Before They Were TiVo’d: Zachary Levi of CHUCK

I am not a pickle person. Unlike many Americans, who use various cuts of dills and gherkins to accessorize their Labor Day paper plates, my limited taste buds make little room for fermented cucumbers. With the long summer months behind us, and after passing on a host of potentially pickled entrees, I feel comfortable revealing a secret. There is one stop on my takeout rotation that allows me to break my taboo…

Subway.

My sandwich artist must add pickles to my foot long turkey sub before their latest masterpiece is ready for public viewing. Unlike traditional backyard favorites, like burgers or hot dogs, my turkey sandwich relies on pickles for distinctive flavor and a hint of spiciness. The lesson I have learned is that a pickle buried behind a wall of dominant flavors cannot be fully appreciated.

Long before his name became irrevocably linked with Subway, Zachary Levi was an underrated pickle on ABC’s sitcom, “Less Than Perfect.” The program, a thinly written workplace comedy, was launched as a breakthrough vehicle for likable star Sara Rue, known better to most GMMR readers as Stephanie, Leonard’s cohabiting girlfriend from Season 2 of “The Big Bang Theory” and before that Carmen from “Popular”.

The cast and crew of “Less Than Perfect” produced 81 episodes, placing it alongside “According To Jim” and “JAG” as the longest running series that neither myself nor any of my friends have ever watched. The TV gods provided mixed blessings to the Less Than Perfect cast, which also counted Sherri Shepherd and Andy Dick among its ranks. Who would have guessed that this little sitcom would have given life to “Chuck”, “The View”, and “Celebrity Rehab”?

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Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Monday, September 14, 2009

Oh Mondays, you are such a tease. Little by little all of our Monday faves are returning.  Tonight we welcome back ONE TREE HILL, one of my personal faves GOSSIP GIRL, and NBC kicks off the daily installment of THE JAY LENO SHOW.

By this time next week almost all the Monday night shows will be back with new episodes, and well…we’ll be screwed.  Time to get a second (or maybe third) DVR if you want to keep up with the best of Monday night TV.

Check out the handy chart below to get a glimpse of the Monday night line-up from the major networks this Fall.

Going back to Cali…to Cali…to Cali…
Things might be a little quiet on my end tomorrow.  I’m getting on a plane at the crack of dawn to head to Los Angeles for the week.  Follow @gmmr and @duckydoestv for updates on our crazy trip. We’re not going to waste any time – tomorrow night we’re heading to party with some of the biggest stars of the Fox Fall schedule.  Stay tuned toTwitter, The TV Talk Podcast and of course, GiveMeMyRemote.com for all the fun.

XOXO,

Kath

One Tree Hill | 8pm on The CW | Season Premiere
“4:30 a.m. (Apparently They Were Traveling Abroad)”
A shocking accusation threatens Nathan’s career; Brooke gets ready to launch a new fashion line; Haley gets an unexpected visit from her sister.

Gossip Girl | 9pm on The CW | Season Premiere
“Reversals of Fortnue”
Chuck and Blair adjust to life as a couple; Serena returns from Europe with secrets and a complicated relationship; Rufus, Jenny and Dan get used to the van der Woodsens’ glamorous lifestyle.

Greek | 9pm on ABC Family
“The Half Naked Gun”
Rusty and Jordan become the final two players in the Gotcha Game; Grant and Calvin go out for a romantic dinner; Casey attempts to reverse Katherine’s cancellation of the annual “Undie Run.” [GMMR: You don't want to miss tonight's GREEK.  It's the best ep of the season thus far.  VERY funny stuff and some instant classic quotes.]

Jon & Kate Plus 8 | 9pm on TLC
“Movie and a Catch”
Kate stages a backyard movie night with the children. When it’s his turn to have the eight kids, Jon teaches the children how to fish.

The Jay Leno Show | 10pm on NBC | Series Premiere
Jerry Seinfeld is Leno’s first guest in the premiere of this comedic entertainment show. Jay-Z, Kanye West and Rihanna perform. Also: “Headlines.” [GMMR: I'm going to be watching The Jay leno Show - I think there are other, scripted shows to be watched during the 10pm hour.  But here's to wishing him the best.]

Also playing…

• Inside the Actors Studio | 8pm on Bravo
  “The Family Guy”
  James Lipton interviews the creative team behind the Emmy-winning animated TV laugher “Family Guy.” Included: creator and executive producer Seth MacFarlane (voice of Peter, Stewie, Brian and Quagmire); Alex Borstein (voice of Lois); Mike Henry (Cleveland); and Seth Green (Chris).

