Book Geeks and Bookniks discussion

You may have read my comments about not watching television (except for Glee), but Santa brought Kevin a playstation3 and now we can stream Netflix and hulu through the TV. Watching on demand is excellent! So far we have watched the first 4 episodes of Breaking Bad (hilarious and emotional) and the first 2 of the miniseries The Kennedys (I love anything historical). Does anyone have any favorite shows we should check out?

I streamed all of the available "Breaking Bad" episodes on Netflix and have just loved the series.

I also really liked the British series "Luther," "Wish Me Luck," (about WWII) and "A Taste for Death." Liked "The Tudors," too, and "Hot in Cleveland" made me laugh.

I have to restrain myself from watching too many episodes of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," which I relegate to the summer.

Right now I am almost obsessed with "Rescue Me."

I LOVE American Horror Story! So scary and creepy. It's got a great cast and I can't wait for next season!:)

Theresa wrote: "I streamed all of the available "Breaking Bad" episodes on Netflix and have just loved the series.

I also really liked the British series "Luther," "Wish Me Luck," (about WWII) and "A Taste for De..."

Thank you, all have been added to my queue. I think I'll be watching "Wish Me Luck" this evening.

Annika wrote: "I LOVE American Horror Story! So scary and creepy. It's got a great cast and I can't wait for next season!:)"

I have heard really good things about this show (created by my man Ryan Murphy), but it is not available on DVD or stream yet. Rats!

I really enjoy "The Good Wife," and "Mad Men."

My husband likes "Breaking Bad," but it is too gritty for me.

I don't watch much TV hate just about anything with commercials, thank goodness I can watch Ellen and So You Think You Can Dance on DVR.

However, not sure what all you can get, but I like Shameless and The Big C.

We've been watching "Cheers" on Netflix streaming. The kids have never seen it, and they love it. I'm amazed by how well that show holds up.

Other shows I discovered only through streaming are Raising Hope, Parenthood, and Dexter. I'm watching "The United States of Tara" right now. "Breaking Bad" is next. Also check out "Mad Men" and "Arrested Development" - I believe both are free right now.

Then head over to the British sitcoms and check out:
Mr. Bean, The IT Crowd, Black Adder, That Mitchell and Webb Look... I could go on forever.

Just don't forget to keep reading when you're not watching TV!

Oh I loved "The United States of Tara" and was so mad when they decided to cancel it :(

My personal go-to's right now are "American Horror Story" - we're behind the States so haven't finished the season yet.

"Dexter" - I've seen them all and will ride out the last two seasons and then be sad that it is over and done with.

"Spartacus" - Not suggested for the easily offended/queasy as there is a /lot/ of blood, gore and sexuality. Can't wait for the new season to air on the 29th, though I'm worried the new fellow won't live up to Andy's (RIP) portrayal of Spartacus.

"True Blood" - Always my summertime favorite!

I've been told "Shameless", "Breaking Bad" and "The Booth in the Back" are all shows I should check out at some point.

What they cancelled US of Tara??

Carol wrote: "I really enjoy "The Good Wife," and "Mad Men."

My husband likes "Breaking Bad," but it is too gritty for me."

I can't believe I left out "Mad Men"! That's a must!

I just put "Shameless" and "The United States of Tara" in my Instant Queue.

Heather, another miniseries that is available on streaming is "Lost in Austen." If you haven't seen this yet, RUN to your streaming list! It's a very smart and funny show about books and people who love them.

Gretchen: Yep, cancelled. They always cancel the good ones :p

Shelly wrote: "Gretchen: Yep, cancelled. They always cancel the good ones :p"

*Gasp* I wasn't even nearly done with these people yet!!! Wanna know what was gonna happen next. Gaaah! Drives me crazy. I liked Weeds and will still watch and I like Dexter and will catch up on that eventually. However, they have been on long enough that "I get it" not chomping at the bit for more of any of these characters. However, very curious about Colin Hanks in Dexter... Weeds still on?? I'm behind a few seasons on that as well.

But... US of Tara I wasn't even close to being done. *sigh*

I watch Survivor, Project Runway, The Amazing Race (could take it or leave it), True Blood, Modern Family, and Falling Skies. I enjoy these shows, but if I had to give up t.v. for life I think I'd find it to be a relief! :O I just don't feel there are enough hours in the day without also having to find time to watch a show. I'd rather use the time saved to read and get to bed earlier each night. My husband likes us to watch, though, so that's why I continue (and I like the shows too, just not as much as he does).

