Ryan ChartrandIt’s a normal Wednesday night and you’re sitting and watching Sanjaya get kicked off of “American Idol.” But somehow, the thrill has gone, no matter how upset you are about the fate of Sanjaya. You want something new to watch.
“Shear Genius,” like the Bravo series “Project Runway” and “Top Chef” before it, is a reality show that chooses the best hair stylist out of the 12 original contestants. And nothing is more compelling than watching some poor hairdresser cry because she doesn’t have the time to bleach her client’s hair to a level 17 (think Gwen Stefani and Christina Aguilera) blonde.
“Workout,” however, is completely different. There is no competition, only a lesbian trying her best to make her ultra-chic Beverly Hills gym, Sky Sports and Spa, and her love life successful. Jackie, the gym owner and main character, isn’t your typical reality star. She’s focused, straight-forward and committed to becoming the best out there.
For the more kitchen-inclined, “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” is one of many Food Network shows that can captivate viewers. Flay goes out and challenges home-spun chefs, such as the world’s best chili cook, to a cook-off. During the process, Flay tries to learn what techniques are used and how to better them in order to beat the reigning champions, all while strutting around with a cockish I-will-beat-you-because-I’m-Bobby-Flay attitude.
The new FX series “The Riches” provides the same kind of intrigue as “The Sopranos” and “Heroes.”
It is about a family of American gypsies who suddenly find themselves living a life of affluence in Florida after stealing a dead man’s identity. Minnie Driver and comedian Eddie Izzard play the mother and father of this ragtag family struggling to keep their identities and fit into their new lifestyle. Of course, passing off as someone you’re not isn’t so easy, as the Riches constantly have to keep both of their worlds from colliding and shattering, something which would throw Driver and Izzard’s characters into jail and their three children into the foster care system.
NBC sitcom “Scrubs” is more comedic than dramatic. While it is a popular series, it is often overlooked by would-be fans for other hospital-based shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy.” “Scrubs,” however, isn’t about how sex creates drama as much as what is inside the minds of the cast and how it affects their relationships with each other. “Scrubs” keeps things simple and even though most of the show’s jokes are long-standing ones, it doesn’t shut out new fans who get into the series mid-story arch. The best part: Comedy Central shows “Scrubs” reruns almost every day.
If you want to actually learn something, “Planet Earth” and “Myth- busters” are two educational shows on the Discovery Channel that stand out above the rest.
“Planet Earth” is a documentary series on various ecosystems around the world. It creates the whole picture, not just one or two parts of it, by covering every kind of environment that covers the planet. The series brings light and perspective to an issue people know very little about – the environment.
“Mythbusters,” while just as insightful, is more comedic. The show chronicles various experiments that all-around experts Jamie and Adam do to “bust” myths, such as how to get out of a car that is sinking in water.
The experiments are usually highly complex and scientific, requiring the Mythbusters team to build their own machines and crash test dummies. But the show remains light-hearted, especially when something is blown up.
Another Discovery Channel show that stands out is “Dirty Jobs.” Hosted by the network’s resident narrator Mike Rowe, “Dirty Jobs” is about just that: the dirtiest jobs around. Rowe himself carries out the tasks, narrating what he is doing and commenting on how miserable the conditions are. The jobs involve everything from animals to organ pipes. Many are surprisingly messy and difficult, such as a business that converts bovine fecal matter into biodegradable planting pots. Others are just creepy, such as working in the Audubon Society’s insect farm.
When it comes to cartoons, most people think they’re for kids. While many college students watch cartoons such as “Family Guy” or “Spongebob Squarepants,” few go beyond it these. Cartoon Network, while known for showing more family-friendly series during the day, has a darker side at night known as Adult Swim.
“Moral Orel” consists of short 15-minute vignettes about a devout Christian boy named Orel trying to learn all he can about being faithful. And that’s when the hypocrisy of the world hits him (although he doesn’t realize it.) The people he looks up to as teachers taint their lessons with just the kind of things that would make Jesus roll over in his grave. The dark humor in “Moral Orel,” while a popular trend in adult animation, is put into a kid’s perspective, giving it the extra twist needed to make it different from any other show of its kind.
Those wanting to keep up with the world can always look to CNN or whatever news channel that rocks their boat. However, long-running news feature program “60 Minutes” gives depth to issues that affect the nation and the world while keeping the stories human. Interviews with guests are poignant and hard-hitting.
Oftentimes, those being interviewed can’t help but show their emotions, no matter what they are trying to portray.
But no matter what you watch, the truth is, there are quite a few smart, savvy and unusual shows out there to appeal to anyone’s interests. Check your local listings for air dates and times, and above all, don’t be afraid to explore.