Sometimes it's not just about the ratings. And sometimes it is. That's the takeaway from an eventful week in the win-some/lose-some sweepstakes we call TV programming.
On the plus side: TNT's renewal of Southland, the latest lifeline for the gritty police drama that NBC ditched during that misbegotten period when Jay Leno put the 10 pm drama on the endangered species list. It will never be as popular as the network's signature shows like The Closer and Rizzoli & Isles (which got a funny shout out from 30 Rock's Liz Lemon this week), but Southland's uncompromising integrity helps give credence to TNT's "We Know Drama" credo.
read moreGive It Up For Greg Giraldo (Friday, 11:30/10:30c, Comedy Central)
Celebrity roasts just won't be same without him. In this affectionate tribute special profiling Greg Giraldo, the comedian who died last September at 44, Comedy Central celebrates one of its most familiar faces and voices, as comedy contemporaries including Conan O'Brien, Jon Stewart, Sarah Silverman and Colin Quinn remember a good friend and colleagues. Lots of clips from career highs — and a few lows (including the short-lived sitcom Common Law).
The Pee-Wee Herman Show on Broadway (Saturday, 10/9c, HBO)
The magic word is "FUN!" Feel free to scream along with the Broadway audience as...read more
Cheers to Detroit 1-8-7 for keeping it in the family.
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SPOILER ALERT: DO NOT KEEP READING IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN LAST NIGHT'S EPISODE!
ABC's rookie cop drama engaged in the best kind of nepotism by casting...read more