Praise the Lawd and Pass the Remote!

The holiday season is great for friends, family and, of course, shopping but it’s not so great for TV viewers. Ah the Doldrums of December! Three weeks of repeats and Christmas movies that you’ve already seen a million times. I was just about to crawl out of my skins; but, starting tonight, things are going to start getting better.

Wednesday, January 2: It starts with a new episode of American Horror Story tonight at 10:00. It looks like someone beside Sister Jude (or should I say the former Sister) has seen the real Mary Eunice.

Saturday, January 5: There are repeats of Once Upon a Time all evening. I can live with that because it’s a lead-up to an all-new episode Sunday night.

Sunday, January 6: Finally, new Once Upon a Time! I’ll go ahead and say it. This will probably be the best part of my weekend. I know I need to get a life but for now this will have to do!

Monday, January 7: Castle (ABC, 10:00)is back. I know most people don’t like it when the couple finally gets together on a show but I think Beckett and Castle work well as a couple. I enjoy watching their banter and chemistry. Yet, I’m sure there relationship will be tested on this evening’s show when Castle’s ex-wife moves in to care for a sick Alexis. I’ll most likely DVR Castle and watch ….

Deception (NBC, 10:00) is a new show I plan on checking out. Megan Good plays a detective trying to infiltrate her best friend’s family to find out who killed her.

Tuesday, January 8: All of my FOX comedies are back: Raising Hope, Ben & Kate, The New Girl and The Mindy Project. Although Ben & Kate got a full season order of 19 episodes, ratings are far from hot. It isn’t expected to last past the season. The Mindy Project is firmly on the bubble and could go either way. Having watched several episodes of both shows, Ben & Kate is definitely funnier. If I were a FOX exec, I’d keep Ben & Kate and axe The Mindy Project.

Other Midseason Shows on my calendar.

American Idol (Wednesday, January 16, FOX 8:00): I know all about the Nicki Minaj/Mariah Carey feud and I couldn’t care less. Am I the only AI fan who, and call me crazy, actually watches for the talent. It really doesn’t matter if NM and MC get along or not. What matters to me is if they can spot and put through good talent that makes me want to watch.

The Following (Monday, January 21, FOX 9:00): Kevin Bacon doesn’t really do TV. I’m hoping that since he’s signed on to The Following that it will be pretty good. He plays a former FBI agent on the hunt for a serial killer (James Purefoy) who has escaped from prison and has a legion of followers who are willing to kill for him. Really looking forward to this one.

Smash (Tuesday, February 5, NBC 10:00): The second season of Smash moves from Monday to Tuesday and it opens with a two-hour premiere (starting at 9:00). We’ve gotten rid of four old characters and welcomed in a few new ones … including a recurring role for Jennifer Hudson!

Celebrity Apprentice (Sunday, March 3, NBC 9:00): By far, this is the guiltiest of guilty pleasures. I am dying to know what will top last season’s Clay Aiken “I’m a grown ass man!” rant. This is the All-Star season which includes former winners Trace Adkins and Brett Michaels. However, it also includes LaToya Jackson, Gary Busey, Dennis Rodman and Omarosa (who was never on Celebrity Apprentice but became a celebrity after being featured in the first season of regular Apprentice).

The Voice (Monday, March 25, NBC, 8:00) Adam Levine and Blake Shelton are back for Season 4 of The Voice. However, we’ve got two new stars in our revolving red seats. Replacing Cee-lo Green and Christina Aguilera are Usher and Shakira.

It's getting cold (hey, I'm in North Carolina). It's a great time to sit in my favorite chair, in my nuggie and watch some good TV. .... Oh, and the dog has a Snuggie too ... yeah, I kind of need to get a life.