What to Watch While the Writers Are on Strike

It’s been more than two months since the writers’ strike started, and we are running out of new episodes of our favorite shows. Sure, there are plenty of reality tv shows available for your viewing pleasure, but if you prefer something a little more scripted you do have some options. Below I’ll point you toward some of our returning favorites and also introduce some new shows to watch. Be sure to leave me a comment if you know of more shows we should watch while the writers and Hollywood are in talks. CAUTION: Spoilers ahead! If you are unfamiliar with recent plot lines of shows like Lost, Jericho, or Stargate Atlantis you should avoid reading further.

Returning Favorites

Lost

Lost returns on Thursday, January 31, and there are eight unaired episodes so we should get plenty of Jack, Kate, and Sawyer through May sweeps. There are so many unanswered questions as we head into Season 4, including whether we’ll be treated to many more flash-forwards as we were in last season’s finale. Will the Losties finally get rescued? Where does Juliet’s loyalty really lie? Will we see any of our favorite (presumably dead?) characters return, either in flashbacks, or in current time? Tune in to ABC at 9 pm to get in on the Easter Egg hunt.

Jericho

After surviving cancellation at the end of its first season, Jericho is back by popular demand. Unfortunately, we’ll only get seven new episodes, and before the strike writers suggested that they would not frame the seventh episode as a series finale. Aww, nuts! Starting Tuesday, February 12 you can watch Jake and the rest of the Jericho townfolk on CBS at 10 pm. The new season is rumored to pickup a few weeks after the war with New Bern, so maybe we’ll get some flashbacks of battle scenes or perhaps we’ll see Johnston Green’s funeral?  

Medium

NBC’s Medium also has eight unaired episodes so tune in Mondays at 10 pm to get your Patricia Arquette fix. According to NBC’s website, the show is inspired by the real-life story of medium Allison DuBois. I don’t watch the show, but our newest writer Bill loves it. I get the impression that the plot line is sort of like CBS’ NUMB3Rs with the main character using her special abilities (in this case psychic visions, not math) to help the district attorney’s office solve crimes. So, if you enjoy supernatural psychic crime solving drama with a bit of wholesome family backstory thrown in, then you’ll enjoy this show.

Stargate Atlantis

Stargate Atlantis returned just over a week ago, and fan feedback is great. Atlantis has a new leader in Colonel Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping of SG-1 fame), and we here at Zaphu look forward to watching Sam and Sheppard tackle the Asuran Replicators and those pesky Wraith. New addition to the cast Jewel Staite as Dr. Jennifer Keller is sure to have an easy adjustment to living in the Pegasus galaxy after spending so much time in space while portraying Kaylee Frye on Firefly. Stay tuned to SCI-FI network on Fridays at 10 pm for the continuation of Season 4.

New Favorites

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles began its two-night premiere on Sunday, January 13, and starting on Monday, January 14 the show takes over its weekly spot at 9 pm on FOX. I am sure there will be plenty of loyal Terminator fans who criticize the show for abandoning plot details established in the film franchise, but at least we have something to watch on tv. You may recognize television’s Sarah Connor (Lena Headey) as the Queen of Sparta from 300, and all you River Tam (Firefly) fans out there are sure to enjoy Summer Glau as Cameron, a Terminator sent back to the present day to protect John Connor. Hmm, I wonder why her eyes flash blue instead of red?

New Ways to Watch

Online

Now there are more ways to watch your favorite shows on your computer. Many networks have offered online access to full episodes, including CBS, NBC, and FOX. Unfortunately, these networks don’t allow you to watch every episode from the current or past seasons, and the ‘Fox on Demand’ service doesn’t make shows like House available until 8 days after the original TV broadcast. In my opinion ABC offers the best online content, despite the frequent commercials/advertisements and the need to ‘Click to Continue’ after each 30 second ad.

ABC HD

With those issues in mind, why do I say that ABC does it best? That is because ABC’s player has been extended to include HD streaming for certain shows. If you’re interested in catching up on the first few seasons of Lost before jumping into the new episodes later this month, then you’re in luck! Click here to see them in HD.

hulu.com

Another online option is hulu.com which offers streaming video to users in the United States. Check out classic episodes of your old favorites including Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Lost in Space. You can also view re-runs of current shows like Bionic Woman, Heroes, and House. You’ll need to sign up for hulu using your email address, and be prepared to twiddle your thumbs because access is not granted immediately. However, I have been pleased with the shows I have seen via hulu. I even caught SCI-FI network’s Tin Man, which was a great homage to the Wizard of Oz.

iTunes

While waiting on your hulu invite you might want to get some shows from iTunes. Buy a single episode for as little as $1.99, or you can opt to pay for an entire season of your show of choice. This service is especially handy if you have cable, meaning you can’t watch SCI-FI network’s shows when they air. Upload your purchases to your iPod and watch wherever you like.

Amazon Unbox

Amazon.com also offers a new service called Unbox which includes tv show downloads available for purchase or rent. Unfortunately you will need to download the Amazon Unbox Player in order to view your shows, and the current version only works with Windows. Sorry, Mac users, you’ll just have to use iTunes! And oh yeah, if you have TiVo you have the option to download your Amazon Unbox purchases to your DVR. I myself will stick with iTunes and hulu.

Joost

If you have a broadband internet connection you might want to try Joost, an online video provider offering more than 20,000 shows and 400 channels. Some neat features include the ability to blog or chat with friends while watching shows and also having having the power to create your very own channel! Now, don’t get too excited, you won’t become the CEO of your favorite network overnight. Instead you’ll choose what you want to watch, program your own channel, and watch it when you want to.

Can’t We All Just Get Along?

Hopefully the writers will settle soon and the strike won’t run into Fall premieres! For now, enjoy the shows and new viewing options I detailed above. Leave me a comment if you have something to add to my discussion. Happy watching!