Full Version: Television and You
It's been forever (if ever) since I've started a topic in Casual Conversation, but I'm in a light hearted mood today. And it's also time for me to take a break from serious debate and commune with my fellow AD'ers in a non-confrontational manner. 
I had been a voracious news junkie, but lately the missing white girl phenomena, and the regurgitation of the same tired talking points on the prime time debate shows, have forced me to actually scan the dial over more than just the cable news, History and Discovery Channels, and C-SPAN.
I'm not normally a sitcom fan, though I was a Friends and Frasier watcher, when they were on.
But I did find a show that's in it's second season of production, and now I'm playing catch up. The show is Rescue Me on FX, starring Denis Leary and an outstanding cast. This show has sucked me in like no other has since childhood. Not only the best show on cable, IMO, but Leary has used his connection with the FDNY and Rescue Me to start the Leary Firefighters Foundation which raises money for equipment, training, widow and childrens funds, memorials and the like. The show also discusses 9/11 and the role of first responders in a manner I have not seen anywhere else in the public forum, at least lately.
Questions for discussion:
What series on network or cable can you not go without seeing regularly, and why?
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
I had been a voracious news junkie, but lately the missing white girl phenomena, and the regurgitation of the same tired talking points on the prime time debate shows, have forced me to actually scan the dial over more than just the cable news, History and Discovery Channels, and C-SPAN.
I'm not normally a sitcom fan, though I was a Friends and Frasier watcher, when they were on.
But I did find a show that's in it's second season of production, and now I'm playing catch up. The show is Rescue Me on FX, starring Denis Leary and an outstanding cast. This show has sucked me in like no other has since childhood. Not only the best show on cable, IMO, but Leary has used his connection with the FDNY and Rescue Me to start the Leary Firefighters Foundation which raises money for equipment, training, widow and childrens funds, memorials and the like. The show also discusses 9/11 and the role of first responders in a manner I have not seen anywhere else in the public forum, at least lately.
Questions for discussion:
What series on network or cable can you not go without seeing regularly, and why?
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
What series on network or cable can you not go without seeing regularly, and why?
Like you DTOM, Rescue Me is an absolute favorite of mine. Ever since i watched the first epsiode i was hooked by its reality and gut-wrenching comedy. The cast is wonderful and the storylines are very realistic (alcoholism due to divorce and loss of kids, addiction to painkillers, having a homosexual son, exc... (although the whole jesus and mary magdalene scenes get a little weird))
24, on FOX is my absolute favorite show though. I didn't start watching it until this past season and i loved every minute of it. The drama and suspense of the show is what makes it so exciting. The writing does lack at times (jack taking on like 12 terrorists by himself?) but is superb at others. I bought the first and second seasons and loved them just as much. Still saving up for the third season.
Other notable mentions are The Shield, Over There, and New York Yankees Baseball.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
One show that has had an important impact on our culture and society IMO is Law and Order. It's a great show that shows both the investiagtion and prosecution of criminals. It always has a wonderful cast and I think educates people on police duties and legal procedures.
The other show is of course everyone's favorite, Family Guy. I watched this show from the very first episode and knew it was the funniest show on tv as it pushed the limits of network television. It's the only show that was cancelled and then brought back due to its cult popularity and DVD sales. Any show that can do that deserves recognition.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
I am not sure how much television i watch really. Usually i do other things while the tv and just glance from time to time. For instance, right now i am watching the Mike and the Mad Dog Radio Show on YES. I almost never miss a NY Yankee game. Which usually means i have to catch reruns of Rescue Me and Over There. I watch the news from time to time...but i prefer using the internet.
Like you DTOM, Rescue Me is an absolute favorite of mine. Ever since i watched the first epsiode i was hooked by its reality and gut-wrenching comedy. The cast is wonderful and the storylines are very realistic (alcoholism due to divorce and loss of kids, addiction to painkillers, having a homosexual son, exc... (although the whole jesus and mary magdalene scenes get a little weird))
24, on FOX is my absolute favorite show though. I didn't start watching it until this past season and i loved every minute of it. The drama and suspense of the show is what makes it so exciting. The writing does lack at times (jack taking on like 12 terrorists by himself?) but is superb at others. I bought the first and second seasons and loved them just as much. Still saving up for the third season.
Other notable mentions are The Shield, Over There, and New York Yankees Baseball.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
One show that has had an important impact on our culture and society IMO is Law and Order. It's a great show that shows both the investiagtion and prosecution of criminals. It always has a wonderful cast and I think educates people on police duties and legal procedures.
The other show is of course everyone's favorite, Family Guy. I watched this show from the very first episode and knew it was the funniest show on tv as it pushed the limits of network television. It's the only show that was cancelled and then brought back due to its cult popularity and DVD sales. Any show that can do that deserves recognition.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
I am not sure how much television i watch really. Usually i do other things while the tv and just glance from time to time. For instance, right now i am watching the Mike and the Mad Dog Radio Show on YES. I almost never miss a NY Yankee game. Which usually means i have to catch reruns of Rescue Me and Over There. I watch the news from time to time...but i prefer using the internet.
Questions for discussion:
What series on network or cable can you not go without seeing regularly, and why? I'm big on Family Guy, Daily Show, Simpsons, and Southpark. They come on late enough at night that I'm pretty much winding down (unless I'm working on building websites till the wee-hours) and just need a cheap laugh and a beer. I guess it's my stress relief for the day.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
Honestly I'd have to say The Simpsons. I think Simpsons is a favorite of a lot kids and adults not just in America but throughout the world. The Simpsons works on all levels, from the slap stick humor for the kids to the dry wit or the subtle references that only adults get. I don't know if it has a certain message that it sends out (although I've noticed it's tackling some political issues lately) but everyone knows what "D'oh!" means (and if you don't, you can look it up in the dictionary!) The Anywhere town, USA appeal of the Simpsons makes it a show that anyone and everyone can enjoy.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
I will probably watch about an hour or two of "entertainment" programs at night as I described above but I normally have CNN or History channel on while I work on the computer just to listen.
What series on network or cable can you not go without seeing regularly, and why? I'm big on Family Guy, Daily Show, Simpsons, and Southpark. They come on late enough at night that I'm pretty much winding down (unless I'm working on building websites till the wee-hours) and just need a cheap laugh and a beer. I guess it's my stress relief for the day.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
Honestly I'd have to say The Simpsons. I think Simpsons is a favorite of a lot kids and adults not just in America but throughout the world. The Simpsons works on all levels, from the slap stick humor for the kids to the dry wit or the subtle references that only adults get. I don't know if it has a certain message that it sends out (although I've noticed it's tackling some political issues lately) but everyone knows what "D'oh!" means (and if you don't, you can look it up in the dictionary!) The Anywhere town, USA appeal of the Simpsons makes it a show that anyone and everyone can enjoy.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
I will probably watch about an hour or two of "entertainment" programs at night as I described above but I normally have CNN or History channel on while I work on the computer just to listen.
