My Top TV Shows I Hope Get Renewed

We're just days away from May, and while that means that summer is just around the corner, we television fans are on edge waiting for the news of our shows to either get renewed or canceled. Here's my top five list of shows that I hope to get renewed!

5. Indebted (NBC): While this might not be on anyone's list to watch, I enjoyed tuning in to watch Fran Drescher be Fran Drescher in this family comedy about how a son and his wife taking in his mother and father because they're in debt. You can catch episodes of Indebted available on NBC.com and the NBC app.

4. All Rise (CBS): This law drama feels like Judging Amy meets Boston Legal, but the ensemble cast is so good with very character-driven stories. While I'm drawn to the stories and characters, I'm more into the friendship of Judge Carmichael and DDA Cullen, which doesn't have a romance tied to it. You can catch episodes on CBS All Access, Google Play, or iTunes.

3. Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist (NBC): The premise might seem out there, but go with me here: Zoey gets zapped while getting an MRI and develops these powers to see the people around her sing what they feel. This show is the perfect new series this season as it not only makes you laugh but feel and even makes you cry. I've cried a lot (like This Is Us type of crying). You can watch episodes on NBC.com and the NBC app.

2. Bluff City Law (NBC): This was one of my most anticipated new shows at the start of the season, and while it had so much promise, news broke the network decided not to go with more episodes they had ordered. I loved this series as it has great characters and stories, but the premise is so fascinating as it's like LA Law for the little guy in a way. Jimmy Smits and Caitlin McGee have fantastic chemistry. You can watch episodes on NBC.com and the NBC app.

1. Single Parents (ABC): It was last season, the radar series that won me over, and now I worry that this series could be on the chopping block. I love this series as it talks about single parents having this community of friends helping each other. If you like New Girl and Friends, this is the show up your ally. And Taran Killam and Leighton Meester steal the show with their brilliant chemistry. You can catch episodes on ABC.com, Hulu, or Google Play—three more episodes left of this season.

Three Reason Why You Should Watch Parks and Recreation

With the news this week, we're getting a unique Parks and Recreation episode. I thought that this would be a good time to tell you why you should be binge-watching Parks and Recreattion right now.

1. Loveable characters: Leslie Knope, Ann Perkins, Tom Haverford, Ron Freakin' Swanson, April Ludgate, Andy Dwyer, Ben Wyatt, Donna, Christ Traeger and Jerry (Larry or Gary). They may be the main course of a meal for comedy.

It's the rest of the characters that are the ever-so-delicious entrees; along with that, they also include others like Dr. Harris, Jean-Ralphio Saperstein, Tammy Swanson (0-2), Li'l Sebastian, Joan Callamezzo, Perd Hapley and let's not forget Crazy Ira and The Douche. Whether you love them or hate them, no one can't deny that this series has the class of characters that make such a great sitcom. If you loved the characters from The Office, you'll love the characters in Parks and Recreations.

2. Outstanding writing: The writing is the one thing that makes this series live up to other comedies. The stories are grounded and character-driven, with much love, laughter, and feelings. While season one had issues finding its identity, seasons two through seven hit it out of the park.

Whether it's learning about Ron's ex-wife Tammy 0-2, Leslie Knope is battling to keep same-sex penguins at the zoo. Don't forget the emotional moments like Andy and April's wedding to the Parks staff coming together to help Leslie's campaign, not to mention when Ron tells Leslie why he is upset with her.

3. Seeing the Goodness in the Human Spirit: If there's one thing about Parks and Recreation, it is that it shows the best in people with the goodness in the human spirit. Leslie Knope is an example of good, as she tries to show that with everyone from her staff citizens and worldwide.
This particular Thursday episode makes excellent sense, as it's getting everyone excited. We need a little reunion, some joy, and some inspiration. Once you watch Parks and Recreation, you'll understand why it's such a beloved comedy.

I've been a fan of Parks and Recreations since the series debut. And while the first season was good, it was not the best. I was glad that they got a second season, and once it premiered, I knew this series would be unique. There were a lot of funny episodes; one of them happened during the "Flu Season," which still has me laughing a lot. "Leslie and Ron" is the one that made me cry so hard, besides the series finale and others.

You can catch Parks and Recreation on Thursday, April 30th, at 8:30/7:30 on NBC.

Birthing stories to Having Babies: Single Parents "Oh Dip, She's Having a Baby"/"A Night At Camarillo"

"Oh, Dip, She's Having a Baby"

Just as Poppy and Doug adjust to living arrangements at Doug's place, Sharon comes over as she's beginning labor and needs help finding Ron. Poppy, Doug, and Miggy get Angie and Will over to help and tell their birth stories.

We learn that Miggy delivered his son at a 76 gas station; Doug was sitting outside the delivery room; Poppy was upset with Ron for naming Rory after the smoke monster from Lost. Angie delivered Graham in Las Vegas while Will told three stories, one confirmed as it involves Regis Philbin.

Sharon delivered her baby at the same 76 gas station, and Ron arrived at the hospital after picking up a Shaq shoe from Arizona. Poppy sees the bundle of joy and thinks about maybe wanting another baby but with Doug.

"Oh Dip, She's Having a Baby" is probably one of my favorite episodes of the season, maybe even of the series. This episode had everything from solid character development to hilarious and emotional moments as they told their birth stories. Hell, who knew that Miggy could step up like that for a birth at the 76 gas station? Holy crap! The cast did such a fantastic job in this episode. Overall, I give this episode a 9.5/10.

"A Night at Camarillo" 

When Miggy finds out that Poppy has been ordering baby books, she tells him she's been thinking about having another baby and wants one with Doug. During their dinner that night, she was going to talk to him about the idea, but the restaurant had something different going on that got Doug's attention and battle with Dan Marino.

