What I Watched Last Week (Sept. 21-26)

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What I Watched Last Week is a regular feature on this blog. Every Saturday, I’ll recap the TV, film and sports action I consumed over the past seven days. It will include my thoughts and links for more info.

MONDAY, SEPT. 21

TV: Big Brother All-Stars (Season 22, Ep 20, CBS)
TV: Love Island (Season 2, Ep 21, CBS)
TV: Desus & Mero (Season 2, Ep 48, Showtime)
TV: The Circus (Season 5, Ep 14, Showtime)
TV: Love Fraud (Docuseries, Ep 4, Showtime). I feel for the women who were duped, What a monstrous person. Scott? Is that really his name? He’s clearly a sociopath. That interview in prison was something else.
TV: Power Book II: Ghost (Season 1, Ep 3, STARZ). The spinoff has been renewed for a second season after strong ratings. Kudos to Courtney Kemp and her team for another smash.
TV: Lovecraft Country (Season 1, Ep 6, HBO)
TV: The Vow (Season 1, Ep 5, HBO)
TV: Pardon the Interruption (Monday, Sept. 21, ESPN)
Sports: MLB – Braves 5, Marlins 4 in Atlanta (Fox Sports Southeast)
Sports: NFL – Raiders 34, Saints 24 in Las Vegas (ESPN). The Death Star: Where Opponents Perish in the Desert.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 22

TV: The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Season 5, Ep 157, Comedy Central)
TV: Love Island (Season 2, Ep 22, CBS)
TV: Filthy Rich (Season 1, Ep 1, FOX). NEW SERIES ALERT. Right up my alley — Kim Cattrall! — I need a good primetime soap in my life right now.
TV: LA’s Finest (Season 1, Ep 1, FOX). NEW SERIES ALERT. No bueno. A total snoozefest. I like the female stars involved and applaud their effort, but this is a terrible show.
TV: We Are Who We Are (Season 1, Ep 2, HBO). Even better than the premiere.
TV: The Third Day (Limited series, Ep 1, HBO). Still not feeling this one.
TV: Celebrity Family Feud (Season 6, Ep 6, ABC). Survey says … I’m thrilled one of my favorite game shows is back!
TV: Pardon the Interruption (Tuesday, Sept. 22, ESPN)
Sports: MLB – Braves 11, Marlin 1 in Atlanta (Fox Sports Southeast). Division champs! Third time’s a charm (fingers crossed emoji)!
Sports: NBA Playoffs – Nuggets 114, Lakers 106 in Orlando (Western Conference Finals, Game 3, TNT). Murray Jokic are doing their best to make this a series (now at 2-1).

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 23

TV: The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Season 5, Ep 158, Comedy Central)
TV: America’s Got Talent (Season 15, Ep 23, NBC). LIVE FINALS. I was a little underwhelmed, to be completely honest. Too many singers, but the last two finished strong. Not enough variety, though.
TV: Dancing with the Stars (Season 29, Ep 2, ABC). WEEK 2. My favorite: Justina Machado. We say goodbye to: Charles Oakley. Called it!
TV: 16 & Recovering (Docuseries, Ep 4, MTV). This project hit close to home as someone who’s been in recovery for more than 10 years. These kids are inspiring. And the woman and staff who guide and support them, they’re just as awesome.
TV: Time100 (Special, ABC). Nice attempt, guys, but this was unnecessary. Do the reading instead.
TV: Transplant (Season 1, Ep 4, NBC)
TV: Love Island (Season 2, Ep 23, CBS)
TV: Pardon the Interruption (Wednesday, Sept. 23, ESPN)
Sports: MLB – Braves 9, Marlins 4 in Atlanta (Fox Sports Southeast). Let’s keep this streak rollin’ into next week.
Sports: NBA Playoffs – Heat 112, Celtics 109 in Orlando (Eastern Conference Finals, Game 4, ESPN). Performer of the night: Miami’s Tyler Herro. A star is born.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 24