1. None. Let me explain that. I don't claim to be some great intellectual who only enjoys High Culture, and who disdains all television viewing. If I were not married, and did not have to work for a living, I know that I could waste a lot of time with the idiot box. I know this, because that's something I did a lot when I was younger. Because I was an unathletic loner, as a kid I spent as much time as I could reading or watching television. I began to get out of the TV habit when I went to college, simply because I didn't take one with me. (However, since I was still a loner, I went home every weekend and wasted time in front of the set for a couple of days each week.) The time taken up by work, and then the time taken up having good times with my better half have reduced my use of the TV quite a bit. I think I can honestly say I have not watched any series that were actually broadcast since the 1980's. (However, we now own complete seasons one and two of both Kung Fu and Land of the Lost on DVD, which we watched in marathon sessions. Does that count?)
2. It's a cliche, but I have to say it: Star Trek. Sure, it's corny and silly at times; but the idea of people and non-people working together to make a better future still has great appeal to me.
3. Let's see; I think I can honestly say, with my odd work schedule, that seven days out of every fourteen the amount is zero. How much is spent on the other seven days varies quite a bit. Sometimes it may be zero. Sometimes, if we have recorded a lot of movies on VHS (mostly from Turner Classic Movies), we might spend a couple of hours each night just before bedtime with an old flick. Sometimes, on a Monday when I am switching from my midnight shift to a normal shift, and I just want to goof off all day, we might see as many as four or five movies in a row.
2. It's a cliche, but I have to say it: Star Trek. Sure, it's corny and silly at times; but the idea of people and non-people working together to make a better future still has great appeal to me.
3. Let's see; I think I can honestly say, with my odd work schedule, that seven days out of every fourteen the amount is zero. How much is spent on the other seven days varies quite a bit. Sometimes it may be zero. Sometimes, if we have recorded a lot of movies on VHS (mostly from Turner Classic Movies), we might spend a couple of hours each night just before bedtime with an old flick. Sometimes, on a Monday when I am switching from my midnight shift to a normal shift, and I just want to goof off all day, we might see as many as four or five movies in a row.
Since Leder brought up the FX series 'Over There', allow me to rant and sort of answer the opposite to my second question.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
I had meant this to mean a message of a positive nature, but let's open that interpretation for negative as well. I can see the draw for a show like Over There, it's topical and filled with tense drama and snazzy special effects, i.e. lot's of things going boom.......
But Steven Bochco had an opportunity to inform and educate the populace on life in today's Army, and that Army in Iraq. All the while creating an entertaining drama and making untold amounts of money, etc....
Bochco squandered that opportunity and instead created another cliched cartoonish, PVT Benjamin-SGT Bilko-Tour of Duty look at the military. It's filled with cookie cutter stereotypes: SGT Screamsalot; bro from the hood; overeducated college guy that endlessly philosophizes about death and war; female who is timid and immature; female who is tougher than most guys, and who's sexual orientation is in doubt; junior officer thinking of nothing other than advancing his career; and high school All-American jock.
The show's template seems to go like this: Set up stereotypical characters, put them in an untenable position. Force them to make difficult decisions, show them struggling mentally. Portray a cost being paid on the homefront (cheating spouses, etc... Include lots of crying. Lather, rinse, repeat.
The inaccuracies in this show make me cringe, and I'm probably coming down too hard on it, it is only TV after all. But it saddens me that an opportunity is wasted when so many people watch the news, hear accounts of battle, see the coffins come home, attend memorial services or homecomings, and still know so little about what soldiers do and how they live and fight.
Heck, I'm still trying to figure out what type of unit this is supposed to be, and why they are always on their own as such a small element. I hate to think that Joe Public thinks that people in the Army just drive around in HMMWV's and find themselves in seemingly inextricable firefights, with Vietnam era helicopters to medevac them out.
Maybe I expected too much from the producer who created 'Cop Rock'.
I of course hope an NYC firefighter doesn't tell me that Rescue Me is a crock, I'd never be able to watch it the same way again.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
I had meant this to mean a message of a positive nature, but let's open that interpretation for negative as well. I can see the draw for a show like Over There, it's topical and filled with tense drama and snazzy special effects, i.e. lot's of things going boom.......
But Steven Bochco had an opportunity to inform and educate the populace on life in today's Army, and that Army in Iraq. All the while creating an entertaining drama and making untold amounts of money, etc....
Bochco squandered that opportunity and instead created another cliched cartoonish, PVT Benjamin-SGT Bilko-Tour of Duty look at the military. It's filled with cookie cutter stereotypes: SGT Screamsalot; bro from the hood; overeducated college guy that endlessly philosophizes about death and war; female who is timid and immature; female who is tougher than most guys, and who's sexual orientation is in doubt; junior officer thinking of nothing other than advancing his career; and high school All-American jock.
The show's template seems to go like this: Set up stereotypical characters, put them in an untenable position. Force them to make difficult decisions, show them struggling mentally. Portray a cost being paid on the homefront (cheating spouses, etc... Include lots of crying. Lather, rinse, repeat.
The inaccuracies in this show make me cringe, and I'm probably coming down too hard on it, it is only TV after all. But it saddens me that an opportunity is wasted when so many people watch the news, hear accounts of battle, see the coffins come home, attend memorial services or homecomings, and still know so little about what soldiers do and how they live and fight.
Heck, I'm still trying to figure out what type of unit this is supposed to be, and why they are always on their own as such a small element. I hate to think that Joe Public thinks that people in the Army just drive around in HMMWV's and find themselves in seemingly inextricable firefights, with Vietnam era helicopters to medevac them out.
Maybe I expected too much from the producer who created 'Cop Rock'.
I of course hope an NYC firefighter doesn't tell me that Rescue Me is a crock, I'd never be able to watch it the same way again.
I realy cann't mis Stargate: SG1 and Atlantis and "My Life as a Teenage Robot" (what I like dorky cartoons).
On the list that I realy would like to see: Teen Titans, Justice Leauge, Duck Dogers, and CSI: LA.
On the list that I realy would like to see: Teen Titans, Justice Leauge, Duck Dogers, and CSI: LA.
The new battlestar gallactica is probably the best show on television out today IMO- man, it is really freakin' good! - like DTOM- I hate overthere, and think Battlestar portrays the human cost of war and soldiering mentality better than that show a well - and even delves better into the war we have today and the mentality behind it- religions and politics ect= without ever being preachy about it. The almost Saving Private Ryan filming style and such, man, I think the things should be winning awards or something- it is like they went as antii-cheesy as the first one was light and cheesy.
It is the only show, besides an occasional other sci fi movie or series here or there, that I put on Tivo.
I am in to all the learning channel and history channel stuff, including the biker type shows, though more for background noise- since I have my own motorcycle shop (we scream at the TV screen when OCC is on "those are not choppers, those are RUB kit bikes for yuppies and wanna bes LOL) - but every once in a while, while we are working on REAL choppers and hot rods, we see some stuff we like (my shop is a biker-not hells angel type, but crafstman type- and car customizer hand out most of the time at night, with one or 5 guys over) - but we hate the manufactored drama of those series- but we realize that is how they get the non-gearheads involved too LOL
- like DTOM- I hate overthere, and think Battlestar portrays the human cost of war and soldiering mentality better than that show a well - and even delves better into the war we have today and the mentality behind it- religions and politics ect= without ever being preachy about it. The almost Saving Private Ryan filming style and such, man, I think the things should be winning awards or something- it is like they went as antii-cheesy as the first one was light and cheesy. It is the only show, besides an occasional other sci fi movie or series here or there, that I put on Tivo.