• Lincoln Heights | 8pm on ABC Family | Season Premiere
  “Home Again”
  The police suspect foul play in the death of Charles’ stepfather; Tay is rushed to the hospital after falling ill; Eddie and Jenn face financial trouble after the earthquake.

On the late night couch…

• The Late Show with David Letterman: Adam Sandler, Cage the Elephant (R 7/30/09)
• The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien: Charlize Theron, stuntman Steven Ho, Dave Matthews Band
• The Jay Leno Show: Jerry Seinfeld, Jay-Z with Rihanna & Kanye West
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Juliette Lewis, Alex O’Loughlin (R 9/7/09)
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Sen. John McCain, Miranda Cosgrove, Rufus Wainwright
• Jimmy Kimmel Live: Gerard Butler, Nate Berkus, Maxwell (R 9/4/09)
• Chelsea Lately: Floyd Mayweather, Chris Hardwick, Greg Proops, Natasha Leggero
• Last Call with Carson Daly: Alison Brie, Brian Deegan, Franz Ferdinand
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: LeBron James
• The Colbert Report: Cory Booker

Talk to me people…what will YOU be watching tonight? For the latest TV from GMMR, follow me on Twitter.

SUPERNATURAL: Sympathy for the Devil

Welcome back everyone! I hope you all enjoyed your summer and you’re ready to get back into serious television again, because Supernatural is back people! If you read my pre-premiere post, you saw that our fearless leader GMMR noted that she can’t read my posts until she’s caught up on season four (which she will be shortly). She’s tacked the whole series over the summer and I’m sure she’ll be eager to join the discussion soon. There were also a couple of admitted SPN converts in the comments on my last post (hi Kimber and Kelly!), and Patty’s racking up recruits like a military sergeant (no idea if sergeants do actual recruiting), so I’m looking forward to some new fans joining the discussions this year.

Before we even get to the episode, I have to give a shout out to the awesome “Then” sequence at the start – in particular, the inspired use of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” as the soundtrack. Did that not get you even more psyched than you already were for the premiere?? Two seconds in and I was in my happy place; god I love this show so much. I also loved the new title card, with the white background and swirly blood-like splash of colour – very cool.

With that said, obviously, if you haven’t watched yet, there are SPOILERS ahead, so read at your own peril. Sam and Dean are back at the church, where Lucifer is rising from Hell (and I swear by the sound effects, I half expected him to bust out of there on a giant Harley). One minute they’re locked in, about to be confronted by the devil himself and the next, they’re watching Yosemite Sam on a Jet Blue-style airplane television screen. Wuuuhhh? For a split second I was afraid we were in for one of those “it was all a dream” tv clichés, and then I remembered what show I was watching – they would never do that to us (actually, they might, but you know SPN would even do that cliché in an awesome way). The plane suddenly flies over the beam emanating from the church where Lucifer is making his entrance and it looks like they may crash, however somehow they manage to land and the brothers get off the plane, wondering what the hell just happened.

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SUPERNATURAL: Are You Ready for the Fifth (and Final?) Season

[Note from GMMR: I'm going to be walking through a mine field of spoilers until next week when I'm fully caught up on SUPERNATURAL. Case in point - this post from Nicole about tonight's season premiere. Sorry Nicole. I wish I could read it before posting, but I just can't take the chance.]

Despite the drought of original programming in the summer, I have to admit that September really snuck up on me and I can’t believe that it’s already fall tv season. That being said, I am so excited for tonight’s return of one of my favourite shows, Supernatural. It’s pretty safe to say that most SPN fans were blown away by the level of storytelling in season 4 and I know that everyone is dying to see what happens after the cliff-hanger we were left with back in May. After the jump, we’ll review where we left off (spoilers to the end of last season!), and discuss where we might be headed in season 5.

Season 4 brought a whole new level to the show, introducing us to celestial beings and prophets, fleshing out the hunting history of the Winchester clan and Sam’s role in the Apocalypse. Oh, and then there’s the small detail of Lucifer being released from hell to walk on earth. We also spent a good part of the season watching the brothers grow further and further apart as they disagreed over how to try to stop Lucifer’s plan. For long time fans of the show, it was difficult to watch the growing distance between them – I’m hoping that in season five, we’ll see the brothers more unified than we’ve seen in a while.

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Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Thursday, September 10, 2009

Another day and more exciting premieres tonight.  I know many of you are counting down the seconds until the season premiere of SUPERNATURAL. I wish I could watch with you…soon enough.  I’m hoping that some of you will give THE VAMPIRE DIARIES a shot tonight. It’s not going to be for everyone (that I can guarantee), but the Twilight’esque series will certainly appeal to the sweet tooth of man.

