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Monday, September 25, 2017

NwaVic's Watch Fest: Fall 2017 Edition

Yay! Fall is here!....means most of my favorite shows are coming back this week!  In case you're interested in Fall TV like I am, here's my Top 10 Fall 2017 list.  I'm so excited! I so want to hear about what you're looking forward to.  And before I start getting emails about why i left off some of my favorite shows like Game of Thrones, Queen of the South, Suits and Wentworth, this list is limited to the shows premiering Fall 2017. Look out for them on the subsequent seasons of Watchfests. 

Don't forget to leave comments. I want to know...what are YOU watching?

1. THIS IS US

When: Tuesdays at 9 p.m./8ct (Season 2 Returning September 26)
Where: NBC
What its about: A dramedy built around four characters who share the same birthday. They all have burdens but past their burdens, they are family!

What's to love: It's all about family and love! It's a tear-jerker but it's REAL. It's also very relatable, especially if you understand the complications of "family-ship".

2. DESIGNATED SURVIVOR

When: Tuesdays at 10p.m./9ct (Season 2 Premiere: September 26)
Where: ABC
What its about: An American Political Conspiracy Drama profiling a former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development who survived an explosion which claimed the lives of the President and every other possible successor, making him the "Designated Survivor".

What's to love: It's very well-written and fast-paced. The actors and actresses all carry their roles with ease. There are no dull moments You WILL be engrossed and entertained all the while wanting to be on the President's team.



3. THE BLACKLIST

When: Wednesdays at 8/7ct pm (Season 5 Premiere: September 27)
Where: NBC

What its about: When former U.S. Navy Officer and Most-Wanted fugitive Raymond "Red" Reddington surrenders himself to FBI, they know they are in for a long ride. Reddington not only offers the FBI a list of highly-wanted criminals including drug lords, mobsters, politicians, and international terrorists but offers to help round them up, but only on the condition that he works solely and directly with recent rookie Quantico graduate Elizabeth "Liz" Keen. Throughout the show, we find that Reddington is not only a high-profile crime lord, he is also just a man with a past that includes a complicated and yet-to-unfold history with Keen. 

What's to love: I've blogged about what I love about Blacklist before. The last season was all about taking apart all of Reddington's network piece by piece. This new season shows a new Reddington: broke and a father. I've always been intrigued by Reddington - He's an uncle I'd love to have. But this time around, I want to see just how he will pick himself back up. I don't know about you, but I'm here for it! 




4. THE WALKING DEAD

When: Sundays at 9 p.m./8ct pm (Season 8 Premiere: October 22)
Where: AMC
What its about: Based on a comic book series of the same name, this horror drama is set in the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse. Premiering in 2010, it follows a small group of survivors led by Rick Grimes a former Sheriff's deputy as they struggle to survive daily and avoid getting bitten. Basically, if you get bit by a walker (aimless brainless walking zombies), you die, only to wake up in a couple of minutes as a walker. The group is not only threatened by walkers (some of which are their "turned" family and friends) but also, other survivor groups. In fact, now after five seasons, we now know that the biggest threat in this apocalypse are in fact other people.
What's to love:  Like I said before, The Walking Dead is not just about Zombies. It's more about "human beings" and how they fare when the world as they know it goes up in flames. It's about survival instincts and it truly makes you wonder the amount of "values" you'd give up if you only had one job and goal: "to survive". Oh, and if you've grown to hate Negan as much as I do, you're already on the edge of your seat because this is the season when the team says "enough is enough".


5. GREY'S ANATOMY

When: Thursdays at 8 p.m./7ct (Season 14 Premiere: September 28)
Where: ABC
What its about: A medical drama series focused on a group of doctors at hospital in Seattle, most of whom began their careers at the hospital was interns. The show is from the perspective of Meredith Grey, a brilliant surgeon who is the daughter of a famous surgeon.
What's to love: This is an oldie but goodie. While a lot of former fans have sort of given up, I've stayed because I'm loyal and because Meredith will be the other woman again, like she was in the first season. I like that Meredith is complicated and I like that the show has basically watched her learn, grow and evolve into a better woman/character. 

6. BLACK-ISH

When: Tuesdays at 8/7ct pm (Season 4 Premiere: October 3)
Where: ABC
What its about: An American sitcom which follows Andre Johnson, a wealthy advertising executive and his family as they navigate the moral dilemmas and family misunderstandings that surround "being black in America".


What's to love: In my previous WatchFest, Black-ish was just a bonus. But now I've watched some more and it's definitely a top 10. It's not just a sitcom and it's not just another "black" Cosby show run-off, it's different, because it unapologetically embeds Race into the show's identity. It's direct, it's funny and its relatable! Oh, and I love Tracee Ellis Ross who plays Andre's wife.