I am in to all the learning channel and history channel stuff, including the biker type shows, though more for background noise- since I have my own motorcycle shop (we scream at the TV screen when OCC is on "those are not choppers, those are RUB kit bikes for yuppies and wanna bes LOL) - but every once in a while, while we are working on REAL choppers and hot rods, we see some stuff we like (my shop is a biker-not hells angel type, but crafstman type- and car customizer hand out most of the time at night, with one or 5 guys over) - but we hate the manufactored drama of those series- but we realize that is how they get the non-gearheads involved too LOL
I too am am a CSI nut (it's on right now so I might drift out soon).
I'm liking what I see of "Over There" but that could just be the Iraq fixation.
Edited to Add:
Oops, i over looked the controversy of the subject, guess I'll add my two cents.
I have no illuision that "Over There" is an accurate potrayal, I would hope that anyone could see that for the steroytpe parade it is.
..but as far an entertainment values goes, the sets are interesting, the direction skillful and the stories cookie-cutter but not exactly boring.
Just like CSI it is entertainment, that's all I ask of the Tube.
I'm liking what I see of "Over There" but that could just be the Iraq fixation.
Edited to Add:
Oops, i over looked the controversy of the subject, guess I'll add my two cents.
I have no illuision that "Over There" is an accurate potrayal, I would hope that anyone could see that for the steroytpe parade it is.
..but as far an entertainment values goes, the sets are interesting, the direction skillful and the stories cookie-cutter but not exactly boring.
Just like CSI it is entertainment, that's all I ask of the Tube.
It used to be West Wing - then they screwed it up.
So, I went to Chapelle - then he screwed it up.
Now it's 24 - I have to wait 6 months to see of they'll screw that up.
But I can always count on the Daily Show.
So, I went to Chapelle - then he screwed it up.
Now it's 24 - I have to wait 6 months to see of they'll screw that up.
But I can always count on the Daily Show.
For me it's Deadwood.
Absolutely love that show.
HBO of all the cable channels is my absolute favorite - to me it's money well-spent. The series on that channel, to me anyhow, beats any other show hands down. From Wired to Carnival.
As for regular cable - tend to watch mostly comedy central, Reno 911 is a good one I enjoy often.
Absolutely love that show.
HBO of all the cable channels is my absolute favorite - to me it's money well-spent. The series on that channel, to me anyhow, beats any other show hands down. From Wired to Carnival.
As for regular cable - tend to watch mostly comedy central, Reno 911 is a good one I enjoy often.
Its a shame the Battlestar Galactica has such an unappealing name. Because of this, I believe it is having difficulty attracting the audience it deserves. Having said this, I will go on to say it is without a doubt my favorite program and the best show on television today.
As Cruising Ram said, the show is very realistic and gritty. It is night and day to compare it to the original series. The best description I can make is to compare it to the Lord of the Rings movies in that it portrays a fantasy/sci fi story in a very adult way. It is very character driven and the writing and acting is fantastic. I have never watched any of the other Sci Fi channel shows and never really got into any of the Star Trek or other science fiction series. BSG is not really comparable to them....more comparable to The Shield, or 24 in its portrayal.
My recommendation...rent the Mini Series from Blockbuster. If you like it, you will be hooked. And you will also understand the story from the begining.
Cruising....did you see the Season 1 cliffhanger? WOW!
As Cruising Ram said, the show is very realistic and gritty. It is night and day to compare it to the original series. The best description I can make is to compare it to the Lord of the Rings movies in that it portrays a fantasy/sci fi story in a very adult way. It is very character driven and the writing and acting is fantastic. I have never watched any of the other Sci Fi channel shows and never really got into any of the Star Trek or other science fiction series. BSG is not really comparable to them....more comparable to The Shield, or 24 in its portrayal.
My recommendation...rent the Mini Series from Blockbuster. If you like it, you will be hooked. And you will also understand the story from the begining.
Cruising....did you see the Season 1 cliffhanger? WOW!
What series on network or cable can you not go without seeing regularly, and why?
I absolutely love Court TV and crime shows. I love to watch them solve cases and its facinating how they profile and investigate. The history channel is great. And I can't forget Paula Dean on the cooking channel. I rarely make a recipe but its relaxing to watch.
I use to watch Frazier, and Seinfield. I cried when Everyone Loved Raymond went off the air.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
I think many shows, most reality shows.........show humans at their lowest. I want To Be A Hilton, Eliminidate, Oh whats her name the fat chick that got skinny? The stupid one who married the old guy for his money? I can't think of her name.......
then how about The Bachelor, Average Joe, Trading Spouses, GRowing up Gotti?....And the worst one Ozzie Osborn and his dimwitted family of morons......
Are we that dumb and bored that we need to watch shows with no merit, no class, at all? These shows say look kids, money and sex are all that matters cause education sure doesn't...its fashionable to act and speak like Ozzie........
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
Whether I am watch TV or not I turn it on when I am home. I probably spend 4 hours a day watching my favorites. I would say I watch 90% news and learning oriented shows.......10% crap.
I absolutely love Court TV and crime shows. I love to watch them solve cases and its facinating how they profile and investigate. The history channel is great. And I can't forget Paula Dean on the cooking channel. I rarely make a recipe but its relaxing to watch.
I use to watch Frazier, and Seinfield. I cried when Everyone Loved Raymond went off the air.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
I think many shows, most reality shows.........show humans at their lowest. I want To Be A Hilton, Eliminidate, Oh whats her name the fat chick that got skinny? The stupid one who married the old guy for his money? I can't think of her name.......
then how about The Bachelor, Average Joe, Trading Spouses, GRowing up Gotti?....And the worst one Ozzie Osborn and his dimwitted family of morons......Are we that dumb and bored that we need to watch shows with no merit, no class, at all? These shows say look kids, money and sex are all that matters cause education sure doesn't...its fashionable to act and speak like Ozzie........
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
Whether I am watch TV or not I turn it on when I am home. I probably spend 4 hours a day watching my favorites. I would say I watch 90% news and learning oriented shows.......10% crap.
What series on network or cable can you not go without seeing regularly, and why?
There are no shows that I watch faithfully. I enjoy catching The Daily Show, but at the moment, the only other programs I sit through if I happen to remember that they're on are Family Guy and American Dad. The why? They're topical and entertaining. Oh - and Judging Amy. I liked Judging Amy. Again, it was topical and entertaining with a variety of good characters and engaging, challenging plot lines. Sadly, it looks like it's not coming back, though the maybe doing a two-hour TV-movie to tie up loose ends.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
All in the Family went a long way toward making things like racism, pacifism, feminism, and homosexuality suitable for discussion around the dinner table - and helped open up a lot of dialogue regarding numerous social issues that had previously been divisive, if not taboo. There have been other programs that have had an impact in more limited ways - Golden Girls was somewhat instrumental in dispelling the myth that life (including sex life) ends with retirement, for example, and, more recently, That Seventies Show has made some inroads into undemonizing cannabis use - but I can't think of another program that comes close to being as ground-breaking as All in the Family.
In terms of news programs, Sixty Minutes set standards in its early days for the "magazine" format program and used to be quite good in terms of investigative journalism. That, however, was long ago. It's been much more uneven in recent years and has a lot more competition - even from local affiliates.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
I often keep CNN, MSNBC, or Fox News running in the background (the computer and the TV are in separate rooms, so it's usually way in the background), but in terms of actually watching, my daily average is probably half an hour or less. That said, there are a number of shows that I have watched season by season on DVD, notably CSI, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Six Feet Under, and Oz. I am much more likely to use the television for watching films of DVD - probably four or five per week.
