Don't Call It a Comeback Because I Was Never Gone

Yes, I know it's been thirty-seven days since I last posted, but things really got in the way. More than I anticipated! But don't worry, I have a plan. Every thing that was planned will be caught up with by my posts without a problem. You'll still see everything as intended. As for the daily posts? They will start anew once I get caught up. Never fear. We'll be back real soon. Have a good new year!

60 Favorite Television Characters: 25

Like Lena Dunham, the main character on Girls is a very polarizing person because she has so much in common with Lena herself. Which makes sense because if you're going to create a character, write her as you know her. In that case, she wrote Hannah Horvath like she knew herself. And it reflects and really shines through and I believe just putting in complete honesty allows for a real character. That doesn't go unnoticed. And Hannah is admittedly very troubled, but that scene when she sings Wonderwall in the bathtub, she just felt real. That's why she's so high up, kicking off the top twenty-five.

Hannah Horvath: Lead character on Girls portrayed by Lena Dunham.

Kenan and Kel Reunite

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon has orchestrated some pretty phenomenal reunions over the years (see: Saved by the Bell and Full House), but I think they've really outdone themselves now. Jimmy and the gang (probably lead by Mike DiCenzo) brought Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell (from the great show Kenan & Kel and the movie Goodburger) back together to do yet another Goodburger sketch. Man, it's good to see those two hanging out again. They're so great.

The SNL Documentary

This year, a documentary about the history (primarily political history) of Saturday Night Live over the course of its now forty year history titled Live from New York was released, but only in select cities so I did not have a chance to see it. But, thankfully, NBC aired the documentary on October 3rd before the season premiere of SNL and it was very well-made. The chills-inducing first couple moments were worth it alone. I give it my highest recommendation!

60 Favorite Television Characters: 26

As soon as you saw Burton Guster (Gus) on this list earlier, you had to have known that Shawn Spencer was coming. And here he is: behold! Shawn is the exact type of character who you can really connect with and for somebody like me who actually grew up with Psych as a show, he was such a role model that I wanted to do so much to be like him. He was so cool and funny and charming and just hyper-intelligent but quick-witted, too, that how couldn't I have wanted to be just like him? I wanted to be Shawn Spencer so much. He was the epitome of what it meant to just be endlessly cool. You gotta love him.

Shawn Spencer: Lead character on Psych portrayed by James Roday.

This Week's Sports by David

60 Favorite Television Characters: 27

I never thought that one of the deepest, most layered characters in the history of my television knowledge (and television in general, really) would be played by an Australian man in a dog suit. But that's just how it was. Not only was Wilfred, the character, incredibly entertaining to watch - but he was also so psychologically fascinating. That scene in the penultimate episode of the show when he is a completely devastated wreck because he thinks he failed Ryan and he eventually drives himself to death in the rampage he embarks on is a piece of acting that will always stay with me. You really felt for Wilfred because Wilfred felt for Ryan. And he felt for all of us.

Wilfred: Lead character on Wilfred portrayed by Jason Gann.

More Curb Your Enthusiasm?

Here's some news that is pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good. Larry David is reportedly working on a ninth season and a potential movie for his critically-acclaimed, smash-hit, on-extended-hiatus-currently HBO original comedy, Curb Your Enthusiasm. And while there are absolutely no more details on this development and it's still Larry David so expectations should be tempered, it is definitely a step in the right direction for Larry to produce more of this amazing show after he felt for a while that it was dead. Long live Curb!

60 Favorite Television Characters: 28

It makes a lot of sense when there were rumblings of a spin-off from The Office, the character thought to be at the helm of it was Dwight Schrute. Thank god that didn't happen, though, because we were given the gift of going along one last ride with The Office with Dwight, too. Rainn Wilson said it best when he said that what laid behind Dwight was an "aching, vulnerable ambition." That's what Dwight is at his core. Yes, he's on the spectrum. Yes, he did whatever Michael Scott told him to do. But aside from all of that, he was really just trying to achieve his goals the best way he knew how. And his friendship with Pam will always warm my heart because that was a goal he never meant to achieve. But I'm sure he wouldn't trade it for anything.

Dwight Schrute: Supporting character on The Office portrayed by Rainn Wilson.