7. QUEEN SUGAR

When: Tuesdays at 10 p.m./9ct (Season 2B Premiere: October 3 & October 4)
Where: OWN
What its about: A family drama about three estranged siblings whose lives have taken incredibly different paths and are now being forced to come together after their father suddenly passes on.


What's to love: Queen Sugar not only has strong performances, it is as authentic as they come! Melo-drama is an understatement. Beyond Kofi Siriboe being hot chocolate goodness for the eyes, the show 
is definitely a must-watch.

8. HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER

When: Thursdays at 10 p.m./9ct (Season 4 Premiere: September 28)
Where: ABC
What its about: A drama series that circles Annalise Keating (played by Emmy-winning Viola Davis) who is an intelligent and mysteriously charming Criminal defense lawyer and professor who teaches a class on How to Get Away with Murder. To intern in her law practice, Annalise chooses the four best students from her class. The result is a scenario where the students, alongside Annalise's employees, must use what they learn in real life.
What's to love: Been watching since Season 1. Still, So much drama. So much intensity. So many twists and turns ! You just can't keep your eyes off it.


9. MODERN FAMILY

When: Wednesdays at 9 p.m./8ct (Season 9 Premiere: September 27)
Where: ABC
What its about: A mockumentary following the lives of members of an unconventional family headed by Jay Pritchett, an older guy, his young and hot Columbian second wife (who has a young son from a previous marriage), his housewife daughter married with three kids and his gay son who has a life partner and adopted Asian daughter.
What's to love: It's just really funny! It's Brilliant, poignant, has mature content and pure comedy. Another oldie but goodie for me.

10. GREENLEAF

When: Wednesdays at 10 p.m./9ct (Season 9 Premiere: September 27)
Where: OWN
What its about: An original drama series from award-winning writer/producer Craig Wright (Lost, Six Feet Under, Dirty Sexy Money, Brothers and Sisters) about the Greenleaf family and their sprawling Memphis megachurch, where scandalous secrets and lies are as numerous as the faithful. Beneath the surface of a "Model-Christian" family lies greed, abuse, adultery, sibling rivalry, conflicting values and disheartening tragedy that could very well tear the family apart. It's written from the perspective of a prodigal daughter who returns home after a family tragedy.

What's to love: Beyond the well-written plot and stellar production, there's the fact that this show addresses two often overlooked issue: (1) abuse to young women within the family and it's long-term effects and (2) closeted homosexuality. It's intriguing, its educational, its emotional and it's just juicy!


HONORABLE MENTIONS

1. Will & Grace (NBC, Premier September 28)
What's to love: I'm so excited about this oldie show coming back! I loved it growing up more than I can put into words and even though I know most show come-backs flop, I just can't wait to see what the producers do with this one.


2. Law & Order: SVU (NBC, Season 19 Premiers September 27, Wednesdays 9 p.m./8ct)
What's to love: It's just consistently good! Intriguing ntertainment you can always rely on.


3. Scandal (ABC, Season 7 Premiers October 5, Thursdays 8 p.m./7 ct )

What's to love: Even though, Scandal didn't make Top 10 this time around because last season was definitely low-bar for me, it still has mysteries, love triangles, secrets, and political implications, which is a cocktail for entertainment.

4. Fresh off the Boat (ABC, Season 4 Premiers October 3, Tuesdays 7:30 p.m./6.30 ct)
What's to love: Like a reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes commented, "The immigrant/culture clash storylines are the freshest things about "Fresh Off the Boat."


If I missed your favorite show, drop a comment! I'll try any show at least once. 

Stay Inspired.....
NwaVic

www.nwavic.blogspot.com|||dearnwavic@gmail.com |||Instagram @dearnwavic  ||| Twitter @nwavicesq

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Red Carpet Fashion + Complete List of Winners: The 69th PrimeTime Emmy Awards

Hi people!

It's that time of the year again. The Emmy Awards! aka the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards. This is my favorite award show because I love TV shows. Every year, I sit at the edge of my seat to see which of my beloved TV shows gets recognized. But as you know, there are the award winners, AND then, there are the red carpet winners! I bring you both. Enjoy!