There are no shows that I watch faithfully. I enjoy catching The Daily Show, but at the moment, the only other programs I sit through if I happen to remember that they're on are Family Guy and American Dad. The why? They're topical and entertaining. Oh - and Judging Amy. I liked Judging Amy. Again, it was topical and entertaining with a variety of good characters and engaging, challenging plot lines. Sadly, it looks like it's not coming back, though the maybe doing a two-hour TV-movie to tie up loose ends.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
All in the Family went a long way toward making things like racism, pacifism, feminism, and homosexuality suitable for discussion around the dinner table - and helped open up a lot of dialogue regarding numerous social issues that had previously been divisive, if not taboo. There have been other programs that have had an impact in more limited ways - Golden Girls was somewhat instrumental in dispelling the myth that life (including sex life) ends with retirement, for example, and, more recently, That Seventies Show has made some inroads into undemonizing cannabis use - but I can't think of another program that comes close to being as ground-breaking as All in the Family.
In terms of news programs, Sixty Minutes set standards in its early days for the "magazine" format program and used to be quite good in terms of investigative journalism. That, however, was long ago. It's been much more uneven in recent years and has a lot more competition - even from local affiliates.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
I often keep CNN, MSNBC, or Fox News running in the background (the computer and the TV are in separate rooms, so it's usually way in the background), but in terms of actually watching, my daily average is probably half an hour or less. That said, there are a number of shows that I have watched season by season on DVD, notably CSI, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Six Feet Under, and Oz. I am much more likely to use the television for watching films of DVD - probably four or five per week.
What series on network or cable can you not go without seeing regularly, and why?
The Simpson's, Family Guy, Sportscenter, Real Time with Bill Mayer, Real Sports, PTI, Seinfeld re-runs, Jeopardy, Six Feet Under, Sopranos, Entourage, Punk'd, Cheaters. I also love Chappelle, South Park and the Daily Show but I do not get Comedy Central. I named alot but these are the only current shows I watch. I mean ONLY.
I watch shows and then I do not watch shows. I have never in my life seen a complete episode of Buffy, CSI, Friends, Fraser, Lost, Desperate Houswives, Survivor, American Idol, 24, the West Wing, Charmed, Monk, Las Vegas, Will and Grace, The OC, Everybody Loves Raymond, King of Queens or any of the popular shows of the past few years. I am not a causal watcher. I either watch and follow something or I do not watch it at all. The only show I casually watch is King of the Hill. I miss tons of episodes but if it is on and nothing else is I will watch it.
In the past I have followed Stargate SG1, The X-Files, Roseanne, Cheers, The Real World, Ren and Stimpy, Bevis and Butthead, Sex and the City, Jackass, Carnival, Arliss, Pete and Pete, Salute your Shorts, Martin, Married With Children, Futurama, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Outer Limits, Howard Stern, Politically Incorrect, Rocko's Modern Life and this is it. It seems like alot of shows but these are the only ones I watched you have to understand that. I mean this is age 10-22. I do not occasionally catch other episodes of other shows. I only watch certain things. If none of those are on I do not watch. I am that black and white when it comes to television. Something has to catch me as I flip through the channels for me to stay but when I stay I really stay.
If none of these shows (or desired sporting events) is on just for general viewing I watch CNN, PBS, Discovery, A&E or C-Span.
You must take into account that I do not have the History Channel, VH1, Sci-Fi, Comedy Central or Bravo (or many others) on my cable package.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society? The Simpson's and Roseanne would be the biggest two for me I think. Simpsons for the social commentary and satire not to mention global appeal and Roseanne for representing that kind of middle American, small town, head barely above water class of people. Most shows were about wealthy or affluent families I think (Cosby's) for the most part and Roseanne was about that small town factory worker class.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
I would say despite how embarassing it is 4 hours a day...sometimes 5. Being a sports fan really drives those hours up as a baseball game can eat up 3 hours of it. In addition my house is like a rally point for friends. They come over and we alot of times end up drinking beer, eating and watching TV...just hanging out which amounts to the TV being watched more then it should. In fact all I have done this summer is lift weights, run, read, go to drill and watch TV. I have rarely gone out and most nights I end up with people just coming over....2 are passed out in my living room right now. When school starts back up or I get mobilized I expect that 5 hours to completely vanish. (If only a split between News and Entertainment really existed
) I would say entertainment on a general night (with no sporting events of interest on) is about 2 hours and (alleged) news channels or educational channels and flipping channels take up the other 2 hours.
The Simpson's, Family Guy, Sportscenter, Real Time with Bill Mayer, Real Sports, PTI, Seinfeld re-runs, Jeopardy, Six Feet Under, Sopranos, Entourage, Punk'd, Cheaters. I also love Chappelle, South Park and the Daily Show but I do not get Comedy Central. I named alot but these are the only current shows I watch. I mean ONLY.
I watch shows and then I do not watch shows. I have never in my life seen a complete episode of Buffy, CSI, Friends, Fraser, Lost, Desperate Houswives, Survivor, American Idol, 24, the West Wing, Charmed, Monk, Las Vegas, Will and Grace, The OC, Everybody Loves Raymond, King of Queens or any of the popular shows of the past few years. I am not a causal watcher. I either watch and follow something or I do not watch it at all. The only show I casually watch is King of the Hill. I miss tons of episodes but if it is on and nothing else is I will watch it.
In the past I have followed Stargate SG1, The X-Files, Roseanne, Cheers, The Real World, Ren and Stimpy, Bevis and Butthead, Sex and the City, Jackass, Carnival, Arliss, Pete and Pete, Salute your Shorts, Martin, Married With Children, Futurama, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Outer Limits, Howard Stern, Politically Incorrect, Rocko's Modern Life and this is it. It seems like alot of shows but these are the only ones I watched you have to understand that. I mean this is age 10-22. I do not occasionally catch other episodes of other shows. I only watch certain things. If none of those are on I do not watch. I am that black and white when it comes to television. Something has to catch me as I flip through the channels for me to stay but when I stay I really stay.
If none of these shows (or desired sporting events) is on just for general viewing I watch CNN, PBS, Discovery, A&E or C-Span.
You must take into account that I do not have the History Channel, VH1, Sci-Fi, Comedy Central or Bravo (or many others) on my cable package.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society? The Simpson's and Roseanne would be the biggest two for me I think. Simpsons for the social commentary and satire not to mention global appeal and Roseanne for representing that kind of middle American, small town, head barely above water class of people. Most shows were about wealthy or affluent families I think (Cosby's) for the most part and Roseanne was about that small town factory worker class.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
I would say despite how embarassing it is 4 hours a day...sometimes 5. Being a sports fan really drives those hours up as a baseball game can eat up 3 hours of it. In addition my house is like a rally point for friends. They come over and we alot of times end up drinking beer, eating and watching TV...just hanging out which amounts to the TV being watched more then it should. In fact all I have done this summer is lift weights, run, read, go to drill and watch TV. I have rarely gone out and most nights I end up with people just coming over....2 are passed out in my living room right now. When school starts back up or I get mobilized I expect that 5 hours to completely vanish. (If only a split between News and Entertainment really existed
) I would say entertainment on a general night (with no sporting events of interest on) is about 2 hours and (alleged) news channels or educational channels and flipping channels take up the other 2 hours.