An End for Portlandia

Here's some sad news for fans of quality television. Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein announced that their IFC hit sketch series, Portlandia, will be ending in 2018. That will conclude the show at a point for eight seasons, though, at the moment, it has only been renewed for seven until 2017. But I'm sure they have enough clout. We don't have to worry too much about it yet, but it's still kind of sad to know that there is an end in sight.

60 Favorite Television Characters: 29

You know he was coming and here he is. Tobias. Funke. He's quite possibly the biggest character on Arrested Development in terms of comedy, personality, and sensibility, but more than anything he is the king of the one-liners. The parts of the show you can quote to anyone and, regardless if that person has seen Arrested Development or not, it can still be funny. The writing on that show is probably the best writing of any television show ever challenged only, maybe, by 30 Rock. And many of those great quotes were attributed to Tobias. He was always just so much fun to watch and that little moment when he is dressed as Tobias, but he is supposed to be Mrs. Featherbottom so he pretends like he's leaving the house, but he instead twists his body to go up the stairs is one of the funniest things ever done on television.

Tobias Funke: Supporting character on Arrested Development portrayed by David Cross.

The Splat

Nickelodeon has finally caved to the suggestions from all those "90s Kids" Twitter accounts because it feels like they've been clamoring for years for a block of programming on the network that would air classic episodes of retro shows like Doug and All That! In fact, Kenan Thompson even made an appearance during a bumper for the show which was very cool and sweet to see. There's just an indescribable quality to it. Also included were The Angry Beavers, CatDog, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Rugrats, Hey Arnold!, Kenan & Kel, The Ren and Stimpy Show, Legends of the Hidden Temple, and Rocko's Modern Life. So definitely check out The Splat; thank you, Nickelodeon.

60 Favorite Television Characters: 30

All of the Mike Schur-era comedies on television have had a breakthrough character that becomes almost as iconic as the show, at least in more of the mainstream culture. On The Office, it was Dwight Schrute. On Brooklyn Nine-Nine, it was Raymond Holt. And on Parks and Recreation, there is no doubting that it was Ron Swanson. The stoic, individualistic, hardened government employee who never wanted to work for the government served as the facilitator for much of the show's humor and a lot of the more tender moments, too, because he was such a father figure that people always saw him as one who could be approached for advice. I'd take advice from him, too.

Ron Swanson: Supporting character on Parks and Recreation portrayed by Nick Offerman.

This Week's Entertainment by David

60 Favorite Television Characters: 31

What does it say about the state of network television that a sitcom from the 1950s was more diverse and progressive than about seventy percent of the shows on NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX? Whatever that may be, the world of comedy owes a large debt to Lucille Ball for refusing to act in I Love Lucy unless her husband, Desi Arnaz, was allowed to portray her on-screen husband as well. And what we got was a mishmash of hokey, old-fashioned husbandry and some Cuban stereotypes. But it was all in good fun. Never was there a better straight man than Ricky Ricardo, I believe. He also might be the only character to ever be involved in a blooper that was part of the episode. Oh, fine...

Ricky Ricardo: Lead character on I Love Lucy portrayed by Desi Arnaz.

Tracy Morgan's Emmy Surprise

"We both got so emotional...and I was so happy there was a joke in there!" It's safe to say that Tina Fey spoke for everyone when she described Tracy Morgan's surprise appearance (which was genuinely a surprise for everyone in the building) at the Emmys to present the final award of the night. It was so good to see him back out there and especially being funny, too. It was great for him to warm up for that killer SNL episode he hosted a month later. We love you, Tracy!

60 Favorite Television Characters: 32

Despite both being created by Tina Fey, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt has a stronger undercurrent of sweetness and optimism to it than 30 Rock ever did. Which is not a knock on 30 Rock because cynicism fit what that show was, but it is a welcome change of pace I believe and I'm sure Fey would be quick to tell you the same. And that optimism essentially stems from that same nature present in the lead and titular character, Kimmy Schmidt. She's just so happy and bubbly all the time, which has to be a testament to Ellie Kemper.

Kimmy Schmidt: Lead character on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt portrayed by Ellie Kemper.

The 2015 Emmys

The big winners from this year's award ceremony were The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Veep, Game of Thrones, and Saturday Night Live. And while I did end up watching Veep start to finish after the Emmys, I still maintain that Amy Poehler deserved the Best Actress award. Sorry, Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Anyway, it was a great ceremony and I want to share this with you. The perfect evidence that Andy Samberg was, well, the perfect host.

