TV Dictionary 2017: 37 Slangtastic New Terms From Grey's, This Is Us and More

Pop quiz: What do This Is Us, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Superior Donuts and The Real Housewives of New York City all have in common? A whole lotta nothing, right? Except that each series coined a slangtastic new term that’s included in the 2017 TV Dictionary, TVLine’s rundown of the quirktacular words and […]

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13 Praiseworthy Performances from 2017

There was quite a noticeable shift in television in 2017. 

The small screen was the new big screen and movie stars like Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Biel and Kristen Bell all rushed to secure their spot. 

It's unclear whether the A-list actresses made shows better or if the shows made them better but there was a lot of really great television.

As I sat down to pick my favorite 13 performances of the year, I thought about what that actually meant to me and to the loyal viewers. 

A memorable performance is one that makes you laugh, leaves you thinking, forces you to feel the trauma and sticks with you long after the season has ended. 

So without further ado, these were our favorite performances of the year along with our favorite supporting scenes. 

Feel free to share yours in the comment section! 

 

1. Kristen Bell - The Good Place

The Good Place has such an outstanding ensemble, every character is a joy to watch for their own reasons. Yet the glue that holds every extra-through-main character together is their fearless and unapologetically herself leader Eleanor Shellstrop. She may have been a hoot in season one but in season two, she cannot stop being "woke." She's full of wit, drive, and blunt one-liners. And better yet, she challenges Michael and the rest of the humans to strive to be their most authentic selves. And her authentic self is exactly what women in 2017, especially, needed on mainstream television.

Best Scene: Season 2 Episode 2 - Every single scene where she figures it out and declares, "This is the bad place." It's a line that wholeheartedly sums up 2017 for me.

2. Justin Hartley - This Is Us

Emotional and complex performance from Chrissy Metz and Sterling K. Brown earned them EMMY nominations, unsurprisingly, but mimicking the series' storyline, one sibling was notably left out: Kevin. That is until now. Justin Hartley's character had some serious storylines in season one but was mostly glossed over as eye-candy, which we're not necessarily complaining about. The problem is that he's always been capable of so much more and season 2 finally allowed us to understand the complexities and childhood trauma that plagued the firstborn. His emotionally charged storyline - the inability to grieve his father, feeling like a failure in both careers and the pill-popping addiction - allowed Hartley to dig deep and add depth to the role. Not to mention, it broke our hearts. He's damaged goods but his transition from "golden boy" to broken has been phenomenal to watch.

Best Scene: Season 2 Episode 8 Undoubtedly, his meltdown on the front lawn after Charlotte refuses to let him inside to find his father's necklace.

3. Kerry Washington - Scandal

What happens when you get control of the White House and B6-13? You think you rule the world. For its final season, Scandal found Olivia Pope channeling her inner badass in a way we've never seen before. And without the white hat. While she's used to doing whatever it takes to get what she wants without the white hat Liv is ruthless, unapologetic, raw and fierce. That's what makes her character, one we've come to know and love, so striking. She commands because she is command; it's her world and we're just living in it. It can be over the top and frustrating but Kerry has found a way to balance Olivia and between those power-move moments, we see a glimmer of the woman who put friends, loyalty and Vermont above all.

Best Scene: Season 7 Episode 7 - When Papa Pope orders Liv to give his bones back and then threatens to kill Quinn. Liv finds herself morally conflicted because she wants to save her friend but doesn't want to be weak and give into what he wants.

4. Nicole Kidman - Big Little Lies

Way before the outpour of sexual assault allegations against virtually every man in Hollywood, one TV show spoke up: Big Little Lies. Nicole Kidman's portrayal of a powerful businesswoman who found herself at the hands of an abusive husband was upsettingly real. Kidman brilliantly portrayed a woman so in denial of how dangerous her reality was, simply because she wanted to maintain the facade that it everything was perfect, that she kept it a secret from herself. Her emotional performances — every gasp, quiver, and plea — stuck with me for a long time after. If there is to be a second season (please let there be), I cannot wait to see how character development.

