View Full Version : New low in tv
flowerseverywhere
9-27-13, 7:57am
Last night we watched the new Robin Williams show. I love him but this show was more stupid than funny. Well we did not switch the channel and two and a half men came on. The premise was the deceased Charlie Sheen character had an unknown daughter show up. She was an obvious alcoholic ( lotsa laughs on the track about her hilarious drinking and hangover) which to many of us is not funny. But the clincher was when she pulled out her phone to look for a picture of her and her dad. She was scrolling through her pics and suddenly came out with" here's a picture of my vagina...no wait a minute, it's not my vagina " or something to that effect. Tasteless and vulgar with hilarious laughing in the background. I can't believe this is supposed to be funny. Of course we shut the tv off commenting what a waste of time. Now I know why I read so many books.
iris lilies
9-27-13, 8:43am
Last night we watched the new Robin Williams show. I love him but this show was more stupid than funny. Well we did not switch the channel and two and a half men came on. The premise was the deceased Charlie Sheen character had an unknown daughter show up. She was an obvious alcoholic ( lotsa laughs on the track about her hilarious drinking and hangover) which to many of us is not funny. But the clincher was when she pulled out her phone to look for a picture of her and her dad. She was scrolling through her pics and suddenly came out with" here's a picture of my vagina...no wait a minute, it's not my vagina " or something to that effect. Tasteless and vulgar with hilarious laughing in the background. I can't believe this is supposed to be funny. Of course we shut the tv off commenting what a waste of time. Now I know why I read so many books.
Sorry, but I knew enough to skip the Robin Williams show, he hasn't been funny in decades and even back then I didn't like him.
As for the former Charlie Sheen show--that's the stupidest thing on tv before or after Sheen left. I saw the new set up with the alcoholic daughter and thought that their rating must be going down to bring in this act.
I'm sorry that you got sucked into these tv efforts. Your Stupid Meter isn't functioning at a high level because you don't watch enough tv. Sad but true. It gets so that you can kind of smell the stupid coming so that you stay away from it. haha. But there are more boring shows than outwardly stupid ones on network tv, and that is unfortunate as well.
We love "The Big Bang Theory" and we both like Robin Williams, so we hung on to watch his new show. It's Robin Williams being Robin Williams, which (if you like him) is great. But it's the same shtick he's done for 40 years now. Like many things which are 40 years old, the shtick needs a little support. It doesn't seem to get it here. The show probably will survive if it remains sandwiched between TBBT and "Two and a Half Men" but I wouldn't bet big on it in most other time slots.
Then DW wanted to watch 2.5 because she's a fan of Amber Tamblyn. Yeesh. Men (and I use that term loosely) -- and now, women (ditto) -- behaving badly. That's all there is, IMHO. Just tasteless. It amazes me that it took Angus Jones (the "Half") so long to realize how bad this show is. And I wonder how funny other viewers would find the show if there wasn't this constant laugh track underneath the dialog goading them on. I suspect 2.5 won't be on our TV again anytime soon, Amber Tamblyn notwithstanding. And that's just fine with me.
Probably the reason I like TV is that I watch very little of what's popular. And I agree that Robin Williams is insufferable.
I watched a little of the Michael Fox show, but soon turned it off. I have quit watching "Person of Interest" because its violent and stupid. I've quit watching CSI because its violent and stupid. I watched Law and Order SVU season premier and it was just too violent. Its usually not so bad. Sure wish we had cable so there was more taste. I do enjoy the older Law and Orders because its more cerebral.......more about the law.
I will continue to watch Blue Bloods. I really like that show, and usually am reminded by it to always do the right thing.
I never watch reality shows. Seems like there's either mostly trash or violence on TV. But for a few exceptions, its all pretty disgusting.
ApatheticNoMore
9-27-13, 10:11am
My new low in tv was the Apprentice w/ Donald Trump. Worst show ever. I mean come on, do you really think you can top that? But I kind of don't think anyone expects that show to be any good. I can't stand the Big Bang Theory, I may know and have been friends with and dated etc. too many actual nerds.
I might like to say I read a lot of books, but it's more a concentrated resolution to get myself to read 1/2 hour-1 hour a day (always non-fiction, some of it dense and boring).
catherine
9-27-13, 10:19am
My new low in tv was the Apprentice w/ Donald Trump. Worst show ever. I mean come on, do you really think you can top that? But I kind of don't think anyone expects that show to be any good.
