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ANSWERING THE COMMUNITY ETERNAL QUESTION... COMEDY • 2009 • RATED: TV-14 • 22 MINS • SEASONS: 6 JOEL MCHALE, GILLIAN JACOBS, CHEVY CHASE

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT? A smarmy lawyer is disbarred after animation, using everything from traditional it is revealed he doesn’t actually 2D forms, to 8-bit video-game stylizations, have a university degree. He enrolls and stop-motion reminiscent of Wallace and in a community college and forms Gromit (see p97). a pretend study group so he can get Looking for a box set to get closer to his attractive classmate. your adrenaline racing or to Unhappy with putting his life on hold after “I’m a teacher. escape to a different era? In getting busted for lying about having a degree, Wait, that’s worse than Jeff Winger (Joel McHale) plans to get through need of a good laugh to lift your community college as fast as possible with no the truth. I’m a student.” spirits? Hunting for a TV show distractions. That is, until he meets Britta Perry (Gillian Jacobs), his cute classmate. With one Jeff (S2 E2) thing on his mind, Jeff tries to form a makeshift that the whole family can study group with Britta so he can get to know watch together? her better, but his plan hits a snag when she invites several other students from their class Season 3 even features a multiple timeline to join the group. episode that plays out in seven different If you’re feeling indecisive ways. Titled “Remedial Chaos Theory,” Cue movie-obsessed nerd Abed Nadir (Danny the instalment was nominated for an Emmy about your next binge-watching Pudi), overachiever Annie Edison (Alison Brie), for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series. session, we’ve done the hard former hotshot football star Troy Barnes With so many diverse episodes, it’s hard (Donald Glover), religious do-gooder Shirley to decide which is best. work for you. Featuring 1,000 Bennett (Yvette Nicole Brown), and Pierce Hawthorne (Chevy Chase), a wealthy tycoon carefully curated reviews looking for self-discovery. Together, the six of them form an unlikely friendship, continuing to written by a panel of TV take classes together every semester. When connoisseurs, What To Watch they’re not studying, they’re begrudgingly helping the dean make Greendale Community When offers up the best show College as great as it can be, often with hilarious results. Toss in teacher Ben Chang suggestions for every mood (Ken Jeong) and you have one seriously and moment. eclectic group of people. Several episodes are parodies of pop culture gems, such as Clint Eastwood’s spaghetti western films and Pulp Fiction. The live-action show also makes the occasional foray into

CREATOR: Dan Harmon PRODUCTION CO: Krasnoff Foster Productions, Harmonius Claptrap, AGBO 212 (as The Russo Brothers), Universal Media Studios (UMS), Sony Pictures Television (in association with)

