds.

3. How I Met Your Mother: This year has had such great episodes as The Playbook and The Front Porch (I will never forget how hard I laughed at suitjamas). While this show can have its up and downs, every episode makes me happy. And any excuse to watch Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris) wax poetic about his “bro code” and “lemon laws” is great in my opinion.

4. The Office: Season 5 started off (in ’08) with the Jim and Pam proposal, and ended on a pregnancy. And season 6 had one of the best episodes of The Office ever with the Jim/Pam wedding. It was perfect in so many ways–hilarious but also showed us what we have been wanting for 6 years. I may have watched the boat scene upwards of 10 times. The show is at its best truly brilliant, and it has been a great season thus far. I can’t wait to see more.

5. Party Down: This show on Starz Network has garnered quite a following for itself. Created by Rob Thomas (of Veronica Mars fame) it stars many of his VM colleagues, and is truly fantastic. It is a hilarious and wonderful portrayal of a catering company in Los Angeles, and its employees who clearly want to be more than just cater waiters. It returns for a 2nd season in 2010, where Kristen Bell will be back, and Megan Mullally joins the cast. This is a show you must see! Catch up with it on DVD before season 2 begins.

6. In Treatment: I fell in love with this show on DVD. When it returned for a 2nd season, I was incredibly excited. It is brilliant and innovative, and you feel like you are going through therapy with each episode and character. I truly wish I could see Dr. Weston. Gabriel Byrne, Dianne Wiest and the entire cast are brilliant. There was talk of it only being two seasons because the Israeli series it is based on (Bei Tipul) only had that number. But thankfully, it returns in 2010 for Season 3 on HBO, so be sure to look out for it.

7. Glee: It has been a really long time since a show made me quite as happy as Glee does, which is quite fitting given the name. Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan and Brad Falchuk are creative geniuses who cast some of the most talented actors I have ever seen, and created one of the most unique shows out there. It will be a long winter without new episodes, but I will most likely be buying the DVD the day it goes on sale. Lea Michele’s voice and talent is unstoppable, and the rest of the cast is fantastic as well. I truly cannot wait until April.

8. Modern Family: This mockumentary style comedy was one of my favorite pilots of the fall season, and it has continued to live up to my high expectations. Each part of the family is hilarious in their own right, and I will never forget Fizbo the Clown, the Lion King moment, the ice dancing routine, and when Luke got shot by Phil. What makes it truly spectacular though is that at heart, it’s about a family. Even in its crazy, dysfunctional state, the family always comes together at the end. It is full of as many touching moments as it is funny ones, and I love it for that.

9. The Good Wife: I really enjoyed this pilot in the fall as well, and even in its first season, it has earned a place on my best of 09 list. It is very different from other law shows out there. Juliana Margulies makes a great leading lady, and I also love Archie Panjabi (Kalinda). With each episode, we learn more about Chris Noth’s character, and the law firm. I think it has a bright future ahead of it, and I hope to see more great episodes in 2010.

10. True Blood: Season 1 stuck mainly to the first book (with a few exceptions), and while Season 2 kept to Book 2 in some respects it also branched out quite a bit. I love Vampires…so this book series and TV series are quite wonderful. There is some fantastic acting, and lovely looking vampires, and I can’t wait for its return!

Honorable Mentions: V, White Collar, The Biggest Loser, The Vampire Diaries, Make it or Break It, and Secret Life of the American Teenager: All shows I loved and enjoyed, and would be on the best of 09 list if I had a list of 20.

I wouldn’t be writing about TV so much if I didn’t truly love it. When thinking about my list, I realized how subjective mine would be. There will be shows on there which I am sure everyone agrees with and some I might have left out. I decided that in addition to this list, I will include moments as well. Just naming a show is great, but I want to let everyone into my decade for a bit.

The first show that comes to mind right away is Friends. I realize that the show only had 4 seasons in the decade, but to me they were some of its best. One of my favorite episodes of all time (and there are way too many) is in the 9th season. “The One With Phoebe’s Birthday Dinner” centers around the gang’s arrival to Phoebe’s birthday dinner. Everyone (besides the guest of honor and Joey) are so preoccupied that they show up over an hour late. When the guests finally do arrive, Rachel and Ross brought Ross’ mom to watch Emma (they didn’t want to leave her), and Monica and Chandler are in a fight over cigarettes, ovulating and sex. Finally they all decide they are dedicated to the dinner, and Phoebe gets a call from Mike (boyfriend) and decides to leave to spend time with him. Eventually, everyone else (again besides Joey) leave to get back to their issues at hand. One of the best lines of the show comes at the very end when Joey says “Dinner for 6…for 1? You boys are about to see something very special.” The episode is also filled with many other amazing one-liners:
“Cigarettes in Hawaiian are called leilalalukus.” – Chandler, explaining his extensive knowledge of cigarettes to Phoebe
“Never hit a woman, never hit a woman. Ross bruises like a peach, he bruises like a peach” -Joey, when the gang takes too much time to order food after they finally arrived
Ross: “Kick up your feet, paint the town red!”
Rachel: “You really have to learn some new slang.”