BIG BROTHER is a bit of mystery.  Will the final two be revealed tonight?  According to the episode description, yes, but I’m not convinced.

It’s a busy night of TV, but seeing what we have coming our way next Thursday, well, enjoy the breathing room while you can.

What will you be watching tonight?  Let us know.

The Vampire Diaries | 8pm on The CW | Series Premiere
Elena is drawn to Stefan, a handsome and mysterious new student; Vicki is attacked at a party; Stefan learns that his evil older brother has returned. [GMMR: Counting down the minutes. This show is my new Fall guilty pleasure. Check out our CW Fall Preview Podcast to hear more on my thoughts on THE VAMPIRE DIARIES.]

Big Brother 11 | 8pm on CBS
The final Head of Household competition is held between the three remaining houseguests. The winner evicts one person, reducing the number to two finalists. Julie Chen is the host. [GMMR: There have been rumors that perhaps the final three will stay in the house together until next week.  I don't know. I guess we'll have to wait and see.]

Supernatural | 9pm on The CW | Season Premiere
“Sympathy for the Devil”
In the fifth season premiere, Sam, Dean and Bobby deal with the aftermath of the devil (Mark Pellegrino) rising from hell; Chuck has stunning news for the brothers. [GMMR: Ok, so I didn't complete Project Supernatural before the S5 premiere, but I'm thisclose. Give me a week or so and I'll be all caught up and watching Supernatural with all of you this season.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta | 10pm on Bravo
"Throwing Shade"
Lisa debuts her clothing line, while Sheree's fashion line is put on hold; NeNe gets tough on her college dropout son; Kandi calls in a favor; Kim throws a wig party.

Project Runway | 10pm on Lifetime
"What a Woman Wants"
Thirteen is the lucky number when the group creates clothes for 13 women. [GMMR: Hmm. Here's to hoping tonight's challenge is a bit more exciting than the episode description.]

On the late night couch…

• The Late Show with David Letterman: Matt Damon, Jack Hanna
• The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien: Dennis Quaid, Paolo Nutini
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Carrie Fisher, Ron Livingston
• Jimmy Kimmel Live: Nick Cannon, Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, White Lies
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Tyler Perry, Amber Tamblyn, Mario Batali
• Chelsea Lately: Antonio Sabato Jr., Heather McDonald, Jason Kennedy, Jo Koy (R 9/2/09)
• Last Call with Carson Daly: Jeremy Renner, Brandon Jennings, the Ting Tings (R 6/17/09)
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Pre-empted
• The Colbert Report: Pre-empted

Which shows will YOU be checking out tonight? Leave a comment here or send me a message via Twitter.

DANCING WITH THE STARS Announces Pairings for Season 9

The things I do for you people.

You know how I feel about this show but here I am still passing along the info about the pairings for the Fall season of DANCING WITH THE STARS. Don’t ever say I don’t do anything nice.

Go Chelsie and Dmitry!!

* AARON CARTER, pop star, teams with KARINA SMIRNOFF, who returns for her seventh season.

* NATALIE COUGHLIN, Olympic champion swimmer, teams with Season 1 champion ALEC MAZO, who returns for his fifth season.

* MARK DACASCOS, “Iron Chef” star, joins LACEY SCHWIMMER, who returns for her third season.

* TOM DELAY, former House Majority Leader, teams up with two-time champion CHERYL BURKE, who returns for her eighth season.

* MACY GRAY, Grammy Award ®winner, teams with JONATHAN ROBERTS, who returns for his seventh season.

* ASHLEY HAMILTON, actor and comedian, teams with EDYTA SLIWINSKA, who is the only pro to compete in all nine seasons of “Dancing with the Stars.”

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CHUCK Bartowski – Man of Action

If you like your CHUCK with a side of kickass, check out this very cool fan made video sure to get the adrenaline flowing for all CHUCK fans.  Is it March yet?

Creator: sohoblue123 via ChuckMeOut.com

The TV Talk Podcast: TRUE BLOOD, BIG BROTHER, TORCHWOOD & More…

If you’re not a fan of our SYTYCD podcasts (how dare you), then you’re in luck! This week we’re back with a regular TV Talk Podcast with GMMR and Ducky. We decided to dedicate a lot of time to our other favorite summer obsession, TRUE BLOOD. We talk all things vamptastic and if you’re a fan of the show we’ve got questions we need answers to so pay attention and leave comments.