60 Favorite Television Characters: 33

In the beginning of my Mad Men viewing experience, I detested Pete Campbell and now that I look back, I feel like that is what Matthew Wiener wanted me and the rest of his audience to do. Pete was an arrogant, misguided, sexist douchebag who put the career of the lead character in jeopardy. But as time went on, we realized that early Pete was just super immature, but as he grew, he began to shed all those negative qualities en route to becoming a very decent human being. He is awesome! You gotta love Pete and the way he handles himself from day to day through hell's bells and chasing Lee Garner Jr. down a hallway. My favorite moment from the series finale was his getting onto an airplane and leaving New York. Bravo, Pete.

Pete Campbell: Supporting character on Mad Men portrayed by Vincent Kartheiser.

This Week's Sports by Davids

It seems like there are lasts every week now. Here is the last set of NBA Previews.

60 Favorite Television Characters: 34

Part of growing up is realizing that Joey is not the best character on Friends. He's a fun character and a very well-made character, but he's not the best. And, don't get me wrong, neither is Chandler, but he's part of growing up, too. As you get older, you understand more of Chandler's jokes, the type that went over your head in youth while Joey's plain stupidity was very apparent. One thing I don't get, though, is that the friends on Friends are all aware that Chandler is the "funny one" of the group, but it is very rare that they ever laugh at him. Beyond the humor, though, Chandler has a lot of very sweet, endearing moments that connect us with him even more. Thank you, Chandler.

Chandler Bing: Lead character on Friends portrayed by Matthew Perry.

The Big Short Trailer

A trailer has been released for an upcoming movie that has me very intrigued. It's called The Big Short and it's about the financial crisis of 2007 and the people who could see it coming before the stock market crashed. In the film is Steve Carell, Brad Pitt, Christian Bale, and Ryan Gosling. It's an amazing cast and the trailer (above) makes it seem really smart, quick, and well-made. Plus, it's directed by Adam McKay, the comedic genius. I'm currently reading the book right now, but I can't wait to learn how they both turn out!

60 Favorite Television Characters: 35

There are two characters on Family Guy who I will always have interest in the stories in which they participate. I may not like the plots, but I will at least be very open to them. Things that Peter or Chris or Meg or Lois do don't really interest me. But I always am eager to see what Brian and Stewie are up to and we've already talked about Stewie on this list so it only makes sense that this post is all about Brian. I know it might be cliche to say this, but everyone knows someone like Brian and if you don't, then that person is probably you. Yes, he can be insufferable at times, but it's ultimately because he is constantly striving to feel like he has an identity. And it's a testament to Seth Macfarlane's creativity, writing ability, and vocal talents that he is able to convey all of this through a dog.

Brian Griffin: Supporting character on Family Guy portrayed by Seth Macfarlane.

Jon Hamm on SpongeBob

The creators and writers of SpongeBob SquarePants created a character for an upcoming episode of the show named Don Grouper and everything about him is ripped straight from Mad Men's Don Draper. He is an advertising executive who helps Mr. Krabs promote the Krabby Patties and he is described as "irresistible, smart, and well-dressed." So, yeah, it's Don Draper if he's a fish. And guess who they got to voice this character? Jon Hamm. Who else?

60 Favorite Television Characters: 36

Scrubs has a lot of great characters, but far and away the most tortured one is Perry Cox (though, I'd argue that Bob Kelso is a close second). And if you know me, I love tortured characters that make you feel and root for them simultaneously. And Dr. Cox is a good guy, deep down. He just has a very tough exterior. Fortunately, J.D. came into his life and helped break down the walls. It's no coincidence that some of the best, most memorable moments of Scrubs came when Dr. Cox was not arrogantly condescending J.D. or swaggering around the hospital exuding an aura of haughtiness. No, it was when he was vulnerable. Because it made the audience know that we were vulnerable, too.

Perry Cox: Supporting character on Scrubs portrayed by John C. McGinley.

Avengers: Age of Ultron Honest Trailer

Now that Avengers: Age of Ultron has been released on DVD, the movie critics of YouTube are free to use the clips however they please in their viral videos. There's a Cinema Sins out there, too, but right now we have the honest trailer. There are some pretty fair shots here. The Joss Whedon stuff was spot on. I enjoy the honest trailers.

