What to watch now the TV ratings period is over
WITH all your favourite shows wrapped for the year, our television writers reveal their favourite hidden treasures for your viewing pleasure.
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DURING the non-ratings period it can feel like a TV show desert. But the national TV team have uncovered a few viewing oases to get you through the summer.
Quantico
Seven, Sunday, 9.30pm
The good news for fans of the latest crop of US dramas is that many of them are continuing to run through the non-ratings season in line with America. I’m hooked on whodunit drama Quantico, which splits time between past and present day events. Alex Parrish (Priyanka Chopra) plays an FBI trainee who has been framed as the main suspect in a terrorist attack. On the run and desperate to clear her name, one thing is clear — none of her former classmates or teachers is beyond suspicion themselves. There’s a heavy dose of romantic subplots along with all the action.
You’ll like it if you like … Grey’s Anatomy, Prison Break. TIFFANY DUNK
The Late Late Show with James Corden
Eleven, weeknights, 11.20pm (and later)
This is one to series link record and catch up on later if you’re not a night owl like me. After a slow start (he kicked off in the new job in March), Corden (aka Smithy from Gavin & Stacey) has really found his groove in the late night world and scored plenty of traction on the web with his hilarious Car Karaoke sessions with stars including Justin Bieber, Rod Stewart, Jennifer Hudson and Mariah Carey. His interviewing style is very Graham Norton (charming fan boy, and just a little bit naughty), but that seems to relax the Hollywood folk who take a seat on his couch, safe in the knowledge he’s really not going to dig deep. It’s just a good giggle at the end of a long day.
You’ll like it if you like ... The Graham Norton Show. HOLLY BYRNES
Burger Bar to Gourmet Star
ABC, starts Wednesday December 16, 8.30pm
This series sees six fast food cooks, with no formal training, plucked from the griddles of their greasy-spoon cafes and placed in the Michelin-starred kitchens of some of Britain’s best restaurants. They’re paired with an award-winning chef, shown the ropes, given a few weeks training then eventually placed in world-class kitchens, where they’re charged with posing as top-class chefs. Will they pass muster? That’s the big question. They’ve found some great talent, and you really want them to do well.
You like it if you like ... Jamie Oliver, MasterChef. CLARE RIGDEN
24 Hours In Emergency
Lifestyle Channel, Sundays, 8.30pm
You don’t need a super-strong stomach to watch this ob-doc set in the emergency department of King’s College Hospital in London, but you usually need a box of tissues. Each episode focuses on patients treated over the same 24-hour period in the hospital. The actual illnesses and accidents become a background to a beautiful and sometimes painful canvas of love and emotion as their stories are told. It’s utterly disarming. You’ll laugh, cry and occasionally just meltas you get to know the staff, and those they come into contact with — both the patients and those who love them. Beware, some of the backstories, especially with older patients, are just heartbreaking.
You’ll like it if you like … RPA, King’s Cross Emergency. DEBBIE SCHIPP
Million Dollar Listing NY
9Life, Wednesday, 8.30pm
9Life is my go-to whenever there is nothing decent on the main commercial channels and Million Dollar Listing NY is my favourite show on Nine’s new lifestyle channel. Three real estate agents battle it out to list and then sell some of New York’s flashiest properties. Agent Eklund, who brags that he has sold more than US$2 billion in residential property and admits to a former career in gay porn, is the standout. This fascinating insight into the wheelings and dealings of the New York real estate market is also endlessly entertaining.
You’ll like it if you like ... Selling Houses Australia, The Block. COLIN VICKERY
Survivor: Cambodia
Go!, Thursday, 7.30pm
Given Ten are bringing back an Aussie version in 2016, there’s never been a better time to check in and see why this US reality show is still the best in the business. With a cast full of former players who’ve been given a second chance to improve their game, this season has had more twists, blindsides and OMG moments than even host Jeff Probst can count. A perfect mix of smart game play and knock down physical challenges.
You’ll like it if you like … The Amazing Race, Bear Grylls. TD
The Muppets
Seven, starts Tuesday December 29 at 7.30pm
Everyone’s favourite ragtag bunch of puppets are back for a ‘fly-on-the-wall’ mockumentary about the making of a late night talk show, fronted by none other than Miss Piggy. Her ex-boyfriend Kermit is the executive producer and wrangles a chaotic staff and his unpredictable diva of a former flame. There’s something very likeable about this — the subtle adult references, the reality style narrative, the sense of nostalgia … it’s all there. Easy and enjoyable viewing over the festive season.
You’ll like it if you like … 30 Rock, The Muppets (obviously). SHANNON MOLLOY
Flipping Out
9Life, Wednesday, 7.30pm
Before you groan, ‘oh, not another bloody renovation show’, this one comes with the major incentive of watching the truly crazy world of interior designer to the stars, Jeff Lewis, his cheeky Nicaraguan housekeeper Zoila and his saintly if a little eccentric Greek American assistant Jenni. The house flipping (the buying, remodelling and reselling of properties) is pretty much a sideshow to the main circus act of Lewis et al, but the results are always spectacular.
You’ll like it if you like … The Block. HB
The Real Housewives of Cheshire
Arena, starts Sunday, 8.30pm
These women would like to think they are the ‘posh’ ones of the Real Housewives franchise, but they’re just as ridiculous as any of their American counterparts, and maybe, when you throw years of the English class divide, true mean girls. In one corner, are the chased-up snobs who inherited their pile and title. In the other, is the new money. Either way, some of these women prove yet again the old adage, money can’t buy you class. Car crash ‘reality’, with a few plummy accents.
You’ll like it if you like … The Real Housewives of anywhere, Ladies of London. DS
Originally published as What to watch now the TV ratings period is over
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