TV: The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Season 5, Ep 159, Comedy Central)
TV: Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (Wednesday, Sept. 23, TBS)
TV: America’s Got Talent (Season 15, Ep 24, NBC). SEASON FINALE. And the winner is … Brandon Leake! I’m pretty surprised. But what an achievement. The powerful poet beat out Broken Roots (2nd), Cristina Rae (3rd), Roberta Battaglia (4th) and Alan Silva (5th). Can his spoken word act work in a Vegas setting? Let’s give him a chance to make it happen.
TV: The Masked Singer (Season 4, Ep 1, FOX). I absolutely should be chastised for watching this trash, but it’s so sugary and sweet. I’ve seen only a few episodes here and there. Judge Jenny McCarthy (who I still despise) has the same shocked reaction at the beginning of every vocal and after every reveal. She needs a new shtick. The first celeb to go: Busta Rhymes as DRAGON.
TV: I Can See Your Voice (Season 1, Ep 1, FOX). NEW SERIES ALERT. I can’t believe I liked this show as much as I did. Who am I?
TV: Big Brother All-Stars (Season 22, Ep 21, CBS)
TV: Love Island (Season 2, Ep 24, CBS)
TV: Agents of Choas (Documentary, Part 1, 2020, HBO). Alex Gibney does it again. Perfect timing and tone. And Russia is messing with U.S. elections again. I want more Americans to be paying attention.
TV: Pardon the Interruption (Thursday, Sept. 24, ESPN)
Sports: MLB – Marlins 4, Braves 2 in Atlanta (Fox Sports Southeast)
Sports: CFB – UAB over South Alabama in Mobile, Ala. (ESPN), NFL – Dolphins over Jaguars in Jacksonville (NFL Network) and NBA Playoffs – Lakers over Nuggets in Orlando (Western Conference Finals, Game 4, TNT)
TV: Desus & Mero (Season 2, Ep 49, Showtime)

FRIDAY, SEPT. 25

TV: The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Season 5, Ep 160, Comedy Central). Great monologue by Trevor about Breonna Taylor. He’s been on his game. And hanging with Desus & Mero — I love it.
TV: Celebrity Family Feud (Season 6, Ep 8, ABC)
TV: Match Game (Season 5, Ep 58, ABC) Congrats on the major milestone, guys! Episode 58!!!
TV: Ted Lasso (Season 1, Ep 9, Apple TV+). SEASON FINALE. Just lovely. Jason Sudeikis and Hannah Waddingham deserve Emmy nominations next year. A second season has been ordered. Score!
TV: Keeping Up with the Kardashians (Season 19, Ep 2, E!). Everything is so contrived. Why do people like this family?
TV: The Bradshaw Bunch (Season 1, Ep 3, E!). I didn’t expect the a 30-minute episode, but I welcome it.
TV: Big Brother All-Stars (Season 22, Ep 22, CBS)
TV: The Real Housewives of New York City (Season 12, Ep 24, Bravo). If you were thinking Andy Cohen wouldn’t need three episodes for a season-ending cast reunion, you’d be wrong.
TV: Love Island (Season 2, Ep 25-26, CBS)
TV: ER (Season 15, Ep 2-3, Hulu)
TV: Pardon the Interruption (Friday, Sept. 25, ESPN)
Sports: MLB – Braves 8, Red Sox 7 (11 innings) in Atlanta (Fox Sports South). Just Freddie Freeman the damn NL MVP award. Like today.
TV: Room 104 (Season 4, Ep 10, HBO)

SATURDAY, SEPT. 26

TV: Real Time with Bill Maher (Season 17, Ep 28, HBO)
TV: Wilmore (Season 1, Ep 1-2, Peacock). NEW SERIES ALERT. His voice is needed right now.
TV: The Amber Ruffin Show (Season 1, Ep 1, Peacock. NEW SERIES ALERT. So is hers.
TV: Agents of Chaos (Documentary, Part 2, 2020, HBO) What is wrong with people who admit to admiring Vladimir Putin? In this country? They’re welcome to leave …
Sports: I watched at least parts of 10 games. I love college football Saturdays so much. What a joy this day was. Is Mississippi State that good? What about Miami? Or is Florida State really awful?
Sports: CFB – Georgia 37, Arkansas 10 in Fayetteville, Ark. (SEC Network). Talk about ugly. The Bulldogs offense, led by backup QB Stenson Bennett, finally woke up in the second half. Will he start Saturday night against Auburn? I would imagine so.
Sports: MLB – Red Sox 8, Braves 2 in Atlanta (Fox Sports Southeast). Good thing this game doesn’t matter.
Sports: NBA Playoffs – Lakers over Nuggets in Orlando (Western Conference Finals, Game 5, TNT). LeBron & Co. move on to the Finals.

