Nov 10, 2009
Network Entertainment: An Oxymoron
I’ll let you in on a little secret – I hate American Idol. I’m probably the only person in the world who can’t stomach the show. The one and only time I saw the program was during some auditions when they repeatedly showed close-ups of painfully sad individuals whose least problem in life was an inability to sing. While this post isn’t about my taste in TV (I also hate Sex in the City, Survivor, Saving Grace and The Simpsons), it is about first impressions of network entertainment – and I use the term “entertainment” loosely.
Everybody understands the importance of first impressions. To the viewer, the opening dialog, visuals and sounds are among the factors that must be compelling enough to capture one’s attention. The situation also must be in keeping with that person’s values system, sense of morality and comfort level. Nobody goes to a church or synagogue if they don’t agree with what is being taught. It’s the same with first impressions of today’s programming on the Noise Box (as my Dad calls it).
Call me a dinosaur, fuddy-duddy or whatever. Today’s TV programming just seems either sleazy or sophomoric. When I do watch television, I want to be entertained by well-written scripts, likeable characters and cerebral plots. Then again, I’m a huge football fan so I’m glued to that Noise Box every weekend during the season.
What television shows left you with a good or bad first impression and why? I’m open to a change in viewing habits.
Nothing but agreement here Susan!!
I agree with most of Susan’s list of hates — let me add mine — “Dancing with the Stars”! Is it on EVERY night or just almost every night? WHO watches this? I’m certainly not opposed to dancing, but this is over the top. And, I have to confess that I’m not above slouching on the couch watching completely ridiculous & “trash TV” — like I’ve been occasionally mesmerized by the awfulness of “The Bachelor” and “Bachelorette” — even have stooped to “The Housewives of New Jersey”. And my otherwise brilliant daughter made me a fan of “Sex and the City” — trust me, you have to watch it for a few episodes and then you can appreciate that it’s really all about the importance of our female friendships in our lives. However, when you watch the above shows, you KNOW and ACKNOWLEDGE that you are rummaging around in the gutter. I have heard that reality shows are far cheaper for the networks to produce than those wonderful, funny sitcoms or those thought-provoking dramas. Gotta run — gotta go tape “General Hospital”!
Mindless television often hits the spot, especially after a long day at work OR when you’re so tired of hearing about all the bad things in the news. I’m just glad you didn’t say you were a fan of “The Gosselins” show! Thanks for your feedback!
Susan, you’re not alone. I avoid reality tv for all the reasons you mention above. The premises of these shows are often depressing – i.e., what are you willing to do for enough money? or what conniving acts of desperation will you commit to distinguish yourself as the top babe he’d like to pretend-date/marry? “My Antonio” is another example to add to your don’t-watch list. Ick!
I wonder what people did before television. I just know they made much more productive use of their time and mind. It’s kinda sad when I think about it. As always, thanks for commenting.
I must confess that I enjoy much of the psuedo reality shows. However, for intriguing characters and cerebral satisfaction, I find “House” to be the escence of Entertainment.
I’ve heard that “House” is a good show. I’ll give it a try. Thanks for the suggestion.
I agree Susan, you should check out the new show The Good Wife, LOVE!
I’ll check it out. Thanks for the suggestion!
[...] boys”? I’ll opine on that at a later time.) By now many of you know my view about TV programming, but I challenge you to stop elevating the bad boys and girls of the world to headline news. If [...]