Watch a show as a group?
 

I don't know if this has been done on this forum before, but I was wondering if anyone would be interested in taking a show that has already aired, and watching it with the forum, say at an episode (or 2 for the impatient) a week, and commenting on it like it has just aired.

I know we have had individual members comment on a new experience before, but this could be something fun we do. We could have weekly threads, or simply one long running thread. It could be a show we all love, and relive together, or a show that we could pan week to week.

We all love to catch shows we missed on DVD, and it would be nice if we could do that and have someone to discuss it with rather than digging up old threads.

Is there any interest in something like this? We could do a nomination/poll thread to pick the show as well.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

I'm interested, but I imagine the selection process will be a challenge.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

You can do this over Xbox Live if the show is available for streaming on Netflix.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

True, but isn't that more for actually watching together, or if we wanted to do this MST3K style? I was thinking more along the lines of "watch this episode this week, then have a discussion thread." I think that it would be too difficult to get everyone together to watch a show at a certain time.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

I approve of this idea.

Should we nominate shows and then maybe do an elimination thing? Assuming there's enough interest, of course.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

I think this was done with Babylon 5 a few years back. I don't recall participating at the time but I read the threads and they were enjoyable.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

I couldn't remember if it was done with B5, or if it was one person going through and writing long reviews. Also, I was too lazy to do a search.

I think each person gets to nominate 2 shows MAXIMUM, and also must give a reason why they chose their show. I hate it when I see threads that consist of lists. I can't think of anything that makes my eyes glaze over more.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

It's almost certain that regardless of the criteria used to choose an episode, it'll be something from Buffy or The Wire.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

Well I was looking to choose a series, and go through the entire series, or at least a season. I wasn't looking for haphazard episodes. I also was going to eliminate both of those shows since we hear so damn much about them on here. Am I being Groucho'ed here?

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

I think this is a good idea. Finding the time to keep up and be relevant in the conversation could be hard, but still probably wroth a shot.

I was going to make the same comment, but Groucho beat me to it. :lol:

What if we did something that was shorter and wouldn't take ages to finish? UK series usually have a shorter shelf life in both episodes and series (seasons).

Another option could be do just the first season of a show and then stop; move to next show. This could be a good way to fit in more shows and expose people to a wider variety.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

One season is fine to me. Then after it's over, we can vote to continue to the next season, or start a new series.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

How would the logistics work though? Leave everybody to their own devices to view the season? Buy or rent? Limit to shows on free streaming sites (e.g. Hulu, WB, etc.)? That could be tricky.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

Sounds interesting. I'll definitely take part if/when a show is chosen.

I already have my one and only recommendation, and it's a relatively shorter one.



As for logistics, here are a few ideas:
- 2 episodes per week, starting Sundays. People can feel free to continue watching ahead of the group, but should reserve comments until the appropriate time.
- Either one giant thread for the entire Season/Series, or separate threads for each week, but clearly labeled something like "TV Talk Rewind Week #x: [Show Name]"

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

I'd be down for this, too. Keep us posted if this comes to fruition.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

I'd be down for this, i'd prefer do to shows that are not from the forum's era, or shows that didn't have weekly threads when they were on

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

I've been working my way through shows that have ended or I've never seen but get good reviews so I'd be down for this.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

This is exactly the way I was thinking. I was leaning towards individual threads just to avoid spoilers for future episodes. I think 1-2 episodes a week is reasonable, but perhaps some members may have time constraints, and I figured one episode is not too much to ask. I would recommend not watching ahead, just to keep it like a real show, but obviously that's the honor system.

I like the idea of shows before running threads, but if we go too far back we may lose member interest. However I would be opposed to any shows that are currently airing.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

Logistically, I think the show needs to have been released on DVD already, and if it's available streaming even better. Also other means for those with less disposable income will not be frowned upon by me. Shows with no DVD presence just may be impractical to obtain for some members. This can also factor into people's recommendations.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

Well the response has been overwhelming. Should we just start nominating?

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

I could use another trip through Carnivale!

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

Is it worth it to start a separate Nominations thread? I think so, that way it's easier to keep track of them. But first, this whole thing needs a good name. :)

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

How about the "DVDTalk TV Rewind"

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

Groucho's House of Horrors

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

the UK version of the Office? (as its short enough to a point where it wouldn't be too long

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

Not a bad suggestion. I've been meaning to revisit it.

I'm trying to think of some older shows that might be good for this purpose.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

:up:

Now we just need to find a show.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

I would like something older. I thought the Twin Peaks suggestion was very interesting, and I'm partial to it because I haven't seen it myself.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

Wiki says 30 episodes. Is that correct? Tried to not read too much info due to spoiler potential.

Looks like it's on CBS for free, so maybe we just start with that series? Be best if we avoid the issue of a show not being available to all because between all of us we check out all the Netflix copies.

http://www.cbs.com/classics/twin_peaks/

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

I would definitely be interested in this, but I think we should really try and make this something that's either on Hulu/Fancast or at the very least on Netflix's instant watch. I would like to think that something is picked that a lot of people haven't seen yet as to make it something we could look forward to more. If not, a TV series can be quite expensive to buy on DVD, though more nefarious ways are out there to get them I suppose.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

NF would be cool so we 360 nerds could party up if we wanted to.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

Totally OT, but during our teacher's meeting this morning one of my colleagues noticed this carved into the desk he was sitting in: "Who killed Laura Palmer?"

We got a good laugh out of that.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

Some shows with their first season (and more sometimes) on Netflix instant-watch...

Farscape
Wire in the Blood
Beverly Hills 90210
Friday Night Lights
The A-Team
The Incredible Hulk
Maverick

On Hulu (harder to find there):

Doogie Howser, MD
McHale's Navy

On both:

Dragnet '67
I Spy
Magnum PI
Miami Vice

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

I'd be down for Twin Peaks. I was watching The Simpsons tonight and the bit where Homer was back in 1990 watching it had me on the floor.

I've been meaning to check it out and I definitely think it's "one of the those shows". It'd be a good one to start off the series.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

Twin Peaks is a classic serial-drama. :) It set the groundwork for shows like Lost, 24, etc.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

I'll be down for TP. I have the full gold series box set, and still haven't gotten around to watching it. I did hear that since i know there are 2 versions of the pilot, that the american version is the right one to watch correct?

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

Rypro,

You are correct. I totally forgot about the pilot "fiasco".


edit: Looks like CBS has episode 101 online (the first episode), but does not have the pilot. It's important because they do not contain any of the same scenes.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

yes, from what i understand, the full pilot sets everything up, and is made like a mini movie, and the second episode (or 101) starts the show assuming you know everything that happened. i also heard that the european version of the pilot does give away 'who killed laura palmer' too.

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

Indeed. It's very important that if/when anyone decides to watch this series, they watch the right pilot episode. If you have the Gold set, then you're good.


:(

Re: Watch a show as a group?
 

the gold box dvd (just got up to look), lists "both original and international") sucks that CBS.com doesn't list it. i would say, if you must, look via other ways.