With an abundant amountof shows on television, some of which run at the same times, it is often hard to choose which program to watch and which ones to switch off. For instance, in its second year, “The O.C.” has moved to Thursday nights at 8 p.m. against “Joey” on NBC. Itʼs highly recommended to forget the “Adam Brody wannabe” Paul Costanzo and opt for the real thing over on Fox. “The O.C.,” still fresh in its writing and mix of drama with comedy, is still going strong. “Joey” has lost its edge; it can never live up to what “Friends” once was. However, viewers should switch back to NBC at 9 p.m. for the third season of Donald Trumpʼs hit reality series, “The Apprentice.” The competitors are feisty and with the heat of the competition on, itʼs fun to watch what will happen.
ABC has been rolling in luck this season with breakout hits such as “Desperate Housewives” (Sundays at 9 p.m.), which has been on a constant ratings win since its debut, “Alias” (Wednesdays at 9 p.m.) and “Lost” (Wednesdays at 8 p.m.). Audiences are tuning in each week for the revelations of deep secrets, slick dialogue, and shocking plot twists. However, ABC seems to have lost some of its “oomph” in the comedy categories. “8 Simple Rules,” which is completely lost without John Ritter, and “Hope & Faith” donʼt seem to carry audiences very far, often having fallen short of being funny. However, “According to Jim” is still enjoyable. The reality series “The Bachelorette” (Monday at 9 p.m.), which had high hopes for this season by bringing back “Bachelor” contestant Jen Schefft, has fallen flat with boredom. CBS has scored high with the “CSI” franchise (Thursdays, 9 p.m.), although the original is still best with its cast having extraordinary chemistry with one another and constantly staying on top of its game. The two spin-offs are “CSI: Miami” (Mondays at 10 p.m.) and “CSI: NY” (Wednesdays at 10pm.) It also does well with comedy.
Now in its last season, “Everybody Loves Raymond” (Mondays at 9 p.m.) is still rolling with fresh laughs. Likewise, “Two and a Half Men” (Mondays at 9:30 p.m.) and the constantly hysterical Kevin James comedy “The King of Queens” (Wednesdays at 9 p.m.) are an audience favorite and definitely should be tuned into for laughs. The NBC quirky comedy “Scrubs” (Tuesdays at 9 p.m.), although never truly rewarded for the distinct creativity it brings to TV, is a must watch. Zach Braff is hilarious and the rest of the cast follows suit. It is constantly reinventing itself and with as much heart as it has laughs, more people should be tuning in. NBC also has the fast-paced, heart-stopper drama “Las Vegas” (Mondays at 9 p.m.) that leaves the audience breathless with the passionate take on a casino run by James Caan and Josh Duhamel. Its plot twists and heart racing rhythm keep this show moving.
The WB, concentrating on family shows, has an abundance of must-sees, such as “Everwood” (Mondays at 9 p.m.) which always has smart dialogue, acting that will leave the audience breathless, and tons of interesting plot. Other dramas that should catch attention are “Jack and Bobby” (Wednesdays at 9 p.m.), about two brothers, one of who becomes president later in life, “Smallville” (Wednesdays at 8 p.m.), “Gilmore Girls” (Tuesdays at 8 p.m.) “One Tree Hill” (Tuesdays at 9 p.m.) and “7th Heaven” (Mondays at 8 p.m.). “7th Heaven,” now one of the longest running dramas on television, has its moments of fresh storylines, but at times it feels tired, especially with the perfect, happy episode endings that perhaps should have ended when “Full House” did years ago. Likewise, with the exception of “Reba” (Fridays at 8:30 p.m.), the WB has yet to produce a comedy that works. Jennie Garthʼs comedy “What I Like About You” (Fridays at 8 p.m.) has yet to generate any real creativity and the jokes often fail.
On Fox, there are two shows that definitely need more tuning into besides “The O.C.” Sunday nightʼs hit comedy “Arrested Development” is a dynamic look into the life of a difficult family (Sundays at 9 p.m.). “24,” the Kiefer Sutherland drama, are still keeping the audience on the edge of their seat with high paced drama. Stay away, however, from Paris Hiltonʼs “Simple Life: Interns” and “Johnny Zero,” which is as its title relays: a zero.
With all these television shows, itʼs hard to pick just a few to watch, but definitely tune into those that are worth the attention, you wonʼt regret it.