This episode is just one of my many favorites from this show that made the friendship comedy what it is today. I remember re-watching this tape recorded episode, that a friend from college was kind enough to give my roommate and I, (DVR was just becoming sort of popular later in my college years) so many times that it eventually started to skip a little. Without Friends (and arguably others as well), there would be no How I Met Your Mother, or The Office. It was quite revolutionary in that respect. There was no star, no one standout actor. They were all a part of a cast of characters that grew, married, divorced, had babies and each got their moment in the spotlight. And as cheesy as this may sound, I feel like I grew along with them. I sat in my room watching the finale, crying as they gave in their keys–feeling like in a way, I knew this part of my life was over too. So I couldn’t leave this show off my list because it really will remain one of my favorites of all time, and definitely the decade.

The next show I consider to be a “best,” is Veronica Mars. Now I have to admit, in the age of DVDs and Netflix, I did not watch this show live. I don’t think my sole viewership would have saved the show from it’s way-too-short lived run, but I do wish I had seen it from day 1. I had always liked Kristen Bell, and my friend who introduced me to the show told me how amazing it was. We sat on her apartment couch (with her roommate’s crazy cats attacking us) and watched episode after episode. I think one time we watched four episodes of season 1 in a row without moving. I was addicted from the first few minutes. I loved every part of it: the cast, the mysteries, Jason Dohring… Rob Thomas is brilliant in so many respects and this show is his shining glory. One of my favorite episodes from this show was probably the finale of season 1 when everything comes to a head. (The finale of season 2 was amazing too). Veronica figures out Lily’s killer, almost dies, her dad saves her…you know the usual for a teenage sleuth. I wish that it had that 4th season with Veronica in the FBI because even though the 3rd season might not have been as innovative and amazing as the first 2, it was still Kristen Bell at her best, and I will always love it.

Another show which I did basically watch from day 1 (I think I may have picked it up around the 2nd season) is Gilmore Girls. Immediately, I was drawn to this drama centered upon a mother-daughter relationship because there I was growing up with a single mom, wishing that I had my Lorelai, and Friday night dinners. The quick-witted banter between the aforementioned duo was heartwarming, hilarious and lovely all at the same time. I realize that the last season might have gone off the handle a little bit with Luke’s daughter April and Lorelai and Luke separating for a while, but the six seasons prior completely make up for it. I was working on a top 5 list for this show a while back and I started out with a list of about 25 episodes. One that stands out in my mind is the third season finale called “Those Are Strings, Pinocchio.” Rory graduates from Chilton, and asks her grandparents to pay for her college education so her mom can start her own Inn. Another moment I remember so vividly is when Rory sneaks Lane a CD by using Kirk and a whole timed out system. Through town meetings, Inn fires,  make-ups and break ups, Gilmore Girls was truly unique, and I could watch reruns of this show for the entire decade to come. And the theme song to this show, “Where You Lead,” sung by Carole King was a part of the show, too. The days of long title sequences is almost long gone, and I would always look forward to singing along with this one. To me, Gilmore Girls epitomizes the rise of the WB (now CW) network. It was one of the first shows that I felt really, truly invested in. It set a high standard in my mind for all future dramas to come.

