Let’s face it. Given the choice of McSteamy, McDreamy, or ‘you’, I think you know who your significant other would choose to spend Valentine’s Day with. Why not make her (or him) happy this Valentine’s Day with the perfect gift from theTVaddict Swag Shop.

If you find yourself about to burst, take a deep breath, refrain from screaming, grab your iPod and head outside for a nice long walk. Yup, you heard me, a walk. But not to worry, you’ll be prepared for your unexpected constitutional because you’ve already taken my advice and downloaded some of theTVaddict.com’s favourite TV related podcasts. (Click on any album to head directly to the iTunes Music Store)

theTVaddict.com Official Podcast
Okay first on the list is a no brainer, theTVaddict.com’s official (and only!) podcast. On it you’ll join myself Daniel (theTVaddict) and my good friend Ariel (or Ari) as we discuss what we watched on TV this week. Of course we’re known for going off track and discussing life as well. It’s a nice 30-40 minutes of random ramblings about television and life in general. A can’t miss!

TV Guide’s Podcast
My podcast aside, the TV Guide Official Podcast is my most anticipated podcast of the week. If only to hear Dan Manu (the moderator) attempt to control a group of funny, sometimes racy and definitely opinionated group of staffers. The panel is rounded out by the adorable Angel Cohn, the opinionated and smart film critic Maitland and of course, the king of all media (in his own mind!) Michael Ausiello.

The Official BATTLESTAR GALACTICA Podcast
Each week Ronald D Moore, creator and executive producer of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA takes time from his busy week to do a commentary on the week’s episode of BSG. Moore offers incredibly honest and insightful commentary on the week’s episode, and is a must listen for fans of the show. Even better than the commentaries are the occasional special podcasts that Moore records. Recently Moore recorded a roundtable discussion with actor’s (including Baltar, Apollo and Helo) from the show. It was refreshing (and surprising) to hear actors talk so honestly about the show and their likes, dislikes and theories. Moore’s BSG podcasts is the perfect example of a showrunner truly going that extra mile for the fans.

The Official LOST Podcast
Continuing with the theme of showrunners talking about their show we move onto Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindeloff’s officiall LOST podcast. Albeit far shorter than the BSG version, Cuse and Lindeloff are highly entertaining as they record about twenty-minutes of discussion rehashes (and hash) each week a new episode of LOST premieres. In additioning to answering fan questions, Cuse and Lindeloff have great chemistry and are a pleasure to listen to (so excited for the LOST zombie season!). The only negative to the podcast is the lame actor interview that is generally tacked on to the start of the podcast. Nobody wants to hear LOST actors answer some incredibly boring questions doled out by the Podcast’s annoying announcer.

The Official UGLY BETTY Podcast
The UGLY BETTY podcast started off pretty poorly. In fact, the show was so bad, that I was this close to deleting it from my iTunes subscription list. Thankfully, everything changed with podcast #3 and the arrival of stars Becki Newton (Amanda) and Michael Urie (Marc). Actors Newton and Urie are funny, unscripted and honest. Listening to the podcast now, it’s like being on set with the stars, as they dish about the show.

The Official SCRUBS Podcast
Each week different actors and creative team members do a commentary that can be played along with the episode of SCRUBS. Thus far we’ve seen commentary by Zach Braff, Neil Flynn, Donald Faison, Judy Reyes, John C McGinley and Neil Flynn. This TV Addict only has one question, When do we get podcasts from ‘The Todd’ and Ted?

Duckyxdale/ Give Me My Remote’s Podcast
This fall, my friends over at DuckyxDale and Give Me My Remote started putting out a podcast. While it’s a lot of fun to hear the actual voices (Dan and Kathie) behind their sites talk about TV, they lose points for being incredibly inconsistent with their releases (they’ve only done 3!). Real life is no excuse folks, TV podcasts should definitely be taking a priority over you know, work and social lives!

The Real Time with Bill Maher Podcast
For those of us who aren’t able to get HBO, the REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER podcast is a God send. A week after each show airs, HBO releases the complete audio feed of Maher’s complete show. The show is brilliant, hilarious and makes me wish I watched Maher’s POLITICALLY INCORRECT while it was on the air. If you’re a fan of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, you’ll love REAL TIME. If you’re a republican, well, this show probably isn’t for you.

USA TODAY’s Pop Candy Podcast
Pop Candy is one of theTVaddict’s most frequented sites. Whitney Matheson does a fantastic job keep up with everything one needs to know about pop culture. Her weekly podcast, is pretty new on the scene, but has featured some great segments for TV Addicts everywhere. Highlights have included interviews with Scott Wolf (THE NINE), Kate Flannery (THE OFFICE) and cast members from BATTLESTAR GALACTICA. The only drawback for TV Addicts specifically is that the show’s sole focus is not TV, there’s music and movies as well.

That’s about it for theTVaddict’s favourite podcast. Please post away with your favourites, podcasts I’ve missed and any shows that you’d think readers would like. I hope this list makes your holiday season a little brighter — or at least that plane ride/long drive to your family’s house a little easier!