So. Much. Sports.

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Remember how the sports world screeched to a halt just a few months ago? Because of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States, there were no games to watch or teams to follow or moves to debate. A strange feeling ensued for many of us sports fans. Weekly episodes of The Last Dance on ESPN was about the only thing we could look forward to for a while. My, how things have changed. The remainder of 2020 is going to be like nothing we’ve experienced. (That’s putting it lightly.) It’s almost impossible to keep up with all the action, something I didn’t realized I would miss so much in the spring. Now, I need multiple screens at night and during weekends.

But I’m not complaining. Sure, there are really important things to think about right now  – how to end the pandemic, lift up marginalized communities, save democracy, etc.). But athletes, coaches and other leaders have an vital voice in American culture. They will play a key role in helping society move forward, too. Sport has the power to unite us in common purpose, and it has always had the potential to do a lot of good in the process. Don’t ever forget that. As I’m cheering on the Braves’ run in the new-look baseball playoffs and obsessing over every SEC football matchup this fall, I know I won’t.

Let’s get to it. Here’s a look at what’s on the horizon over the next three months, here in the Atlanta area (where I fell in love with sports as a kid) and around the nation:

THE ATLANTA SPORTS SCENE

Ordered by my current level of excitement for every local team

Braves

With the NL East clinched for a third straight year, sights are set on the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. I guess pitching isn’t that important when you’re crushing it from the plate. I’m prepared for more disappointment — I know you are, too — but hoping for the best. World Series or bust?

Mark your calendar: The Braves host Game 1 of their best-of-3 NL Wild Card series next Wednesday, Sept. 30 (through Friday, Oct. 2, if necessary). Fried will be ready, according to reports this afternoon. Time/TV: TBA.

Georgia football

It’s time to get serious. Finally. Who will start under center for Kirby’s offense? All signs point to D’Wan Mathis.

Mark your calendar: The Bulldogs kick off their all-SEC schedule on Saturday at Arkansas, coached former Georgia assistant Sam Pittman. Time/TV: 4 p.m. on SEC Network.

Falcons

Sunday’s embarrassing defeat in Dallas still stings. Dan Quinn’s days are numbered. Let’s move on.

Mark your calendar: The Falcons continue to look for that elusive first victory of 2020 on Sunday when they play the Bears at Mercedez-Benz Stadium. Time/TV: 1 p.m. on FOX.

Georgia Tech football

The good: QB Jeff Sims and RB Jahmyr Gibbs. The bad: Getting walloped by UCF after a season-opening win over Florida State on the road. The ugly: Mistakes by Tech’s defense in said blowout.

Mark your calendar: The Jackets head north on Saturday to face ACC foe Syracuse as they try to bounce back from their first loss of the year. Time/TV: noon on Fox Sports South.

Georgia State football

Shawn Elliott’s crew has the talent to compete in the Sun Belt Conference’s East Division. In front of a national TV audience last weekend, State rallied but ultimately fell to Louisiana, a conference title favorite, in OT at home. I think it’s a positive sign.

Mark your calendar: The Panthers travel to Charlotte on Saturday. Time/TV: noon on ESPNU.

United

Honestly, the Five Stripes’ matches haven’t been a priority since things got going again. But I know they’re not playing anywhere near their potential. There’s still time to recover, though.

Mark your calendar: The United attempt to build on Wednesday’s much-needed win over FC Dallas during a trip to Chicago on Sunday. Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. on Fox Sports Southeast.

Hawks

The Hawks did not participate in this year’s playoff action in Orlando. Now: workouts in a mini-bubble over the next few weeks.

Mark your calendar:  The team has the sixth pick the NBA Draft, slated for Nov. 18 (ESPN). The league hasn’t said when the 2020-21 season will start.

Dream

Kudos to forward Betnijah Laney, named the WNBA’s Most Improved Player on Thursday.

Mark your calendar: The Dream were eliminated from postseason play earlier this month. Election Day is Nov. 3. Will co-owner Kelly Loeffler keep her U.S. Senate seat?

THE NATIONAL SPORTS SCENE

Ordered by my current level of excitement for each sport/league

MLB playoffs

The mad dash of a 60-game season concludes on Sunday. I actually can’t believe the league pulled it off. But I’m for shortened seasons (but maybe not this much). I also like the new extra-innings rules and the expanded playoff format. Anything seems possible.