As soon as they got some alone time, Doug was evident with this vision of the future of not having kids, as she still hadn't told him about her idea. She talks with Graham, who watched the other kids at Doug's house. As Doug returns, Poppy tells him they might need to break up. Uh Oh!

I mentioned that Graham was in charge of the rest of the kids. They didn't think Graham could be bossy; he showed his good Italian side and got them to behave. He even needed to take five minutes as Poppy came back.

Meanwhile, Angie and Colin are hitting it off well. Colin is a bit creeped out by Will being around and copying off his clothing style. After Will hears from Colin's ex-wife that they still have an affair together, that sent Will to get to the bottom. Will sees from the air B&B hotel sign-out books that Colin had been with his ex-wife a few days ago.

As Will tells Angie the truth, Will kicks him out, and the two talk and enjoy the room Colin paid for. They even said that maybe Will has feelings for Angie, but they dodged that question again. But in the end, they got Colin back with the sweet revenge of putting the goose he hated in his car.

"A Night at Camarillo" was an excellent episode once again. While the Poppy and Doug story was sometimes weak, maybe the whole restaurant scene felt off. Maybe both Doug and Poppy should break up. Do I think that Doug would change his mind about having more kids? If he can change for her this season, he could change. The Graham story was so funny and different, as we've seen him build his anger and emotions this season. But the Will and Angie story was another winner for me again. I wish that these two would say what they want to say. I understand their friendship means the world, but they make that perfect couple. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

You can catch Single Parents to return Wednesday, May 6th at 9/8c with a particular one hour on ABC.

Helping and Settling: Single Parents "Hip$ for Dolores"/"Untz, Untz, Untz"

"Hip$ or Dolores" 

Poppy gets a letter from her landlord at her wineberry of the rent increased, everyone tries to help her out with money. Poppy and Will tries to sell her engagement ring for a lot more money, but it turns out that it's worth around $200. She did tell Will how the store has really built her self-esteem after leaving her ex-husband.

Meanwhile, Angie, Miggy, Rory, and Graham try to get money from Angie's co-workers from donations to even feeling bad at knocking Graham's foot to the floor. As soon as they got their money together, they've lost it after Angie's story was actually true.

Even Doug tries to help manage Poppy's store with some drastic measures, but as soon as everyone came back, Angie and Miggy brought back enough money as they sold Miggy's calendars at the office.

"Hip$ for Dolores" was funny at times with its simple story of the gang trying to help raise money for Poppy's store. It had perfect moments like Poppy telling Will how the store had changed her from leaving her ex-husband.

"Untz, Untz, Untz"

After another night spending the night at Doug's house, Miggy gets Doug to consider staying at Poppy's house, which turned into a disaster. First, Doug didn't enjoy it because of not getting in his evening routine, not to mention trying to find a place for his toothbrush and Poppy playing Frasier episodes so loud that she fell asleep. And the kicker comes to the bed as he couldn't get comfortable. 

Poppy didn't enjoy it either. As Doug was too moving in the bed and even talking in his sleep. The two settle their difference and Facetime each other as their new sleeping arrangement.

Meanwhile, Angie tries to hit it off with Colin by using Sophie to bond with his son, as Will takes Graham to have a boy's night. But Graham finds a woman and disappoints Will. Angie's date night that she was hoping for didn't go the way she had hoped but ended well after Sophie finally enjoyed Colin's son after talking about apples.

"Untz, Untz, Untz" was another fun episode. I very much enjoyed watching this episode with both stories as they were hilarious and so enjoyable. This was yet another good performance from the cast, and the writing was as good too. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Single Parents Wednesdays at 9:30/8:30c on ABC.

Bonding and fundraisers: Single Parents "Yarn and Pebbles"/"Chez Second Grade"

"Yarn and Pebbles" 

As Graham and Derek bonded with Angie, Graham believes it's time that he and Derek hang out for the day. While Angie is okay with it, she is bothered about it. Angie gets Doug to go with him and spy on how Graham and Derek are doing. She sees that they are bonding so well that she fears that Graham loves Derek over her. While Doug engorges himself with fired food, he helps Angie with advice about being Graham's rock.

Poppy and Miggy help Will after his break up and find a new relationship, but this relationship seems weird as she acts like a robot. After meeting with her, Poppy and Miggy throw her out after making comments about how she can change Will. Will wasn't too pleased about it. While the kids try to help, Doug gets rid of his junk food with a food party for friends.

"Yarn and Pebbles" was so good, and the performance from D'arcy Caden in this episode was so good and hilarious. But I couldn't get enough of Angie, Graham, and Derek's story in this episode. Even Doug had such a good moment, but that moment with Derek telling Graham that his mother is the real hero had me in tears. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

"Chez Second Grade" 

It's Valentine's Day. Rory and the kids put on Valentine's fundraiser date night at the school while getting a lot of money tips from the customers. With Angie and Will helping out, they finally catch up after being apart for a while. Even Will gets Angie a date that at first she isn't too pleased with but thanks him.

Meanwhile, Doug gets a visit from the Red Head again, and this time, she's coming on to him. He tries to tell Poppy about it but isn't worried because the Red Head was there for a skin check-up. After talking to Graham about it, Doug believes that his relationship with Poppy is over, but not to her, as she comes back and hangs out with him. But tells the Red Head, who returned to the house, to lose it.

"Chex Second Grade" was a hilarious episode from the beginning to the end. While I couldn't get enough of the kids scamming their customers to pay more in tips, the Angie and Will scenes were so good and funny. Even watching the twins in the kitchen was hilarious, even trying to take care of Miggy. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

You can catch Single Parents Wednesdays at 9:30/8:30 on ABC.

