Your Guide to Seattle on the Small Screen This Fall
The rain is dripping, the leaves are slowly turning, our moods are souring; summer must be over! But fear not, lovely Seattleites. The autumnal return of network television should be enough to ward off any crispy weather blues. And since we’re all about Seattle pride here at Seattlest (duh), we’ve put together a little preview of TV shows with connections to our hometown. Readers, behold: the Seattle Fall TV Guide for your boob tube enjoyment.
1. “Outsourced” (NBC Thursdays 9:30pm)
The latest in office humor television is NBC’s “Outsourced,” which is based on Seattle director John Jeffcoat’s film of the same name. Outsourced (the movie) describes itself as “a modern day comedy of cross-cultural conflict and romance” and stars Josh Hamilton and Ayesha Dharker. It also won loads of awards including The Golden Space Needle Audience Award at SIFF 2007. The show looks to be pretty funny and quite recession relevant.
2. Erika Christensen, “Parenthood” (NBC Tuesdays 10pm)
Perhaps best known for her role as the drug addled, over privileged teen in Traffic, Seattle native Erika Christensen plays, basically, the complete opposite in NBC’s “Parenthood.” She plays type-A, overachieving mother Julia Braverman, whose tight ponytails and pant suits speak to her equally stiff personality. The charming show is loosely based on that ‘80s film of the same name starring Steve Martin, and the characters and their complicated relationships feel very real. Plus, you get to look at “Six Feet Under’s” Peter Krause (swoon!) for a solid hour.
3. Rainn Wilson, “The Office” (NBC Thursdays 8pm)
Dwight K. Schrute is probably one of the least likable characters on “The Office,” (which is saying a lot), but his absurdity is undeniably fascinating. Every time that guy pranks Jim or talks about his cousin Mos or fails to execute his master plan, we’re hooked. This is thanks to the oddball genius of Seattle-born Rainn Wilson. And guess what? He’s coming to Seattle on Oct. 23 at The Moore Theater. Get ready for some power trips, beet farm jokes and awkward sexual encounters at “The Office” this year.
4. The Wizard, “Deadliest Catch” (Discovery Channel)
“Deadliest Catch” features the star power of probably the fattest Seattleite, The Wizard. That old crab boat fatty, while not slinking around the red carpet in an expensive gown, exhibits all the grandeur and shock value of any of Hollywood’s finest celebs. And, like any proper Hollywooder, this star claims multiple residencies. The boat relaxes at its “summer home” in Ballard for the spring and summer before returning to Alaska for its small screen close-ups. Captain Keith Colburn, who is one of the fisherman featured on the Discovery Channel show, also makes his off-season residency in Redmond with business partner and wife, Florence and their children. The show begins its next shooting season this October, and Season 7 will premiere next spring.
5. Bianca Kajlich, “Rules of Engagement” (CBS Mondays 8:30pm)
Bianca Kajlich is a babe. A total babe. Good job, Seattle, for producing such a babe. And you know what? This babe has got a heart to accompany that smokin’ physique. The star of “Rules of Engagement” recently launched a drama program at a summer camp for children amputee victims. She discusses the program here. You can check out the babe with a heart of gold on Mondays at 8:30 on CBS on “Rules of Engagement,” which describes itself as “a comedy about the different phases of male/female relationships, as seen through the eyes of a newly engaged couple.” Sounds like a plot fraught with humorous opportunities.
6. “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC Thursday 8pm)
OMG. It’s almost time for “Grey’s” to come back. We’ve been dying to know about (SPOILER ALERT!) Derek’s gunshot wound, Meredith’s pregnancy, Christina’s incredibly unhealthy relationship with Owen. So much drama! It’s annoying how much that drama gets under your skin. But you know what’s even more annoying than that? Having out of town guests come to Seattle asking where Seattle Grace Hospital is. Seriously, people. It’s a fake hospital. Get over it. But for all its flawed depictions of Seattle, we’ve got to give it some cred for even trying, right? Also, we’re still not over the hot dudes.
7. “Divine Marigolds”
Hey this is Seattlest, in the future. Greetings from 2012. Don’t worry, the Mayans were wrong. Things are awesome this year, especially for Seattle television lovers, because this new show “Divine Marigolds” is premiering. The pilot was shot in our own West Seattle back in 2010, and now we’re reaping the benefits of its local production. Good job, 2010 Seattle! And thanks for encouraging Emerald City productions!
Well, there you have it. The exhaustive guide to network television seen through the rose colored glasses of Seattlest. Enjoy the fun box.