What series on network or cable can you not go without seeing regularly, and why?
Friday night it is me and the Sci-Fi Channel. Stargate (though they may have jumped the shark this year ), Stargate Atlantis (fun, but not as good as the original) and BattleStar Galactica.
I with CR and RW on BattleStar Galactica. It was a real shock to see how good this show is. Original programing from the Sci-Fi Channel is usually pretty bad. Nice effects, interesting story and then no more money resulting in horrible music, lighting, acting, etc.
BattleStar Galactica is a major exception. The Plot lines run deep, the acting is solid, the characters compelling and the look of the show is beautiful.
If you have not seen this show you should definitely give it a chance. It may be hard to pick up in the middle, but this season just started, so give it a chance, and if you like it I am sure there will be DVDs of last season ready to rent soon (if not already). Also, you can check out this site (though there are many others, and likely better ones) which has an episode guide to help you catch up. Also, the 1st seasons DVDs will be available soon.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
I think West Wing was a solid show for showing how people are willing to sellout their ideology to win re-election. And I am with Victoria on Star Trek's message.
However, I think one of the most compelling shows ever on TV when it came to impact on popular culture was All in the Family. This show, though funny, helped the national conversation on the differences in viewpoints. More importantly, it helped show people just how silly and baseless racist thinking is.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
Friday nite, 6-11pm CST I am in front of the TV religiously. Also, Jay Leno on Monday nights is a must (headlines are a riot). Other then that, my wife and I tend to watch a little TV in bed and night before we goto sleep, and I try to have the time to watch the Sunday talking heads.
Friday night it is me and the Sci-Fi Channel. Stargate (though they may have jumped the shark this year
), Stargate Atlantis (fun, but not as good as the original) and BattleStar Galactica.I with CR and RW on BattleStar Galactica. It was a real shock to see how good this show is. Original programing from the Sci-Fi Channel is usually pretty bad. Nice effects, interesting story and then no more money resulting in horrible music, lighting, acting, etc.
BattleStar Galactica is a major exception. The Plot lines run deep, the acting is solid, the characters compelling and the look of the show is beautiful.
If you have not seen this show you should definitely give it a chance. It may be hard to pick up in the middle, but this season just started, so give it a chance, and if you like it I am sure there will be DVDs of last season ready to rent soon (if not already). Also, you can check out this site (though there are many others, and likely better ones) which has an episode guide to help you catch up. Also, the 1st seasons DVDs will be available soon.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
I think West Wing was a solid show for showing how people are willing to sellout their ideology to win re-election. And I am with Victoria on Star Trek's message.
However, I think one of the most compelling shows ever on TV when it came to impact on popular culture was All in the Family. This show, though funny, helped the national conversation on the differences in viewpoints. More importantly, it helped show people just how silly and baseless racist thinking is.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
Friday nite, 6-11pm CST I am in front of the TV religiously. Also, Jay Leno on Monday nights is a must (headlines are a riot). Other then that, my wife and I tend to watch a little TV in bed and night before we goto sleep, and I try to have the time to watch the Sunday talking heads.
I'm going to mostly restrict myself to US-originated shows here, because aside from obvious cult programmes (e.g. Monty Python's Flying Circus, The Prisoner) I've never seen very many foreign-originated TV programmes shown on most network or cable TV channels over there - the exceptions being specialist channels such as BBC America. I wil reference a few British shows, which most people may have heard of, if not seen.
And before I start, I should say that all my life I think I've watched more TV than most of my comtemporaries, particularly as a child. I really like good TV!
What series on network or cable can you not go without seeing regularly, and why?
Drama
At the moment, the drama shows I go out of my way to see are almost all American anyway, so there should be no translation problems. I am a big fan of The Sopranos, The Shield and Deadwood. I'm also really enjoying a re-run of season 1 of Murder One. The relaunched and revamped Doctor Who is about the only British show I would put in this category.
Then there's a raft of shows I watch when I can, but don't worry if I miss now & again. This includes CSI (the two spin-offs are too formulaic for my taste), the various Law & Order spin-offs (which, for some reason, all have different and rather better theme music over here), any of the Star Trek variants, and Six Feet Under. Brits shows in this group include Casualty,
Below that, there are shows that I enjoy when I occasionally watch them, such as [i]Sex & The City, The Precinct. Most British police dramas fit into this group (except The Bill)
And then, last but not least, there are a raft of TV dramas that I instintively turn off. All of these are (currently) British - all of the 50s & 60s-set "heaartwarming" dramas just annoy me, as do all the current UK soap operas (in my limited experience, US soaps are even worse).
Comedy
The only US live-action comedy I ever really enjoyed was Frasier. I enjoy The Simpsons, but the accolades of "best TV comedy of all time" that periodically get thrown at it don't ring true for me, not least because it just doesn't make me laugh as much as Family Guy or even Ren & Stimpy.
Factual/Documentary/News & Current Affairs
It's probably just cultural conditioning, but there isn't a single US programme in this genre to touch so much as the skirts of the lowliest British news output. Where is the American David Attenborough?
You're just no good at this stuff, IMO (though your money is - thanks National Geographic, the History Channel, HBO, and all the other American co-priduction partners that enable the BBC to produce this stuff).
In British terms, I only rarely watch ITV - I'd put the BBC first, Channel 4 next, and Five in a respectable third place. Sky and ITV bring (way) up the rear.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
I think the single American show that has has the most formative and useful influence on me and many millions of other around the world is Sesame Street. I loved it as a kid, even if I was so racially navie as to think that it was made in Africa, because I didn't know there were black people anywhere else!! (Honest!)
I think if that show had never existed, the numeracy and literacy of every area where it has been broadcast would be several percentage points below their current levels.
And still America hates the idea of publicly-funded broadcasting!
On the downside, the single most irritating and annoying programmes for me are the seemingly endless procession of reality TV shows. I don't mind the shows so much where people are doing something intrinsically interesting - learning to cook or dance or play a sport or something. But the ones that are esentially based on watching people cope with boredom - I'm a Celebrity Get Out of Here, Survivor and (worst of all by far) Big Brother make me want to scream and smash my TV set. Or preferably, the faces of the idiots the producers put in there to make "good telly". In the UK at least, Big Brother has given up all pretence of being a "social experiment" and has instead become an 11-week audition for presentation jobs in cable and children's TV, a means to sell newspapers, and a rather sordid opportunity for voyeurism.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
Even if I'm housebound all day (if I'm ill, or - as now - unemployed and trying not to spend money) I avoid turning the TV on much before 6 or 7pm. I'll usually start up with an hour or so of news, then maybe switch off again until 9pm when the soaps are safely out of the way and the decent dramas start coming on. That will take me up until 11 or midnight, and then it's off again and bedtime (or, at weekends or if I've no reasons to be up early) maybe a late night film until 2 or 3 am. Altogether that will probably make an average of 4-5 hour per day. Not too scary.
Of course, if there's some special event (Six Nations Rugby, or the current Ashes tour) then my hours will bump up, but that's only temporary.