Break Off and Reunion: Single Parents "Welcome to Hilltop!"/Chunkies"

"Welcome to Hilltop" 

As Miggy tells Angie how he's exclusive to his girlfriend, Angie learns from Poppy that her ex-husband's wife is expecting, and the two talk about it. But they soon spot Miggy's girlfriend with another man, and they follow them to her house, where they believe she is cheating, but Poppy and Angie learn that Miggy has a threesome relationship.

Meanwhile, Sophie tries to fight for the school's parrot's right to be taken home for the three-day weekend. But with no approval from the principal, Sophie takes the bird anyway, and while it's just for the weekend, Sophie tries to let the bird fly but falls and crashes to the ground, ending up dead. Will gets Doug and his girls to help and teach Sophie how to lie, but Will doesn't want his girl to lie, so both do clean-up duty at the punishment school.

"Welcome to Hilltop" was an okay episode with some good moments. While I enjoyed the Angie and Poppy story, the Will and Sophie story was a bit predictable. Overall, I give this episode a 7/10.

"Chunkies" 

As Will prepares for his date with his girlfriend, Sophie believes that she will dump her father after their dinner. Sophie tries to fake an illness, but Will's girlfriend catches on and tells Will she's faking it, but he doesn't believe her. That is until he walks into her room, jumping up and down on her bed. Sophie tells her dad, and Will soon understands. Later, he catches up with his girlfriend, and as they talk, they decide to take a break due to what's been going on in the last few weeks.

Graham prepares to meet his father, and by the time he meets him, he gets sick. Angie tries to get Derek back before Graham's subsequent sickness, and soon, the two bond quickly with Q&A. While Angie tries to help put Graham to bed, she's not feeling good, either, and Derek steps up and takes care of her too. The next day, they bonded well.

Emma and Amy tell Doug that their TV is dead, and they try to fix it unsuccessfully. But when Miggy comes over to watch TV, he seems to set the TV. The girls are stunned at what has happened. They learn that Miggy didn't fix the TV at all.

"Chunkies" was an excellent episode, mainly about Graham meeting his father, Derek, for the first time. While the others were funny and heartwarming, Graham, Angie, and Derek were full of heartwarming moments and emotions. Maybe Derek can be the man for Angie to care for Graham and her—solid writing and performances from the cast. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Single Parents Wednesdays at 9:30/8:30 on ABC.

Celebrating and Playing: Single Parents "Good Holidays to You"/"The Angie-Man"

"Good Holidays to You"

It was the holiday season, and while Angie wanted to give Graham the best holiday ever, he was asking for two things: snow and to see his father. Angie gets Will's help to find a place where it will snow, but it turns out to be a dusty, warm, dry area. Angie and Will stole a snow machine while trying to get the snow going and got arrested. But Angie learns that Graham has been asking Santa to see his father for a while. 

Meanwhile, Emma, Amy, and Rory learn that their parents have been having a relationship for a while and try to hustle them into getting many more gifts. As Doug bails out Will and Angie, they celebrate Christmas at the cabin, and things calm down. Even Doug tells Poppy that he loves her. 

"Good Holidays to You" was another excellent and charming holiday episode, too. Good character development and good wiring as well. I loved the Angie and Graham story and the moments in this episode. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

"The Angie-Man"

As Will throws an anniversary party for his parents, they assume that Angie is Will's girlfriend. Both Will and Angie played along and played it so well. But as the party is over, Will's girlfriend shows up, and Will explains to his parents that Angie is only his best friend. But in the end, both Will and Angie are taking a separation friendship for a bit. 

Meanwhile, Poppy was dealing with a wine call back, and Doug offered to take Rory to his dance class. Soon, Miggy gets Poppy to take the day off. Soon gets caught by Doug and Rory at the mall. Doug understood and took Rory to his dance class without using the shoes that he bought him. And the rest of the kids helped Tony sharpen his image to look for a new girlfriend. 

"The Angie-Man" was a good episode and one that's my favorite Angie-Will episode. After this and the Thanksgiving episode, I hope they will end up together. This episode had strong writing, strong character development, and performances from the cast. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

You can catch Single Parents Wednesdays at 9:30/8:30 on ABC.

Family and Education: Single Parents "Every Thursday Should Be Like This"/"A Place Where Men Can Be Men"

"Every Thursday Should Be Like This"

"Every Thursday Should Be Like This" was one of the season's best episodes. The episode had hilarious moments, and Tony went at it to cook the turkey to the kids trying to figure out a play to put together for their parents. And while Miggy and the kids' school teacher are a thing, the moment with Doug was also perfect. 

But it was Angie, Amy, and Will who had the moment. As Angie tries to bond with Amy, things get out. Amy tells Angie that she thinks that Sophie is annoying and soon realizes and leaves. Angie tries to fix it by telling Will and taking him to her at a local restaurant where singles go on holiday. But Angie never told Will what Amy said, and the three got back in time for turkey. 

But it was the final moment as Angie sat at the table that Amy thanked her for not telling Will about what she had said but also for keeping Angie's secret. I'm guessing she has feelings for Will. 

This episode was so well written, with moments of emotions and hilariousness. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10. 

"A Place Where Men Can Be Men" 

It's time to tell the birds and the bees after Graham got suspended from school after bringing Doug's porn magazines for show and tell. Will and Doug try to help Angie give Graham the talk, but things get complicated when Will learns that his father had cheated on his mother after seeing a secret letter and photo in a math book. Doug tells both Will and Graham the meaning of how sex can be curious and confusing. 

Meanwhile, Poppy Miggy and the girls see Rory's new look. But after he reveals the new look, it looks like one of the girls wants to look different, too, but the other sister isn't for it. Poppy tries to help find each other with their look while Angie and Sophie bonded. 