Mark your calendar: Wild Card series (Tuesday-Friday, ESPN/TBS)

NBA playoffs

I’ve seen more basketball as the playoffs have progressed. That includes almost every Lakers game. In the East, Miami-Boston has been so much fun. I have loved watching Tyler Herro (even before his breakout performance last night) and Jayson Tatum. Hey, Adam Silver, his teams and their players deserve a lot of credit.

Mark your calendar: NBA Finals, Game 1 (Sept. 30, ABC)

College football regular season

It just means more … to me when SEC teams are on the schedule. The real season gets underway this weekend. I can’t wait! We’re still waiting on the Big Ten, MAC and Mountain West. What say you, Pac-12? (Nobody really cares.)

Mark your calendar: Mississippi State at No. 6 LSU (Saturday, 3:30 p.m., CBS)

NFL regular season

Sunday afternoons feel much better now. I’m worried about Brady and Brees. And the Week 2 injuries took a toll. Brutal. Come hell or high water, though, the NFL is going to make it to that Super Bowl in Tampa.

Mark your calendar: Chiefs at Ravens (Monday, 8:20 p.m., ESPN)

Golf

I have to say, I only really care about the big tournaments. Thankfully, the PGA Championship, Tour Championship and U.S. Open have been very compelling. Give me more!

Mark your calendar: The Masters (Nov. 12-15, ESPN/CBS)

Tennis

The U.S. Open in New York is one my favorite events in all of sports. I especially enjoy following the American women. Such talent. We missed out on some big names this year, but I still had fun. How can you not root for the likes of Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka?

Mark your calendar: French Open (Sept. 25-Oct. 11, Tennis Channel/NBC/Peacock)

MLS regular season

I won’t be tuning in much until October. Just being real with you. I have other obligations. I do read about Atlanta United every day in the AJC and occasionally check in on matches. They have their work cut out for them if they want to make a deep run to MLS Cup on Dec. 12.

Mark your calendar: MLS Cup Playoffs (mid-November, ESPN/FOX/FS1)

WNBA playoffs

It’s down to Minnesota-Seattle and Las Vegas-Connecticut in the semifinals. The league handed out 2020 Defensive Player of the Year honors earlier this week (Los Angeles’ Candace Parker).

Mark your calendar: WNBA Finals, Game 1 (Friday, Oct. 2, TV TBA)

NHL playoffs

This is where I will let you down. I just don’t have enough time in the day (or TVs) to make watching hockey happen. Even a Stanley Cup Final featuring Tampa Bay and Dallas. The Lightning lead 2-1 in the best-of-7 series. I might watch Game 6 or 7.

Mark your calendar: Stanley Cup Final, Game 4 (Friday, 8 p.m., NBC)

College basketball (men and women)

Mark your calendar: It looks likes games will commence on Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving. Much more to come. But if we are deprived of another March Madness, I will irate.

FANTASY FOOTBALL CORNER

I lost to best team in my only league this past weekend. Church of Ryantology’s record moves to 1-1 (good for fifth place among 12 managers). I will be missing top overall pick Christian McCaffrey for 4-6 weeks (I hope), but I think I’ll remain competitive. None my guys plays tonight. Here’s my starting lineup:

QB – Tom Brady, Tampa Bay
WR – Tyler Lockett, Seattle
WR – Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers
RB – Melvin Gordon III, Denver
RB – James Connor, Pittsburgh
TE – Travis Kelce, Kansas City
Flex (WR) – Marvin Jones Jr., Detroit
K – Jake Elliott, Philadelphia
Defense – Philadelphia

Projected points total: 124.95 (vs. my opponent’s 131.14). According to Yahoo, I have a 45% chance of winning. Good luck, folks!

My Sports Calendar (Sept. 24-30)

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Every Thursday on this blog, I’ll list the big games and events airing over the next week that are on my radar. Local teams are highlighted in bold. All times Eastern. Let’s go!

