The writers strike may be over, but there are still a lot of people reeling from its effects.  All the major networks, and some of the lesser ones, are scrambling to fill in time slots with new programming.  Since many of these networks had to show their re-runs during the normal season, they want to bring something fresh to the table for the summer season.

HBO has announced that they will be running documentaries every Monday night through the end of August.  These documentaries will range from the life story of film producer Roman Polanski, to one featuring those who died during the Iraq and Afganistan wars, and are buried at Arlington National Cemetary. 

Though the writers strike may have devistated the entertainment industry, it seems that it may turn out to be a good thing for viewers.  Networks are trying to come up with new ideas that will bring the viewers back.  It doesn’t seem that the reality shows will be dying out any time soon, but at least a few new ideas are beginning to surface.

Beginning Wednesday, April 16th, TVLand will be airing a new reality show, titled The Big 4-0.  In a nutshell, it will be showcasing individuals from around the United States who are celebrating their 40th birthdays.  I’m kind of excited about this show, as I will also be celebrating my 40th birthday this year.

They say that turning 40 is a big deal, but I think that has changed in the past few years.  It seems that turning 40 is now something to be proud of, and I for one, am.  I think it’s kind of cool that someone out there is seeing this event as something to celebrate, rather than something to mourn.  I’m proud of the fact that I’m almost 40.

So join me and see how those of us who are getting ready to hit a milestone birthday, celebrate the big day.  The Big 4-0 will air on Wednesdays beginning April 16th.  Check local listings for specific times.  I always knew turning 40 was going to be fun, now I’ll be able to prove it.

Due to the writer’s strike, networks such as CBS are trying to get caught up and get some new programming out there for the viewers. Normally, as we head into the summer season, we ready ourselves for a slew of reruns from the previous fall/winter season. However, CBS is setting to air new shows for the summer. They feel that having to show reruns during the writers strike, it would be better to come out with some new ideas.

Included in the new summer line up, are two new reality shows. One is called “Greatest American Dog”, and will be a competition set around pets and their owners, each vying for the title of Top Dog. The second new reality show is called “Jingles” and will be a competition where contestants will write ad jingles for commercials. A panel of judges, and the American public, will decide who moves from one challenge to the next.

A new game show will also be making the CBS line up this summer. Regis Philbin will be hosting a show titled “Million Dollar Password”. It will be much like the original, with contestants teaming up with celebrities to win the big money. It will premiere on June 1^st.

CBS has also announced that they will be airing some special events this summer, including 2 martial arts competitions called the EliteXC Saturday Night Fights. The first airing will be on May 31^st, and the second will air on July 26. Plus, on June 15^th, they will be televising the 62^nd annual Tony Awards.

It’s going to be a big summer with CBS. Along side all the new shows, they will also be showing the season premiere of “Big Brother”, as well as moving “Without A Trace” and “Cold Case” to new time slots.