Next up is BIG BROTHER 11. After that, we talk a little bit about the amazing return of TORCHWOOD: CHILDREN OF EARTH and its shocking 5 night mini-series.

Last, we talk about all things COMIC-CON 2009. What panels we missed (CHUCK, BIG BANG THEORY, GLEE, LOST, DOLLHOUSE, SUPERNATURAL and more), which shows had the most impressive online presence and all the news/gossip that came out of the con.

To listen to TV Talk Podcast (with Chapter Markers) head on over to our iTunes page and subscribe! It’s the fastest and easiest way to listen to The TV Talk Podcast from week to week.

Listen to The TV Talk Podcast (7/29/09)

As always, thanks for listening and please follow us on Twitter, leave comments on iTunes and spread the word to your fellow TV lovers.

P.S. If you like our SYTYCD Podcast, then be sure to check back tomorrow as we discuss tonight Top 6 performances.  We hear it’s going to be a doozy of a night.

Exclusive CHUCK Comic Con Trailer!!!

You’ve heard about it from those lucky enough to attend Comic Con, but now you can see it for yourself.  Check out the CHUCK Season 2 trailer made exclusively for this year’s Comic Con. Look back at this past season and watch the game changing ending. Then take a visit inside Josh Schwartz’s office and find out just what he and Chris Fedak have planned (or not) for Season 3.

This is pretty great stuff. A must see for any CHUCK fan!

And if you’ve never seen CHUCK than this video is especially important for YOU.  See what you’ve been missing my friends.  This is the show I won’t shut up about.

Watch the CHUCK Panel at Comic Con

Woo to the Hoo! NBC.com has just published the full CHUCK panel from Comic Con. As soon as it’s embeddable I’ll be sure to  post it right here on GMMR.

What isn’t included in the NBC video (due to copyright issues) is the killer Jeffster opening.  But don’t fret you can see that by clicking here: Jeffster Rocks Out at CHUCK’s Comic Con Panel

I haven’t yet been able to watch the whole panel but you can bet that I’ll be watching it over and over again (let’s face it, this is probably the only time I’m ever going to get a personal shout out…from Josh Schwartz…during Comic Con.)

If nothing else, I hope you feel the love from the cast and creative team of CHUCK. I can tell you that they are truly thankful for what the fans did to save the show.  But it’s not over.  Stay tuned to GMMR for more ways you can help CHUCK become the ratings hit we all know it should be.

UPDATE: Check out the exclusive video that the creative team behind CHUCK put together exclusively for Comic Con.
…and one more time because I’m an asshat.

Jeffster Rocks Out at CHUCK’s Comic Con Panel

It kills me that I missed this. Jeffster rocked out some Queen to kick off the CHUCK panel at Comic Con. As they performed the rest of the cast joined them on stage to sing along. It’s a thing of beauty. If you’re like me and you missed it, here it is in all its glory!

More CHUCK videos from Comic Con coming your way soon!

And here’s the origins of Jeffster! Here’s to hoping we see more of Jeffster in Season 3.

ChuckMeOut.com – A New Site for All Things CHUCK!

Hey CHUCK fans…we’ve got a new sandbox to play in!

Today during the CHUCK panel at Comic Con, NBC will introduce a brand new site dedicated to all things CHUCK. It’s called ChuckMeOut.com. I got a peek at the new site and I think it’s going to be a great destination for fans of CHUCK. The site has message boards, exclusive videos from the cast, and links to all the latest CHUCK news from around the web, it’s the “official” place to be for CHUCK fans.

And this site is really about us. Fans of CHUCK are going to be an important part of this site. From sharing news, participating in activities and uploading user generated content, it’s going to be our place to indulge in everything CHUCK. I’ve been given the heads up on some really cool stuff rolling out over the next few weeks, so keep checking back.

As you’ll see in the cast videos already posted, everyone behind-the-scenes at CHUCK is really grateful for what the fans have done for the show. Hopefully this site will help kick it up to the next level. I’m all for eating Subway subs, but wouldn’t it be nice to eat them because we want to and not because we have to at the end of next season?

Go check out ChuckMeOut.com and let me know what you think of the site so far.

(And since we show so much love to Zac, I thought I’d share with the boys a little Sarah Lancaster lounging in her bed…don’t say I don’t ever do anything for you.)

First Look: New! CHUCK Comic Con Poster

She’s the agent. He’s the spy. And this is one kick ass new poster.  The people behind CHUCK created a brand new poster for this weekend’s Comic Con, and we’ve got your first look.

