As I mentioned in my first post, I am addicted to television. So much so, I had to break down my first edition of Tele-Tuesday into two parts. Last week, I covered the basic cable networks – ABC, CBS, the CW, FOX, and NBC. Today, I’m going to discuss my favorite shows on cable. Remember, these are just my favorites. I watch far more than these shows as my DVR knows too well (I did get my recordings down to 95 this weekend – celebrate!).
And now, for the continuation of Tiffany’s Tele-Tuesday #1:
Part 2
TNT – The Closer. TNT mostly runs their programming in the summer months starting in June. I like this schedule because I don’t have nearly as many broadcasting conflicts. The show focuses on Brenda Lee Johnson and the Major Case Squad as they solve L.A.’s worst crimes while her FBI-agent/husband often times provides his and the Bureau’s expertise. In addition to the drama, each episode promises humor, and I find myself smiling at each episode’s end regardless of how gruesome their case. You can always tell when Brenda Lee is having a bad day – she opens her desk drawer full of chocolate, now that’s relatable! TNT always airs re-runs, if you’d like to stick your toes in.
USA – The USA Network is a lot like CBS to me –USA has some of the best programming on television. USA splits their seasons between summer and winter when most other basic cable channels air re-runs. I don’t miss an episode of Psych, White Collar, or Covert Affairs; and, I miss Monk desperately. I also enjoy Fairly Legal and In Plain Sight but don’t watch as religiously and catch them when I can. But to choose just one, I have to recommend:
Burn Notice. Michael Westen, aka Jeffrey Donovan, is the sexiest man on TV and his ex-girlfriend/partner might just be the sexiest woman (Gabrielle Anwar). Throw in the fabulous Sharon Gless and the scene-stealing Bruce Campbell, and you have some of the most fun TV can offer. Burn Notice is based in Miami and is hot, hot, hot. If you like explosions, look no further. The show has been such a success that USA will air a prequel-movie featuring Sam Axe, Bruce Campbell’s character, April 17th.
One last note about USA – have you been wondering what happened to Law & Order: Criminal Intent? USA will begin airing the final episodes starring the original Goren & Eames this May. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate USA’s effort to not just let the show dissipate into thin air like most others when given the axe. Thank you for letting the audience members know in advance that the show is wrapping up for good.
FX – Justified. You’ve heard of a justified shooting, right? Well, justified shootings are Deputy U.S. Marshall Raylan Givens’ forte. Despite being a loose cannon himself, Raylan appears quite normal when compared to his Kentucky kin. Entangled with really BAD criminals, Harlan County relies on Raylan as does the Marshall Service, his ex-wife, his ex-girlfriend, and his con-ex-best friend, Boyd Crowder. Need a reason to tune in? Boyd Crowder is definitely one of the best antagonist’s on television. Need another reason to watch? Timothy Olyphant. Enough said.
A&E – The Glades. Excommunicated from Chicago after allegedly sleeping with his boss’s wife, Jim Longworth takes his settlement money and moves to Florida to play golf. He takes a job with the small town law enforcement, and ruffles many feathers along the way as he solves homicide cases using his unique approach and disregard for the rules. The show ended season one with a love triangle between Jim, nurse-Callie, and her jailed husband promising sparks for Season 2.
Now look at that – I ran out of time again! I didn’t even have a chance to discuss Showtime or HBO! I’ll have to save those for another time…..
Before I go, remember my favorite CW show, Supernatural? Warner Bros. is releasing a 22 episode animated series available on DVD and Blu-Ray this summer in the U.S. I told you it was good!
What’s your favorite cable tv show? Or your favorite network? I’d love to hear from you!
Tiffany A White's Ooo Factor 
I love White Collar and Burn Notice. I’m especially looking forward to the Burn Notice prequel that you mentioned. Did you know that Jeffrey Donovan directed it? I bet it’s going to be very good.
I didn’t know that Jeffrey Donovan directed the movie! Thanks for the tip. I know he’s directed a few episodes like the leading stars do now adays. I think it’s great they made a prequel for Sam Axe. I love his character! Thank you for stopping by!
What similar tastes we have! I watch almost everything on FX and USA. I think Sons of Anarchy gets better every season and The Walking Dead is my favorite new show. I could go on and on, so I’ll shut up before this becomes a post within a post.
Andrew, I knew I liked you! I saw The Walking Dead came on on discs. I need to watch that one. I have really grown to like zombies. FX rocks – Do you watch Damages? Did you watch Nip/Tuck? You and I could visit forever…thanks so much for stopping by!
I read a lot of comics too, Walking Dead among them, so I knew the potential and it exceeded all my expectations.
Yes on Damages and Nip/Tuck! Awesome shows. Too bad I’ll have to wait a while to see season 4 of Damages, but at least I get one.
John Goodman is one of the guest stars this season on Damages…they really knock it out of the ballpark with their season-guests!
Tiffany, in case you’re interested, Jeffrey is on Twitter. He was posting about the movie while they were making it and he frequently posts about his show and other cool things.
I can’t wait for summer and my shows on USA. Thanks for these posts and making me aware of what else is out there. My DVR is full and has started self deleting older shows I haven’t watched, yet. Sigh.
Thanks for stopping by! I totally understand reaching capacity on a DVR. I actually erased two shows this weekend that have already been cancelled – The Cape and The Good Guys.
I love, love, love the sexy Gabrielle Anwar ever since I first saw her in “Scent of a Woman” (yep, I’m dating myself!)… I try to catch Burn Notice when I can to get my fix.
Great picks! You have very good taste… Cheers!
Thank you for stopping by!
Hey Tiff how come our tastes are the same–All the TV shows you like we like also–However you need to add CASTLE to your list its probably the BEST show on TV !!!!!
I have to agree with you about most of them. I will say that Burn Notice is not one of my favs. Justified I forget that it is on. I love Royal Pains, like the Marshal, and Love, Love , Love your blog!!!
Pooh
Goodness! So much tv. I only have a few favs. Right now it’s The Vampire Diaries on CW and Being Human on SyFy. When they’re making new shows I also watch Sci-Trek with Michio Kaku and Into the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman on the Science channel. The rest of what I watch is either movies or the news. Boring, I know.
If I am forced to pick its Bones and re-runs of Murder, She wrote. I guess its all about death for me! LOL! Love the blog Tiffany, keep it up.
Hi!! Just stopping by to thank you for joining the Tuesday Train!!! I love The Closer – you’re right – even with gruesome – it’s totally relatable. I haven’t seen The Glades and was really wondering about Justified.
Thanks again for joining the hop – hope to see you back soon!!!
I am enjoying the hop & thank you so very much for stopping by! Justified is on tonight if you want to check it out….see you next week on the Tuesday Train!
Good picks! I love Psych & Burn Notice and also really miss Monk! Tony Shaloub was always so funny.
Suzan’s “Life is Better in a Tiara”
I love your moto! I had to send your website link to my best friend, I immediately thought of her! Thanks for sharing and for stopping by!