"A Place Where Men Can Men" was a beautiful episode of learning about life, role models, and finding your looks.  The cat gave an outstanding performance that was funny and heartwarming. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Single Parents Wednesdays at 9:30/8:30 on ABC.

Scary Reunions: Single Parents "Welcome to Hell, Sickos"/"Xander and Camille"

"Welcome to Hell, Sickos" 

Happy Halloween!

"Welcome to Hell, Sickos" was a hilarious Halloween episode. As Will tries to be there for Sophie's Halloween party at school, he gets distracted by his girlfriend's birthday party and her family at one of those locked room games. As Doug takes the kids to their party at school, he forgets to decorate for the party but gets surprised when the room is all decorated ten times scarier.  But Doug learns that his twin girls decorated the place for him.

Meanwhile, Angie and Poppy have a night after their kids tell them they don't need them to trick or treat. They drink Doug's wine and soon invite teenagers to the place to have a party to see if they could be fantastic. But after a fun time, they learn that those kids have stolen all of Doug's liquor and gotten them back just in time for Doug and others to get around.

I immensely enjoyed this episode, but it's par with last season's Halloween episode. It had some perfect moments of humor and heart, but overall, I give this episode a 7.5/10.

"Xander and Camille" 

As Angie and Poppy have a night out, Angie spots a man and soon gets a one-night stand. But Angie learns that the man she slept with is Doug's son. Soon, Poppy gets them together for a reunion, and the two handle their hard feelings to one another while playing golf.

Meanwhile, Will teaches Miggy how to discipline after taking their devices away from them after stealing Miggy's credit card for things. But soon, the kids pull a fast one, and both Will and Miggy discuss with the kids their demands. But as they get their phones and the kids get their devices, Will and Miggy pull a fast one with the Wi-Fi shutoff.

"Xander and Camille" might be one of my favorite episodes of the season. I thought the shocking news of Doug having a son was so good and funny. But I couldn't get enough of Will and Miggy in this episode, along with the kids. It was just too amusing and with memorable moments. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

You can catch Single Parents Wednesdays at 9:30/8:30 on ABC.

Friendships and Secrets: Single Parents "Big Widow Wives"/"Sport"

"Big Widow Wives"

After the fire, Angie had a hole in her wall. So she and Will try to patch it up. Angie tries to get Will to help her with other things. But when an opossum is left in the house after the wall gets patched, Angie decides to deal with it herself. Afterward, Angie decides that with the hole in the wall again, she and Graham will stay at Doug's house for a while. 

Meanwhile, Poppy learns that Doug is having a night with the guys, but after she decides not to go with him, she does and learns that Doug doesn't meet with his guys but a grief group of widows. A bit jealous, Poppy talks to Doug about it, and she becomes part of the group. 

Others: Miggy is now learning the meaning of a hard day at the office. When babysitting the kids, he gets them to do chorus for him with a point system that worked. Rory helps Graham, afraid of the fire accident, by pulling a Grey Gardens look that doesn't go well. Graham did ace his fear when helping Angie with the opossum. 

"Big Widow Wives" was an excellent episode. I couldn't get enough of Angie and Will's friendship chemistry in this episode. Whether or not they get to be together in a relationship or keep being friends, I'm okay with it. This episode was one of Brad Garrett's best episodes, with solid character development and excellent moving performance. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

"Sport"

As Will gets the Gator soccer team ready for the short season, Poppy asks if Rory can play, even though he has never played soccer. That is, until he can kick the soccer ball like a pro. Will saw the opportunity that using him could take them to the championship, but there's a cost; Rory is not nine but ten years old. 

After Poppy begs Will, he keeps Rory on the team as the team goes to the championship. That is until Poppy takes him out by telling everyone his actual age. It left a lovely moment between Poppy and Rory about hiding his age, and ended up with a birthday party the next day. 

Doug is getting tired of Graham coming up to him like a dog. Angie tries to help by telling Graham to give Doug some space but instead tells him to be himself and let it be. But that pushed Doug to a moment when he talked hard about not wanting to bond with him. Angie hears that, and she tells Doug why Graham has been acting like that because he wants a male role model.
During Rory's birthday party, Doug helps Graham to learn how to tie a necktie. It was so moving that it got Angie eating more of Doug's Jag snacks. 

"Sports" was a hilarious episode. While the Rory, Poppy, and Will story was probably the funniest story of the episode, the best happens between Graham, Doug, and Angie. That story between Angie, Graham, and Doug was so good and showed a lot of heart. And I couldn't get enough of Doug's JAG snack moments. I got to figure out snacks for my shows. Anyway, overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

You can catch Single Parents Wednesdays at 9:30/8:30 on ABC.

Growing with Love: Single Parents "Graham Fought the Bones and the Bones Won"/"Derek Sucks"

"Graham Fought the Bones and the Bones Won"

It's the first day of second grade, and while Will is excited again, it's not turning out how he had planned. Will sees that Sophie has pretty much matured since coming back home from space camp for the reason because she didn't rely on her dad.  Meanwhile, Will wasn't too pleased that he couldn't be the second-grade room parent who happens to go to Doug instead. Both tried to fix it but faced the fact that it is what it is.

Meanwhile, Angie helps Miggy get work at her job to help make more money for his kid for school. Angie shows Miggy and even tells him the ins and outs of why she hates the job, as it's boring. But apparently, Miggy has been enjoying it; he even left Poppy a message that he quit the wine library. But as Angie worries about not receiving a message back from her ex, Derek, soon he pops right back.

