A selection of TV shows that are well worth keeping an eye out for in February/March:
Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway – ITV1, 16 Feb
The Geordie presenters return a ninth series of their Saturday evening light-entertainment show. Easy-watching fun, although it all gets a bit samey after 2 weeks.
Big Bang Theory – Channel 4, 14 Feb
US sitcom about two geeky students fall in love with a beautiful neighbour, played by Kaley Cuoco. I've heard this Weird Science-esque show is surprisingly funny.
Dexter – ITV1, 20 Feb
The first season comes to terrestrial television. A high-concept forensic thriller about a Miami bloodspatter specialist who moonlights as a serial-killer. Season 2's premieres in July on The FX Channel.
Flash Gordon -- Sci-Fi Channel, 3 Mar
A TV adaptation of the classic all-American hero, best known for its camp 1980 film adaptation. Stars Eric Johnson as Flash. Reviews from the US were less than stellar, sadly.
Ghost Hunting With... Coronation Street – ITV2, 18 Feb
Yvette Fielding returns with another special that aims to spook-out celebrities. This time it's the turn of Corrie actors Tupele Dorgu, Jack P Shepherd, Kym Ryde, Wendi Peters and Katherine Kelly.
Lily Allen & Friends – BBC Three, 12 Feb
BBC Three has a total revamp this month, and singer Lily Allen will present this flagship chat-show, with an audience made up of her MySpace friends. The first show's guest is David Mitchell.
Phoo Action – BBC Three, 12 Feb
Futuristic kung-fu cop drama from the creator of Tank Girl and Gorillaz, starring Ray Winstone's daughter Jaime. Gotta be worth a look based on that description!
The Real Hustle Does Las Vegas – BBC Three, 12 Feb
The trio of talented conmen (okay duo, with their sexy assistant) take their skills and tricks over to Las Vegas.
Ricky Gervais: New Hero Of Comedy – Channel 4, 22 Feb
As part of a new series looking at modern comedy heroes, the first episode focuses on Ricky Gervais – a comedian who has had major success around the world, on the back of The Office. Featuring testimonials from Stephen Merchant, Billy Connolly, Chris Rock, Michael Groening, Michael Palin and Russell Brand.
Skins – E4, 11 Feb
A second 10-part series of the popular teen drama, with Shane Richie appearing as a trendy college professor. I'm actually willing to say I'm too old for this (at 28), which makes me feel really old...
That Mitchell & Web Look – BBC2, Feb
Second series of the sketch comedy from the stars of Peep Show, with new characters The Boy With An Arse For A Face, superheroes The Heliverts and the Carry On Hospital. I didn't think the first season was as laugh-a-second as some clearly did, but I do like Mitchell and Webb as comic actors.
Moonlight – Living, 21 Feb
US drama series about a detective who's actually a vampire. Initially panned by Stateside critics, this drama rapidly improved, converting many viewers, to earn itself a second season. I'm quite looking forward to this now...
The Worlds Of Fantasy – BBC4, 20 Feb
Three-part documentary about how fantasy books have suddenly become extremely popular, thanks to the likes of J.K Rowling (Harry Potter) and Philip Pullman (His Dark Materials). The first part looks at child heroes like Peter Pan and Harry Potter. If this is anywhere near as brilliant as BBC Four's Comics Brittannia, this will be must-see.
On the horizon:
Free Agents. Remember the Comedy Showcase season on Channel 4 awhile back? Well, this sitcom's pilot for it has been deemed the "winner" -- so a 6-part series is scheduled for transmission later this year. Cool.
Al Murray's Multiple Personality Disorder. The creator of the Pub Landlord gets his own sketch show, with characters like gentleman thief Barringon Blowtorch and stag party guru The Ledge.
Chuck. Virgin1 have the UK airings for this US comedy-drama about a geek who has all of the CIAs top secrets downloaded into his brain.
Rock Rivals. Drama spoof of talent shows like X Factor and American Idol, starring Michelle Collins and Sean Gallagher as married celebrity judges. Viewers will be able to vote/decide the outcome of the fictional competition.
Mr & Mrs. Philip Schofield and Fern Britten host a celebrity-based remake of the 70s classic gameshow. Celebs lined up include Anthony Head, Vic Reeves and Vicky Entwhistle.
Hey Hey We're The Monks. BBC2 sitcom pilot about a workshy man (James Corden) who is forced to work at Buckley Abbey. Co-stars David Bamber, Justin Edwards, Geoffrey Whitehead & Fergus Craig.
You've Got The Answer. Gameshow hosted by Dale Winton, where a hidden camera crew follow contestants around in the week before they appear on the quiz -- surreptitiously giving them answers to the questions they'll be asked.
Don't Forget The Lyrics. UK version of the popular US gameshow, hosted by Shane Richie. Contestants win cash by reciting the lyrics to popular songs.
Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway – ITV1, 16 Feb
The Geordie presenters return a ninth series of their Saturday evening light-entertainment show. Easy-watching fun, although it all gets a bit samey after 2 weeks.
Big Bang Theory – Channel 4, 14 Feb
US sitcom about two geeky students fall in love with a beautiful neighbour, played by Kaley Cuoco. I've heard this Weird Science-esque show is surprisingly funny.
Dexter – ITV1, 20 Feb
The first season comes to terrestrial television. A high-concept forensic thriller about a Miami bloodspatter specialist who moonlights as a serial-killer. Season 2's premieres in July on The FX Channel.
Flash Gordon -- Sci-Fi Channel, 3 Mar
A TV adaptation of the classic all-American hero, best known for its camp 1980 film adaptation. Stars Eric Johnson as Flash. Reviews from the US were less than stellar, sadly.
Ghost Hunting With... Coronation Street – ITV2, 18 Feb
Yvette Fielding returns with another special that aims to spook-out celebrities. This time it's the turn of Corrie actors Tupele Dorgu, Jack P Shepherd, Kym Ryde, Wendi Peters and Katherine Kelly.
Lily Allen & Friends – BBC Three, 12 Feb
BBC Three has a total revamp this month, and singer Lily Allen will present this flagship chat-show, with an audience made up of her MySpace friends. The first show's guest is David Mitchell.
Phoo Action – BBC Three, 12 Feb
Futuristic kung-fu cop drama from the creator of Tank Girl and Gorillaz, starring Ray Winstone's daughter Jaime. Gotta be worth a look based on that description!
The Real Hustle Does Las Vegas – BBC Three, 12 Feb
The trio of talented conmen (okay duo, with their sexy assistant) take their skills and tricks over to Las Vegas.
Ricky Gervais: New Hero Of Comedy – Channel 4, 22 Feb
As part of a new series looking at modern comedy heroes, the first episode focuses on Ricky Gervais – a comedian who has had major success around the world, on the back of The Office. Featuring testimonials from Stephen Merchant, Billy Connolly, Chris Rock, Michael Groening, Michael Palin and Russell Brand.
Skins – E4, 11 Feb
A second 10-part series of the popular teen drama, with Shane Richie appearing as a trendy college professor. I'm actually willing to say I'm too old for this (at 28), which makes me feel really old...
That Mitchell & Web Look – BBC2, Feb
Second series of the sketch comedy from the stars of Peep Show, with new characters The Boy With An Arse For A Face, superheroes The Heliverts and the Carry On Hospital. I didn't think the first season was as laugh-a-second as some clearly did, but I do like Mitchell and Webb as comic actors.
Moonlight – Living, 21 Feb
US drama series about a detective who's actually a vampire. Initially panned by Stateside critics, this drama rapidly improved, converting many viewers, to earn itself a second season. I'm quite looking forward to this now...
The Worlds Of Fantasy – BBC4, 20 Feb
Three-part documentary about how fantasy books have suddenly become extremely popular, thanks to the likes of J.K Rowling (Harry Potter) and Philip Pullman (His Dark Materials). The first part looks at child heroes like Peter Pan and Harry Potter. If this is anywhere near as brilliant as BBC Four's Comics Brittannia, this will be must-see.
On the horizon:
Free Agents. Remember the Comedy Showcase season on Channel 4 awhile back? Well, this sitcom's pilot for it has been deemed the "winner" -- so a 6-part series is scheduled for transmission later this year. Cool.
Al Murray's Multiple Personality Disorder. The creator of the Pub Landlord gets his own sketch show, with characters like gentleman thief Barringon Blowtorch and stag party guru The Ledge.
Chuck. Virgin1 have the UK airings for this US comedy-drama about a geek who has all of the CIAs top secrets downloaded into his brain.
Rock Rivals. Drama spoof of talent shows like X Factor and American Idol, starring Michelle Collins and Sean Gallagher as married celebrity judges. Viewers will be able to vote/decide the outcome of the fictional competition.
Mr & Mrs. Philip Schofield and Fern Britten host a celebrity-based remake of the 70s classic gameshow. Celebs lined up include Anthony Head, Vic Reeves and Vicky Entwhistle.
Hey Hey We're The Monks. BBC2 sitcom pilot about a workshy man (James Corden) who is forced to work at Buckley Abbey. Co-stars David Bamber, Justin Edwards, Geoffrey Whitehead & Fergus Craig.
You've Got The Answer. Gameshow hosted by Dale Winton, where a hidden camera crew follow contestants around in the week before they appear on the quiz -- surreptitiously giving them answers to the questions they'll be asked.
Don't Forget The Lyrics. UK version of the popular US gameshow, hosted by Shane Richie. Contestants win cash by reciting the lyrics to popular songs.