For the curious What to Watch When | 9780744025132 | Pub Date 10/27/2020 | Available for Pre-Order WHAT TO WATCH WHEN ... YOU HAVE THREE GENERATIONS ON ONE SOFA THE SIMPSONS THE DIET OF HOMER SIMPSON Burgers (5%) ANIMATED COMEDY • 1989 • RATED: TV-14 • 22 MINS • SEASONS: 31 DAN CASTELLANETA, NANCY CARTWRIGHT, JULIE KAVNER Pancakes (5%) Duff Beer (35%) Starring America’s favorite animated The show’s best stories—often found in the first 10 seasons—expertly blend character- TV family for more than three decades, Beer Nuts (5%) The Simpsons packs popular culture driven drama, inventive visual jokes, and sharp references, witty zingers, satirical jabs, commentary on the absurdity of modern life: and compelling storytelling into each Homer’s monotonous job at the power plant episode, with a town full of memorable, (and evil boss Mr. Burns), Bart’s puckish quirky characters at its disposal. antiauthoritarian streak, Marge’s long-suffering devotion to her family, and Lisa’s often-tested What does a trip to the fair town of moral center. Springfield has a rich cast of More Duff Beer (15%) Springfield entail? To start, hop on a regulars—many with multiple breakout skateboard or take the monorail to the episodes—ranging from pious neighbor hallways of Springfield Elementary School, Ned Flanders and lovable barfly Barney where class clown Bart (Nancy Cartwright) Gumble to brusque Bozo-like television host Donuts (25%) writes lines on the blackboards in after-school Krusty the Clown and Marge’s chain-smoking detention. While the show’s opening sequence sisters, Patty and Selma. is largely static, you will notice that each Also remarkable is The Simpsons’ ability to trivialities, and quibbles of everyday life. episode comes with a new punchline on Bart’s lure high-wattage guest stars into its world. Along with not-so-typical plot threads, such as board—a hint at the number of inside jokes Movie stars voice semi-regular characters, Homer’s trip into space with an Apollo 11 crew within each installment. As the opening “Kids, you tried your best, including Kelsey Grammer as murderous member, or an intergenerational feud with the continues, core members of the family— and you failed miserably. sidekick Sideshow Bob. And lest you forget residents of neighboring town Shelbyville, Homer (Dan Castellaneta), Marge (Julie that the Simpsons live in the real world, other The Simpsons takes on issues such as corporate Kavner), Bart, Lisa (Yeardley Smith), and baby The lesson is, never try. guests appear as themselves, such as Harry greed, hypocritical clergy, and even the more Maggie—congregate on their couch in front ” Potter writer J. K. Rowling or famously mind-dulling aspects of cartoons with its of the TV for another rotating gag that Homer Simpson (S5 E18) reclusive author Thomas Pynchon. show-within-a-show Itchy and Scratchy, highlights the seemingly bottomless well a hyper-violent take on Tom and Jerry. of creativity at work. Some of the show’s top work features in its annual “Treehouse of Horror” episodes: From counting down the hours at Moe’s Bar vignette-filled anthologies pegged to to starting another season with its nuclear- Halloween that parody classics such as energy-themed baseball team, Simpsonsland The Raven, The Shining, and A Nightmare on is the stuff of small-town life. It’s as American Elm Street. The series’ send-up of the latter as a Duff Beer at a Springfield Isotopes ball features a particularly memorable turn by game or a microwaved convenient-store apple Groundskeeper Willie as Freddie Krueger. pie, and well worth a visit. The specials are among the show’s most creative episodes, with gripping storytelling and plenty of fantastical flights of fancy.

With all the show’s dizzying parody and sardonic humor, you might miss that its real heart focuses on the disappointments,

CREATORS: James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, Sam Simon PRODUCTION CO: Gracie Films, 20th Century Fox Television, Twentieth Century Fox, Fox Television Animation, The Curiosity Company, Twentieth Century Fox Animation

For the curious What to Watch When | 9780744025132 | Pub Date 10/27/2020 | Available for Pre-Order WHAT TO WATCH WHEN ... YOU HAVE THREE GENERATIONS ON ONE SOFA