60 Favorite Television Characters: 37

The three primary neighbors on the Nickelodeon cartoon, SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Squidward Tentacles, and SpongeBob, mirror the development of children. When a child is born, he, or she, is really stupid because the brain hasn't formed yet so in that manner, there are similarities with Patrick because he is also really stupid. Then, SpongeBob is like a child who is under the age of fifteen probably who has not yet lost his innocence and still likes to have fun all the time and looks at everything through the eyes of a child. Then, once there is a death of innocence and cynicism begins to prevail over wide-eyed optimism, the children grow up and become like Squidward, who hates the world. It's just the way it goes. But I'll be damned if I don't love the fact that SpongeBob's fun is constantly attempted to be undermined by Squidward, his job is unimportant because Mr. Krabs only cares about money anyway, and his license is just an impossible dream he will never achieve, but despite all this, SpongeBob loves his life anyway. (Also, he is hilarious.)

SpongeBob Squarepants: Lead character on SpongeBob Squarepants portrayed by Tom Kenny.

I Met Mindy Kaling

I MET MINDY KALING! In an attempt to organize my thoughts in a logical manner that is not dominated by me freaking out, I wrote a short essay about the experience.

If you happened to have seen my Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram profile or talked to me or know me in any way at all as of late, then you probably know that I met one of the most influential celebrities in the world on the fourteenth of September. I met Mindy Kaling.

I know what you're thinking. How did I get to meet a successful, young Renaissance woman who is the perfect package of a prolific writer, gifted actress, intelligent creator, and personable humanitarian/public figure/triple-threat/the most perfect person to walk this planet since either Bobby Kennedy or Tom Brady? Well,the answer to that is easy. I bought her newest book. Why Not Me? is the second book Mindy has published in her career (following Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)), both of which are collections of essays about her life.

In addition to literature, Mindy Kaling is the star, creator, writer, executive producer, and occasional director of the hit Hulu show, The Mindy Project, which came off the heels of her successful eight-year stint as Kelly Kapoor on The Office. She made television history by becoming the first Indian woman to have her own sitcom on network television back when The Mindy Project was on FOX. And I was fortunate enough to meet her. My mother provided me with a much-appreciated hook-up to tickets to Mindy's book signing for Why Not Me? in Brookline, Massachusetts at Brookline Booksmith, a pretty quaint bookstore. As I waited in line, I began to hear her melodious voice as it permeated my outrageously nervous brain, each footstep bringing me closer to my comedy hero.

Finally, copy of her book in hand as I clutched it like Ebenezer Scrooge, nervous to spread goodwill to the Cratchit children, I approached the ethereal Mindy Kaling and she greeted me. And I said nothing. Fear that I would embarrass myself crippled me as my mouth struggled to form words that could be deemed suitable for the queen of comedy. "I'm sorry; I'm just really nervous," eventually became my statement of choice. Mindy, ever the professional, signed my copy and then put her arm around me as I got down on one knee (not to propose marriage, though the thought crossed my panicked mind) to take a picture with her. Afterwards, the conversation extended a few more seconds before I was whisked away by the demands of a lengthy line. It was the most whirlwind,fantastic fifteen seconds of my life.

But she was just so lovely. And I mean, the interaction was really great because I played it off super cool and said things like "I'm really nervous" and "I love you." I did a great job and definitely didn't come across as one of those insane fans, right? I totally thought so, too. I finished the book in a week.

The picture we took together is still my lock screen. And I watch The Mindy Project on Hulu and now I have the privilege of thinking, I met that goddess.

Oh,and she was wearing a sweater that had the year 1970 written on it. I thought that was pretty cool, too.

This Week's Entertainment by David

60 Favorite Television Characters: 38

I should tell you all about this next character by looking right into the camera, right into your eyes, should I not? Breaking the fourth wall is so overrated. Francis "Frank" Underwood is the main character on the American version of House of Cards, which, as I currently stand, is the only version I intend to watch. Three seasons deep and we have seen a lot from Frank. (Spoilers ahead, by the way.) He was majority whip before becoming vice president and then, ultimately, president. But he did it all without a single vote cast in his name, as he'd be quick to tell you. He is an evil, ruthless man whose Shakespearean qualities are worn right on his sleeve. Unfortunately, everyone in Washington D.C. seems to be illiterate. Or, at least, their literacy died with Zoe and her words.