Another show that makes my list without question is Arrested Development. I started watching this show in college, around the premiere of the 2nd season. If you know anything about this show, you know it’s all about call-backs and honoring their viewers. Once the DVDs came out, my roommate and I sat there watching episode after episode, and powered through the whole season in a matter of a few days. We were hooked. The cast was unbelieveable. Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, Tony Hale, Jeffrey Tambor, David Cross, Alia Shawkat, Michael Cera (before he became that Michael Cera), Portia DeRossi and Jessica Walter round out the show that centers around a dysfunctional family. Liza Minnelli also had a prominent guest role and she was hilarious. The show was critically acclaimed, but the ratings were not there. Fox threatened cancellation prior to the 3rd season and if I remember correctly the 3rd season was cut down in episode numbers. But regardless of the fact that it deserved more seasons and recognition, Arrested Development was one of a kind. It was funny, clever and continually pushed the envelope. One of my favorite parts of this show was the “relationship” between cousins George Michael (Michael Cera) and Maeby (Alia Shawkat). In any other context, this storyline could have been sort of gross. But I really was rooting for them all along. I loved Gob’s (Will Arnett) magic show antics, Jeffrey Tambor playing two different characters (Uncle Oscar and George Bluth, Sr.), Tobias’ status as a never nude and his famous line “I just blue myself,” and everything in between. Jason Bateman’s Michael was the “straight man,” but this show didn’t really have one. I could quote this show (and will) for decades to come. In the third season, the show constantly took subtle digs at Fox, and I really hope that a movie is in the cards. I think that Arrested Development really changed the quintessential definition of a “sitcom” and certainly a single-camera show in a great way. I can’t pinpoint a specific show it paved the way for, but it did make crazy characters a lot more acceptable (Michael Scott, anyone?) Mitch Hurwitz was innovative and brilliant, and I frequently find myself missing this show.

I was in my apartment with a friend, and she wanted to watch the season finale (season 2) of The Office. Sure, I said. I want to see what all this hype is about. Even with that one episode (and no back story) I fell in love with this show. I am a sucker for a good love story, and even though The Office is clearly so much more, I was drawn to that. I got the 1st season DVD shortly after, and as soon as the 2nd season DVD was out, I watched probably 3 episodes a day until I finished, often repeating episodes. I mean, with episodes like Booze Cruise and Casino Night, how could you not? Michael Scott is probably one of the most interesting and hilarious characters on television, and we hadn’t seen a show like this since, well–ever. The show was more about the characters and less about the setting (even if there were many clever workplace moments), and they were one of the first shows to use the mockumentary style of filming successfully. Sex and the City used it but phased it out because it was distracting. The talking heads commentary on The Office adds a lot of humor and gives other cast members the chance to shine. The Jim/Pam now-relationship (John Krasinski/Jenna Fischer) is probably my favorite romantic relationship on television. I think it’s because the show teased it for so long and finally gave us what we wanted. But we had to work for it. I remember sitting with a friend watching the 4th season finale, hoping, longing for that proposal that Jim planned. And when the credits rolled, we looked at each other dumbfounded wondering what just happened. When the 5th season premiere came along, the proposal happened, and it was incredibly perfect…even if it was in the rain at a gas station. It is those subtle ways of making the audience wait for perfection (and is there really perfection?) that makes The Office so great. I don’t know if I can pick my favorite episode, but maybe Casino Night has to be it. It got me hooked on the show, and it was the first Jim and Pam kiss of many. See my favorite Jim and Pam moments in honor of the wedding episode. The Office started in 2005, so it is a mid-decade show, and will still continue on through the next decade. Despite this fact, I still consider it one of the best of the decade and one that had me laughing and crying right along with it. Even during it’s filler episodes, I was amused by each and every character (even Toby) and I think it’s a brilliant show that really knows how to continue to keep it funny and interesting even well into the 6th season.

Honorable Mentions: I wanted to keep my list at 5 (best of the year probably will be 10), otherwise these 2 shows certainly would have made it. Lost is phenomenal television (it will be on my best of the year for sure). It continues to amaze me with its unknown world and new discoveries. I’m very sad that this will be its last season, but I look forward to what’s in store. How I Met Your Mother might be a Friends successor, but there is nothing like it on television. The concept is truly unique and the show is an amazing showcase of its ensemble. Neil Patrick Harris’ Barney Stinson might be my favorite, but everyone on that show is truly wonderful. Now if they could just tell us who the mother is…

I also considered putting on Law and Order: SVU and The Closer, because I love both of those shows but wasn’t sure how procedurals really fit into my list.

Readers Choice: I included this section because I got a lot of great comments from you about your top choices for the decade. Among those mentioned were: Battlestar Gallactica, The Wire, The Shield, West Wing, Alias, Friday Night Lights, Ed, and Rome. I hope all my readers enjoyed TV as much this decade as I did.

So I hope you enjoyed the story of my decade. There are shows and moments I may have forgotten, but to me, these are my standout TV moments of the decade. I look forward to another decade of great shows, as my relationship with TV will continue to grow with the times, and solidify even more than in the Aughts.

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble – Drama Series

• The Closer
• Dexter
• The Good Wife
• Mad Men
• True Blood

I am glad to see The Closer, The Good Wife and True Blood getting some attention, but where is Lost?

