Shifting Channels

Inside Boxee & Thumbs Up for "Party Down"

Episode 37: Nicole and Harold talk about watching video through Boxee and whether or not the hot software startup ready for prime time. They also hit some recent shows they've spent time with, including Kings, Lie to Me, and Party Down -- a half-hour ensemble comedy produced by Paul Rudd and Veronica Mars creator Rob Thomas.

British Comedy

Episode 36:Harold and guest James Reichmuth, of comedy troupe Kasper Hauser, discuss the long, storied history of British hilarity -- from Monty Python's Flying Circus to The Office and beyond. Here's a partial list of some of the great shows and comedians mentioned in the conversation:

• Monty Python's Flying Circus
• The Goon Show
• Beyond the Fringe
• Spike Milligan
• Peter Cook
• Count Arthur Strong
• The Office
• Peep Show
• The Young Ones
• Jeeves and Wooster
• A Bit of Fry and Laurie
• Fawlty Towers

Welcome to the Dollhouse

Episode 35: Nicole, Harold, and special guest Jenny discuss the merits (or lack thereof) of Joss Whedon's new Fox show, Dollhouse, starring the inimitable Eliza Dushku. Are first impressions really all that important? Is Joss ready to add a genuine flop to his resume? Is it necessary to have your memory wiped every week in order to enjoy this show? Only time will tell. (As a bonus, the Shifting Channels crew visits McDonalds and just orders coffee.)

We're Back!

Episode 34: After getting derailed by an election, an underwhelming fall TV season, and some technical difficulties, Nicole and Harold are back to discuss the outlook for 2009, including Dollhouse, the new Timothy Hutton caper show Leverage, the second season of Damages, British actors with American accents, the death throes of ER, and much more.

Errata: Tom Noonan was in Manhunter, not Silence of the Lambs. Oops. Sorry, Tom. All crazy serial killers look same!

To New York and Back

Episode 33: Harold reports on his recent trip to New York, from following in Nicole's footsteps at the Paley Center to stumbling into a taping of The Late Show with David Letterman. There's also talk of Heroes and Hole in the Wall. It's a laff riot!

Guilty Pleasures

Episode 32: "I hate myself for loving you..." Nicole and Harold talk about shows they're sheepish to admit they watch, enjoy, and would miss terribly if they were gone.

The New TV Season is Upon Us

Episode 31: Nicole and Harold discuss the new and returning shows that are airing during the first week of September, including the re-imagined version of Beverly Hills 90210. They also weigh in on a new Tivo / Entertainment Weekly partnership.

Who Doesn't Like Beach Volleyball?

Episode 30: Nicole and Harold and Jenny talk about the Olympics. Was it compelling television or an international embarrassment? Did NBC put on a good show or did they drop the ball?