And before I start, I should say that all my life I think I've watched more TV than most of my comtemporaries, particularly as a child. I really like good TV!
What series on network or cable can you not go without seeing regularly, and why?
Drama
At the moment, the drama shows I go out of my way to see are almost all American anyway, so there should be no translation problems. I am a big fan of The Sopranos, The Shield and Deadwood. I'm also really enjoying a re-run of season 1 of Murder One. The relaunched and revamped Doctor Who is about the only British show I would put in this category.
Then there's a raft of shows I watch when I can, but don't worry if I miss now & again. This includes CSI (the two spin-offs are too formulaic for my taste), the various Law & Order spin-offs (which, for some reason, all have different and rather better theme music over here), any of the Star Trek variants, and Six Feet Under. Brits shows in this group include Casualty,
Below that, there are shows that I enjoy when I occasionally watch them, such as [i]Sex & The City, The Precinct. Most British police dramas fit into this group (except The Bill)
And then, last but not least, there are a raft of TV dramas that I instintively turn off. All of these are (currently) British - all of the 50s & 60s-set "heaartwarming" dramas just annoy me, as do all the current UK soap operas (in my limited experience, US soaps are even worse).
Comedy
The only US live-action comedy I ever really enjoyed was Frasier. I enjoy The Simpsons, but the accolades of "best TV comedy of all time" that periodically get thrown at it don't ring true for me, not least because it just doesn't make me laugh as much as Family Guy or even Ren & Stimpy.
Factual/Documentary/News & Current Affairs
It's probably just cultural conditioning, but there isn't a single US programme in this genre to touch so much as the skirts of the lowliest British news output. Where is the American David Attenborough?
You're just no good at this stuff, IMO (though your money is - thanks National Geographic, the History Channel, HBO, and all the other American co-priduction partners that enable the BBC to produce this stuff).
In British terms, I only rarely watch ITV - I'd put the BBC first, Channel 4 next, and Five in a respectable third place. Sky and ITV bring (way) up the rear.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
I think the single American show that has has the most formative and useful influence on me and many millions of other around the world is Sesame Street. I loved it as a kid, even if I was so racially navie as to think that it was made in Africa, because I didn't know there were black people anywhere else!! (Honest!)
I think if that show had never existed, the numeracy and literacy of every area where it has been broadcast would be several percentage points below their current levels.
And still America hates the idea of publicly-funded broadcasting!
On the downside, the single most irritating and annoying programmes for me are the seemingly endless procession of reality TV shows. I don't mind the shows so much where people are doing something intrinsically interesting - learning to cook or dance or play a sport or something. But the ones that are esentially based on watching people cope with boredom - I'm a Celebrity Get Out of Here, Survivor and (worst of all by far) Big Brother make me want to scream and smash my TV set. Or preferably, the faces of the idiots the producers put in there to make "good telly". In the UK at least, Big Brother has given up all pretence of being a "social experiment" and has instead become an 11-week audition for presentation jobs in cable and children's TV, a means to sell newspapers, and a rather sordid opportunity for voyeurism.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
Even if I'm housebound all day (if I'm ill, or - as now - unemployed and trying not to spend money) I avoid turning the TV on much before 6 or 7pm. I'll usually start up with an hour or so of news, then maybe switch off again until 9pm when the soaps are safely out of the way and the decent dramas start coming on. That will take me up until 11 or midnight, and then it's off again and bedtime (or, at weekends or if I've no reasons to be up early) maybe a late night film until 2 or 3 am. Altogether that will probably make an average of 4-5 hour per day. Not too scary.
Of course, if there's some special event (Six Nations Rugby, or the current Ashes tour) then my hours will bump up, but that's only temporary.
What series on network or cable can you not go without seeing regularly, and why?
As my betters before me have said: Battlestar Galactica. Even if this weren't a sci fi show, it would still stand-out as a compelling character driven story. There are some great themes in the story like: machines that are human; humans that are polytheistic; machines that are monotheistic. Special effects are minimal: there are no directed beam weapons. And the sound track is great.
Since I have a Tivo, I don't feel compelled to watch any show at the broadcast time; thus, I end up watching less TV. I do enjoy The Daily Show. I'll watch that bastion of elite, radical left-wing, publicly funded, anti-American TV who use crushed puppies to power their broadcasts -- PBS -- for Nova, The Lehrer News Hour and Frontline.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
I agree with Julian that it's gotta be Sesame Street. It was the first show specifically geared towards children with an educational component. And though I never watched All In The Family, I agree that was an important show for the reasons cited.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
Hmm... I watch the three hours of Sci-fi Friday (minus commercials). I'll intermittantly watch The Daily Show (1/2 hour, 4 days/week). Add in an hour or two of extra stuff per week. So, let's say: 6-7 hours/week. 2/3 entertainment, 1/3 news/documentaries.
As my betters before me have said: Battlestar Galactica. Even if this weren't a sci fi show, it would still stand-out as a compelling character driven story. There are some great themes in the story like: machines that are human; humans that are polytheistic; machines that are monotheistic. Special effects are minimal: there are no directed beam weapons. And the sound track is great.
Since I have a Tivo, I don't feel compelled to watch any show at the broadcast time; thus, I end up watching less TV. I do enjoy The Daily Show. I'll watch that bastion of elite, radical left-wing, publicly funded, anti-American TV who use crushed puppies to power their broadcasts -- PBS -- for Nova, The Lehrer News Hour and Frontline.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
I agree with Julian that it's gotta be Sesame Street. It was the first show specifically geared towards children with an educational component. And though I never watched All In The Family, I agree that was an important show for the reasons cited.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
Hmm... I watch the three hours of Sci-fi Friday (minus commercials). I'll intermittantly watch The Daily Show (1/2 hour, 4 days/week). Add in an hour or two of extra stuff per week. So, let's say: 6-7 hours/week. 2/3 entertainment, 1/3 news/documentaries.
As many have said before, Battlestar Galactica is indeed a masterpiece. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the whole Baltar/Cylon/baby/God thing, but as a fan of the original series, I was giddy like a schoolboy when the pilot was produced and a series was announced. The current series, aside from not being cheesy like the original, deals with political and emotional issues unlike anything produced in earlier Sci-Fi products.
Once I got over Starbuck being a woman, I can't miss an episode..........
Once I got over Starbuck being a woman, I can't miss an episode..........
I love The West Wing, but I was never really able to watch it on NBC, I've always watched it on Bravo. Unfortunately, the havent shown anything past like Season Four... I did manage to see part of one episode where Donna is in the hospital...but nothin more.
One series that I watch religiously every time it comes on The History Channel...
Band of Brothers
That series has had such an impact on me. It makes me wish I had 1/10th of the character the men of Easy Company had, let alone men from that generation.
The men of that unit are the best example of what honor and courage are, and if you only were able to attain 10% percent of their character, you'd be one hell of a human being.
Titus, you are spot on with Band of Brothers. I've watched it numerous times, and use selected clips in my Military Leadership and Military History classes to highlight values and leadership styles.
I don't know if the History Channel plays this portion, but in the DVD set, the last disk has several Easy Co. members speaking first hand of their experiences. If there words don't bring a tear to your eye, methinks you're dead inside.
I don't know if the History Channel plays this portion, but in the DVD set, the last disk has several Easy Co. members speaking first hand of their experiences. If there words don't bring a tear to your eye, methinks you're dead inside.