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble – Comedy Series

• 30 Rock
• Curb Your Enthusiasm
• Glee
• Modern Family
• The Office

All the usual choices here. Rooting for Glee or Modern Family (obviously), but it’s a tough category. I would have loved to see How I Met Your Mother nominated, because if any show is about its ensemble, it’s that one.

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor – Drama Series

• Simon Baker, “The Mentalist”
• Bryan Cransten, “Breaking Bad”
• Michael C. Hall, “Dexter”
• Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”
• Hugh Laurie,”House”

All strong choices and nominees…it’s nice to see Breaking Bad get some attention. But again, where is Lost? Such a great show with nomination-worthy performances.

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor – Drama Series

• Patricia Arquette, “Medium”
• Glenn Close, “Damages”
• Mariska Hargitay, “Law and Order: SVU”
• Holy Hunter, “Saving Grace”
• Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife”
• Kyra Sedgwick, “The Closer”

I guess the SAG Awards can differ in terms of how many nominees for each category. It’s a bit strange, but there are a lot of strong female leads out there, and I think all of these nominees are good choices.

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor – Comedy Series

• Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”
• Steve Carell, “The Office”
• Larry David, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
• Tony Shaloub, “Monk”
• Charlie Sheen “Two and a Half Men”

All of these nominations seem decent, but where is Neil Patrick Harris for “How I Met Your Mother?”

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor – Comedy Series

• Christina Applegate, “Samantha Who”
• Toni Colette, “United States of Tara”
• Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie”
• Tina Fey, “30 Rock”
• Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “The New Adventures of Old Christine”

These nominations don’t make a ton of sense. If you look at the Ensemble nominations, only Tina Fey represents one of the shows. None of the other shows represented in this Best Actress category were nominated for Best Comedy Series Ensemble. I think all of them are great actors, but where is the nomination for Jane Lynch or Lea Michele? I understand there is no “Supporting Actress” category, but if Glee, Modern Family and The Office are nominated as shows, where is the recognition for the actresses that make up that ensemble?

Overall thoughts: While I understand that the SAG Awards are primarily focused on movies, if they are going to include television, I think there should at least be the addition of a couple more categories. I was glad to see Glee and Modern Family get nominated, but they were left off in the acting categories. Lost is definitely a fan-favorite, but has not gotten much critical recognition this year. Hopefully after its last season, the show will get what it deserves. I will be watching the SAG Awards regardless. Will you? What are your thoughts on this awards show and the nominations.

2010 Screen Actors Guild Awards Nominations List

December 17, 2009

by:

Ani Esmailian

Nominees for the 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® for outstanding performances in 2009 in five film and eight primetime television categories and for the SAG honors for film and television stunt ensembles were announced this morning in Los Angeles at the Pacific Design Center’s Silver Screen Theater in West Hollywood.

“Up in the Air,” “Precious” and “Inglourious Basterds” each have three nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Awards, among them honors for George Clooney, Diane Kruger and Mo’Nique.

“Inglourious Basterds” and “Precious” are competing for the guild’s overall cast prize, along with “An Education,” “The Hurt Locker” and “Nine.”

Check out the full list of Movie and TV show nominees and tell us if you agree!

MOTION PICTURE NOMINEES
Actor
Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart
George Clooney, Up In the Air
Colin Firth, A Single Man
Morgan Freeman, Invictus
Jeremy Renner, The Hurt Locker

Actress
Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side
Helen Mirren, The Last Station
Carey Mulligan, An Education
Gabourey Sidibe, Precious
Meryl Streep, Julie and Julia

Supporting Actor
Matt Damon, Invictus
Woody Harrelson, The Messenger
Christopher Plummer, The Last Station
Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones
Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds

Supporting Actress
Penelope Cruz, Nine
Vera Farmiga, Up In the Air
Anna Kendrick, Up In the Air
Diane Kruger, Inglourious Basterds
Mo’Nique, Precious

Ensemble Cast
An Education
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Nine
Precious

Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
Public Enemies
Star Trek
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

TELEVISION NOMINEES

Actor in a Telefilm or Miniseries
Kevin Bacon, “Taking Chance”
Cuba Gooding Jr., “Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story”
Jeremy Irons, “Georgia O’Keeffe”
Kevin Kline, “Great Performances Cyrano de Bergerac”
Tom Wilkinson, “A Number”

Actress in a Telefilm or Miniseries
Joan Allen, “Georgia O’Keeffe”
Drew Barrymore, “Grey Gardens”
Ruby Dee, “America”
Jessica Lange, “Grey Gardens”
Sigourney Weaver, “Prayers for Bobby”