Went through serious Mad Men addiction, watched entire 4 seasons, thank you Netflix, in about a week.
I noticed that Carol recommended so I checked it out. Stunning.

Two English series are worth checking out if it's "your cup of tea".
Absolutely beautiful- Downton Abbey. Season two starts this Sunday on PBS. I watched Season one on Netflix, oh how I love Netflix, let me count the ways.

And, if you are a "House" fan, the popular English version is Doc Martin- definitely quirky, but worth it for stunning scenery.

PS- Morning Joe panelists raved about Breaking Bad as best TV series period. Seems to have quite a base, might check it out, but first episode was too violent.

Just watched the first season of Shameless (Showtime), was great. Looked to see if it was on Netflix, and there was a British version (original). Exact same script, but found the Showtime version much better.

I have to agree, Breaking Bad is fantastic.

Shelly wrote: "Oh I loved "The United States of Tara" and was so mad when they decided to cancel it :(

My personal go-to's right now are "American Horror Story" - we're behind the States so haven't finished the ..."

I've heard good things about True Blood and I'm curious. It is not available for streaming but I added the 1st season DVDs to my queue.

Theresa wrote: "I just put "Shameless" and "The United States of Tara" in my Instant Queue.

Heather, another miniseries that is available on streaming is "Lost in Austen." If you haven't seen this yet, RUN to yo..."

Added! I also added United States of Tara.

JZ wrote: "Went through serious Mad Men addiction, watched entire 4 seasons, thank you Netflix, in about a week.
I noticed that Carol recommended so I checked it out. Stunning.

Two English series are worth..."

NPR's movie critic said the same thing about Breaking Bad which is why I was so interested. I agree that it was violent but I'm okay with that as long as it is essential to the plot and character development. I have to admit I have a weakness for really dark and violent humor. Fargo and Pulp Fiction are 2 of my all-time favorite movies.

I've just started watching Breaking Bad from season one and am loving it! I am also eagerly awaiting Spartacus, True Blood, and Game of Thrones to start back up. Non HBO? I adore Doctor Who, Greys Anatomy and Modern Family!

My current favorites are The Good Wife, Blue Bloods, Grey's Anatomy, Survivor when there's a season ... and sports in general!

Mary wrote: "My current favorites are The Good Wife, Blue Bloods, Grey's Anatomy, Survivor when there's a season ... and sports in general!"

I really don't read too many articles about upcoming episodes or recaps, but I always read about The Good Wife.

I'm waiting for Spartacus to start up again as well. Jan. 29th! The Walking Dead - Feb. 2nd I think... and The Game of Thrones which is in April I believe. Gah, spring will be an evil time of the year to juggle my tv watching, especially if they all air on Sunday nights! *faints*

"Doctor Who" is always fun, although I hadn't watched it since the Tom Baker days. Then a friend told me that the new DR. payed by David Tennant that was starting looked really good so that was when I started watching. Matt Smith is pretty good too.

"Being Human" - both the American version which is starting its 2nd season this month I think & the British version on BBC America are really good. A Vampire, a Werewolf & a Ghost as roommates.

"The Walking Dead" is good if you like Zombies.

The new "Sherlock Holmes" which is set in modern day England is excellent! BUT they are only doing 3 episodes a year. The 2nd batch is coming this spring I believe. I believe these were on PBS.

I also like "The Good Wife", "Grey's Anatomy" "Blue Bloods" & "Grimm".

I know I'm behind on this. Most of what I say has been said too. I watch too many shows but for Dramas I LOVE Breaking Bad and Mad Men. Anything on AMC really. I also got into Homeland this year too. And Dexter! For starters. Downton Abbey tugs at my heart and for comedy some ones I enjoy are Parks n Rec, Modern Family, 30 Rock and Big Bang Theory. Guilty pleasures are Gossip Girl and True Blood. Sadly this is just a sample. But I do balance w reading!

Mary wrote: "My current favorites are The Good Wife, Blue Bloods, Grey's Anatomy, Survivor when there's a season ... and sports in general!"

I really like "Boardwalk Empire", "Modern Family", NCAA Basketball, especially Villanova Wildcats and "Criminal Minds".

Kate wrote: "Mary wrote: "My current favorites are The Good Wife, Blue Bloods, Grey's Anatomy, Survivor when there's a season ... and sports in general!"

I really like "Boardwalk Empire", "Modern Family", NCAA..."
Oh, and the current PBS Series "Downton Abbey".