"Graham Fought the Bones and the Bones Won" was a hilarious episode and had a genuine and robust character development from a lot of the main characters. Sometimes, growing up is a pain and tough to take. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

"Derek Sucks"

Derek shows up at Angie's house to discuss the long, long, long, very long message about her son. Angie asked Will and Miggy for help in fear that her old feelings could show up. Well, it didn't turn out how she had hoped, after magically getting into bed with him after he played one note on his guitar. She tries to tell him she doesn't want Graham to see him just yet. That is until the fire occurs from Angie's cheap printer.

Angie sees that after Derek rescues Graham's stuffed animal from the fire, she wants to build him up to see Graham and send him a photo album.

Meanwhile, Doug and Poppy planned for their first date night without having a heart attack. But their kids believe something is wrong with them and ruin their dinner after sneaking out of the weirdest sleepover. But once they get there, Doug lies to tell them that they're planning for Rory's party. Poppy isn't too pleased about them lying, and Doug admits that he didn't want their first date to be about the kids, but she does and leaves to be with her son for movie night. Soon, Doug apologized and came over to Poppy's house along with his girls to watch The Goonies.

"Derek Sucks" was hilarious and fun. The Doug and Poppy story was so fun and well-developed. Angie, Miggy, and Will were hilarious as Angie dealt with the return of her ex, Derek. But I still worry about how Sophie and Graham were at that sleepover, being left behind like that and that creepy owl that deserves attention. Yikes! Overall, I give this episode an 8/10.

You can catch Single Parents Wednesdays at 9:30/8:30 on ABC.

Commentary: Food Shows are the Comfort Food during this Crisis

For the last month, since the COVID-19 crisis has hit our country pretty hard; I knew that I had to change some things in my daily route that was for the best and not. Yes, stay home and stay quarantine is the best way to keep the situation contained. But I'm talking about how I have added less of news coverage and added more food shows that have really put a comfort.

You could ask my family members, friends, that I don't start off my day or morning till I watch my Today Show to get my news, weather, and pop culture news; but during this COVID-19 crisis going the news coverage has been one giant of a news cycle. So I've at least taken their own advice by staying positive and finding distractions and that's where I come to food shows.

Whether it's the Food Network, Cooking Channel or old show that you could purchase on Google Play; it is the utmost positive thing that I could have ever add in my daily route. While my weekend mornings are all Food Network shows from The Kitchen, Valerie's Home Cooking, The Pioneer Woman, and more. And I've added the fun and thrilling competition shows like Chopped, Guy's Grocery's Games and Beat Bobby Flay.

I've learned a lot from these shows and even cooked dishes as well. I've been pretty much the cook in my family since being my grandmother's home care aide.

While The Kitchen helps you show the fun, healthy, and excitement in cooking in your kitchen. The co-hosts of Jeff Maruo, Katie Lee, Sunny Anderson, and Geoffery Zakarian (aka G-Z) all bring their own method, techniques, and recipes that I've enjoyed so much.

 The Pioneer Woman, Giada Entertains and Giada in Italy, Valerie's Home Cooking, and Girl Meets Farm cook fun and simple dishes that you could do. Also, their family stories are so good. I've really connected with them.

I do get my education with the classics like Good Eats and Good Eats Reloaded (both you can watch on Food Network and Cooking Channel). Good Eats stats Alton Brown who happens to be Mr. Wizard of food and helps dissect and educate the process of how to cook something like a steak, eggs, or even making shakshuka (for which I have made and blew my family's mind).

But maybe fun and excitement need to turn it up another level for you. That's where Guy's Grocery's Games come to play when Guy Fieri brings in chefs from around the country to compete on three tasks to make outrageous dishes under the minutes while Guy pulls off his tricks of the trade to make things really spicy and good.

While hearing the stories of the chefs that come to play are heartwarming; you just want to root them on. I do get a kick when Guy brings his friends to play and sometimes plays with their minds during April Fools episodes. It might keep your toes at times but you'll get a belly full of laughs.

And if you want some good old thrills and OMG moments, that's' where Chopped comes into play. At first, I wasn't into Chopped too much but since checking it out it's pretty good and wild on how some of these chefs get a task with what's in the basket. Right now there are two shows; the original Chopped is bring back former winners and going up against one of the judges. Last week's episode was so good; as four chefs had to beat each other to go against Scott Conant.

And there are Chopped Sweets hosted by Scott Conant as chefs come in to make desserts out of the mysterious box. It's enough to get me to eat chocolate and cupcakes after 9 pm. But why to stop there, there's  Supermarket Stakeout hosted by Alex Guarnachelli; as four chefs get $1000 and try to make a dish by taking shoppers groceries at the local grocery stores. And there's Beat Bobby Flay. Now, who doesn't want to see Bobby Flay get beat by other chefs?

But during this COVID-19 crisis taking away our March Madness; Food Network and Guy Fieri brings in the Tournament of Champions in the style of March Madness. 16 best chefs in the culinary and food network world going against each other to win it all. I disappointed not to get college basketball march madness. But the Tournament of Champions was the perfect replacement; as it had twisted and turns and moments that I thought one chef would win but didn't. I got my march madness thrills!

I've probably gone a little bit long here, but I'm just telling you what has helped me through this COVID-19 crisis. I've cut half of my news time for something that I could find that is helpful: cooking. I'm not looking to make a seven-course dinner. I'm just looking for something that could take my mind off of this chaos crisis not only by watching television shows; but cooking shows can make you laugh, cry, and even have some fun. Because isn't that what we need right now?

Telling the Truth: Chicago PD "Silence of the Night" Season Finale

The season finale of Chicago PD really felt like a season finale as Atwater faces his biggest challenge yet. Here's a recap!

The season finale of Chicago PD titled "Silence of the Night" was such a stunning; but thrilling at the end that left us with a nice cliffhanger. As Atwater goes undercover to take down an illegal gun seller; he bumps into a familiar face Doyle, the cop that shot a black man in front o Atwater during an undercover sting that happened a year ago.

