Top 5 Hater-Lovin’ Shows
Not a fan of Valentine’s Day? No problem! Plenty of shows celebrate the, shall we say, darker side of the love holiday. Hey, sometimes it’s more fun to watch people bicker than make nice. Read on, and you’ll see what I mean.
1. "My Name Is Earl"
(NBC, Thurs., 8/7c)
The only thing resembling love in this show happens between Earl and his hapless brother, Randy. But even that’s in jeopardy now that Randy’s married Catalina, an immigrant from Mexico who Earl was going to marry to keep her in the U.S. Still, if Earl keeps trying to right the wrongs of his past, perhaps he, too, will one day find a woman of his own. Let’s hope she’s the opposite of Joy, his ex-wife who won’t lift a finger to help him unless there’s something in it for her. “Karma this, you dummy!"
2. "American Idol"
(Fox, Tues., 8/7c)
There’s no love lost between bickering judges Paula, Randy, and Simon. And no love lost between them and the hopeful crooners either. Even Paula — usually the more sympathetic of the bunch — has gotten crankier this year. But as Jennifer Hudson discovered, even the banished singers sometimes get the last laugh. I’d like to thank…
3. "The Simpsons"
(Fox, Sun., 8/7c)
“Feel the love” this season as the yellow-hued family snuggles up to the mob. After Lisa befriends Fat Tony’s son Michael, Fat Tony invites the Simpsons over for dinner as a sign of gratitude. Shockingly, Fat Tony is shot by a rival family moments after Michael admits he’d rather be a chef than take over the family business. Fat Tony’s thugs, Dante and Dante Jr., want Michael to be the new kingpin, but when he declines, Homer steps up and leads the family on a major mob spree. Just another day in Springfield.
4. "House"
(Fox, Tues., 9/8c)
Could the cranky Dr. House get any crankier? I think not. His surly attitude landed him in jail this year, which made him incur the wrath of his last two remaining supporters, Cuddy and Wilson. Oh, Dr. House. Do yourself a favor and lighten up. Er, on second thought, maybe not. We like you just the way you are. Snarly and all. And based on Cameron’s impromptu hug last week, even SHE holds out hope that there’s a heart buried somewhere in that damaged soul. But we won’t hold our breath waiting for it to emerge.
5. "Everybody Hates Chris"
(CW, Mon., 8/7c)
Being a teenager should be the coolest thing in the world, right? Ha! That’s not what Chris is finding out. He’s the family’s “emergency adult,” responsible for taking care of taller brother Drew and younger sis Tonya, while his parents are working. It’s putting a serious cramp in Chris’ love life, starting with the new girl in the neighborhood, Yvette. Drew, meanwhile, can’t keep the ladies away. Say what?! Something’s just not right here.