THURSDAY, SEPT. 24

MLB – Marlins at Braves (7:10 p.m., Fox Sports Southeast)
CFB – CUSA: UAB at South Alabama (7:30 p.m., ESPN)
NFL – Thursday Night Football: Dolphins at Jaguars (8:20 p.m., NFL Network)
NBA Playoffs – Western Conference Finals, Game 4: Lakers vs. Nuggets (9 p.m., TNT)

FRIDAY, SEPT. 25

MLB – Red Sox at Braves (7:10 p.m., Fox Sports South)
MLB – Cubs at White Sox (8 p.m., ESPN2)
NHL Playoffs – Stanley Cup Final, Game 4, Lightning vs. Stars (8 p.m., NBC)
NBA Playoffs- Eastern Conference Finals, Game 5: Heat vs. Celtics (8:30 p.m., ESPN)

SATURDAY, SEPT 26

CFB – ACC: Georgia Tech at Syracuse (noon, Fox Sports South)
CFB – SEC: No. 5 Florida at Ole Miss (noon, ESPN)
CFB – Georgia State at Charlotte (noon, ESPNU)
CFB – SEC: No. 23 Kentucky at No. 8 Auburn (noon, SEC Network)
CFB – Big 12: Kansas State at No. 3 Oklahoma (noon, FOX)
CFB – SEC Game of the Week: Mississippi State at No. 6 LSU (3:30 p.m., CBS)
CFB – Big 12: No. 8 Texas at Texas Tech (3:30 p.m., FOX)
CFB – SEC: No. 4 Georgia at Arkansas (4 p.m., SEC Network)
MLB – Phillies at Rays (7 p.m., FOX)
MLB – Red Sox at Braves (7:10 p.m., Fox Sports South)
CFB – Saturday Night Football: Florida State at No. 12 Miami (7:30 p.m., ABC)
CFB – SEC: No. 16 Tennessee at South Carolina (7:30 p.m., SEC Network)
NHL Playoffs – Stanley Cup Final, Game 5: Stars vs. Lightning (8 p.m., NBC)
NBA Playoffs- Western Conference Finals, Game 5: Nuggets vs. Lakers (9 p.m., TNT)

SUNDAY, SEPT. 27

NFL – Bears at Falcons (1 p.m., FOX)
MLB – Red Sox at Braves (3 p.m., Fox Sports South)
NFL – Panthers at Chargers (4 p.m., CBS)
NFL – Bucs at Broncos (4:25 p.m, FOX)
NBA – NBA Playoffs – Eastern Conference Finals, Game 6: Celtics vs. Heat (7:30 p.m., ESPN, if necessary)
MLS – Atlanta United at Chicago Fire FC (7:30 p.m., Fox Sports Southeast)
NFL – Sunday Night Football: Packers at Saints (8:20 p.m., NBC)

MONDAY, SEPT. 28

NHL Playoffs – Stanley Cup Final, Game 6: Lightning vs. Stars (8 p.m., NBC, if necessary)
NFL – Monday Night Football: Ravens at Chiefs (8:20 p.m., ESPN)
NBA Playoffs – Western Conference Finals, Game 6: Lakers vs. Nuggets (9 p.m., TNT, if necessary)


TUESDAY, SEPT. 29

MLB Playoffs – AL Wild Card series: All day (ESPN)
NBA Playoffs – Eastern Conference Playoffs, Game 7: Heat vs. Celtics (8:30 p.m., ESPN, if necessary)

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 30

MLB Playoffs – AL and NL Wild Card series: All day (ESPN)
MLB Playoffs – NL Wild Card series, Game 1: TBD at Braves (time, network TBD)
NHL Playoffs – Stanley Cup Final, Game 7: Stars vs. Lightning (8 p.m., NBC, if necessary)
NBA Playoffs – Western Conference Finals, Game 7 or NBA Finals, Game 1 (9 p.m., ABC)

I Love: Reality TV Competitions

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One of the biggest stories in the TV industry over the past two decades has been the rocketing popularity of “reality” shows. I was there for all of it when to comes to the ups and downs of televised talent competitons. It doesn’t get more compelling or unpredictable. I’ve watched every episode of every season of the best of the bunch: American Idol on FOX and (now) ABC. The show that produced superstars (Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and more) was my life for years back in my 20s. I even created and wrote a blog about the megahit during its heyday when I worked on the copy desk for The Augusta Chronicle. The tens of millions of viewers who tuned in multiple times a week would agree with me. I correctly predicted Kris’ Allen’s upset win over Adam Lambert, a proud accomplishment I still claim today.

