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I think television shows are a lot like books. They usually need to have some cute name that lets us know a little bit about the show…sort of like a book’s title does. Sometimes we’ll see or hear little bits about the show (kind of like a book review or excerpt) that makes us want to check it out. And then, when we do check it out, the writing has to be good or we’ll turn it off (or put the book down).
Like books, television shows depend on positive reviews and word of mouth referrels. How many times have you read a book or checked out a new TV show based on what someone at your office, church or gym recommended?
It always makes me sad when a television show I likes ends. The same thing happens when a book series I’ve enjoyed ends. For example, I really like Suzanne Enoch’s Rick-and-Sam contemporary series. But, after four or five books that came to an end. I loved Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series and hated when she made it through all eight children.
Recently I was thinking of television shows that I currently like (or have liked in the past) and what is it about the character or story lines that keep me coming back for more.
Off the top of my head, older television series that intrigued me: The Big Valley (the illegitimate son returning to be part of the family), Starman (an alien and his son), Scarecrow and Mrs. King (a spy and a housewife teaming up), Remington Steele (a man from out of nowhere taking on an identity that had been made up), Prison Break (a man who isn’t just another convict), Alias (another spy show).
Right now I’m enjoying Castle, Person of Interest and NCIS (both of them). I also still enjoy Bones.
I’d be interested in knowing what television shows are your current favorites and if you see any tie in to the types of books you like….oh, and tell me if there were any book series that you especially liked that you think I should check out.
I’m home all day today taking care of my shih tzu, Ernie, who just had surgery to remove a lump (we’ll find out in a week if it’s malignant or not)…so I’ll be looking forward to reading your responses.
And, say a little prayer for Ernie. He’s a real sweetie and we love him so very much.
Filed in: Jaunty Post
Jul 18th
2012
1:41 am
Katherine Garbera Said:
Hugs for you and Ernie I hope it all goes smoothly.
I love NCIS and Castle. I also really like Once Upon A Time and though its not great I’m really enjoying Sinbad on ITV. Its a fun little adventure story.
Kathy
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Jul 18th
2012
11:59 am
Cindy Kirk Said:
Hi Kathy,
Sinbad sounds like a show I’d like, too…but we only get shows via antenna…
We can’t get cable where we live, we could get DISH, but I don’t seem to have enough time as it is…
Still, I may try to order the first season of Sinbad. Thanks for the heads up!
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Jul 18th
2012
6:26 am
Emily McKay Said:
Yes, hugs to Ernie. We got a sick kitty situation over here, so I totally feel you.
*Love* Castle, btw.
For me, there has to be great writing, interesting characters and at least a hint of a romance. The romance thing is crucial, even in a story that has nothing to do with the main story.
Other shows I love: Awkward on MTV, Modern Family, Big Bang Theory, and, most recently, Leverage. I know we’re late to the party on that one. Tivo taped an episode for us the other day and the Geek watched it. I was surprised that the kids loved it too, so we went and bought the first season.
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Jul 18th
2012
12:00 pm
Cindy Kirk Said:
Hugs on your sick kitty, Emily. Leverage…hmmm, hadn’t heard of that one.
I’ll have to check it out!
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Jul 18th
2012
6:54 am
Shana Said:
Hugs on Ernie, Cindy.
I really don’t watch any TV. Once in a while I get to watch an episode of 60 Minutes. Pretty exciting, right? My DVR is filled with kids’ shows. I often feel really clueless when people are chatting about music, movies, and TV shows, but I know this is just a time in my life. I’ll catch up again in a few years. And then 20 years from now I’ll be playing Trivial Pursuit and I won’t know any answers to questions from the years 2009-2015 or so.
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Jul 18th
2012
12:01 pm
Cindy Kirk Said:
Shana,
Your post made me smile.
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Jul 18th
2012
7:16 am
Laurie Said:
Our TV antenna came down in a storm last year so I do not watch any TV. I get news on the internet. I rarely watch TV so it’s no big loss for me. One show I miss is So You Think You Can Dance.
Books I’m all over the place:
historicals: Medieval , Regency, Victorian, Western, pirates
contemps: athletes, cowboys, cooks, spies ,CEO’s
Cindy,
As I sit outside in the late afternoon, I am currently discovering/reading my category TBR pile. Recently, I enjoyed Seth and Lauren’s story in MERRY CHRISTMAS COWBOY! Yes Christmas in July! I’m glad that Seth realized what a perfect fit/gift Lauren was for Seth
and his daughter.