Best Scene: Season 1 Episode 7 - It doesn't just focus on Kidman, although there were a handful of scenes that she carried all on her own. The best scene featured all the strong females, many of whom were frenemies, banding together to defend each other and right one very tragic wrong.

5. Noah Schnapp - Stranger Things

We don't get to see much of Noah Schnapp's Will Byers in the first season of Stranger Things because well, he's stuck in the Upside Down where he spends most of his time being cold and wet. He became the Stranger kid no one remembered, even though the whole premise focused on him. Come season 2, Schnapp is the center of all the action as the "boy who llved." Sorry, Harry. Schnapp wasn't phased by the challenging job of teetering between the real world and the Upside Down where the otherworldly monster still had a grasp on him. It's almost scary how good he is at portraying the boy coddled by his mother at the same time as he's dishing out the iconic possessed child look. His performance elevated him above the other stranger kids, who are already a grade above other child actors. Kid, you've got some gnarly talent — I'd be lying if I said I didn't cover my eyes while watching.

Best Scene: Season 2 Episode 8 - When the Demogorgon is taking over his body in the hospital and Will's eyes start rolling back.

6. Portia Doubleday - Mr. Robot

Portia's character Angela is a villain redefined. White Rose used her lifelong friendship with Elliot to manipulate her into doing something under the pretense that she was doing the right thing. She's been thrust her into this global hacker conspiracy and since her motives don't align with Elliot's, she's become manipulative for her own purposes. In some eyes that makes her a villain, in some, a human. Portia brings a realness to the character and brilliantly flops between a well put together businesswoman and a damaged little girl because of her emotional bind.

Best Scene: Season 3 Episode 5 - When she launches the attack instead of Elliot because she believes that this is her revenge against E-Corp.

View Slideshow

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Reality TV Listings: December 31 – January 5

It’s time to check out the reality TV listings and plan your week.

This week brings us the return of The Bachelor, featuring Arie Luyendyk Jr., Married at First Sight, 60 Days In, I Am Jazz, Project Runway All Stars, My Big Fat Fabulous Life, and The Amazing Race, featuring Cody Nickson and Jessica Graf from Big Brother 19. Also, don’t miss the series premieres of Love & Hip Hop: Miami, Better Late Than Never, and WAGS: Atlanta. Take a look at the list below and let us know what you plan to watch.

Sunday, December 31

8 PM EST –
90 Day Fiance: Elizabeth & Andrei: Our Journey So Far (TLC)

9 PM EST –
90 Day Fiance: David & Annie: Our Journey So Far (TLC)

Monday, January 1

8 PM EST –
The Bachelor (ABC) – premiere
Unexpected: Tell All (TLC) – special
Love & Hip Hop (VH1)

9 PM EST –
Better Late Than Never (NBC) – premiere
60 Days In (A&E) – premiere
Vanderpump Rules (Bravo)
Kids Baking Championship (Food Network) – premiere
Teen Mom OG (MTV)
Love & Hip Hop Miami (VH1) – premiere

10 PM EST –
Better Late Than Never (NBC)
RelationShep (Bravo)
Floribama Shore (MTV)

Tuesday, January 2

8 PM EST –
Married At First Sight (Lifetime) – special
My Big Fat Fabulous Life (TLC) – premiere

9 PM EST –
Intervention (A&E) – premiere
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (Bravo)
Married At First Sight (Lifetime) – premiere
The Challenge: Vendettas (MTV) – premiere

10 PM EST –
Chopped (Food Network)
Married At First Sight: Jamie and Doug Plus One (Lifetime)
The Challenge: Champs vs Stars (MTV)
I Am Jazz (TLC) – premiere

Wednesday, January 3

8 PM EST –
The Amazing Race (CBS) – premiere
Iron Chef: Behind The Battle (Food Network)
My 600-Lb Life (TLC)

9 PM EST –
Ozzy & Jack’s World Detour (A&E)
Real Housewives of New Jersey (Bravo)
Total Divas (E!)
Iron Chef Showdown (Food Network)
Little Women: Atlanta (Lifetime)
Black Ink Crew (VH1)

10 PM EST –
Ozzy & Jack’s World Detour (A&E) – finale
WAGS Atlanta (E!) – premiere
Little Women: LA (Lifetime) – special
Catfish (MTV) – premiere