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Click here to visit theTVaddict.com Swag Shop for more of your favourite TV gifts, including ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, LOST, THE WEST WING, GREY’S ANATOMY, EVERWOOD, STUDIO 60, DEXTER and much much more!

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For the GREY’S ANATOMY ADDICT in your life!

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Click here to visit theTVaddict.com Swag Shop for more of your favourite TV gifts, including ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, LOST, THE WEST WING, GREY’S ANATOMY, EVERWOOD, STUDIO 60, DEXTER and much much more!

Now back to your regularly scheduled programming…

If by 12 noon you’re desperate for a lunch break and some laughter at the same time, may I recommend NEWSRADIO. The brilliant and under-appreciated office place sitcom is now airing on TBS weekdays at 12 noon (EST). The show features an all-star ensemble including Phil Hartman, Dave Foley, Maura Tierney, Andy Dick, Joe Rogan, Stephen Root, Khandi Alexander and Vicki Lewis — and will definitely brighten up your dreary work day.

1. Alias – The Complete Fifth Season
(or the entire series, if you’re willing shell out the big bucks) -

I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again. My addiction to TV, my sickness over failed plot lines, my connection to characters that I truly believed in? It started with this show. New Year’s Day, 2002, I watched Alias for 10 hours. It didn’t take me 10 hours to love it. It took me ten seconds, but I watched it. Since then, I’ve watched Seasons 1 and 2 on repeat so many times that I can recite hundreds of scenes. I’ve even watched Season 3 again, with the hope that I would find something to love. And Season 4. When it was announced that the 5th season of Alias would be the last, I have to admit, regardless of the predictable plots, the overdone cliffhangers, the new Syd!lite we got from Rachel Nichols, and the new Vaughn!lite from the normally adorable Balt Getty, I was seriously sad. Now that it’s out on DVD, even though I hated Vaughn’s “death,“ I cannot wait to get a copy, since I have an obsession with complete sets (I own Seasons 1-3 of OTH, just because) and because Alias was so important in my TV-addict life, it would be the perfect gift!

2. 24 – Season Five (I’m sensing a trend….)

Jack Bauer is no stranger to a hellish 24 hours. He’s foiled assassination plots, terrorist bombing plots, and has dealt with his annoying daughter Kim. He’s seen his wife die at the hands of his ex-lover and he’s been the reason his partner (and Kim’s boyfriend) lost a hand. But in Season 5, no other show pulled what 24 pulled. David Palmer – gunned down. Michele Dessler – blown up in her own front lawn. Tony Almeida (my personal hero) – died avenging Michele’s death. It was shocking, and dangerous, and exciting, and edge-of-your-seat entertainment. Jean Smart, Gregory Itzin – they gave the performances of their careers (so good that they’re coming back for Season 6.…no storyline given, but the contracts have been signed!). I think it’s time for a 5 Season 24 marathon!

3. How I Met Your Mother – the complete first season -

The show that has been hailed as “The Next Friends” is out for repeat viewing on DVD. Thinking about being able to relive the episode “The Pineapple Incident” over and over again? Makes me ridiculously giddy with excitement. In a season where my favorite comedy was left for dead by FOX and the closest thing I could find to a laugh was watching an Idiot!Twins scene on 7th Heaven, HIMYM was a welcome breath of fresh air. If someone were to get that for me, I’d be their best friend indefinitely!

4. Scrubs – season 4 -

Ya know how when you think about some shows that have gone on for many seasons, there’s a season that makes you think “Man that wasn’t as good” (Season 6 of Gilmore Girls, anyone?)…. Not a single season of Scrubs makes me think anything like that. If anything, each season gets better and better, as the writers wrote to impress their fans, and not to impress the network that treated them like crap. JD, Turk, Carla, and Elliot wrapped up with a shiny bow? Yes, please!

5. The O.C. Mix 6 – Cover Our Tracks

I have Mix 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The first one, with The Dandy Warhols, and Alexi Murdoch, and great songs that I never heard before The O.C. entered my life….such good music. Mix 2 – with Interpol, and Death Cab, and that amazing “I’m Amazed” version by Jem. Mix 3 Happy Christmukkah!! 8 of the greatest Holiday themed songs I’ve ever heard (The great Wham classic “Last Christmas” by Jimmy Eat World!!!). Mix 4 introduced me to my obsession with Sufjan Stevens. Mix 5? Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap is one of my cell phone rings. So why do I want Mix 6? Because Mates of State (whose last cover – Jackson Browne’s “These Days” is on the Wicker Park soundtrack and just makes me grin ear to ear) did a cover of Phantom Planet’s “California”. Not to mention covers of all the great music we’ve seen or heard on The O.C. over the past few years.

So that’s just a few ideas about what to get me or your TV addict friends!!
What about you? What’s on your holiday gift giving list?