Frank Underwood: Lead character on House of Cards portrayed by Kevin Spacey.

Turd Ferguson Lives

Talia Lavin has just won the world. One of the most iconic impressions in the history of Saturday Night Live is Norm Macdonald's Burt Reynolds which is usually seen during Celebrity Jeopardy sketches. One of the funniest moments of this character was when he forced Will Ferrell's Alex Trebek to call him Turd Ferguson because it was a "funny name." Lavin took to the real Jeopardy show to force the real Alex Trebek to say "Turd Ferguson." She's done what everyone has always wanted to do.

60 Favorite Television Characters: 39

Ethel Mertz from I Love Lucy is probably the greatest television sidekick in history, right? I suppose it depends on how you define sidekick. George Costanza is up there. Dwight Schrute could fit the bill. I suppose Robin works in quite literally what a sidekick is, but there's never been a supporting character whose actions and stories are so dependent on whoever the first fiddle is as much as this has been the case for Ethel. Sure there are a few episodes where she gets to do her own thing, but most of her character development comes through whatever it is that Lucy's doing. Which is why her characteristics are so easily identifiable. She's loyal, she's quick on her feet, she's a fantastic friend. What do all of these do if not just make you identify with Ethel because you, too, are being brought along through the craziness by Lucy.

Ethel Mertz: Supporting character on I Love Lucy portrayed by Vivian Vance.

Neighbors 2 - Billy Eichner

I was skeptical about Neighbors because I thought it would be yet another failed fraternity comedy, but I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome. I am skeptical about Neighbors 2 because it just seems like a really unnecessary sequel. But it's happening anyway and I trust Seth Rogen implicitly so we'll wait and see. Some promising news, though, here. Billy Eichner has joined the cast in an unspecified role! I'm really glad to see him making the transition to film now. I bet he's proud of himself.

60 Favorite Television Characters: 40

This might contradict something I've said in the past, but I'll write it anyway. New Girl: Come for Zooey Deschanel, stay for Schmidt. I don't even know if Schmidt is his first name or his last name, but I do know that he is so funny and so original that I will love him until the day I die. He says things like, "The economy sucks, bees are dying, and movies are pretty much all sequels now" and "Schmidt happens." He wears loafers and despises youths. He is such a strong personality that he warranted the creation of something called the Douchebag Jar. Schmidt is a lot to handle, but he is the type of person I would just love to know in real life. He's like the best version of a hipster.

Schmidt: Supporting character on New Girl portrayed by Max Greenfield.

This Week's Sports by Davids

Another last for the covers. The very last NCAA Basketball Preview. So, of course the Florida Gators are going to make an appearance. It's only right.

60 Favorite Television Characters: 41

You have to love the titular character of Seinfeld who, like the actor playing him, is named Jerry Seinfeld. I just want to get something out of the way in regards to Seinfeld and this list. I like Kramer. I think Kramer is a great character and I am entertained by him. But Kramer is not going to be on this list. I get that lots of people love Kramer and I do, too, but not enough to put him in the top sixty. Okay, now that the air has been cleared, we can talk about Jerry. I like to think that Jerry is not far off from his real-world counterpart. Neurotic, observant, straight-played despite his role as "the funny one," and an obsessive lover of breakfast cereal and Superman. The little comments he makes about all the absurdities going on his life (in which he often partakes) will never get old. Just part of the many reasons that this is a rare example of a stand-up comedian turned television character who really just nails it. And it's also worth noting that I'm listening to Louis CK Pandora right now and Jerry Seinfeld just popped up. How about that?

Jerry Seinfeld: Lead character on Seinfeld portrayed by Jerry Seinfeld.

Galavant Season Two

#Galavant pic.twitter.com/WiEt5Qvb9s

— Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) June 2, 2015

Everyone knows that Community's perennial survival is one of the most shocking occurrences in the history of both television and cancellation, but I think from a logistical standpoint, Galavant's renewal for a second season was even more surprising. Fortunately, it was renewed anyway and the title of the season premiere for the second season was revealed. You can already tell it's going to be a good episode with a name like, "A New Season aka Suck It Cancellation Bear."