The two teams up putting their differences aside and while they got the guy and his team; the worst was yet to come when Doyle makes a stop and profiles a black kid who was carrying a duffle bag thinking that it was drugs. He was wrong as he got shot to death for it. Both Intelligence and Doyle's team help track the killers; but what it comes down to was Atwater telling Voight what had really happened and after talking to Voight and Ray Price. Atwater decides to tell the truth.

The ending while Voight and Ruzek tell Atwater that they got his back no matter what; as Atwater goes home he sees Doyle's partner and tries to pick a fight. But instead, Doyle's partner leaves with his squad car light on along with many, many other squad cars driving by Atwater; as he tells them that he's standing and won't go anywhere.

Also, in the first few minutes of the episode, we see Jay talking with Hailey, who's still in New York at the FBI, and they are talking about how much they miss each other. I can't wait to see next season for them!

"Silence of the Night" of Chicago PD was out o the rest of the Chicago shows that had abrupted season finales, felt like a true season-ending.  LaRoyce Hawkins gives a stunning performance as this episode progressed to what I call a goosebump ending. I thought after Atwater talked with Price that he was going to not tell what really had happened but I didn't get it till after Voight told him that they got his back that I realized what he did. That ending was such a goosebump chilling scene that I thought was one of the best. Even that moment when Atwater was watching Voight and Halstead interview suspects were so good too.

Overall, I give this episode a 9.5/10.

You can catch Chicago PD available on NBC.com, NBC app, Google Play, iTunes and more. Let's hope we see them back this fall!

Tough Decisions: Chicago Fire "51st Original Bell" Season Finale

The season finale of Chicago Fire had us questioning whether someone was leaving Firehouse 51. Here's a recap!

In the season finale of Chicago Fire Firehouse 51 deals with a chemical gas at a junkyard that put one of Severide's men in danger. That happened to be Capp, who took the worst of the hit with his eyes not looking good. Severide tries to look into it and even question the owner of the place; but that didn't turn out too well. After a talk with someone at the CFD about it, it looked like all those warnings paid off to getting the junkyard to shut down.

On the other hand, Capp skipped medical treatment at Med. Severide and Casey try to get him back before Will has to report it. After finding Capp at his home, Capp went back and after more than an hour for an eye exam, Capp will be fine.

Kidd's Girls on Fire is doing so well and with the help of Brett and Foster, it's getting Foster some life-changing idea. Foster talks with Kidd about how she reapplied to Med school and has an interview at Northwestern, but is worried about how Brett will handle it. The secret gets spilled when Will talks about it to Foster in front of Brett, who wasn't too happy.

Brett was also dealing with news about Scott deciding to take baby Amelia back to Rockford, Ill, but wants her to come over to be a part of her sister's life. After getting a bit of short advice from Casey about the partnership and all, Brett waits for Foste after her interview and tells her that they'll be lucky to have her.

Kidd gets worried about one of her students, who asked for the fire manual but didn't return to the program. We don't get a storyline ending but I assume that this will be addressed in the next season. Also, Gallo is dealing with tension with Violet, who he tells her that they should see other people. Taking advice from Cruz and others didn't help at all. 

"51st Original Bell" was a good season finale that had the theme that someone might be leaving 51. Whether it might have been Capp or even Foster; I was leaning towards Capp. I just feel bad for Brett even more, who's seems to be losing everyone from her sister moving back to even Foster leaving too. I'm just hoping that she too isn't leaving. But this episode was Severide's for the taking as he fought tooth and nail to try to get answers to take down that junkyard that injuries his firefighter.
Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Chicago Fire available on NBC.com, NBC app, Google Play, etc. Hopefully, we'll see them return this fall!

UPDATE: As of yesterday, TVline had reported that Annie Ilonzeh won't be returning to Chicago Fire for Season 9. It's sad to see someone leave that's been so good for the past two seasons, Monica Raymund's replacement on 61. So Foster leaves 51, could she be going to Chicago Med? That would make Will excited to have on staff. Also, who could replace Foster? Violet? Oh man, that's gonna be fun to watch. 

Don't Give Up: Chicago Med "A Needle in the Heart" Season Finale

The season finale of Chicago Med might not have felt like a season finale but it probably gave us one moment that will help carry us through to the new season. Here's a recap!

In the season finale, Dr. Charles deals with how a patient been putting needles in his heart, while his teenage daughter has been acting strange due to teenage love stuff. But as he questions the patient's means of putting needles in his heart, he realizes that panic attacks might not be just the cause but a genetic condition. 

Will starts his day questioning Hannah's whereabouts; as she leaves him in the morning to go to a meeting but forgets her phone. At Med, Will deals with a strange patient that has a nasty skin infection; but the course of treatment almost kills him due to the fact that he used his friend's ID. 

But another patient comes in with needle marks on his arm and sees Hannah coming in. The other patient happens to be Hannah's former boyfriend. Will starts to worry and after a talk with Maggie, Will trusts Hannah and they leave Med for the night. 

Natalie and Crockett help a boy who has blood in the chest. During surgery, Natalie and Goodwin learn that the New Orleans police have a warrant or Crockett's arrest for murder seven years ago. Natalie does what she does best and learns about Crockett's past. She uses the information that he donated bone marrow and that the recipient who had his bone morrow still has his DNA. That got him cleared while the boy will make a full recovery. 

All seemed lost for the Chexton fans, but as Ethan been doing a ride-along with the paramedics. Ethan and his team get a call of a shooting and as they head over there, Ethan goes in to help a boy with a gunshot wound. While being held hostage, Ethan tries to help save the boy. After a few hours, Ethan gets through with the shooter and just as he was going to turn in, SWAT comes in. April is there to make sure Ethan is okay and it looks like they might be with them. 

