PVRing my life away

I really don't remember a time before the personal video recorder. Actually, that's a lie. Up until March 2010 (approximately since the day we moved into our home, and by approximately I mean precisely 202 days), I would watch television like a normal person or, more often than not, download the television show to my computer and watch the show on my lap. Literally. This was the first step to not becoming a slave to the networks and their barbaric TV schedule which, once upon a time, would force me to plan my life around being in front of the television, say, Thursdays at 9pm in time for The Office. What freedom! I could download the show on some torrent website and watch whenever I wanted! A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

Then something incredible happened. The personal video recorder was introduced. I mean, I'd seen one and used one before. But never was it mine. And WOW, has it changed the way I watch television and when I watch television. I rarely watch 'live' TV anymore and haven't seen a commercial in a long time. Actually, that's also a lie. I am semi forced to watch A LOT of sports (I enjoy watching baseball, basketball and hockey but abhor football) and there are commercials every once in a while. This is one of our favourites.

I think the PVR is an incredible invention. And from someone who recently acquired one, I truly appreciate the freedom it has given to my/our life.

Wow, sounds like I'm a crazy TV addict eh? Well, I'm not really. There are certain shows that I follow religiously. But the beauty of the PVR is that it will record what I want, whenever it happens to air, and when I do have time, I watch. So simple and beautiful.

Sooooooo, what am I currently watching???? (obviously there are other shows I love that aren't airing so I'll focus on what I try to keep up with every week.)

The Showtime network gives me:



Weeds and The Big C. I've been following Weeds from the beginning and WOW are you losing out if you've never watched. This clip is quite racy. Hoping my niece doesn't click here. I accidentally fell into The Big C, it airs after Weeds, and it too is phenomenal. Cathy has been diagnosed with Cancer but has only told her weird neighbour. Trailer. The writing of both of these shows is exceptional. And Laura Linney has such great dimples.

HBO gives me:

Boardwalk Empire- When Martin Scorsese agrees to direct an episode, you watch. It's a bit slow, but building, and is nicely and casually filling the Sopranos void.


Bored to Death- Jason Schwartzman, Zach Galifianakis and Ted Danson. Need I say more? Quirky and awesome. Watch the trailer here.


From NBC:

The Office (obv. we pvr everything Office so we can watch and rewatch all of our favourite episodes over and over)

Parenthood- incredible. I laugh and cry during each and every episode. And I feel like I'm the only person in existence watching it. Thank god my sister has started but she's still on last season.




Outsourced- definitely my favourite new show. (Parenthood won last season). The writing and characters are hilarious. And I'm a tough crowd. Trust me, give it a try. Look at Gupta here. Even funny to look at. Get a taste here.


From ABC:

Modern Family- I mean, you need to be watching this. Phil & Claire. OMG. Genius. Just cried from laughter from watching the trailer again!!!!

And from FOX:

Glee- I really enjoyed the first season. but truth be told, i find myself fast
forwarding through many of Rachel's long and drawn out ballads lately.

I missed the original airing of Mad Men and Friday Night Lights, so at some point, I will rent all the seasons that I haven't seen yet and catch up.

So what have I learned from writing this post?

Hi, my name is Liana and I am addicted to my PVR.