Accent » Spotlight
Fall line-ups show faith in the supernatural
Accent Editor |
October 4th, 2007
Popular TV genres come in waves. Viewers have lived through the crime shows like “CSI” and “The Closer,” the lawyer shows like “The Practice” and “Boston Legal,” and now there are the sexy nursing shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “House.” This week, Accent Editor Andy Swift takes a look at the resurgence of another genre.
The success of last season’s smash hit “Heroes” gives hope to the supernatural genre, which was thought to be dying after hits like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” went off the air. Supernatural shows are attracting viewers, and all the major networks are cashing in.
CBS is attempting to rekindle some “Buffy” magic with its new drama “Moonlight.” On the show, which airs at 9 p.m. Fridays, private investigator Mick St. John ( Alex O’Loughlin) uses his keen senses to help people. But there’s a twist — Mick is a vampire! Someone should tell CBS that these ridiculous concepts are better suited for comedies.
The new CW dramedy “Reaper” is also doing its fair share of envelope pushing. Artfully combining action and humor ( Kevin Smith directed the pilot episode), the show follows Sam ( Bret Harrison), a 21-year-old who works for the devil, rounding up escaped souls and returning them to hell. Complete with jumpsuits and gadgets of all sorts, the show is shaping up to be this generation’s “Ghostbusters.” “Reaper” airs at 9 p.m. Tuesdays.
And let’s not forget ABC’s highly publicized new drama “Pushing Daisies.” The show tells the story of Ned ( Lee Pace), a man with the power to bring the dead back to life just by touching them. A second touch, however, and the person turns back into a corpse. “Pushing Daisies” airs at 8 p.m. Wednesdays.
Amid these newcomers, there are a few seasoned supernatural shows that have been flying below most viewers’ radars. The CW’s “Supernatural” and CBS’ “Ghost Whisperer” (starring Jennifer Love Hewitt) are both entering their third seasons. Neither has managed to dominate the popular mainstream, but they both have the two things all shows need to survive: a loyal fanbase and so much eye candy that many viewers watch on mute.
The success of last season’s smash hit “Heroes” gives hope to the supernatural genre, which was thought to be dying after hits like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” went off the air. Supernatural shows are attracting viewers, and all the major networks are cashing in.
CBS is attempting to rekindle some “Buffy” magic with its new drama “Moonlight.” On the show, which airs at 9 p.m. Fridays, private investigator Mick St. John ( Alex O’Loughlin) uses his keen senses to help people. But there’s a twist — Mick is a vampire! Someone should tell CBS that these ridiculous concepts are better suited for comedies.
The new CW dramedy “Reaper” is also doing its fair share of envelope pushing. Artfully combining action and humor ( Kevin Smith directed the pilot episode), the show follows Sam ( Bret Harrison), a 21-year-old who works for the devil, rounding up escaped souls and returning them to hell. Complete with jumpsuits and gadgets of all sorts, the show is shaping up to be this generation’s “Ghostbusters.” “Reaper” airs at 9 p.m. Tuesdays.
And let’s not forget ABC’s highly publicized new drama “Pushing Daisies.” The show tells the story of Ned ( Lee Pace), a man with the power to bring the dead back to life just by touching them. A second touch, however, and the person turns back into a corpse. “Pushing Daisies” airs at 8 p.m. Wednesdays.
Amid these newcomers, there are a few seasoned supernatural shows that have been flying below most viewers’ radars. The CW’s “Supernatural” and CBS’ “Ghost Whisperer” (starring Jennifer Love Hewitt) are both entering their third seasons. Neither has managed to dominate the popular mainstream, but they both have the two things all shows need to survive: a loyal fanbase and so much eye candy that many viewers watch on mute.
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