Anyway, water-cooler programs like Idol and The Bachelor and Big Brother have had a tremendous impact on our culture — here in the United States and around the word. After Idol, my Top 10 would have to include (in no particular order): Survivor (CBS), Project Runway (Bravo/Lifetime), RuPaul’s Drag Race (Logo/VH1), Top Chef (Bravo), Songland (NBC), Making It (NBC), So You Think You Can Dance (FOX), Are You the One? (MTV) and The Circle (Netflix). The talent, results and production value on these shows are undeniable and captivating. Not to mention, it’s fun to discuss and debate. The omission of The Voice (NBC) might be controversial to some. While I’ve watched it off and on since it began, I’m not a huge fan. Too much of the focus is on the judges (enough of Adam and Blake), and the eventual winners never amount to much of anything. I’d say the worst are NBC’s The Biggest Loser and Fear Factor as well as Love Is Blind on Netflix and America’s Next Top Model on UPN and The CW. Also: Does anyone remember Nashville Star (USA), Finding Prince Charming (Logo) and The World’s Best (CBS)? Probably not. (Here’s another writer’s opinion, which includes non-competitions.) Have some fun with this at Ranker.

One of the reasons I decided to publish this post today is because networks are relying heavily on reality shows/competitions over the next few months because the coronavirus pandemic. Scripted series and other kinds of shows that are more expensive and harder to produce won’t be on the air until later this year (or into 2021). The Season 15 winner of America’s Got Talent (NBC) will be announced tonight. (More on that later.) The new season of Dancing with the Stars (ABC) got underway last week with a new host and a shakeup on the judging panel. And there is a lot on the way. I’ve also been using some of my free time to work on a few TV-related projects: checking out shows I skipped or haven’t seen in a long time. They include the current seasons of Big Brother All-Stars (CBS), which I’ve found is nowhere near as compelling as Survivor, and the U.S. version of Love Island (also on CBS). The latter is in the middle of its second season and runs six (!) days a week. I have to admit, I prefer Bachelor in Paradise (ABC) to this very hetero dating offering. Finally, a new edition of The Amazing Race (CBS), which seemingly has won a billion Emmys, premieres next month. I’ll be on top of it! Same goes for Netflix’s Nailed It! with the amazing Nicole Byer. I’ll have much more say about the endings of BB All-Stars and Love Island in the coming weeks.

A few more random thoughts:

On America’s Got Talent: I haven’t followed a season from start to finish in probably five years. Simon Cowell has been gone the past weeks after he was involved in an accident o n his electric bike. Honestly, I don’t miss him. The other judges on the panel — Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara, a new addition this year — more than picked up the slack. I didn’t connect with most of the final acts that performed last night. But poet Brandon Leake gives me chills every time he takes the stage. He’s crazy talented and always delivers memorable moments. If there’s any justice in the world, it might his time to become a $1 million winner. Ranking the other contenders: 2. Roberta Battaglia 3. Cristina Rae 4. Daneliya Tuleshova 5. Alan Silva 6. Bello Sisters 7. BAD Salsa 8. Archie Williams 9. Broken Roots 10. Kenadi Dodds (not be harsh, but she was totally forgettable). Check out the current odds at Gold Derby.

On Dancing with the Stars: I think the last season I watched in entirety came at least 10 years ago. The audience here skews older, which might be why ABC wanted to change things up with a new host (veteran media personality Tyra Banks) and yet another buzzy slate of celebrity dancers. The second round of dances went down last night, but I haven’t watched them yet. I plan to do that this afternoon. My gut tells me Carole Baskin or Charles Oakley can’t last long. If the champion is someone other than Justina Machado or Johnny Weir, I’ll be stunned. My predicted order of finish: 15. Charles Oakley 14. Carole Baskin 13. Chrishelle Staus 12. Nev Schulman 11. Jesse Metcalfe 10. Anne Heche 9. Nelly 8. Kaitlyn Bristowe 7. Monica Aldama 6. Jeannie Mai 5. AJ McLean 4. Skai Jackson 3. Verdon Davis 2. Johnny Weir 1. Justina Machado. By the way, PLEASE find a way to watch this lovely actor and her amazing castmates on One Day at a Time (Netflix/Pop TV).

Here are the reality shows/competitions on my radar for the remainder of 2020:

Currently watching

Dancing with the Stars (Mondays, ABC)
Big Brother All-Stars (Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, CBS)
Love Island (Daily except Saturdays, CBS)

Coming up (subject to change, of course)

The Masked Singer (tonight, FOX). I can’t endorse this show because it seems dumb (from the few episodes I’ve seen) and it features Jenny McCarthy and her horrid anti-vaccine views.