Gee, ANM, I love The Apprentice! I love seeing how people take a task and run with it. My guilty pleasure is a string of reality shows that usually are all peaking in the spring: Celebrity Apprentice on Sunday, Dancing with the Stars on Monday, American Idol on Wednesday, Shark Tank on Friday. Then of course Project Runway is awesome. I haven't quite taken to Naked and Afraid yet, but who knows, the way I've been spiraling downward with these reality shows. :)
I used to watch sitcoms but DH hates them, so I've been out of the loop on those for decades. I do love 30 Rock (which isn't on anymore), and I'll catch it when I can in reruns. But I worked at 30 Rock(efeller Plaza) at NBC for a few years, so there's a nostalgia factor.
I found the first 3 or 4 years of 3 1/2 Men hysterically funny. It has definitely gone down hill. I love a good raunchy comedy and good is defined by whether or not I laugh.
Used to laugh at the raunchy first few years of the show. I no longer laugh at the raunchy current episodes of the same show.
My new low in tv was the Apprentice w/ Donald Trump. Worst show ever. I mean come on, do you really think you can top that?.
I would probably agree with that if I hadn't actually wasted 3 minutes of my life checking out part of an episode of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.
Is there a difference between raunchy and vulgar? Are they both funny?
Sure wish we had cable so there was more taste.
Based on what I read about cable programming, for every shining moment like "Breaking Bad" (haven't seen it, but it has received critical acclaim), there is a moment like "Honey Boo Boo" or a rerun of "The $10,000 Pyramid" from 2006 or highlights from the 1997 meeting of the USC Trojans and Penn State. Cable by no means sets the bar any higher. And if violence on broadcast TV concerns you, the restrictions on what can be shown are even looser on cable channels.
Is there a difference between raunchy and vulgar? Are they both funny? For me sometimes they are both funny and sometimes they aren't. I've never quite understood any heavy analysis as to whether someone thinks something is funny. I can understand a nuanced approach to drama but I have only one standard for comedy. Did it make me laugh?
Laughter is an involuntary response. I don't see any need for deep thinking when deciding whether something is funny or not. Just one simple question. Did it trigger that involuntary response of laughter?
Sometimes vulgar/raunchy stuff triggers it for me and sometimes it does not.
From Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturgeon%27s_Law
Sturgeon's Law
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sturgeon's revelation, commonly referred to as Sturgeon's law, is an adage commonly cited as "ninety percent of everything is crap."
I can watch TBBT only once in a while because of my antennae, but I just love it and have borrowed all of the previous seasons from the library. And, I also like Amber Tambyn, was the same with her father, so I, like some of you, stuck around to watch that program, something I never do otherwise. It made me feel ill and embarrassed to be watching even though I was alone here.
I think I will still try to catch TBBT and House and spend more time cleaning. Ah, I know I will not clean anything.
Is there a difference between raunchy and vulgar? Are they both funny?
I think on the continuum raunchy is more acceptable than vulgar. In terms of censorship in my house, the only album/CD I ever took away from my son was Andrew Dice Clay. THAT is vulgar, and raunchy, and misogynistic, etc. etc. Not funny. In general I do not laugh at raunchy or vulgar jokes. In fact I'm so affected by my upbringing in a Catholic school that I can't even type some of the words in this thread without a lot of asterisks.
I just realized that I haven't really watched any new sitcoms lately. Finally got through the entire Frazier series, which is funny AND intelligent, not stupid and raunchy. After watching The Bronson Pinchot Project I found a bunch of Perfect Strangers episodes on YouTube; now THAT was a funny show. Yeah, corny and predictible, but the two stars were so physically funny. Not many shows like that anymore. Curb Your Enthusiasm is another clever and funny show.
Sleepy Hollow has me hooked; he's handsome, she's not annoying, and it's unbelievable but fun to watch.
We've watching The Good Wife, and are just into season 4. I like it. And, both Foyle's War & Call the Midwife are back!!! These are my favs...
iris lilies
9-27-13, 11:52pm
I just realized that I haven't really watched any new sitcoms lately. Finally got through the entire Frazier series, which is funny AND intelligent, not stupid and raunchy. After watching The Bronson Pinchot Project I found a bunch of Perfect Strangers episodes on YouTube; now THAT was a funny show. Yeah, corny and predictible, but the two stars were so physically funny. Not many shows like that anymore. Curb Your Enthusiasm is another clever and funny show.
Sleepy Hollow has me hooked; he's handsome, she's not annoying, and it's unbelievable but fun to watch.
Curb is funny, I've seen all seasons on dvd. I guess it ran out of steam, there hasn't been a new season in a while.
Cathy, you really need to get a Netflix subscription. Then you can watch the best of tv, don't worry about getting cable . Like steve says 905% of it is crap but the cream rises to the top and you can skim those top shows on dvd.
iris lilies
9-27-13, 11:54pm
My new low in tv was the Apprentice w/ Donald Trump. Worst show ever. I mean come on, do you really think you can top that? But I kind of don't think anyone expects that show to be any good. I can't stand the Big Bang Theory, I may know and have been friends with and dated etc. too many actual nerds.
