Step aside, Ricky Gervais. There’s a new pair of Globe hosts in town as comedy queens Tina Fey and Amy Poehler take the reins during this year’s Golden Globes (8 p.m. Sunday, NBC).
While the Golden Globes started in 1944, they didn’t actually have an official host until 2010, when Gervais took on the role. Despite (or perhaps because of) his below-the-belt humor and willingness to call out the untouchable Hollywood elite, Gervais was invited back to host again through 2012.
While I love watching Johnny Depp squirm in discomfort as much as the next person, the new hosting duo will bring a breath of fresh air to the show.
Fey and Poehler’s chemistry is undeniable — from their days as “Weekend Update” co-hosts on Saturday Night Live to co-starring in Baby Mama and portraying two political powerhouses for our comedic pleasure during the 2008 election. Admittedly, I’m a fangirl, but even the slightly less obsessed will be in for a treat Sunday. These ladies will celebrate and poke fun at stars in a way that’s hilarious and smart, without just being unabashedly mean (ahem, Ricky).
The Globes are a fun watch because the show doesn’t take itself as seriously as, say, the Oscars. Celebs can partake in on- and off-stage shenanigans, as the Globes are one of the few shows where alcohol is openly served, making for potentially awesome/ awesomely bad speeches and star interactions. It’s also the one major awards show (besides the yawn-tastic SAG Awards) that celebrates both film and television.
Some wins, mostly long shots, I’d like to see include: Christoph Waltz, Supporting Actor – Motion Picture, Django Unchained; Jack Black, Actor – Motion Picture Comedy/Musical, Bernie; Jennifer Lawrence, Actress – Motion Picture Comedy/Musical, Silver Linings Playbook; Brave, Animated Feature; Claire Danes, Actress – TV Drama, Homeland; Jon Hamm, Actor – TV Drama, Mad Men; Girls, TV Comedy/Musical; Louis C.K., Actor – TV Comedy/Musical; Jessica Lange, Actress – Miniseries/TV Movie, American Horror Story: Asylum; Mandy Patinkin, Supporting Actor – TV, Homeland.
But I’ll be content as long as the hostesses bring the laughs — and if Lincoln and Modern Family don’t completely mop the floor with the less mainstream picks.
WEDNESDAY JAN. 9
Modern Family (9 p.m., ABC) – The Dunphy and Pritchett adults head to Palm Springs to ring in the New Year while Alex and Haley take care of the kids back home.
Top Chef (10 p.m., Bravo) – Seattle restaurant wars!
American Horror Story: Asylum (10 p.m., FX) – There’s light at the end of the tunnel for Lana Lana Bo Bana (for real this time). Grace brings bad news about the aliens’ experiments on Alma. Son of Bloody Face (Dylan McDermott) reappears in the “most disturbing opening scene” the show’s ever had, according to co-creator Ryan Murphy.
THURSDAY
JAN. 10
30 Rock (8 p.m., NBC) — Jack joins forces with longtime rival Devon Banks (Will Arnett), in a move to gain control of Kabletown. Tracy tries to get Octavia Spencer to star in his movie.
Project Runway All Stars (9 p.m., Lifetime) – The remaining designers jet set to Paris in PR’s first international challenge. After sketching at the Eiffel Tour and previewing a private Valentino show, the final four return to New York to create couture gowns.
1600 Penn (9:30 p.m., NBC) – Becca pulls a Bristol.
FRIDAY JAN. 11
Portlandia (10 p.m., IFC) – It’s Nina’s birthday and she plans to fill her celebration with yoga, horseback riding and tapas. Having just returned from Spain, Kath and Dave are eager to share their stories at her dinner.
SUNDAY JAN. 13
Girls (Season Premiere, 9 p.m., HBO) – Hannah throws a new roomie party with Elijah and decides to move on from Adam (while still helping him with his broken leg). Marnie loses her job; Shosh avoids Ray; Jessa returns from her honeymoon.
Shameless (Season Premiere, 9 p.m., Showtime) – Fiona and Jimmy (née Steve) hold down the homefront as a blacked out Frank winds up in Mexico. Judy and Sheila continue to play house with baby Hymie.
Californication (Season Premiere, 10:30 p.m., Showtime) – After his brush with death, Hank learns a rocker aims to adapt A Crazy Little Thing Called Love into a Broadway musical.
TUESDAY JAN. 15
Parenthood (10 p.m., NBC) – Julia and Joel must make a decision about Victor as his adoption deadline approaches. Ryan returns and Zeek and Amber encourage him to make things right with Joel and the construction job.
CONTACT JAC KERN : [email protected] or @jackern