Anna Chlumsky
Samantha Bee

Felicity Huffman

Sarah Hyland

Sofia Vergara

Jessica Biel

Uzo Aduba

Kate McKinnon

Tracee Ellis Ross

Yara Shahidi

Regina King

Leslie Jones

Elizabeth Moss

Gabrielle Union

Nicole Kidman

Zoe Kravitz
Jane Fonda

Reese Witherspoon
Rashida Jones

Viola Davis

Evan Rachel Wood

Priyanka Chopra

Thandie Newton

Issa Rae
FULL LIST OF WINNERS

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Winner: John Lithgow (The Crown)

Nominees: Jonathan Banks (Better Call Saul), Mandy Patinkin (Homeland), Michael Kelly (House of Cards), David Harbour (Stranger Things), Ron Cephas Jones (This Is Us), Jeffrey Wright (Westworld)
Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series/ Winner: Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live)
Nominees: Vanessa Bayer (Saturday Night Live), Leslie Jones (Saturday Night Live), Anna Chlumsky (Veep), Judith Light (Transparent), Kathryn Hahn (Transparent)
Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie/ Winner: Laura Dern (Big Little Lies)
Nominees: Jackie Hoffman (Feud: Bette and Joan), Regina King (American Crime), Michelle Pfeiffer (The Wizard of Lies), Shailene Woodley (Big Little Lies), Judy Davis (Feud: Bette and Joan)
Directing for a Comedy Series Winner: Donald Glover (Atlanta)
Nominees: Jamie Babbit (Silicon Valley), Mike Judge (Silicon Valley), Morgan Sackett (Veep), David Mandel (Veep), Dale Stern (Veep)
Variety Sketch Series Winner: Saturday Night Live
Nominees: Billy On The Street, Documentary Now!, Drunk History, Portlandia, Tracey Ullman’s Show
Writing for a Drama Series Winner: Bruce Miller (The Handmaid’s Tale)
Nominees: Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields (The Americans), Gordon Smith (Better Call Saul), Peter Morgan (The Crown), The Duffer Brothers (Stranger Things), Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan (Westworld)
Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Winner: Alec Baldwin (Saturday Night Live)
Nominees: Louie Anderson (Baskets), Ty Burrell (Modern Family), Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Tony Hale (Veep), Matt Walsh (Veep)
Directing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special Winner: Jean-Marc Vallee (Big Little Lies)
Nominees: Noah Hawley (Fargo), Ryan Murphy (Feud: Bette & Joan), Ron Howard (Genius), James Marsh (The Night Of), Steve Zaillian (The Night Of)
Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Winner: Alexander SkarsgÃ¥rd (Big Little Lies)
Nominees: Bill Camp (The Night Of), Alfred Molina (Feud: Bette and Joan), David Thewlis (Fargo), Stanley Tucci (Feud: Bette and Joan), Michael K. Williams (The Night Of)
Writing for a Variety Series Winner: Kevin Avery, Tim Carvell, Josh Gondelman, Dan Gurewitch, Geoff Haggerty, Jeff Maurer, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Jill Twiss & Juli Weiner (Last Week Tonight with John Oliver)
Nominees:  
Jo Miller, Samantha Bee, Ashley Nicole Black, Pat Cassels, Eric Drysdae, Mathan Erhardt, Travon Free, Joe Grossman, Miles Kahn, Melinda Taub & Jason Reich (Full Frontal with Samantha Bee)
- Jermaine Affonso, Alex Baze, Bryan Donaldson, Sal Gentile, Matt Goldich, Dina Gusovky, Jenny Hagel, Allison Hord, Mike Karnell, John Lutz, Seth Meyers, Ian Morgan, Seth Reiss, Amber Ruffin, Mike Scollins, Mike Shoemaker & Ben Warheit (Late Night with Seth Meyers)
- Barry Julien, Jay Katsir, Opus Moreschi, Stephen Colbert, Tom Purcell, Matt Lappin, Michael Brumm, Nate Charny, Aaron Cohen, Cullen Crawford, Paul Dinello, Ariel Dumas, Glenn Eichler, Django Gold, Gabe Gronli, Daniel Kibblesmith, Michael Pielocik, Kate Sidley, Jen Spyra, Brian Stack & John Thibodeaux (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert)
- Chris Kelly, Sarah Schneider, Kent Sublette, Bryan Tucker, Pete Schultz, James Anderson, Kristen Bartlett, Jeremy Beiler, Zach Bornstein, Joanna Bradley, Megan Callahan, Michael Che, Anna Drezen, Fran Gillespie, Sudi Green, Steve Higgins, Colin Jost, Erik Kenward, Rob Klein, Nick Kocher, Dave McCary, Brian McElhaney, Dennis McNicholas, Drew Michael, Lorne Michaels, Josh Patten, Katie Rich, Streeter Seidell, Will Stephen & Julio Torres (Saturday Night Live)
Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Winner: Ann Dowd (The Handmaid’s Tale)
Nominees: Samira Wiley (The Handmaid’s Tale), Uzo Aduba (Orange Is the New Black), Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things), Chrissy Metz (This Is Us), Thandie Newton (Westworld)