I might like to say I read a lot of books, but it's more a concentrated resolution to get myself to read 1/2 hour-1 hour a day (always non-fiction, some of it dense and boring).
I liked the first Apprentice and the second one. After that, dullsville. And how long has that thing been going on? 6 -7 years?
Based on what I read about cable programming, for every shining moment like "Breaking Bad" (haven't seen it, but it has received critical acclaim), there is a moment like "Honey Boo Boo" or a rerun of "The $10,000 Pyramid" from 2006 or highlights from the 1997 meeting of the USC Trojans and Penn State. Cable by no means sets the bar any higher.There are a load of places we can go walking today: Behind the restaurants on Main Street, alongside the composting center, along the busiest street in town, or around the pastoral lake in a nice neighborhood. So many places to walk, but we're going to choose the lake, because it is the best of the choices. The fact that there are many not-so-nice places to walk doesn't take one thing away from the experience of walking around the lake.
90% of everything has always been crap. With television, actually, it used to be a lot worse. There were far fewer choices; the choices that were available were generally more watered-down and lower in quality because, with so few choices, they had to appeal to practically everyone, even though people have different interests and preferences. And while there are now many offerings that are somewhat raw, it is natural that the best quality offerings tend to be those that are both honest to reality, in that way, and on the fringes of what people experience in their daily lives. Why would someone want to watch a watered-down version of the life they lead the other 22 hours a day?
I generally don't like comedies. Modern Family was the notable exception, though I also like How I Met Your Mother and Neighbors. However, my spouse and I loved the first seven minutes of The Crazy Ones. (We haven't gotten further into it yet.) It seems that Robin Williams is at the top of his game, and that Sarah Michelle Gellar is one of the few people who have the acting and comedy chops, herself, to stand on her own next to Williams. They played very well off each other, and we have great hopes for the show.
I just realized that I haven't really watched any new sitcoms lately. Finally got through the entire Frazier series, which is funny AND intelligent, not stupid and raunchy. After watching The Bronson Pinchot Project I found a bunch of Perfect Strangers episodes on YouTube; now THAT was a funny show. Yeah, corny and predictible, but the two stars were so physically funny. Not many shows like that anymore. Curb Your Enthusiasm is another clever and funny show.
Sleepy Hollow has me hooked; he's handsome, she's not annoying, and it's unbelievable but fun to watch.
When my kids were young, Friday evenings on TV on one station were shows mostly for kids.......Perfect Strangers, Full House, Family Matters, Boy Meets World, etc. We loved Perfect Strangers. Even now, when DH and I are acting silly about being excited over something, we do "the dance of joy". hahaha Sad that those kind of shows are pretty non-existent now.
The Storyteller
9-28-13, 10:22am
I was eagerly anticipating the new Robin Williams show, as I consider him a comedic genius. I was a little disappointed, but only in the overall package. He was great and there were several individual parts that were well done. He is so quick and ad-libs so much, I think it is sometimes difficult for other actors to keep up (although I thought they mostly did a fine job). I just think this will be one of those shows where it will take time for it to find its mark.
As someone who sometimes gets paid to make people laugh, I know just how hard that can be. There are some things you can learn, and some things come with experience, but there are some things that either come naturally or they don't come at all. Robin Williams has it all. His comedy may not be everyone's cup of tea, but nobody can tell me he isn't very very good at it.
iris lilies
9-28-13, 10:44am
We've watching The Good Wife, and are just into season 4. I like it. And, both Foyle's War & Call the Midwife are back!!! These are my favs...
The Good Wife is the only watchable drama on network tv. But I think I will tire of it since they are going back to the "Will is so sexy" storyline. I find that I tire of shows about the 3rd season mark so this one has held my interest beyond the norm even though I didn't watch every episode last year.
I watch Call the Midwife on dvd as well, it's pretty good. Foyle's War is one of those series that I think: maybe when I retire I will try it.
I'm probably done with Big Bang theory, they've done most everything they can do with those characters. I loved Nurse Jackie into the end of the 3rd season. I dropped it early in the 4th season. The actress who won the Emmy last week for best supporting role annoys the h*ll out of me even though I find her likeable. And really, they cannot find anything to do with that cool English doctor other than to make her pregnant? Lazy writing.
On the other hand, I recently took a breather from Sons of Anarchy for a while due to a different reason--it was too intense in the 4th season. I was overly into that ridiculous, seductive show. But I am hearing from those who have cable that the current season is weak, but they said that about Season2 the "Irish" season which I found fascinating.