What series on network or cable can you not go without seeing regularly, and why?
We watch alot of local news programming, but that's more business than anything else. My fiance is responsible for 9 hours of news programming on the weekends and she watches her stations' newscasts during the week to pick up on any stories she might want to run on the weekend. When she sees one, she calls the reporter and asks them to cut a weekend package for her. After that, the channel we watch most is probaby Food TV aka the Cooking Channel. Our one don't miss show is Iron Chef: America which I record on Sunday evening and we watch when she gets home around midnight. I usually try to watch the Sunday morning news shows, Meet the Press and Wolf Blitzer on CNN before the NASCAR race or the Denver Broncos football game comes on. Other than that, there aren't any "must sees".
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
Certainly Sesame Street and a really old show called Ask Mr Wizard which was a science show. One program that hasn't been mentioned here is the now-cancelled Joan of Arcadia which we watched as a family here every Friday night. When that show first aired I was a little concerned that some in the more fundamentalist Christian community might raise hell (so to speak) over the pop culture portrayal of God, but that show was so well written, it was embraced by that community instead. It was a real shame when that show was axed.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
Oh man, we have several TVs and VCRs going on here most of the time, both satellite and cable. Mostly background noise though. If one of us happens to hear something interesting, we sit down and watch it.
We watch alot of local news programming, but that's more business than anything else. My fiance is responsible for 9 hours of news programming on the weekends and she watches her stations' newscasts during the week to pick up on any stories she might want to run on the weekend. When she sees one, she calls the reporter and asks them to cut a weekend package for her. After that, the channel we watch most is probaby Food TV aka the Cooking Channel. Our one don't miss show is Iron Chef: America which I record on Sunday evening and we watch when she gets home around midnight. I usually try to watch the Sunday morning news shows, Meet the Press and Wolf Blitzer on CNN before the NASCAR race or the Denver Broncos football game comes on. Other than that, there aren't any "must sees".
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
Certainly Sesame Street and a really old show called Ask Mr Wizard which was a science show. One program that hasn't been mentioned here is the now-cancelled Joan of Arcadia which we watched as a family here every Friday night. When that show first aired I was a little concerned that some in the more fundamentalist Christian community might raise hell (so to speak) over the pop culture portrayal of God, but that show was so well written, it was embraced by that community instead. It was a real shame when that show was axed.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
Oh man, we have several TVs and VCRs going on here most of the time, both satellite and cable. Mostly background noise though. If one of us happens to hear something interesting, we sit down and watch it.
My first viewing of Band of Brothers was at Ft. Huachuca in A.I.T. We watched Curahee and that got me hooked.
The History Channel does play the interviews, if I remember, with the last episode, or as a seperate episode but following right after.
And yes, a tear pops out every time that that the real Maj. Winters recounts about his grandson asking him if he "was a hero", to which he replied, "no, but I served in a company of heroes."
I get chills just writing that....
I have so many shows that I am crazy about-- the problem is that they all seem to get cancelled!! While the nonsense ones seem to go on forever and ever (Bachelor, fear factor, etc etc)
I usually don't watch the shows when they are actually running on tv-- I get the DVDs and then get hooked on a series. Once I go through all the seasons of a series I find some other series to get hooked on!
My current absolute fave is: Roswell (cancelled a few years ago)-- anyone else seen this show? I adore it. I just finished the first season and ordered the second and third season.
My other favorites are:
Tru Calling; Dead Like Me; Joan of Arcadia; Wonderfalls; Quantum Leap; Dead Zone etc
These are all varying degrees of sci fi genre-- but with good plot and character development. My favorite straight sci fi was Star Trek next generation (all the regular characters and the one recurring character of "Q").
As far as the second question goes-- I don't know which shows have had an important impact-- I just watch them for fun. I only have the tv on to watch these DVDs for the most part. Otherwise, I might have one of the cable news stations on.
I usually don't watch the shows when they are actually running on tv-- I get the DVDs and then get hooked on a series. Once I go through all the seasons of a series I find some other series to get hooked on!
My current absolute fave is: Roswell (cancelled a few years ago)-- anyone else seen this show? I adore it. I just finished the first season and ordered the second and third season.
My other favorites are:
Tru Calling; Dead Like Me; Joan of Arcadia; Wonderfalls; Quantum Leap; Dead Zone etc
These are all varying degrees of sci fi genre-- but with good plot and character development. My favorite straight sci fi was Star Trek next generation (all the regular characters and the one recurring character of "Q").
As far as the second question goes-- I don't know which shows have had an important impact-- I just watch them for fun. I only have the tv on to watch these DVDs for the most part. Otherwise, I might have one of the cable news stations on.
What series on network or cable can you not go without seeing regularly, and why?
As far as first run shows go I don't miss CSI, CSI: Miami, 24, The 4400, The Daily Show and Boston Legal. However a lot of those shows went off the air for the summer.
I also tend to watch re-runs of the simpsons, southpark, the law and order shows fairly regularly. I love a lot of the shows on HBO like The Sopranos, Deadwood, Six Feet Under and The Wire but I don't have HBO anymore so I have to wait till they come on DVD.
I have a TiVo and refuse to watch live TV any more so it all sort of runs together these days.
However, from reading through this thread it sounds like I need to check out Battlestar Gallactica.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
I don't know about having an important message but some of the shows which have definitely left a mark on pop culture are shows like Friends, The Simpsons and Seinfeld. It is pretty easy to make a reference to any of the aforementioned shows in any given conversation and most people will know exactly what you are talking about.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
It sort of varies with the workload that I have at the time. I use TiVo religiously so I'm not bound to certain times and nights for shows. Sometimes I'll go a whole week without turning on the TV and then veg out on a Sunday and catch up. So it is really hard to quantify.
As far as first run shows go I don't miss CSI, CSI: Miami, 24, The 4400, The Daily Show and Boston Legal. However a lot of those shows went off the air for the summer.
I also tend to watch re-runs of the simpsons, southpark, the law and order shows fairly regularly. I love a lot of the shows on HBO like The Sopranos, Deadwood, Six Feet Under and The Wire but I don't have HBO anymore so I have to wait till they come on DVD.
I have a TiVo and refuse to watch live TV any more so it all sort of runs together these days.
However, from reading through this thread it sounds like I need to check out Battlestar Gallactica.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
I don't know about having an important message but some of the shows which have definitely left a mark on pop culture are shows like Friends, The Simpsons and Seinfeld. It is pretty easy to make a reference to any of the aforementioned shows in any given conversation and most people will know exactly what you are talking about.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
It sort of varies with the workload that I have at the time. I use TiVo religiously so I'm not bound to certain times and nights for shows. Sometimes I'll go a whole week without turning on the TV and then veg out on a Sunday and catch up. So it is really hard to quantify.
Just a quick note to those Battlestar Galactica fans out there....the Season 1 DVD collection is already available for purchase (exclusively at Best Buy). I got it for my Birthday....whoo hoo! Lets me catch up on some of the episodes I missed last season.....
I have to agree with others out there. As a member of the first Generation to be raised with Sesame Street it definitely had a positive impact both educationally and socially. Though, in retrospect, it may have been the precursor to people using TVs as baby sitters.
I would also like to stand with those who mentioned Band of Brothers. I to was drawn into the story, and I ended up buying the entire series on DVD last year.