The fair-minded Kirk often finds himself Likewise, the array of dazzling space gizmos advised in two directions by the emotionless- can be a bit overwhelming. As well as the yet-reasonable Spock—who has mixed human warpdrive (the thing that makes the ship and alien- heritage—and the more go really fast) and phasers (guns that, don’t SCI-FI • 1966 • RATED: TV-PG • 50 MINS • SEASONS: 3 passion-driven McCoy. Likewise, the other forget, can be set to stun), there are also WILLIAM SHATNER, LEONARD NIMOY, DEFOREST KELLEY cast members reflect a diversity of genders, transporters that can beam you down to races, and nationalities, shining a spotlight a planet’s surface, and , devices on the polarization of its era, the 1960s, and that can be used to do everything from The crew of the — a more enlightened future ahead. One notable detecting radiation to recording memories Captain Kirk, Mister Spock, et al— exchange between Captain Kirk and Lieutenant (which comes in handy with all the space explore the far reaches of the galaxy Uhura features the first kiss between a fictional mischief going on around). in search of intelligent life and alien white male and a fictional black female to civilizations. They try to promote premiere on US network television, a big peace and justice, but the sentiment deal at the time. To boldly go where no isn’t always returned. “ The crew faces many formidable challenges, man has gone before ... In the 1960s, the Space Race and the challenge from beleaguered compatriots—such ” to put a man on the moon captivated millions as a crew member stricken with megalomania around the globe. Star Trek followed that wave and imbued with the power of telekinesis—to Captain Kirk of interstellar interest with a series all about a litany of alien species. The lizardlike exploring uncharted corners of the Milky make a notable appearance in this series, as do Way galaxy. What makes the Enterprise crew’s the yeti-inspired salt vampires. Those monster- For all its technology, though, Star Trek is mission so intriguing and relatable here on like creatures are joined by more humanoid really about the core belief that in the future Earth is that the challenges they find in space— races, such as the and the , humans will see past differences, and evolve. issues such as intolerance, racism, and Set only some 200 years from now, the main names that will be familiar to most people On the Enterprise, humankind is noble and greed—are similar to those here. cast is led by commanding officer James T. Kirk whether you’re a or not. the crew is open-minded in its exploration (William Shatner) and consists of science officer of other worlds and cultures. Even when Kirk Created by , the show Spock (Leonard Nimoy), chief medical officer A word of caution: the series’ original pilot may and crew beat their enemies, they sometimes takes its cues from westerns and adventure Leonard McCoy (DeForest Kelley), engineer throw you. It features a slightly different cast— reach out to their defeated foe to offer help. novels—and would go on to inspire waves of “Scotty” (James Doohan), communications instead of Captain Kirk, you get to travel the That’s something the world could still learn other space dramas, including Star Wars and officer Uhura (Nichelle Nichols), helmsman Sulu spaceways with Captain Pike (Jeffrey Hunter). from Star Trek today. Firefly (see p91), to say nothing of all the Star (George Takei), and navigator Chekov (Walter After the pilot was rejected, Hunter withdrew Trek sequels, from Voyager (see p134) to the Koenig). Of course, with that many personalities from the show, paving the way for Shatner to recent Discovery (see p135). traveling the stars, some conflict is inevitable. star in a second more successful pilot.

THE PRIME STAR TREK TIMELINE

STAR TREK: STAR TREK: STAR TREK: STAR TREK: STAR TREK 2: STAR TREK 5: STAR TREK: STAR TREK: STAR TREK: STAR TREK: STAR TREK: Enterprise The Original Series The Animated Series The Motion Picture The Wrath of Khan The Final Frontier The Next Generation Generations First Contact Nemesis Picard (2001–2005) (1966–1969) (1973–1974) (1979) (1982) (1989) (1987–1994) (1994) (1996) (2002) (2020)

2387 AD 2151–2161 AD 2259–2269 AD 2269– 2270 AD 2273 AD 2285 AD 2287 AD 2364 –2370 AD 2371 AD 2373 AD 2379 AD 2399 AD

2255 - 2259 AD 2285 AD 2286 AD 2293 AD 2369 - 2375 AD 2371 - 2378 AD 2375 AD 3186 AD

The Kelvin Star Trek — TV Series Timeline joins: Star Trek (2009), STAR TREK: — Feature Films STAR TREK 3: STAR TREK 4: STAR TREK 6: STAR TREK: STAR TREK: STAR TREK: (2013) STAR TREK: Discovery The Search for Spock The Voyage Home The Undiscovered Deep Space Nine Voyager Insurrection and (2016) Discovery (pre–time jump) (2017–2019) (1984) (1986) Country (1991) (1993–1999) (1995–2001) (1998) (post–time jump) (2020) CREATOR: Gene Roddenberry PRODUCTION CO: Desilu Productions, Norway Corporation, Paramount Television

For the curious What to Watch When | 9780744025132 | Pub Date 10/27/2020 | Available for Pre-Order WHAT TO WATCH WHEN ... YOU NEED A FEEL-GOOD MOMENT

“Looking Week 6 good!” (Time for Haircut)