Writing for a Comedy Series Winner: Aziz Ansari and Lena Waithe (Master of None)
Nominee: Donald Glover (Atlanta), Stephen Glover (Atlanta), Alec Berg (Silicon Valley), Billy Kimball (Veep), David Mandel (Veep)
Reality Competition Winner: The Voice (NBC)
Nominees: The Amazing Race (CBS), American Ninja Warrior (NBC), Project Runway (Lifetime), RuPaul’s Drag Race (vh1), Top Chef (Bravo)
Directing for a Drama Series Winner: Reed Morano (The Handmaid’s Tale)
Nominees: Vince Gilligan (Better Call Saul), Stephen Daldry (The Crown), Kate Dennis (The Handmaid’s Tale), Lesli Linka Glatter (Homeland), The Duffer Brothers (Stranger Things), Jonathan Nolan (Westworld)
Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Drama Winner: Charlie Brooker (Black Mirror: San Junipero)
Nominees: David E. Kelley (Big Little Lies), Noah Hawley (Fargo), Ryan Murphy (Feud: Bette and Joan), Jaffe Cohen, Michael Zam and Ryan Murphy (Feud: Bette and Joan), Richard Price and Steven Zaillian (The Night Of)
Directing for a Variety Series Winner: Don Roy King (Saturday Night Live)
Nominees: Derek Waters & Jeremy Konner (Drunk History), Andy Fisher (Jimmy Kimmel Live), Paul Pennolino (Last Week Tonight with John Oliver), Jim Hoskinson (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert)
Variety Talk Series Winner: Last Week Tonight With John Oliver (HBO)
Nominees: Full Frontal With Samantha Bee (TBS), Jimmy Kimmel Live! (ABC), The Late Late Show With James Corden (CBS), Real Time With Bill Maher (HBO), The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS)
Comedy Actor Winner: Donald Glover (Atlanta)
Nominees: Anthony Anderson (Black-ish), Aziz Ansari (Master of None), Zach Galifianakis (Baskets), William H. Macy (Shameless), Jeffrey Tambor (Transparent)
Comedy Actress Winner: Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep)
Nominees: Pamela Adlon (Better Things), Tracee Ellis-Ross (black-ish), Jane Fonda (Grace and Frankie), Lily Tomlin (Grace and Frankie), Allison Janney (Mom), Ellie Kemper (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt)
Comedy Series Winner: Veep (HBO)
Nominees: Atlanta (FX), Black-ish (ABC), Master of None (Netflix), Modern Family (ABC), Silicon Valley (HBO), Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix)
Limited Series Actor Winner: Riz Ahmed (The Night Of)
Nominees: Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock: The Lying Detectivek), Robert De Niro (The Wizard of Lies), Ewan McGregor (Fargo), Geoffrey Rush (Genius), John Turturro (The Night Of)
Limited Series Actress Winner: Nicole Kidman (Big Little Lies)
Nominees: Carrie Coon (Fargo), Felicity Huffman (American Crime), Jessica Lange (Feud), Susan Sarandon (Feud), Reese Witherspoon (Big Little Lies)
TV Movie Winner: Black Mirror (Netflix)
Nominees: Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love (NBC), The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (HBO), Sherlock: The Lying Detective (PBS), Wizard of Lies (HBO)
Limited Series Winner: Big Little Lies (HBO)
Nominees: Fargo (FX), Feud: Bette and Joan (FX), The Night Of (HBO), Genius (National Geographic)
Drama Actor Winner: Sterling K. Brown (This Is Us)
Nominees: Anthony Hopkins (Westworld), Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul), Matthew Rhys (The Americans), Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan), Kevin Spacey (House of Cards), Milo Ventimiglia (This Is Us)
Drama Actress Winner: Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale)
Nominees: Viola Davis (How to Get Away with Murder), Claire Foy (The Crown), Keri Russell (The Americans), Evan Rachel Wood (Westworld), Robin Wright (House of Cards)
Drama Series Winner: The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
Nominees: Better Call Saul (AMC), The Crown (Netflix), House of Cards (Netflix), Stranger Things (Netflix), This Is Us (NBC), Westworld (HBO)

www.nwavic.blogspot.com|||dearnwavic@gmail.com |||Instagram @dearnwavic  ||| Twitter @nwavicesq

Sources: Vanity Fair and Forbes.