
With no end in sight for the Writer's Guild strike we thought we'd put together a few creative viewing options, both online and on the tube. Late night TV is about the only thing to come back on the air, albeit without writers (except for Letterman of course), but primetime TV is going to be left with slim pickin's once the current inventory of canned shows is exhausted. So what is there to watch?
WATCH ONLINE
If primetime network shows are what you crave then Hulu.com is your place. It's still in 'Beta', and access is by invitation only. (No big deal, simply 'apply' for an account). We happen to have access and can report that there's an endless amount to watch. Hulu is a joint effort between FOX and NBC, among others, and features full length episodes with minimal commercials. You can watch everything from classic TV shows like AirWolf and The A-Team to new episodes of the Office, CSI and the Family Guy. Our pick -
FX's Damages. If you missed this when it originally aired, now is your chance to check it out.

Not only is your computer a great place to catch stuff you missed on tv, it's starting to become a place to see original content. From MTV Networks comes
Connected. A complete series available online that has kind of an
Entourage knockoff feel. Agents, actresses and starving film makers leading the Hollywood life. It's a great example of the web spurring original content. (Clip below).

Joost is another video site like Hulu that features content from major networks. Watch stuff from Comedy Central, CBS, CNN and PBS as well as independent stuff like the Onion News Network. Joost has a nifty desktop player that works pretty well, though I'd say Hulu has it beat in terms of stream quality. Our pick off Joost - replays of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show of course.
ON THE TUBE
Aside from late night talk, there are a handful of shows that are back on with new episodes despite the strike. They're back on the air because shooting finished before the writer's strike started. Once these episodes air, that's it until the strike is over. One of the shows we'll be watching is
Lost. With last season's dramatic ending giving away proof that the castaways do indeed make it off the island our interest is peaked. Lost waded through some boring waters last season, but it looks like there's good twists ahead. Plus more of
Evangline Lilly is never a bad thing.
Bonus: Go
online for 13 'missing pieces' of never before seen clips. Premieres Jan 31.
Smash Lab - A new show from the Discovery Channel. So new in fact they don't have any web portal to grab a logo from. If you like Mythbusters (and we do), imagine all the best destruction rolled up into its own show. The reason for the explosion-fest (like they really need one) is to show how modern day materials can keep you safer in disasters and accidents. Cool and all, but we just like seeing stuff blown up.
Full schedule here.
Banner photo: wenn.com
Labels: TV