Thursday, January 4

8 PM EST –
The Four: Battle For Stardom (FOX) – premiere

9 PM EST –
60 Days In (A&E)
Million Dollar Listing LA (Bravo)
Project Runway All Stars (Lifetime) – premiere

10 PM EST –
Top Chef (Bravo)
Beat Bobby Flay (Food Network)

Friday, January 5

8 PM EST –
Hell’s Kitchen (FOX)
Gold Rush: Pay Dirt (Discovery)

9 PM EST –
Married to Medicine (Bravo)
Gold Rush (Discovery)
Bring It! (Lifetime)
Mama June: From Hot To Not (WE tv)

10 PM EST –
The Rap Game (Lifetime)

TELL US – WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO WATCH THIS WEEK?

Photo Credit: John Paul Filo/CBS

The post Reality TV Listings: December 31 – January 5 appeared first on Reality Tea.

Reality TV Divorces Of 2017 – Luann de Lesseps, Shannon Beador, Tamar Braxton, & More!

2017 has been a banner year for the cursed reality TV marriage. It seemed like every time we blinked another reality star filed for divorce!

Some were predictable (ahem Luann de Lesseps and Shannon Beador), while others came as a complete surprise (like Little Women: LA‘s Briana Renee FINALLY kicking sleazy Matt Ericson to the curb or Dr. Jackie Walter‘s husband being caught cheating). And in the middle there were a whole host of other unlucky in love really stars. Including a who a few who actually tied the knot ON TV – only to split in front of the cameras as well.

Below is our rundown of 2017’s reality star divorces. Here’s hoping for many less in 2018!

TELL US – WHAT DIVORCE SURPRISED YOU THE MOST? THE LEAST? 

[Main Photo Credit: Instagram]

The post Reality TV Divorces Of 2017 – Luann de Lesseps, Shannon Beador, Tamar Braxton, & More! appeared first on Reality Tea.

Days of Our Lives Round Table: New Year's Wishes

Theo woke up, Abe forgave JJ, and Kate was let off the hook this week on Days of Our Lives.

Our TV Fanatics Jack Ori and Christine Orlando are joined by Kpatch from MyHourglass a Days of Our Lives fan forum to debate Eli and Lani keeping their mouths shut, Theo snubbing Ciara, the best and worst New Year’s Eve outfits, and what we hope to see in Salem in 2018!

Were you surprised that neither Eli nor Lani told their significant others about their night together? Do you think either of them will?

Kpatch: Really no. Soaps are based on secrets, so this will have to fester for a little while. I don’t think either of them will tell, but someone will overhear them talking. It’s the Days way.

Jack: Not surprised at all, since this is standard operating procedure in Salem. I'm sure it'll come out in some ugly way that will hopefully end JJ and Lani permanently.

I really wish someone would tell the truth. It would be a refreshing change! But I'm not holding my breath.

Christine: For a moment I thought Lani might feel guilty enough to tell the truth, but obviously I was kidding myself. I’m not a fan of either of these couples so I can’t wait for the truth to come out and end them both.

Abe let Kate off the hook. Did she get off too easily?

Kpatch: Yes, she did get off too easily. It’s not her fault Theo got shot, but she should be punished for roping Theo into illegal activities. I was also annoyed that Hope let Theo off just because she likes him. More Salem PD favoritism.

Jack: I liked seeing Kate getting some comeuppance (though Abe practically blackmailing her was odd and out of character). But I would have preferred her face charges for covering up her involvement.

The police force is useless in Salem and never prosecutes anyone who is actually guilty of a serious crime. I personally disagree that Theo shouldn't be held accountable because getting shot was punishment enough. He broke into a warehouse and ran from the police. 

Theo and Kate should both face legal consequences. But then the cops would be doing their job so...

Christine: I’m torn on this one. Kate didn’t force Theo to try and break in to that warehouse, but she did push him to do it. He could have said no. Honestly, I’m just happy this whole debacle is over and everyone can move on.

Who wore the best and worst outfits at the New Year’s Eve party?