I Can See Your Voice (tonight, FOX). Come on. Do we really need this?

Haute Dog (Sept. 24, HBO Max). This should be … interesting.

The Great British Baking Show (Sept. 25, Netflix). I can’t wait! But be warned: just one episode a week this season.

The Bachelorette (Oct. 13, ABC). I’ve witnessed most of this franchise’s drama the past five years. Don’t judge me.

The Amazing Race (Oct. 14, CBS). Check out the just-announced teams competing this season (taped in 2018).

Shark Tank (Oct. 16, ABC). Do we have a deal? Sure.

The Voice (Oct. 19, NBC). I’m on the fence about coming back for another round. Leaning toward no.

What I Watched Last Week (Sept. 14-20)

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What I Watched Last Week is a regular feature on this blog. Every Monday, I’ll recap the TV, film and sports action I consumed over the past seven days. It will include my thoughts and links for more info.

MONDAY

TV: Reno 911! (Season 6, Eps 7-8, Comedy Central)
TV: Desus & Mero (Season 2, Ep 46, Showtime). The Bodega Boys are back. I couldn’t be happier.
TV: The Circus (Season 5, Ep 13, Showtime)
TV: Love Fraud (Docuseries, Ep 3, Showtime). So excited to see how this story ends. The turns!
TV: Power Book II: Ghost (Season 1, Ep 2, STARZ). Still on the fence with this series, but I plan to finish the season.
TV: Lovecraft Country (Season 1, Ep 5, HBO)
TV: The Vow (Docuseries, Ep 4, HBO). If it walks like a cult and talks like a cult, it probably is a …
TV: 19 and Recovering (Docuseries, Ep 2, MTV)
TV: Love Island (Season 3, Ep 16, CBS)
TV: Big Brother All-Stars (Season 22, Ep 17, CBS)
TV: The Office (Season 3, Ep 20, Netflix)
TV: Pardon the Interruption (Monday, Sepot. 14, ESPN2)
Sports: MLB – Orioles 14, Braves 1 in Baltimore (Fox Sports Southeast). Snitker’s guys are so up and down. Talk about whiplash.
Sports: NFL – Steelers over Giants and Titans over Broncos (ESPN)
Special: 2020 Creative Arts Emmy Awards – Reality and Nonfiction (Emmys.com). Big night for The Cave (much deserved) and Queer Eye (of course)!

TUESDAY

TV: The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Season 5, Ep 153, Comedy Central)
TV: Reno 911! (Season 6, Eps 9-10, Comedy Central)
TV: Love Island (Season 2, Ep 17, CBS). Man, Mackenzie is so annoying. That’s all I have to say.
TV: Dancing with the Stars (Season 29, Ep 1, ABC). I haven’t watched a full season in years, but Tyra and a stellar cast pulled me in this time around. Should be fun!
TV: We Are Who We Are (Season 1, Ep 1, HBO). NEW SERIES ALERT. Blown away. I adored the premiere. This coming-of-age tale set in Italy has so much going for it. It could become my favorite show of the fall.
TV: The Third Day (Season 1, Ep 1, HBO). The limited series starring Jude Law and Naomie Harris shows promise early on. I’m intrigued.
TV: Pardon the Interruption (Tuesday, Sept. 15, ESPN2)
Sports: MLB – Braves 5, Orioles 1 in Baltimore (Fox Sports Southeast)
Sports: NBA Playoffs – Heat over Celtics and Nuggets over Clippers (ESPN)
Special: 2020 Creative Arts Emmy Awards -Variety (Emmys.com)

WEDNESDAY

TV: Reno 911! (Season 6, Eps 11-12, Comedy Central)
TV: Transplant (Season 1, Ep 3, NBC)
TV: America’s Got Talent (Season 15, Ep 21, NBC). The second half of the semifinals. This season had been quite entertaining, even without Simon’s critiques the past few weeks. I’ll have more on the Top 10 acts before next week’s finale.
TV: The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Season 5, Ep 154, Comedy Central)
TV: Love Island (Season 2, Ep 18, CBS)
TV: Big Brother All-Stars (Season 22, Ep 18, CBS)
TV: Pardon the Interruption (Wednesday, Sept. 16, ESPN2)
Sports: Orioles 5, Braves 0 in Baltimore (Fox Sports Southeast)
Special: 2020 Creative Arts Emmy Awards – Scripted Night 1 (Emmys.com)
TV: 55th Academy of Country Music Awards (CBS). I loved everything about this three-hour program, delayed for almost six months because of the coronavirus pandemic. I’ll have more thoughts on another blog post.