All of a sudden all I'm hearing about is "Downton Abbey"!! I just now read an article in TV Guide about it, and I'm psyched to give it a try this coming Sunday. It looks like last week's premiere episide for this season will be repeated, in addition to a new one, so I'll be watching. Will have to tape "The Good Wife." And, Kate, we've been watching a fair amount of college basketball lately, and I think of you all the time! (Your Villanova and Q's Syracuse fought it out last night.)

Mary, if you can watch Season 1 of Downton Abbey, on Netflix, or on PBS website, it will be worth the effort.
I know some people who watched the premier episode, without having seen Season 1 and it's like coming into to a complicated, nuanced novel mid way.
It's worth it to watch the character development, plot twists and turns, not to mention the beautiful costumes, set design.

I just added the first season of Downton Abbey to my instant queue. I think I'm gonna like it!

JZ, I've been a little worried about not having that first season background, but there's no way I can watch all of it before this Sunday. I'll give Season Two a chance as long as I'm not totally lost. I AM curious about it after hearing so many people rave about it!

Mary, I think you can read Season 1 summaries an their website. Trust me, you'll enjoy Season 2 so much more!

OK, JZ, I'll see what I can do.

For you Downton Abbey fans, NY Times
about Books If You’re Mad for ‘Downton,’ Publishers Have Reading List


The British melodrama “Downton Abbey” is already the darling of American public television. Now it has become a marketing tool for booksellers and publishers hoping to tap into the passion of the show’s audience.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/12/bus...

Interesting!
I'm happy when booksellers can cash in on any trend.
Can't see myself in any of those sheath dresses, but I
gotta admit - I like some of the hats they wear!

Anything that gets Americans reading more is a good thing.

Vicky wrote: "Guess what I did? I bought Season 1 of Downton Abbey and have been watching it. I am really enjoying it. I use to watch PBS however lately I just haven't been watching it. Now I am hooked on th..."

At first, I didn't know if I wanted to watch Season 2 because the first episode was 2 hours in length. However, I am caught up on the program. I enjoyed Season One. If you can't watch the program in real time, it is available on the PBS website and On Demand on cable.

This weekend I watched the BBC TV show called North and South - it's written by Elizabeth Gaskill-(29 September 1810 – 12 November 1865), often referred to simply as Mrs Gaskell, was a British novelist and short story writer during the Victorian era. Her novels offer a detailed portrait of the lives of many strata of society, including the very poor, and as such are of interest to social historians as well as lovers of literature

It's only FOUR shows and available through Netflix. While set in mid 1800's England, it showed another view of class system, worker rights in England, with a very STRONG female protaganist.

For those of you who need another Downton fix, in between PBS shows.

JZ wrote: "This weekend I watched the BBC TV show called North and South - it's written by Elizabeth Gaskill-(29 September 1810 – 12 November 1865), often referred to simply as Mrs Gaskell, was a British nove..."

I will have to check out On Demand or Netflix. The coin toss last night went to the Good Wife. I will have to watch Downton Abbey on demand or online.

Hey Carol,
Watched North and South on Netflix,, be certain it's the BBC production not a US Civil war series.
And, you will see that Mr Bates from Downton Abbey has another large role in that series.
Good historical drama. Came highly recommended from collegeconfidential parent cafe site.

I thought some of you might enjoy this little comment I saw in Entertainment Weekly -

"Dear Downton Abbey: Less Man Without a Face, More Dowager Countess, please."

Vicky wrote: "Guess what I did? I bought Season 1 of Downton Abbey and have been watching it. I am really enjoying it. I use to watch PBS however lately I just haven't been watching it. Now I am hooked on th..."

no kidding, can we see an original idea please?

Heather,
You might check out Mad Men, too. The fifth season begins shortly, but the first four seasons are available on NetFlix,

Any thoughts on Downton Abbey ending last night ? Can you imagine Shirley Maclaine as Lady Grantham's mother, apparently owner of homes in Newport and NYC, mentioned in last night's episode.
Oh, the fireworks when Shirley Maclaine meets Maggie Smith ! Perhaps, two peas in a pod!

I missed that part! Was that in the previews for the next season?

I didn't see this whole episode, and probably because of that I was a little disappointed.

Theresa (my mother's name)
They didn't mention anything about Shirley Maclaine's role as Cora's mother in the last episode. You didn't miss anything.
They spoke about sending Mary to the rich American Grandmama- in US, but that won't happen with Matthew's proposal.
Shirley Maclaine is in England now filming the next season.

I share your disappointment in the last episode. They rushed through so many sub plots and characters, but it's such an 'addicting" soap opera show.

I thought some of you might like this cartoon:

http://www.gocomics.com/theknightlife...