If you’re at Comic Con this weekend, try to pick one up. And if you’re going to the CHUCK panel, drop me a comment and let me know. I’m looking for someone to cover the panel for me since sadly I won’t be there.

(Click to Enlarge)

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Thursday, July 23, 2009

Oopsy Daisy – forgot about tonight’s TV spotlight. Better late than never, right?

You’ve got plenty of shows to choose from tonight so I don’t want to hear any complaining, do you hear me?!

For me, it’s all about the special 100th episode of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE.  Past dancers, big numbers and a performance by Katie Holmes.  I’m hosting tonight’s special weekly SYTYCD party at my new place and I couldn’t be more excited!

Other things I’m looking forward to checking out…BIG BROTHER’s live eviction & HOH competition, KCavs on CHELSEY LATELY, and Yvonne Strahovski from CHUCK on with CARSON DALY (I missed her interview the first time around).

Which shows will YOU be checking out tonight? Leave a comment here or send me a message via Twitter.

Samantha Who? | 8pm & 8:30pm on ABC
“The Other Woman”
Sam learns that Winston Funk’s former wife (Angie Harmon) played an important role in her life before the accident; Regina’s fondness for city life may put a crimp in her plans to meet up with Howard on a cross-country road trip.

“With This Ring”
On Andrea’s wedding day, Samantha must decide if she wants to be with Winston Funk or Todd; Howard and Regina’s lives start to take separate paths.

Big Brother 11 | 8pm on CBS
In tonight’s episode, the second houseguest will be voted out of the house in a live eviction ceremony.  Jordan and Laura, both from the “Popular” clique are up on the block. A new Head of Household will be named. But the real fireworks should come when ostracized houseguest Ronnie is forced to cohabitate with his roommates once again.

So You Think You Can Dance | 9pm on Fox
Two of the top eight dancers are eliminated; Katie Holmes performs a tribute to singer-dancer Judy Garland. Encore performances of fan faves including The Bench Dance, Hummingbird and Rama Lama.  [GMMR: I'm not going to be live blogging  every moment but I'm going to open up the post so we can all comment throughout the show.  Can't wait to watch with you!!]

Burn Notice | 9pm on USA
“Shot in the Dark”
Michael, Sam and Fiona help a young boy whose family is being terrorized by his abusive stepfather; Michael’s new contact returns with an interesting proposition to help Michael get back into the intelligence community.

The Listener | 10pm on NBC
“One Way or Another”
Toby uses his gift to help Detective Marks gather intelligence from the traumatized victim of a serial rapist.

Royal Pains | 10pm on USA
“Crazy Love”
Hank and Divya treat a quick-tempered Spanish patient involved in an accident; a job offer brings Jill’s childhood friend back to the Hamptons; Hank learns Boris has been keeping a dark secret; Divya’s fiance arrives.

On the late night couch…

• The Late Show with David Letterman: Diddy, Vera Farmiga, Ginuwine with Missy Elliott
• The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien: Zach Galifianakis, Keke Palmer, Jason Aldean
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Cheryl Hines, Ben Mezrich
• Jimmy Kimmel Live:  Katherine Heigl, David and Shaun Cassidy, La Roux
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Kevin Nealon, Demi Lovato, Twisted Sister
• Chelsea Lately: Kristin Cavallari, Josh Wolf, Jen Kirkman, Ross Matthews
• Last Call with Carson Daly: Dr. Drew Pinsky, Yvonne Strahovski, Nico Stai (R 4/2/09)
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Sally Jenkins
• The Colbert Report: Zev Chafets

Which shows will YOU be checking out tonight? Leave a comment here or send me a message via Twitter.

Free iTunes Downloads of CHUCK, SUPERNATURAL & more for Comic Con Attendees

Fine…rub it in.

If you were at Comic Con last year, you probably noticed that Warner Bros had delightfully branded some of the room keys of area hotels in San Diego. I know I collected a few PUSHING DAISIES keys as a memento. Well this year they’re doing it again, but they’re being just a bit smarter about it. See these special room keys serve a dual purpose – yes, they can successfully get you into your hotel room (provided you slide the key in the right direction which always proves to be a challenge for me) AND you can download free eps from iTunes. Smart!

So if you’re heading to Comic Con make sure to keep an eye out for these special room keys to get free iTunes downloads of CHUCK, FRINGE, SUPERNATURAL, SMALLVILLE and the motion comic SUPERMAN RED SON

Fans can download the designated free episode on iTunes as of July 20 for the television series and July 24 for the “Superman Red Son” motion comic. The free episode offer must be redeemed by August 4, 2009.

Are you going to Comic Con this year?

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