“I hate this!” COMEDY • 1993 • RATED: TV-PG • 23 MINS • SEASONS: 7 Week 5 Week 1 BEN SAVAGE, WILLIAM DANIELS, RIDER STRONG

Get ready to start shouting “Fee-hee- “weirdo” friends, taking your first steps in heenay,” because this coming-of-age dating, and the disappointment of not getting “This is more CORY’S HAIRCUT show is guaranteed to bring out the into your dream school. like it.” CYCLE OF SHAME goofy kid in you. Follow along as a boy Week 4 Week 2 and his pals take on the world … well, The series, though lighthearted and to start with, at least the sixth grade. wholesome overall, isn’t afraid to explore more mature topics, such as child abuse, Week 3 Seeing your teacher outside of school is weird underage drinking, death, and cults. But don’t “Not cool!” enough, but what if you lived next door to let that stop you from vegging out on the sofa him, too? That’s what Cory (Ben Savage) has and bingeing on it from start to finish. You’ll “I feel much to put up with throughout his school years, quickly become engrossed in Cory and better.” never able to pull one over on Mr. Feeny Topanga’s adorable relationship—a major (William Daniels). Of course, it’s not for lack focal point of the series. Topanga is strong “Acceptable.” of trying, especially with his best friend and and independent, and Cory is wise enough to total bad boy, Shawn (Rider Strong), as his respect and adore that about her. Meanwhile, partner in crime. their friend Shawn struggles to find the girl of Boy Meets World wouldn’t be the beloved show and Rachel (Maitland Ward), Eric and Jack’s his dreams, letting both his unconventional it is today without the hilarious and dim-witted roommate. Together, the group’s shenanigan family life and stubbornness sometimes get remarks of Eric. As the series progresses, his levels double, making it twice as fun to watch Friendship […] is a real gift. the better of him. Thankfully, Cory and personality not-so-subtly shifts from cool older how everything plays out. “ Topanga are always there to help him out, brother to total goofball. In Season 3, episode And it’s given with and vice versa. These guys really are the 17, he admits, “I said to myself, Kyle … that’s Though the show is a standard sitcom, it isn’t Three Musketeers. what I call myself,” which perfectly sums up afraid to take some risks and go against its no expectation and his oddball personality. Every family has an normal setup from time to time, such as the Eric, someone who can always keep the Season 5 episode that acts as a parody of the no gratitude is necessary. room laughing and the mood upbeat. Eric’s horror movie Scream, slowly “killing off ” each ” eccentricity is in perfect contrast to Mr. Feeny’s of the main characters in a whodunnit style Mr. Feeny (S1 E10) no-nonsense demeanor. Though he presents that leaves you guessing until the very end. himself as a formidable educator, Feeny always Another out-of-the-box example is the Season offers an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on 3 episode in which Cory travels back in time when Cory, Shawn, Topanga, and Eric have to the 1950s and is mistaken for a Russian spy. Throughout the course of the series, Cory, a problem they can’t solve. His words of Shawn, and Topanga (Danielle Fishel)— wisdom are sure to inspire you as much There’s always something new and exciting Cory’s love interest—grow up before our as they do his students. happening in Boy Meets World, and you’ll find eyes. They begin the series in sixth grade, yourself making the Feeny call in no time. and end it in college. Toss in Cory’s quirky As the kids grow up before our eyes onscreen, older brother, Eric (Will Friedle), and this fab they expand their friendship squad significantly. four will become your new best friends as you Instead of being a fearsome foursome, they watch them experience all the drama of later become a beloved group of eight. Meet growing up, such as being torn between Angela (Trina McGee), Shawn’s girlfriend; Jack hanging out with the “cool” kids and your (Matthew Lawrence), Shawn’s half brother;

CREATORS: Michael Jacobs, April Kelly PRODUCTION CO: Michael Jacobs Productions, Touchstone Television

For the curious What to Watch When | 9780744025132 | Pub Date 10/27/2020 | Available for Pre-Order