"A Needle in the Heart" doesn't feel like your traditional season finale; that's the thing we need to put in our heads about. Yes, it's a regular episode but it left us with one question that could help carry us through the summer about April and Ethan. Also, Will and Hannah too. I still have doubts about her. Natalie does what Natalie does best she helps her colleagues no matter if she has disagreements or not with them. She cares and that's what we should realize about her character. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10. 

You can catch Chicago Med available on all platforms NBC.com, Google Play, iTunes and others. Hopefully, we'll see the show back this fall! 

Relationships: Chicago PD "Buried Secret"

When Ruzek witnesses a kidnapping late at night, while the team searches for the victim secrets will be revealed. Here's a recap!

After calling it a night, the team heads home but Ruzek heads to a bar to what seems to try to take his troubles away. But when he's about to have a night with a woman; he witnesses someone getting kidnapped and tries to pursue until he crashes, while he's under the influences.

As the Intelligence identifies the victim, Voight and Ruzek visit the victim's parent's home to talk with the family; but apparently, the father had already known about it since the kidnappers had called for a ransom. But things take a twist when Voight and team learned that there something about the victim's father.

It turns out that the kidnapped victim's father had killed the kidnapper's son; because of a special relationship that he didn't want to be out in the world. Ruzek talks with the kidnapper but dies after Halstead took a shot. The victim's father on the only hand was charged and taken away.

In the end, Ruzek opens up to Burgess, who's been trying for the last few weeks, and go out to dinner.
"Buried Secret" was a very good episode and one that I very much enjoyed Adam Ruzek's character perspective. Mainly when he's drunk and about to have a night of fun; but goes full police mode even when he's drunk. It's fun and hilarious but all in all heart. That story in this episode was one that had me going with the twist and turns. I think all in all we can all agree that the ending with Burgess and Ruzek left us on a very good note. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

You can catch Chicago PD season finale Wednesday, April 15th at 10/9c on NBC.

Blindspot Season 5 (Final Season) Promo

On Friday, NBC has released the first promo for the new fifth and final season of Blindspot.

At the end of the last season, the FBI task team has been framed and on the most wanted list. But when the season begins someone won't survive.

Here's the promo:

Last season was great. I'm glad that we're getting one last season to close out the series.

You can catch the final season of Blindspot Thursday, April 30th on NBC.

Celebration: Chicago Fire "Light Things Up"

When in doubt, never go to work on your wedding day. Here's a recap!

Wednesday night's episode of Chicago Fire was crazy and emotional and ended happily. But one thing is sure: if it's your Wedding day, never do what Cruz did. It's Cruz's wedding day, and to get the jitters away, he decides to work the shift. That might have been a bad idea as residents from another side of Chicago decided to take a stand by protesting at Firehouse 51 about their firehouse station being closed.

Things escalated when more protesters took over Firehouse 51; even the CFD PR guy couldn't calm the situation. Casey goes to the alderman of that community and gets him to come down to talk with the protesters. But when one of the protesters suffers from crushed syndrome, Foster saves him by making an incision in the guy's arm.

Soon, things go from bad to worse when a brawl occurs, but the CPD comes in to make arrests. But Cruz is found on the ground and knocked out with a cut on his head.  Back at Med, Cruz is cleared and gets ready for the wedding, but the rest of the 51 meet with the protester to show what Gallo and Ritter had done on social media that made both share their message of one community.

Meanwhile, during the chaos at 51, Brett is grieving the loss of her biological mother, and Casey, Kidd, and Foster are there to help her. She gets a surprising visit from Julie's husband to tell her that he can't take care of the child and tells her to either take her or give her up for adoption. Brett tells Casey about the situation, and he confronts her, telling her that when Brett decides, he'll support her. After the chaos ends, she sees Julie's husband and advises him on whether to give her sister up for adoption or not.

With only minutes to spare in the episode, we finally get to the wedding, and what a wedding it was for the Chicago Fire. As Chole walks down the aisle, she sees Cruz's cut and tells him she loves him as he tells her to.  As they said their "I dos," the celebration began, and everything ended with smiles and maybe future engagements.

"Light Things Up" was the episode that didn't disappoint. Yeah, we knew a wedding was coming into this episode, but in the Chicago Fire style, we must deal with drama before celebrating with happy tears. This episode had so much balance with humor, emotions, and thrills that it felt like a bottle episode but, in a way, didn't. I wish there were a digital clip or episode of what Cruz's bachelor party was like. I want to know what Severide pulled off.

But the message or theme in this episode was as good as it could have been, and it's still a message we need right now. It had that decisive moment like in the "A Chicago Welcome" episode.

While Cruz's wedding and protest situation was good and all, the Brett storyline was so good as well. That storyline was so influential for even Brett to deal with her baby sisters. But I think that her talk with Julie's husband had changed his mind. Plus, I just ate up that Brett and Casey scene. Whether or not they end up together, I love their friendship. And I expect new music videos on YouTube of those scenes will be up by the weekend.

Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch the final episode of the season of Chicago Fire next Wednesday at 9/8c on NBC.

Hang on Tight: Chicago Med "Just a River in Egypt"

Welcome to the rapid river that is Chicago Med. Here's a recap!

This week's episode of Chicago Med had a lot going on, so let us get into it right here. Maggie and Ben have been with that little boy for a few weeks, and will soon be adopted. But the kid's health takes a turn for the worse, and to make matters even worse, the DCFS turns down the kid to have a procedure. After the kid's health was hanging in the balance, he finally got the procedure, but the adoptive parents backed out. Not to worry, Maggie and Ben will adopt him. Yes!