In Other News

Now, I know that not everyone enjoys a good Kara/Lee ‘shipper episode, but I? I found myself watching the episode with bated breath, hoping against all hope that we’d get some resolution to their never-ending feud. The end, with their horrible-to-watch fight that was so fraught with hatred it was painful? When they hugged each other to hold each other up after beating each other down and whispered their “I Missed Yous,” I was a bumbling mess of tears. But it is important to note that I enjoyed the progression of other relationships in the episode, too. Potheads Bill and Laura, kicking back, planning cabins in the woods on New Caprica? That’s one of the sweetest relationships on the small screen.

Let’s talk about Veronica Mars. I thought that the episode was very good, but I wasn’t exactly thrilled with the outcome. I did think it was intriguing that they “exonerated” Mercer, only to have him be the actual creepy rapist. And I knew that there was something uber-creepy about Moe, the RA that introduced Veronica to my favorite word – FRAK! Logan getting himself arrested so that he could attack Mercer and Moe in their shared jail cell? Stroke of Rob Thomas genius for writing that scene. Stroke of Jason Dohring genius for selling the shit out of his part.

Is anyone watching “My Boys” of “10 Items or Less” on TBS? Because I am. It features “always-a-bridesmaid-never-a-bride” Kyle Howard (the sidekick “almost love interest” on Grosse Pointe, The Opposite of Sex, Related, etc.) in a role well suited for him, as he finds himself falling for PJ, the girl at the center of a group of guys. I’ve only seen 2 episodes, but I think it has a good potential. As for “10 Items or Less” I found myself thinking “This is the show I’ve needed to fill my “no Arrested Development reruns on G4, no It’s Always Sunny on Philadelphia reruns on F/X” void. An almost entirely improvised comedy that’s set in a grocery store. Funny stuff happens it’s worth checking it out. “10 Items or Less” airs Mondays at 11, “My Boys” airs twice on Tuesdays at 10PM.

That’s it for this week – Look for a best of 2006 column next week!

Email me with questions, concerns, and/or general comments of wellbeing — mytakeontv@thetvaddict.com

-Amrie

Introducing a TV Addict First — VIDEO! No not that kind of video, please people, get your head out of the gutter. This video is actually the first two minutes from one one of television’s one season wonders — Darren Star’s short-lived WB gem GROSSE POINTE. GROSSE POINTE is a phenomenal behind-the-scenes-satire that chronicles the on-screen and off-screen drama of five attractive ‘teens’ as they deal with all the trappings of being on a hit show. There’s dumb stud Johnny (ex-model Al Santos), terminally insecure Marcy (Lindsay Sloane, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch), fresh-faced Courtney (Bonnie Somerville, NYPD Blue), scheming Hunter (Irene Molloy, Andy Richter Controls the Universe), and 30-year-old teen Quentin (Kohl Sudduth channeling Luke Perry).

The series is currently available exclusively at Amazon.com for a mere $21.36 and is the perfect holiday gift for the TV Addict in your life.

GROSSE POINTE (The Complete Series)

Like Fox’s Action, Grosse Pointe is a single-camera, behind-the-scenes comedy that didn’t get the chance to find the audience it deserved. With the success of HBO’s Entourage a few years later, it’s possible that the timing was simply off as this devilishly entertaining melodrama should’ve been a hit with fans of Darren Star’s Beverly Hills 90210 and Sex and the City. It’s essentially a spot-on satire of the former, as well as the actors who made it into a cultural touchstone in the 1990s. Created by Star, the show-within-a-show played the game while breaking the rules. In other words, the five attractive leads, all actors on high school soap Grosse Pointe, aren’t exactly model citizens (and the occasional in-jokes at the WB’s expense can’t have won Star many points with the network brass). There’s dumb stud Johnny (ex-model Al Santos), terminally insecure Marcy (Lindsay Sloane, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch), fresh-faced Courtney (Bonnie Somerville, NYPD Blue), scheming Hunter (Irene Molloy, Andy Richter Controls the Universe), and 30-year-old teen Quentin (Kohl Sudduth channeling Luke Perry).

GROSSE POINTE is now available exclusively on Amazon.com for a mere $21.36. Fan of 90210, DAWSON’S CREEK, THE OC, ENTOURAGE, ACTION! and quality television in general will not be disappointed.

We interrupt this site for a quick and shameless commercial! Looking for that perfect Holiday, Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa gift for that special TV Addict in your life? Why not check out theTVaddict Swag Shop?

Currently featuring over twenty fantastic and original creations designed exclusively by theTVaddict himself. New to the store are designs about HEROES, UGLY BETTY, and GREY’S ANATOMY. Classic designs include 90210, EVERWOOD, THE OC, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT and THE WEST WING.

Introducing the latest additions to theTVaddict.com Swag Shop. Proclaim your love for NBS’ Jordan McDeere (STUDIO 60), the network president we wish we had. Show your support for UGLY BETTY’S dad, tell the world that you wish you were a HERO, and put yourself in the middle of a McDreamy/McSteamy sandwhich.