Cultural Cuisinart

The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that the CW has renewed many of their shows. Except, that is, for two of their best new shows: Reaper and Aliens in America.

This is the sort of inane decision-making I've come to expect from the network that killed one of the best shows of the decade (Veronica Mars). It's almost FOX executive levels of stupid. Reaper is charming and fun, and it had a lot of potential to grow. Also, it stars the hot chick from Stick It, a movie my boyfriend adores beyond reason.

Aliens in America is a different sort of show. It's a genuinely funny sitcom, but it also has a lot of heart. They address the fact that Raja is from Pakistan, but they don't let his ethnicity become the brunt of any jokes. They steer clear of the expected jokes, and instead concentrate on gently lampooning aspects of American culture. The episode where the family joins a mega-church is particularly great.

I'm just so depressed about pop culture these days. How is it that trash like Gossip Girl can get renewed, while great shows like this go unappreciated? And don't even get me started on how 30 Rock's ratings stack up to According to Jim and Two and a Half Men.