Will and Hannah's relationship could be severe after spending the last few weeks at her place. They treat a pregnant patient but risk her life to have a baby while battling brain cancer. Her condition worsens with time and treatments; Hannah and Will follow the patient's order to help save her baby no matter what, even if that's against her husband's wishes. Not only did the pregnancy have to be terminated, but the mother had also died. Curry sees the relationship between Will and Hannah and wonders if their relationship is clouding his judgment. I wouldn't deny it.

Sharon gets good news about her son staying in Chicago and working at Med. But he worries about the job after seeing him trying to figure out how to be friends with the other doctors, what they like, and such.

The main event deals with Ethan, April, and Crockett. When two patients come to the ED, Ethan questions whether or not his patient jumped off the bridge to the other patient's car. He and Dr. Charles try to deal with the parents, but the father doesn't come to see eye to eye. Ethan makes a drastic move by awakening Crockett's patient to get her word if that patient jumped or was pushed off the bridge. That upsets Crockett and lets Ethan take a swing at him.

After that happened, Ethan talked with Dr. Charles about their patient and came to terms with the fact that it was not Crockett he was mad at but April. At home, he awaits April's arrival and tells her he'll be at a hotel until she finds a new place. Ouch!


"Just a River in Egypt" was an excellent episode. I felt that this episode was on overdrive at times with Ethan/April/Crockett, along with Will and Hannah. I think I'm with Curry about how Will's relationship with Hannah might have jeopardized their patient. Could there have been another outcome? Probably. I thought Ethan had a powerful storyline in this episode dealing with the patient who may or may not have jumped off the bridge and a controlling father. Plus, figuring out who he should be mad at turned out to be April and not Crockett.

We have had a lot of drama going into this season with Ethan and April in the relationship department. Something tells me that there might be one last effort to save this relationship, and coming into next week's episode, what looks like Ethan puts himself on the line.

Maggie and Ben was something that I saw coming, but it still made me happy for the characters to step up to help this kid. I mean, in the previous episode, you knew that after they skipped their honeymoon to stay with that kid, they were going to adopt him.

The episode had good character development with Ethan, Maggie, and Ben. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

You can catch the last episode of the season of Chicago Med next Wednesday at 8/7c on NBC.

Love is All Around: Chicago Med "In the Name of Love"

I guess old habits don't die off. Here's a recap!

When Will treats a patient that that has early-onset Alzheimer's, things didn't quite so good when the husband should up with her DNR. Will, of course, goes beyond for his patients and believes that she wants help and does. That upsets both Sharon and Dr. Charles, who believes that the patient's mental state is not so good.

Meanwhile., as Maggie and Ben head to their honeymoon, one of Ben's students wasn't well; learns that his foster parent forgot to take him to his dialysis. Meeting the foster parent, she decides to leave him with at Med and DCFS due to her not able to take care of him. That put the honeymoon trip on hold as Maggie and Ben decide to stay with the boy.

Crockett tries to help save a patient to give him more time to see the birth of his child but complications came and the patient died. Natalie, who was not in favor of Crockett's surgery study, tries to help him get over it. That is until his date comes.

April and Ethan's relationship could be on the verge of a breakup and after treating a patient whose husband tries to sabotage her diet. Ethan just needs time to still process it all.

"In the Name of Love" was a good episode, coming a bit own from the previous episode. That Will storyline brought back to season one memories; when Will treats a cancer patient that didn't want help but he did it anyway. I think, just like Jay, that Will has a heart of gold that he wears on his shelves when treating patients. That Maggie-Ben story was so good; even makes me think that they could be the adoptive parents to that kid. While the patient that Ethan and April were treating was a bit predictable, it did play to what the couple was dealing with in secrets and forgiveness. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

You can catch Chicago Med Wednesdays at 8/7c on NBC.

Personal Struggles and Trumpets: Chicago Med "The Ghost from the Past" 100th Episode

The 100th episode of Chicago Med was everything and more in this particular episode. Here's a recap!

April's health worsens when she experiences a complication from the IVF treatments. Will gets Dr. Asher to treat April as a sign of trust in the hospital. While it was only a slight complication due to overdoing the IVF, April tells Ethan that it's still her fault because of her kissing Crockett. Ethan didn't take it well.

Before that had happened, Ethan and Crockett were treating a cop who took a bullet to save a kid. But during surgery, there happened to be another bullet wound years ago. They tried to ask him questions about it, but the cop kept denying it. After Ethan almost ripped Crockett's head off, the cop confessed to what had happened and soon told Platt about it, too.

Dr. Charles and Natalie treat a daughter who seems to have no health issues whatsoever, but another colleague believes that the mother is medically abusing her daughter. Dr. Charles realizes it's not what they were thinking, but the mother had PTSD due to seeing her daughter born premature and almost dying. 

Dr. Charles tried to bond with his 13-year-old daughter, who was in trouble for vaping at school. While Dr. Charles attempted to converse with her, it was more of a lecture talk. But after she witnesses him and other doctors with that mother, Dr. Charles takes her away and has a heart-to-heart conversation about not being there for her, and he'll do better.

Throughout the episode, Maggie tries to get her wedding on track, but things get complicated at the wire of the event. Ben, who's been trying to ask to help, comes up with a brilliant wedding at a bowling alley (of all places). After the wedding, the party went bowling.

"The Ghost from the Past" was an excellent episode. April and Ethan could be on the verge of a breakup. Should we be worried about Natalie with Crockett?  Will and Dr. Asher, while friends, could be a thing down the road. While everything in this episode was so good, the Dr. Charles stories and Maggie's wedding were my standouts. I thought Anna Belknap was so good and the second CSI: NY actor in the last couple of episodes. Any chance we'll see her again? That wedding was such fun to watch. I loved how it ended in a way that season two ended with that party. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Chicago Med Wednesdays at 8/7c on NBC.