Kpatch: I hated Kate’s outfit. It was odd for a fancy gown. Gabi is always stunning.

Jack: All the outfits were pretty awful. Hard to choose a worst, most of the women had holes where their chests were which I dislike. Even and Hope and those backless dresses... oy.

I am probably in the minority but I liked Kate's dress. At least it covered up things that should be covered!

Christine: I hated Kate’s dress as it just looked strange, and Abigail has the weirdest fashion sense.

I liked Hope’s backless green dress and I thought Jennifer’s dress looking lovely on her.

Are you happy that Theo chose Claire over Ciara?

Kpatch: Yes. Ciara doesn’t deserve Theo or anyone. She’s too hateful.

Jack: Yes, because Ciara is insufferable and obnoxious and the last thing Theo needs is the drama she's causing.

Christine: I’m not a big fan of Claire or Ciara, but Ciara has been an obnoxious brat since she’s returned, so I’m happy Theo didn’t dump Claire to be with her.

What’s your wish for Days of Our Lives in 2018?

Kpatch: I wish more than anything that Lani would leave the show, Ciara would get a heart, Rafe and Hope would break up, and JJ and Gabi would reunite as well as Jennifer and Eric.

Jack: My wish is to actually see on screen the story of JJ getting help and getting healthy. Also, everyone please break up with people who are lying, manipulating, or otherwise no good for them and choose real love instead.

Christine: At the top of my list is that Rafe and Hope break up for good!

I also hope that we see JJ getting some onscreen help to deal with his issues and then, eventually, he and Gabi get back together, but it needs to be a slow build between them.

I’m so tired of couples just jumping into bed and trying to call it romance or a love story. That’s boring.

What, if anything, disappointed you this week in Salem?

Kpatch: Lots, actually. Ciara took up too much screen time. I see her as the next Sami and that’s not a good thing.

I was disappointed that Tripp went along with Ciara’s scheme.

I didn’t like Eric’s let’s-be-friends bracelet. And I think it’s ridiculous that Will is pursuing Paul under the circumstances. His life is complicated enough.

Jack: JJ getting faux therapy from his mom's quasi-boyfriend instead of seeing a real professional, and on top of that it's off-screen! And no one was even thinking about him during the New Year's Gala.

Runner up: the scenes with Vivian would have been exciting and suspenseful if there hadn't been spoilers out there for at least six months that she was coming around New Year's...

Christine: Vivian’s return wasn’t as exciting as it should have been.

Ciara keeping her mouth shut about Rafe and Sami is ridiculous. The girl has no self control, why isn’t he screaming about this while she’s drunk?

And Lani and Eli going back to JJ and Gabi as though nothing happened made me ill.

What was your favorite quote, scene or storyline on this week’s Days of Our Lives?

Kpatch: I like the rebuilding of Jennifer and Eric’s relationship, at least that’s what I hope I’m seeing.

Jack: I cried when Theo opened his eyes and I was glad that Abe forgave JJ. I also thought Jen and Eric's Scrabble playing was all sorts of cute.

Christine: Abe finally forgiving JJ and Theo waking up on Christmas.

Also, Eric and Jennifer rebuilding their relationship; it makes me hope that Nicole stays away for good.

Want to chat more about the holiday happenings in Salem? Check out Jack Ori’s Days of Our Lives review here at TV Fanatic.

View Slideshow: 17 TV Cop Partnerships For the Ages

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Nashville: The Country-Music Drama's 32 Best Performances So Far

Hard to believe, but the last verse in the ballad of Nashville is about to begin. The CMT country-music drama kicks off its sixth and final season on Thursday, Jan. 4 (9/8c). As you prepare to stay goodbye to Deacon & Co., we thought you might like a little walk down musical memory lane. So we’ve selected […]

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Saturday Night Live: The 10 Worst Sketches of Season 43 (So Far)

With Saturday Night Live in the midst of its annual holiday hiatus, we’re pausing to revisit the good, the bad and the downright awful skits that played a hand in shaping Season 43’s first nine episodes. First up: The 10 sketches that Lorne Michaels would probably like us to forget. Our list features appearances by guest hosts Ryan Gosling […]

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