THURSDAY

TV: Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (Wednesday, Sept. 16, TBS)
TV: Reno 911! (Season 6, Eps 13-15, Comedy Central). After two episodes a day for the past six weeks, I finished! These bumbling idiots made my laugh till my stomach hurt. Over and over. Bravo.
TV: America’s Got Talent (Season 15, Ep 22, NBC). Most of these results mystify me. Until next week …
TV: ER (Season 14, Eps 14-19 and Season 15, Ep 1, Hulu). Last season! We made it! And to say goodbye to Dr. Gregory Pratt, (played by the incomparable Mekhi Phifer), that was agonizing.
TV: The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Season 5, Ep 154-155, Comedy Central)
TV: Pardon the Interruption (Thursday, Sept. 17, ESPN)
Special: 2020 Creative Arts Emmy Awards – Scripted Night 2 (Emmys.com)
Sports: NBA Playoffs – Heat over Celtics in Orlando (Eastern Conference Finals, Game 2, ESPN) and Browns over Bengals in Cleveland (NFL Network). Players of the night: Miami’s Goran Dragic and Cleveland’s Nick Chubb. Honorable mention: Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow. The rookie QB is gonna be a star.

FRIDAY

TV: Desus & Mero (Season 2, Ep 47, Showtime) 
TV: Big Brother All-Stars (Season 22, Ep 19, CBS). Am I surprised that a white guy named Memphis is racist? Nah. Producers should show him the door.
TV: Love Island (Season 2, Eps 19-20, CBS). Still going strong!
TV: Ted Lasso (Season 1, Ep 8, Apple TV+). I’m devastated there’s only one more episode (Sept. 25).
TV: The Bradshaw Bunch (Season 1, Eps 1-2, E!). NEW SERIES ALERT. This should be frivilous fun. Nothing more than that.
TV: Keeping Up with the Kardashians (Season 19, Ep 1, E!). With the series ending next year, I decided to check in on a few episodes to see where the clan is at. I’ve never been a fan of this family, to be honest. But its impact on the world is undeniable.
Movie: Coastal Elites (Comedy, 2020, HBO). I didn’t expect to be so moved, but every monologue (maybe except for the one from Sarah Paulson) hit me hard. Superb stuff. Give it a shot.
TV: Pardon the Interruption (Friday, Sept. 18, ESPN)
Sports: MLB – Braves 15, Mets 2 in New York (Fox Sports South)

SATURDAY

TV: Room 104 (Season 4, Ep 9, HBO). Kevin McKidd is amazing. The episode is titled “The Last Man.” So good.
TV: Real Time with Bill Maher (Season 18, Ep 27, HBO)
TV: A.P. Bio (Season 3, Ep 2, Peacock)
Sports: MLB – Mets 7, Braves 2 in New York (FOX)
TV: Creative Arts Emmy Awards (FXX)

SUNDAY

TV: The NFL Today (Sunday, Sept. 20, CBS)
Sports: MLB – Braves 7, Mets 0 in New York (Fox Sports South). Magic number: 5. The final week of the season is already here? Let’s go!
Sports: NFL – Cowboys 40, Falcons 39 in Arlington, Texas (FOX). What a debacle for Dan Quinn’s guys. Going for 2 in the second quarter? The dropped pass by Julio? The botched onside kick situation? I wouldn’t be surprised to see a lot of pink slips this week. I’m dreading having to read about it.
Sports: Golf – U.S. Open at Winged Foot GC in Mamaroneck, N.Y. (Final round, NBC). Didn’t catch as much of this tournament as I wanted, but the ending was satisfying. Congrats, Bryson!
Sports: NFL – Chiefs over Chargers (CBS) and Seahawks over Patriots (NBC)
TV: 72nd Emmy Awards (ABC). I thought the show worked! it was creative and fresh. But not without snafus, of course. I’ll be writing much more about this in the coming days.
Sports: NBA Playoffs – Lakers 105, Nuggets 103 in Orlando (Western Conference Finals, Game 2, TNT). What a shot, AD!

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