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Jul 18th
2012
12:02 pm
Cindy Kirk Said:
Laurie,
Thank you so much for the kind words about Merry Christmas, Cowboy! It was just what I needed to raise my spirits.
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Jul 18th
2012
8:09 am
Connie Fischer Said:
Crossing fingers and saying prayers for little Ernie.
I enjoy watching Madmen, Dexter, TheTudors, Downton Abbey and The Borgias. The historical shows coincide with the historical novels that I enjoy reading. Madmen is a chuckle as I lived through the 1960′s – uh in another life *ahem* of course. Dexter is appealing I believe because he takes care of the bad guys without wasting taxpayer money on a trial and prison.
You mentioned the Julia Quinn Bridgerton book series which I have also enjoyed. it’s great to await the next “episode” of a favorite book or show that you enjoy.
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Jul 18th
2012
12:04 pm
Cindy Kirk Said:
Connie,
I don’t think I get Dexter…but the premise has always intrigued me so I’m sure I’d like it.
Thanks for the prayers for Ernie. Much appreciated.
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Jul 18th
2012
8:10 am
Margo Maguire Said:
I don’t watch much TV. What I see is whatever is on when I channel surf in the 10 minutes before I go to bed at night!
As for book series – I’ve enjoyed the Lisa Klepas books and Lorraine Heath’s series… all of them!
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Jul 18th
2012
12:05 pm
Cindy Kirk Said:
Margo,
I have to agree …Lisa Kleypas and Lorraine Heath…I love everything they write!
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Jul 18th
2012
8:34 am
Melody May Said:
Oh your poor pup. Well, I don’t watch a lot of TV, but when I do it’s usually re-runs. I like watching Bones too. I finally saw how Booth & Hannah broke up. Which I have been wondering. Thank TNT. I do watch Game of Thrones. However, my husband watches mainly spots, which means I read more often. Book series I love School for Heiress series by Sabrina Jeffries. I’m sure there is so many more.
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Jul 18th
2012
12:06 pm
Cindy Kirk Said:
Melody,
Game of Thrones is another show that I haven’t seen, but wished I have. Can you believe I don’t even know the premise?
I’m going to have to check out the Heiress series….thanks for the tip!
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Jul 18th
2012
9:43 am
CateS Said:
Good thoughts for Ernie… Lastest show we’re watching is on USA – Political Animals.. We watch a lot of sports and so I read more than watch tv. Between that and how often a new show is switched around…I lose interest in them pretty quickly…
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Jul 18th
2012
12:08 pm
Cindy Kirk Said:
Cate,
You hit on one of my pet peeves…I hate it when I get used to a show being on a certain night (and at a certain time) and then it’s changed!
I never can remember the new time slow and I end up missing it more than I see it.
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Jul 18th
2012
9:44 am
Sandi in OH Said:
I watch NCIS and the Closer. I’m now watch Rissolie and Isles. I use to watch Law and Order and Law and Order CI. I like Catherine Coulter’s FBI series and Karen Roses series. I am currently enjoying Susan Mallery’s Fools Gold series and Jill Shalvis’ Lucky Harbor Series. I have read and enjoyed your doctor series.
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Jul 18th
2012
12:10 pm
Cindy Kirk Said:
Sandi,
I love The Closer, although I’m always a season or two behind because of when it comes on the stations I can get.
Thanks for the nice words about my RX for Love series, much appreciated!
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Jul 18th
2012
9:44 am
Kristin Noel Fischer Said:
Hi Cindy,
I’m so sorry about your dog. I hope Ernie recovers quickly.
I’m looking forward to reading the responses because I’m always searching for a new show. I love all the silly comedies like Modern Family, Big Bang, and The Middle.
I’m embarrassed to say that my daughters and I are addicted to the trashy show Dance Moms. We look forward to it every Tuesday and talk about how horrible it is. But for us, it’s a great mother/daughter bonding experience.
I love your books and am looking forward to your synopsis workshop in Anaheim. I’m hoping it will change my life, but no pressure, okay
Kristin
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Jul 18th
2012
12:11 pm
Cindy Kirk Said:
Sounds like we’re on the same wave length in terms of shows!
