With the exception of the excellent 'Cougar Town', I've finished what I will of the 2011-12 network TV season. Some great shows stayed great, and some didn't. All shows I watch must be great, or good, else I will drop them. I can't go about watching 22 hours a year on something that used to be good. So each show will be followed by a mention of whether I will keep watching or drop it next season.
'How I Met Your Mother' Season 7 (CBS)
If there's one show I'm holding onto for sentimental reasons, it'd be this one. While the overall quality of 'Mother''s latest season didn't come close to matching the classic era of seasons 3-5, there were a number of fantastic episodes here. 'How I Met Your Mother' is far from the shell of its former self I've heard it referred to this year.
Rating: 7.5/10
Does it stay?: Yes. Obviously. I'm in for the long haul for what has been one of my absolute favorite shows. Though that is likely only for one more season.
'Parks and Recreation' Season 4 (NBC)
And we just keep on trucking over in Pawnee, Indiana. Leslie Knope and Ben Wyatt's relationship was a highlight, as was there campaign to get Leslie on to city counsel. Tom and Ann's relationship was the low-point for the series since the whole first season. Thankfully, it took up very little screen-time. 'Parks' remains in contention for the title of greatest comedy on network TV.
Rating: 8.5/10
Does it stay?: Yep. No discussion here.
'Once Upon a Time' Season 1 (ABC)
Disney fairytale characters are trapped in modern-day Maine because of a curse. Only Jennifer Morrison can save them. The pilot showed promise, but the next 21 episodes included maybe 4 or 5 hours worth watching. The show got lost spinning its wheels until the final 2 episodes. In the season's finale (SPOILERS) magic was let loose into the modern world. If the previous episodes involving magic are any indication, next season might not get any better. (END SPOILERS)
Rating: 5.0/10
Does it stay? No. I only finished the season because my girlfriend really enjoys it. I'll likely not continue it with her next season.
'Grimm' Season 1 (NBC)
While the debut season of this fantasy/crime procedural had many flaws, including a bummer of a partner and an inability for the love interest to figure anything out, 'Grimm' was a very entertaining show. David Giuntoli grew slowly but surely grew into his role of a normal man capable of seeing supernatural beings living amongst humans. Though the season finale didn't live up the string of strong episodes that preceded it, it left the characters and show with a number of interesting paths to take next season.
Rating: 7.0/10
Does it stay?: Yes. A show with so many problems is always in danger of droppage mid-season, but for now it's secure.
'Community' Season 3 (NBC)
Even with a less-than-perfect-but-still-stellar season, I'll still give 'Community' the slight edge over 'Parks and Rec' for greatest comedy on network TV. There were a couple of bum episodes (the video game episode immediately springs to mind), and the Chang sub-plot to a good while to really click; but everything came together wonderfully in the end.
Rating: 8.5/10
Does it stay?: Yes. We move to Friday nights for a power hour-and-a-half with 'Grimm'. We'll continue to ignore 'Whitney'
'Saturday Night Live' Season 37 (NBC)
Kristen Wiig and Andy Samberg are leaving. The show will definitely miss them. As in any season of SNL, there were a few good episodes, a few bad and many mediocre.
Rating: 6.0/10
Does it stay?: Every year I think it goes, but I always come back. Will it still hold its appeal without the SNL Digital Shorts?
'Modern Family' Season 3 (ABC)
Remember when this show felt fresh in 2009. It was wonderful. I can think of no other show that's worn out its welcome quite like 'Modern Family' has. Its broad characters and comedy were fun in the beginning, but the show's refusal to grow or develop at all has really become old.
Rating: 5.5/10. I'm feeling generous today. I did laugh some this season.
Does it stay?: No. I'm ready to let go.
'30 Rock' Season 6 (NBC)
Another show that has lost its luster. It's still usually funny. Jack's almost hook-up with his wife's mother was weird. Liz's relationship with James Marsden was generally boring. Tracy Jordan stayed the same.
Rating: 6.0/10
Does it stay?: Yes, for now. The next 13 episode season is confirmed as its last. Might as well just finish it out at this point.
I should also mention 'Revenge'. I watched the first half of the season, and plan on finishing it over the summer. What a crazy show.
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