Amazing Race 9 Finale

TV Junkie: A Review of the Television Critics Awards Winners

This past weekend the Television Critics Association, of which I am a member, had it's 27th annual awards ceremony. While I wasn't able to attend the ceremony, I did vote and here's how my vote tallied up with the final list (with some opinionating thrown in, of course):

Individual Achievement in Drama: Jon Hamm ("Mad Men" AMC). My nomination and final vote was for Margo Martindale ("Justified" FX) but I would have also been satisfied with Steve Buscemi ("Boardwalk Empire" HBO) over Hamm as the most recent season of "Mad Men" has been its most weak and most focused on Don Draper when, in fact, it's a better show when spread around the ensemble.

Individual Achievement in Comedy: Ty Burrell ("Modern Family" ABC) and Nick Offerman ("Parks and Recreation" NBC). My nomination and vote was for Louis C.K. because as creator, writer, director, editor, producer, and principal actor of "Louie," the most fearless comedy on television, there was nobody that even came close to him in this category. Bizarrely we have a tie between two members of ensemble-driven shows. Burrell and Offerman are fantastic comedic actors, no doubt, but their precious few moments on screen per episode just don't compare to what C.K. has created.

Outstanding Achievement in News and Information: "Restrepo" (National Geographic Channel). I nominated "Restrepo" and "Gasland" (HBO) which were the most worthy of recognition in this category. Congrats on getting (only) this one right TCA.

Outstanding Achievement in Reality Programming: "Amazing Race" (CBS). Is anyone else sick and tired of contest-oriented series winning this kind of category whether it's the TCAs or the Emmys? I was pleased to see my nominee "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations" (Travel) make it to the final round but very disappointed to see the TCA succumb to hype. I have a lot of admiration for the logistics that go into creating "Amazing Race" and their selection process is also inspired casting, but that doesn't make it "the best" or the "most interesting" unless you have the attention span of a gnat. In contrast, Bourdain brings together culture, literature, history, gastronomy, and a liberal dose of humor to something that is so much more than just a travelogue.

Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming: "Sesame Street" (PBS). It's difficult to fault a show so consistently oriented towards the education and betterment of our children but it would be nice to see other types of programs win this category. I nominated last year's winner, "Yo Gabba Gabba" (Nick Jr.) as well as "Adventure Time" (Cartoon Network) but of the two only "YGG" made the final round. It would be great to see "Adventure Time" win the Outstanding Short-format Animated Program at the Emmys in lieu of it being passed over by the TCA.

Season Premieres Fall 2011 | LocateTV Blog

Can't wait for the network season premieres this fall? Here's what series and season premieres are airing and when on ABC, CBS, CW, FOX, HBO and NBC. If you can't wait until 'fall' we also have listed the August season premieres below too, under their respective network.

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