I’m sooo excited you’re coming to my workshop. Can’t wait to see you there!
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Jul 18th
2012
9:46 am
ChrisS Said:
Sorry to hear about Ernie. Hope everything turns out ok and you get good news.
It’s not a book series I would have normally picked up to read, but I love Game of Thrones!So much so that I just might go back and read the books.
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Jul 18th
2012
12:12 pm
Cindy Kirk Said:
Chris,
Game of Thrones…I definitely need to check this out.
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Jul 18th
2012
11:22 am
catslady Said:
Hugs for Ernie and Emily’s sick kitty!
Castle is my number one show right now – it has everything I enjoy – suspense, romance, angst, humor and of course Nathan Fillian although it’s a wonderful cast all around. NICS is now second best lol but again it has a bit of everything. I always enjoy a show with a bit of humor (for all humor it’s The Big Bang Theory but there is romance there too). I don’t usually care for shows that take themselves too seriously – I have enjoyed CSI but neither the Miami or NY ones.
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Jul 18th
2012
12:14 pm
Cindy Kirk Said:
catslady,
Yeah Castle and NCIS! I agree, I like a show that has a little bit of everything, including romance and humor!
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Jul 18th
2012
1:08 pm
Kathleen O Said:
One of my fav shows for the summer just came back for it’s 5th season” In Plain Sight”.. It is about two US Marshalls and he female lead, is a not holds barred woman who is tough on the outside, but she has a mushy inside and even though her family driver her crazy she always helps them…And her coworkers too…
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Jul 18th
2012
3:26 pm
Cindy Kirk Said:
Ooh Kathleen, In Plain Sight is another one I’ll have to check out (on DVD)
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Jul 18th
2012
1:14 pm
Hellion Said:
Definitely prayers for Ernie and lots of treats in his future.
My favorite shows are comedies–so I love The Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, Whitney, That 70s Show (reruns), and…speaking of reruns, M*A*S*H. I like it when you can blend poignant with laughs…and a little angst is always good. But never forget the funny bone.
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Jul 18th
2012
3:27 pm
Cindy Kirk Said:
Hellion,
I love it when a show makes me smile…
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Jul 18th
2012
1:16 pm
Hellion Said:
(P.S. and yes I see a connection to my reading–which almost always has humor of some kind and usually something heartbreaking or poignant. I like Julia Quinn’s regency series…)
I do love YA novels that are series, esp the dystopian stuff. While I can’t list any TV shows like that, I do see they’re putting on a series this Fall called REVOLUTION that looks dystopian, so that should be cool.
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Jul 18th
2012
3:28 pm
Cindy Kirk Said:
Hellion,
Do you have any specific dystopian series you’d recommend?
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Jul 18th
2012
1:51 pm
Nancy Robards Thompson Said:
Poor Ernie! Hugs to him and you, Cindy. I’m sort of at the tail end of where Shana is in terms of TV watching and pop culture. My daughter is going off to college in about three weeks. This year, I’ve been spending as much time as possible with her. So, that means, I’ve been watching the shows that she enjoys: Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, etc. What I plan to do when she’s away and my time is my own is start watching Castle. I hear it’s brilliant. Shows I watch just for me are Downton Abbey and the Tudors. But I mostly read contemporary.
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Jul 18th
2012
10:50 pm
Cindy Kirk Said:
Nancy,
You will love Castle. I’d suggest going back to season one and starting there.
Whoever the writers are for that show are brilliant.
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Jul 18th
2012
3:02 pm
Kristan Higgins Said:
Hope the puppy’s okay, Cindy! Poor little thing! As for TV shows, I’m loving Downton Abbey these days…love Breaking Bad, too, though the two shows are about as polar opposite as opposite could be. I like to watch TV shows on DVD…helps me stay focused. : )
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Jul 18th
2012
10:51 pm
Cindy Kirk Said:
Kristan,
I can’t wait for the next season of Downton Abbey!
Breaking Bad is one I’ll have to check out!
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Jul 18th
2012
10:52 pm
Cindy Kirk Said:
Thanks for all your good thoughts and prayers for Ernie.
We’ll find out Friday whether it’s cancer or not.
I’m trying to maintain a positive outlook. Next time I post I’ll let you all know how it turned out.
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