Across New York, rabid TV fans are closing their curtains and huddling by their flat-screens as networks end their blockbuster series forever. Followers of “Lost,” in its sixth season, and “24,” in its eighth season, have reached an end-is-nigh hysteria.
“It feels like the end is so close,” says Brooklyn “Lost” fanatic Saurin Lakhia. “I know everything there is to know about the show. It’s a part of my weekly routine. I don’t know how I’ll fill this void.”
The parting pangs will be almost as sharp for those forced to endure months without “Desperate Housewives,” “Grey’s Anatomy” or “Gossip Girl.” But misery loves company — and many sad viewers are gathering together to say farewell to their favorite shows in style. Here’s how you, too, can turn up — and tune out — like a pro.
‘LOST’
When to Watch: ABC; Sun., May 23, 9-11:30 p.m.
Steal some tips from Williamsburg bar the Knitting Factory, which stages a weekly “Lost” screening party.
What to wear: Don Hawaii-inspired tropical shirts and leis, Daniel Faraday designer stubble or go the whole hog in a khaki-colored Dharma jumpsuit.
What to drink: The Knitting Factory sells “Lost”-themed cocktails like the Smoke Monster (an Irish Car Bomb — Guinness with a shot of whiskey and a shot of Baileys — for $9); and there’s the old trapped-on-an-island standby, Dharma Beer, at $3 a can. Pick your favorite low-rent brand and make your own packaging.
What to eat: Try tropical sugar cookies from Baking for Good (bakingforgood.com; $40 per dozen). Fifteen percent of every order goes to a charity of your choice. As any Ben Linus fan knows, it’s all about the karma.
‘GREY’S ANATOMY’
When to Watch: ABC; Thursday, 9-11 p.m.
The charming-yet-vulnerable Izzie Stevens may no longer be with us, but thankfully the “Grey’s” producers are distracting fans from their withdrawal by introducing the charming-yet-vulnerable Mandy Moore as a guest star in the season 6 “shocker” finale.
What to Wear: We’d say scrubs, but that’s kind of a depressing prospect, no? Try the off-duty Seattle uniform of designer jeans and four-ply cashmere sweaters.
What to Drink: The juniper berries that infuse gin are thought to have medicinal properties, clearing the kidneys, reducing inflammation and combating gastro-intestinal distress. Make the gin and tonic too stiff, though, and you might find your guests overcome by the onscreen action and bawling like babies.
What to Eat: In case of a medical (or emotional) emergency, stock Gumi-Aid’s “For Life’s Boo Boos” candy bandages and Placebo candy pills from Economy Candy (pictured right; economycandy.com).
‘DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES’
When to Watch: ABC, tomorrow, 9-10 p.m.
Wisteria Lane just got a little more interesting. Forget romantic capers — there’s reportedly a bomb plot in the season 6 finale. Who knew terrorism went so well with tea sandwiches?
What to Wear: Look to 1950s suburbia for inspiration, then get a little naughtier (think pencil skirts and almost-prim blouses that plunge just enough to reveal a little of that lacy La Perla bra). If you’re a guy? Bring a six-pack and a beleaguered expression.
What to Drink: An apple martini, perhaps?
What to Eat: Make like a fatigued housewife and order in the classic mac & cheese from Delicatessen in SoHo ($12; 212-226-0211). For dessert, the Jewels of New York, a chic Brooklyn catering duo admired by none other than Martha Stewart, suggest dainty custom cupcakes, like this apple-spiced sweetie with a caramel center (below). The topping is grass-colored buttercream frosting topped with a marzipan apple ($5 each with a minimum order of two dozen cupcakes at thejewelsofny.com). It may be too late for tomorrow, but you know who to look up the next time you’re desperate for a bash.
‘GOSSIP GIRL’
When to Watch: CW; Monday, 9-10 p.m.
We hear Georgina’s back for the season 3 finale, which means . . . sharpen your claws. At times this guilty pleasure feels like a period pantomime. The show also makes for perfect party fare: Chat over a scene, and chances are Serena and Nate will break up and make up before you even finish your Champagne.
What to Wear: Eleanor Waldorf’s ladylike designs are so 2008. These days, the Queen Bees are looking a little grittier, and more risque — think Alexander Wang, not Oscar de la Renta. Both out of your budget? Then it’s headbands all around. Or get thrifty, Serena-style: Wear a shirt as a micro minidress.
What to Drink: Old-school Manhattans and bottomless glasses of bubbly.
What to Eat: Gilt, the glittery bar at the Palace Hotel on Madison Avenue, no longer serves its famous “Gossip Grilled Cheese” (inspired by Serena and Chuck’s late-night feast in the hotel’s kitchen), but that doesn’t mean you can’t get in on the action at home. Take two slices of bread, some gourmet gruyere, shaved black truffles and it’s OMG delicious.
’24’
When to Watch: Fox; May 24, 8-10 p.m.
Ever notice how the unkillable Jack Bauer never eats anything? Granted, it’s hard to pause for a canape when you’re trying to keep a world full of baddies at bay. In real life, spectators are encouraged to settle in and raise a plate (or better yet, a glass) to series star Kiefer Sutherland. What to wear: Sport a patriotic political mask, sharp aviator sunglasses and a serious (toy) weapon. Then again, since Bauer rarely changes outfits, why shouldn’t you just come as you are?
What to drink: It’s hard to stay awake for 24 hours, but a Red Bull and vodka should do the trick. We bet Jack (and Kiefer) wouldn’t turn down a fine single-malt scotch. Play the “24” party game and drink a measure every time Bauer flouts the Geneva Convention or utters the words “Damn it!” Sutherland actually heard fans were downing booze every time he said the phrase, so he made sure one script included it 14 times, according to WENN.com.
What to eat: Think explosively. Try seriously sour Warheads, Bazooka gum, terror-alert-level RedHots and Pop sherbet lollipops from old-school candy emporium Economy Candy on Rivington Street (economycandy.com).