Tag: ” “Transparent

It’s time to update our family comedies

“Modern Family” paved the way on TV, but it’s time to move on.

“Modern Family” is airing its ninth season this year, with the tenth season already promised (though that may be the end of the run). All the original kids are in college now, or at least adults. Overall, the comedy has lost its spark. Yes, there’s growth, but it’s the same rag-tag group of humans trying to make life work with semi-similar storylines.

It’s not that funny anymore, either. Sure there’s an occasional chuckle, but the laugh-out-loud jokes are gone.

When it premiered, “Modern Family” was filled with promise. And it’s had great moments. It didn’t when 5 Emmys for best comedy (in a row, by the way), though it hasn’t won best comedy since 2014.

The TV landscape has changed, and “Modern Family” isn’t the only show focused on a so-called modern family anymore.

On ABC alone, the same network on which “Modern Family” airs, you’ve got “blackish” and “Fresh Off the Boat,” which yes, show some amount of traditional family structure, but also showcase other culture in a positive way.

Then there’s “Transparent.” “Grace and Frankie.” Even “Mom” and “This is Us” in some ways. TV now portrays all different types of families…many types of sexualities, races, cultures…we’re getting to a great time when you can see way more than white people on TV, and it’s not all stereotypes.

We just need to keep moving. (AKA not another “The New Normal,” a terrible show that did more harm than good.)

It’s time to show what America looks like now, not 20 years ago. Let’s talk more about families who deal with cyberbullying, foster care, adoption and gender transition. Let’s talk about families who are struggling with the economy, land rights, hate crimes, police brutality, civil rights…you name it, it’s happening in our country.

And let’s show what American looks like in a true yet entertaining way. “Modern Family” gracefully showcases different families in a way that doesn’t shove issues down the viewers’ throats, but rather simply shows it’s a normal part of life in today’s world.

In a TV world where we got “Mad Men,” “Breaking Bad” and even “Scream Queens” (while campy, it was at least different), let’s continue to show progression on the small screen.

Golden Globes 2016: How will ‘Empire,’ ‘Transparent,’ Jon Hamm, Viola Davis and others fare?

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Jan. 8, 2016.  The 2017 Golden Globes air Sunday, Jan. 8, on NBC.

Just because Tina Fey and Amy Poehler aren’t hosting the 2016 Golden Globes doesn’t mean the show won’t be unpredictable.

With older heavyweights such as “Modern Family” and “Breaking Bad” out of the picture, many new entries have hit the awards stage.

So who will win? We’ll find out Sunday. But for now, here are my picks for frontrunners and underdogs in the TV categories this year.

 

DRAMA

Frontrunner: “Empire”

The Fox drama was snubbed by the Emmys, but it’s one of most-watched shows of last winter.

It’s different because of the music, so it has a good shot of taking the win.

Underdog: “Narcos”

Have you heard of this Netflix show? I hadn’t until I saw the nominations. The other dramas are more known, so I doubt “Narcos” can pull an upset.

BEST ACTRESS, DRAMA

Frontrunner: Viola Davis, “How to Get Away with Murder”

She won the Emmy and had a magnificent speech about equality to follow.

Her character isn’t a class act, but Davis is on stage. Her star power is key to this ABC drama.

Underdog: Caitriona Balfe, “Outlander”

Balfe is a first-time nominee, but this Starz show has only a niche audience.

While some love this drama, it won’t have enough votes to win any big categories.

BEST ACTOR, DRAMA

Frontrunner: Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”

I’m sure many people will root for Rami Malek from USA’s “Mr. Robot,” but since AMC’s “Mad Men” finished its run this year and Hamm already won the Emmy, I predict another win during his swan song for this role.

Underdog: Liev Schreiber, “Ray Donovan”

Schreiber has been nominated before for this role, but he seems like a perennial nominee, not a winner.

BEST ACTRESS, COMEDY

Frontrunner: Jamie Lee Curtis, “Scream Queens”

I have to admit, this category is tough to decide. But Curtis is the big star on this list, and “Scream Queens” is her return to the horror genre.

Sometimes Emmys go to bigger celebrity names, so Curtis could pull out the win.

Underdog: Rachel Bloom, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”

Like I said, this category is tough to choose, but Bloom doesn’t have enough meat to her name yet.

Her CW show is hit or miss with critics, even though it spent some time in development.

Her nomination brings attention to the show, but don’t expect her to get a chance to sing a speech on stage.

BEST ACTOR, COMEDY

Frontrunner: Jeffrey Tambor, “Transparent”

Tambor won last year for bringing a transitioning character to life on the small screen. The second season recently premiered, and critics still like the show.

Because the Amazon comedy brings to light a current topic, expect it, and Tambor, to get attention.

Underdog: Rob Lowe, “The Grinder”

I’m not a fan. But others love the silliness of this Fox show about family, law and finding your way.

But out of all the nominees, Lowe’s work isn’t strong enough to carry a win.

BEST COMEDY

Frontrunner: “Transparent”

Again, it brings to light a current topic. It won last year. Expect a repeat.

Underdog: “Casual”

Hulu is making a showing for its original programming this year. But being a newcomer in a category that includes “Transparent” and “Veep” makes it an unlikely contender.

Ricky Gervais hosts the Golden Globes at 8 p.m. Jan. 10 on NBC.

Golden Globes 2017: TV nominations by the numbers

Here’s some sparkle for your winter blues.

The 2017 Golden Globes nominees were announced Monday, Dec. 12, so some show runners, actors and more get to celebrate.

To paint a picture, here are some by the numbers:

56: Number of TV nominations (There are 6 in the best TV actress comedy/musical category.)

15: Number of actors and actresses with at least one previous Golden Globe win (Billy Bob Thorton, Keri Russell, Winona Ryder, Gael Garcia Bernal, Jeffrey Tambor, Rachel Bloom, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gina Rodriguez, Bryan Cranston, Felicity Huffman, Hugh Laurie, John Lithgow, Christian Slater, John Travolta)

14: Shows with only one nomination this year (“Better Call Saul,” “Ray Donovan,” “Goliath,” “Outlander,” “Graves,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Divorce,” “Insecure,” “Jane the Virgin,” “All the Way,” “The Girlfriend Experience,” “London Spy,” “Confirmation,” and “The Dresser“)

11: Number of shows with nominations this year and in previous years in any category (“American Crime [the previous installment had 3 nominations],” “Jane the Virgin,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Veep,” “Mozart in the Jungle,” “Outlander,” “Ray Donovan,” “Better Call Saul,” “Mr. Robot,” “Transparent,” and “Game of Thrones“)

5: Highest number of nominations for one show (“The People v. O.J. Simpson,” which has nominations for actor, actress, supporting actor (2 nominations), and limited series/TV movie)

3: Number of shows with two nominations in the same category: “This is Us” has two supporting actress nominations for Mandy Moore and Chrissy Metz; “The Night Of” has two actor nominations for John Turturro and Riz Ahmed; and “The People v. O.J. Simpson” has two supporting actor nominations in Sterling K. Brown and John Travolta.

2: Number of nominations for the CW, both in the best actress comedy/musical category. (Gina Rodriguez for “Jane the Virgin” and Rachel Bloom for “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”)

2: Number of shows who received multiple nominations without receiving nomination top award in its category (“The Americans” and “Mr. Robot” each received 2 acting formations, but neither are up for best TV drama.)

The Golden Globes air Jan. 8 on NBC.