60 Favorite Television Characters: 42

M*A*S*H is the same type of show as Cheers for me in that I have seen a very small handful of episodes from it, but not enough that I would have liked to so I plan to watch the whole show someday soon. But from what I have seen, I absolutely love Radar. My first exposure to Radar actually came from all the times that Gary Burghoff was on Match Game so I already had a fondness for the actor. I just had to make the connection with the character. The character who has earned a spot in the top forty-two by way of his cultural knowledge, loyalty, and commitment to ambition. His story is one of the more fascinating to me.

Radar O'Reilly: Supporting character on M*A*S*H portrayed by Gary Burghoff.

Tina Fey and Mindy Kaling

In promotion of her new book, Why Not Me?, Mindy Kaling hosted an event titled In Conversation with Tina Fey at 92nd Street in New York. Yes, that's right, the two greatest comedic minds of the past two decades and two of the funniest people of all-time joined each other on stage to have a conversation (that I hope against hope will be on YouTube one day) and play a game of Marry, Fuck, Kill that forced Mindy to choose between Stephen Colbert, Michael Fassbender, and B.J. Novak. Let's just say that Fassbender was the one who got the proverbial (and maybe literal) axe. If ever I find it on YouTube, I'll share it with you, but for now, just revel in the fact that these two were part of an event together. That's truly amazing!

60 Favorite Television Characters: 43

Remember when I talked about how Ben Wyatt was an amazing mid-series addition to a great comedy show? Well, now imagine how great Ben was but to an even larger extent! That's what Rob Lowe brought to Parks and Recreation and his beloved role of Chris Traeger. So many different everyday phrases originated from Chris. "This is literally...," "Ann Perkins!," and so many more have found their way into my daily lexicon. But the greater part of what made Chris such a good character and such a fun one to watch and love was his undying optimism. This quality made his depressed storylines that much harder because you just can't help but root for him.

Chris Traeger: Supporting character on Parks and Recreation portrayed by Rob Lowe.

The Brain Trust

In a recent article for Vanity Fair, the journalist saw to it that all of the current hosts in late night television were gathered for a picture. This is a rare photograph (that might be on the same level of FDR, Churchill, and Stalin at Yalta) for sure because these ten people are not going to be easy to assemble again. From left to right, you have Stephen Colbert (The Late Show), Conan O'Brien (Conan), Trevor Noah (The Daily Show), James Corden The Late Late Show), Jimmy Kimmel (Jimmy Kimmel Live!), John Oliver (Last Week Tonight), Seth Meyers (Late Night), Larry Wilmore (The Nightly Show), Jimmy Fallon (The Tonight Show), and Bill Maher (Real Time). I really do like this picture and it's definitely worth sharing. This is the future of late night television for the next fifteen or twenty years now. Behold!

60 Favorite Television Characters: 44

Don Draper was the main character on Mad Men. There's no denying that. There are probably people out there who will try to deny this, but they're just wrong and they're stupid and they're idiots. The show was about Don. But Don was not the character who changed the most over the course of the seven-year run of Mad Men. That honor goes to Peggy Olson, who started out working for Don in 1960 as his typist, his secretary, whatever you want to call the position and then worked her way up to copywriter to junior partner to the Manhattan advertising world's premiere player. And beyond working her way to improving degrees of job titles, she also drastically changed in regards to her level of confidence. Just look at the picture above. Season one Peggy was so much more meek.

Peggy Olson: Supporting character on Mad Men portrayed by Elizabeth Moss.

This Week's Entertainment by David

60 Favorite Television Characters: 45

Back in 2011, did New Girl, Jess Day, and Zooey Deschanel not combine for one of the biggest television cultural phenomenons in recent memory? The idea of being "adorkable" was, like, the most appealing idea in the world for a little while there. But that's exactly what created the enticing charm of FOX's breakout comedy that captivated the world. Jess is unabashedly dorky, but she's just so fun and mellifluous that you know there are very few people in the real world who wouldn't want to hang out with her. She's just too fun.

Jessica Day: Lead character on New Girl portrayed by Zooey Deschanel.