BattleStar Galactica Season One is out on DVD!?!?!?!???!?
:::Whoosh::::
:::Door Slam:::
I would have to say that Battlestar Galactica is probably the first TV show in over a decade that actually nearly moved me to tears- amazing writing, truly amazing.
I now consider it to be the best show on TV since All in the family- really. I think Simpsons is probably the best Satire of this century or last, really since Gullivers Travels was written.
And I grew up on Seseme street too- and Zoom, and Electric company. My kids watch sesame street as well.
I limit thier viewing of TV though- I built a playground out back for them, with climbing wall, 10fit slide, monkey bars, swings, telescope for spotting pirates, and boat wheels so they can steer thier ship. Exercise and imagination come before TV!
I now consider it to be the best show on TV since All in the family- really. I think Simpsons is probably the best Satire of this century or last, really since Gullivers Travels was written.
And I grew up on Seseme street too- and Zoom, and Electric company. My kids watch sesame street as well.
I limit thier viewing of TV though- I built a playground out back for them, with climbing wall, 10fit slide, monkey bars, swings, telescope for spotting pirates, and boat wheels so they can steer thier ship. Exercise and imagination come before TV!
What series on network or cable can you not go without seeing regularly,
and why?
There is a great show on court tv that actually has pertinence with the next
question. It is called Power, Privilege and Justice with Dominick Dunne
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important
message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
The show I just mentioned above is run on Court TV. It sheds light on the
dark side of the rich and famous. It is a very sobering look at greed and
destruction. It's powerful in that regard.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the
split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
3 hours per week. I prefer going to the movies or renting DVD's.
There's not much time to split between anything. I tend to spend
time watching comedy shows, or shows like the one I just mentioned.
and why?
There is a great show on court tv that actually has pertinence with the next
question. It is called Power, Privilege and Justice with Dominick Dunne
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important
message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
The show I just mentioned above is run on Court TV. It sheds light on the
dark side of the rich and famous. It is a very sobering look at greed and
destruction. It's powerful in that regard.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the
split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
3 hours per week. I prefer going to the movies or renting DVD's.
There's not much time to split between anything. I tend to spend
time watching comedy shows, or shows like the one I just mentioned.
What series on network or cable can you not go without seeing regularly, and why?
None. They've taken away Judging Amy, The West Wing and Joan of Arcadia. In addition, CNN took away Crossfire, which I found entertaining. Buffy the Vampire Slayer was funny, escapist fare, but I generally don't tune in anymore.
I will occasionally watch The Daily Show, CSI, CSI Miami, and
sometimes Law & Order (the original one), but since I don't have TiVo and I despise the continuous commercials, I usually just watch Headline News or Larry King Live provided there's nothing on about Michael Jackson or other sensational Hollywood fare. The night time comics, Leno, Letterman, and even O'Brien seem stale; their shows serve only as a backdrop for advertisement of movies promoted ad nauseum by celebrities.
The History Channel has some very interesting things on from time to time. I have particularly enjoyed the programs about Nostradamus, crop circles, UFO's and medieval warfare.
Medium on NBC seems like a good one. I don't know if NBC will be bringing back Crossing Jordan; I hope they do.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
Sesame Street and All in the Family certainly fit that criterion.
Joan of Arcadia valued doing the right thing without being too preachy. It was refreshing. Touched by an Angel provided ample, regular exercise for the lachrymal glands, and it was just too sweet sometimes.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
Since I've been sick, you'd think that I would be spending more time watching television these days, but the opposite is true. I have very little patience for the daily TV fare, and I typically spend less than 3 hours in front of the tube anymore.
EDIT: Yes! There is something else I enjoy. It's on C-SPAN and it's called Ask the Prime Minister. The members of the British House of Commons address Prime Minister Tony Blair. It is very lively, and I learn a lot from time to time.
I can't believe I forgot to include it among my favorites...
None. They've taken away Judging Amy, The West Wing and Joan of Arcadia. In addition, CNN took away Crossfire, which I found entertaining. Buffy the Vampire Slayer was funny, escapist fare, but I generally don't tune in anymore.
I will occasionally watch The Daily Show, CSI, CSI Miami, and
sometimes Law & Order (the original one), but since I don't have TiVo and I despise the continuous commercials, I usually just watch Headline News or Larry King Live provided there's nothing on about Michael Jackson or other sensational Hollywood fare. The night time comics, Leno, Letterman, and even O'Brien seem stale; their shows serve only as a backdrop for advertisement of movies promoted ad nauseum by celebrities.
The History Channel has some very interesting things on from time to time. I have particularly enjoyed the programs about Nostradamus, crop circles, UFO's and medieval warfare.
Medium on NBC seems like a good one. I don't know if NBC will be bringing back Crossing Jordan; I hope they do.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
Sesame Street and All in the Family certainly fit that criterion.
Joan of Arcadia valued doing the right thing without being too preachy. It was refreshing. Touched by an Angel provided ample, regular exercise for the lachrymal glands, and it was just too sweet sometimes.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
Since I've been sick, you'd think that I would be spending more time watching television these days, but the opposite is true. I have very little patience for the daily TV fare, and I typically spend less than 3 hours in front of the tube anymore.
EDIT: Yes! There is something else I enjoy. It's on C-SPAN and it's called Ask the Prime Minister. The members of the British House of Commons address Prime Minister Tony Blair. It is very lively, and I learn a lot from time to time.
I can't believe I forgot to include it among my favorites...
QUOTE(Paladin Elspeth @ Aug 17 2005, 04:49 AM)
EDIT: Yes! There is something else I enjoy. It's on C-SPAN and it's called Ask the Prime Minister. The members of the British House of Commons address Prime Minister Tony Blair. It is very lively, and I learn a lot from time to time.
I can't believe I forgot to include it among my favorites...
It's officially called 'Prime Minister's Question Time' (happens on Tuesday afternoons). Its an old tradition where the PM has to explain himself to Parliament and the idea is that it should be a fairly rigourous questioning, to ensure that everything has been really thought through. Good fun to watch!
What series on network or cable can you not go without seeing regularly, and why?
Hands down Arrested Development. I think it is one of the funniest shows around. Watching reruns is also a blast because I never catch all of the jokes the first time. I used to be hooked on Law and Order but now I barely watch it. I guess after 15 years its appeal wears off. CSI Miami is cool but I can go without seeing it regularly.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
I agree with those folks that said All in the Family.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
Not too much. I don't have cable or satellite or direct or whatever other paid for tv and get 100 + channels in return. If I did I might never turn the tellie off! When I am around cable I like to watch the History Channel and TVLand.
Hands down Arrested Development. I think it is one of the funniest shows around. Watching reruns is also a blast because I never catch all of the jokes the first time. I used to be hooked on Law and Order but now I barely watch it. I guess after 15 years its appeal wears off. CSI Miami is cool but I can go without seeing it regularly.
What shows past or present do you think have presented an important message or had an impact on popular culture or society?
I agree with those folks that said All in the Family.
How much time do you spend watching TV on average, and what is the split between entertainment and news or learning oriented programs?
Not too much. I don't have cable or satellite or direct or whatever other paid for tv and get 100 + channels in return. If I did I might never turn the tellie off! When I am around cable I like to watch the History Channel and TVLand.
This is a simplified version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.