Actress in a Drama Series
Patricia Arquette, “Medium”
Glenn Close, “Damages”
Mariska Hargitay, “Law & Order: SVU”
Holly Hunter, “Saving Grace”
Julianna Marguilies, “The Good Wife”
Kyra Sedgwick, “The Closer”

Actor in a Drama Series
Simon Baker, “The Mentalist”
Bryan Cranson, “Breaking Bad”
Michael C. Hall, “Dexter”
Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”
Hugh Laurie, “House“

Actor in a Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”
Steve Carell, “The Office”
Larry David, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
Tony Shaloub, “Monk”
Charlie Sheen, “Two and a Half Men”

Actress in a Comedy Series
Christina Applegate, “Samantha Who”
Toni Colette, “United States of Tara”
Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie”
Tina Fey, “30 Rock”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “The New Adventures of Old Christine”

I tried to post this yesterday, but the internet forces were working against me. So, better late than never right? The Office is full of brilliant moments, and sometimes, they will come out with gems like this. Kelly Kapoor and Erin Hannon (the talented lady duo Mindy Kaling and Ellie Kemper) formed a girl band “Subtle Sexuality,” and dropped this single called Male Prima Donna. It is pretty fantastic.

Check it out here:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k5FHJqFde0&hl=en&fs=1&]

The one where they kiss: Jim declares his love for Pam after keeping it to himself for so long. We then have to wait a whole season to see what happens after they kiss.

The one with the Dundies: Remember when Pam got drunk and kissed Jim?

The one with the Booze Cruise: Who could forget when Michael tells Jim not to give up on Pam. Michael can occasionally give out decent advice, and we really see Jim’s vulnerability in this episode.

The one where Michael declares Bankruptcy: This episode in Season 4 was overshadowed by Michael’s antics, but what I remember is the amazing kiss between Jim and Pam. Jim listens to Dwight’s agony over Angela, and realizes he is so lucky to have Pam. “I’m very passionate about Italian food.”

The one where Jim made the sale: Jim manages to pull of a huge sale, and to celebrate he says “screw it” and kisses his girlfriend. The show will give us these great Jim and Pam moments from time-to-time, and I loved this one because it was just incredibly real and so touching.

The one where Jim comes back for Pam: Jim leaves NYC to come and ask Pam out on a date. Pam cries after he asks her out. For all Office fans, this is a moment we had all been waiting for….after the whole Karen debacle, and everything with Roy. This moment was so satisfying and wonderful.

The one where Pam says they are dating: The camera catches them in the car kissing. Not only do I love the sweet moments with Jim and Pam, but they also play off each other so well and are incredibly funny. This moment where Pam reveals they are dating is filled with great Jim and Pam banter.

The one where they play a prank on Andy: Andy’s cellphone ring is “Rockin’ Robin” and Jim and Pam conjure up a prank where they throw the cell phone in the ceiling and then call it. Andy punches a wall, and hilarity ensues.

The one where Pam falls asleep on Jim’s shoulder: Enough said.

Christmas Party: The one where Jim gives Pam a teapot (but things get all messed up because of Yankee Swap). The teapot is filled with his high school photo, among other things.

The one with all the Voicemails: The one where Pam leaves all the voicemails for Jim and they can’t seem to connect the entire episode.

The one where Pam listens in: Pam and Jim are connected on Bluetooth all day and the best line of the day was when Pam loudly declares “that’s what she said, that’s what she said, that’s what she said!”

The one where Jim and Pam get Andy to sing the Rainbow Connection: Another example of hilarious moments and pranks thought up by Jim and Pam.

The one where they find out Pam is pregnant: Probably one of the sweetest Office moments I have ever seen. Jim and Pam don’t even need to say anything (the cameras shoot through the hospital room window), but everything is perfectly communicated.

And of course, the one where Jim proposes (I had to put a video):[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rgzd28QG064&hl=]

Check out a preview for the Jim and Pam wedding episode, that airs on October 8th:

Also, check out Jim and Pam’s Wedding Site! (The guest book is especially hilarious)

The title of this episode is “Gossip” and it centers around office rumors and Michael’s antics. In addition, we meet the summer interns and learn about Andy’s (Ed Helms) sexuality. I was just so excited to have the show back, that Michael could have read the phone book and I would have found it to be fantastic. However, it was hilarious (of course), and it is definitely a great start to the season.

You might just find yourself yelling “parkour!” in celebration. The Office’s 6th season premiere is TONIGHT at 9 pm on NBC. Be sure to tune in!