Mindy and Ellie

The Comedy Gift War has taken a turn. You've heard stories before, but now there are two new shows that have entered the foray. The Mindy Project and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. While on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Mindy Kaling (whose writing staff includes Ike Barinholtz and Tracey Wigfield, who also wrote for 30 Rock with Tina Fey, who now writers for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt with Robert Carlock, also from 30 Rock, and Ellie Kemper, who starred on The Office with Mindy) divulged the information that the writing staffs of the two shows have been dueling each other with gifts. Fey and crew sent Mindy and the gang personal massages. In response, Mindy sent a puppy party to the Netflix show. In another response Hulu was sent an entire group of a capella performers, in true Office fashion. It must be exciting to see what will be sent next!

60 Favorite Television Characters: 46

I know there are a lot of people out there who are not big fans of Andy's character, but I have such a deep adoration for him. I feel this way mainly because I feel like I have a lot in common with Andy, no matter how much I want to think I am like Jim. I know I have many of Andy's qualities in me. The ambition, the ability to fall in love with literally anything, the desire to dress like a preppy sailor, and the incessant need to sing about anything. These are all reasons that people might not like Andy, but they are all the reasons I love him. Especially during season seven. That's the season when you realize how much of a nice guy he is. And yes, there was a bit of screwy activity with his character towards the end of the show, but his final character arc is a redemption for the ages. Rit dit dit dit doo, indeed.

Andy Bernard: Supporting character on The Office portrayed by Ed Helms.

Beyonce Dancing at the U.S. Open

Justin Timberlake & Jimmy Fallon stole the show at the US Open by doing the Single Ladies dance. (via @BraddJaffy) pic.twitter.com/Y5UtCjo8u6

— BuzzFeed Sports (@BuzzFeedSports) September 10, 2015

Maybe the title is misleading, but Beyonce was not at the U.S. Open, but rather Beyonce-esque dances were performed at the U.S. Open, not by the tennis players, but rather by Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon in the crowd. They are endlessly entertaining. Seeing them together will never get old.

60 Favorite Television Characters: 47

Stewie is one of those rare characters who actually gets better with age. Typically, many of the characteristics of some can be played out quickly and unless this is adapted, the character quickly becomes stale. Stewie was destined to get old really quickly (except on merchandising in Wal-Mart) with his unnecessarily extended and unnatural vocabulary, coupled with his malicious intentions directed at the members of his family. Fortunately, Stewie grew over time to sort of take over Brian's role as the voice of reason, a character who understands to a full extent what the audience is thinking about all of the nonsense going on around him. He's become boundlessly entertaining.

Stewie Griffin: Supporting character on Family Guy portrayed by Seth Macfarlane.

This Week's Sports by David

60 Favorite Television Characters: 48

Throughout season one of Girls, Marnie was always viewed as the proverbial second fiddle to Lena Dunham's self-realization of a lead character that shone all of the personal things that made her, her through and through. But once Marnie left the apartment in which the two lived together, her character development came out in full. Since the end of season one, we have been able to view Marnie (and yes, I know she is a controversial character, but I love her so deal with it) as a tortured person who, despite all of her privileges, is really struggling with her purpose in life. And that's a narrative of which I'll never grow tired.

Marnie Michaels: Supporting character on Girls portrayed by Allison Williams.

October 2015 Covers of the Month

Did any other cover from Entertainment Weekly have a chance after this? It's holiday-themed, it has a mention of Star Wars, and, oh yeah, it has Tina Fey and Amy Poehler FRONT AND CENTER.

Sports Illustrated's winner for October also features a duo. This one is Karl Anthony-Towns pictured with the reason I chose this one, Kevin Garnett. It's just cool and weird to see The Big Ticket taking on this role. You have to expect his retirement is looming, despite his Minnesota homecoming.

60 Favorite Television Characters: 49

Yes, of course there are going to be animated characters on this list. What? Did you think that they aren't "real" enough to be on the list. To that, I say neigh neigh (get it?). Animated characters have just as much, if not more, substance than any live-action character out there. And BoJack Horseman fits the bill perfectly. Look, at the root of everything, BoJack is an asshole. There's no other way to put it. But he doesn't want to be that way. It's like his mother told him when he was a child: "You're incomplete. Your read your books and you have your movies and your girlfriends, but it won't make you whole. You're BoJack Horseman. There's no cure for that." It's a chilling line, but it's true. He just simply cannot be a decent person even when he tries. But he's a great character because despite his flaws and his depression, it's exactly that. He tries.

BoJack Horseman: Lead character on BoJack Horseman portrayed by Will Arnett.