It's sad that I have entirely too much to say about tv. :( Well, that and iris and lilies. I can type a lot of words about those 3 subjects. :)
I've watched The Good Wife since it started, but I'm losing a little interest in it. I'm not sure why they titled it The Good Wife. Seems like a bad fit now.
I do like the actors in it though.
I watched Call the Midwife several times and liked it.
I miss Medium. I absolutely hated the final episode of it.
I, too, have too much to say about TV, but then again, I have alot of other interests, so I'm not too worried yet......
Oh.......and I loved Harry's Law. Can't believe they took it off......and left so many really bad ones on.
They're filming Grimm a block from my old homestead. I get periodic updates from a friend whose dog is getting a workout. I can't wait for season three.
I think nowadays, TV really does have the very best and the very worst culture. On the one hand it has vapid nonsense like two and a half men, and all of reality television. On the other hand, it has shows like Breaking Bad (I'm only on season 4 so please no spoilers :D) which is Shakespearean.
As far as comedies go, I really loved Arrested Development. It was so intricately written that even after a few re-watches, you were catching something you missed before. Veep, and it's British counterpart the Thick of It are also great (although, if you don't like swearing I'd give it a wide berth).
gimmethesimplelife
10-2-13, 6:43am
What I have taken to doing is to turn the TV off, other than for a show or two on PBS. I wait to hear which shows - especially dramas - are critically acclaimed and then I will wait for Black Friday when the DVDs of these shows get very cheap. I typically take some of the money I get from doing surveys and focus groups and buy up DVDs around this time. Examples - Nip/Tuck and Mad Men. I am hearing great things about Breaking Bad and want to give that a try, and I am also saving up points on points2shop.com for the full series of Six Feet Under on DVD.
This way I get to see something I am quite likely to like, other people have done my screening for me so to speak, and I'm not exposed to the toxicity and annoyance of advertising. Works for me! Rob
I am hearing great things about Breaking Bad and want to give that a try
I only started it a couple of weeks ago, it gets so addictive. At this point I feel pretty confident to say it's the greatest show I've ever seen, and that includes the Wire and the Sopranos.
Honestly, I'm the same. I got Netflix a while ago, and no longer feel the need to turn the TV on, except for one or two shows (giving Agents of SHIELD a chance. And It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's back). I just prefer the control. And I think Breaking Bad is very easy to watch multiple episodes in one sitting. Said I'd watch one a day...that didn't happen :D
How about comedies? I don't think there's too many funny ones these days. I watch reruns of The King of Queens. I think the writing on that was great. I laugh through the whole thing.
WKRP reruns are good too, but King of Queens is my fav.
How about comedies? I don't think there's too many funny ones these days.
I think Community is one of the few very funny comedies on television now. The first 3 sereies' at least, not a lot to say for the 4th. The latest Arrested Development was great too. And Veep, that I mentioned before is great, if a little blue. I find myself watching a lot of British comedies from the last 20 years. Things like Father Ted, IT Crowd and Brass Eye were incredidble.
WKRP reruns are good too, but King of Queens is my fav.
I loved WKRP, largely because I was in professional radio for several years and it all rang very true to life. King of Queens, on the other hand, will get me to the remote almost as fast as Two and a Half Men. Horses for courses....
My favorite sitcom of all time was Police Squad! (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Police_Squad!) -- all six episodes. It was telling that ABC cancelled the series so quickly "because the viewer had to watch it [!] in order to appreciate it." Gotta say something that successful TV is TV nobody watches.
My favorite sitcom of all time was Police Squad! (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Police_Squad%21) -- all six episodes. It was telling that ABC cancelled the series so quickly "because the viewer had to watch it [!] in order to appreciate it." Gotta say something that successful TV is TV nobody watches.
Police Squad was incredible! One of the most underrated shows of all time in my opinion. Crazy the amount of people that love Naked Gun but haven't even heard of PS.
Isn't that funny Steve? I absolutely hate certain sitcoms, but K of Q just really makes me laugh. When I would catch my kids watching it when they were younger, I would make them turn it off. I thought it was about a drag Queen in NYC. haha I didn't start watching TV until the kids had left for college. Evenings were just much too busy.
I can't remember Police Squad, but I probably saw it.
I really like the new station here that plays all old stuff......movies, sitcoms, etc.
I used to really like Cagney and Lacy too.
They taken off the reruns of the really older Law and Orders. Bummer. They were fairly intelligent and focused on the law, and not shoot-em-up stuff.
I just don't understand why networks take new shows off after 1 season, when they leave so much crap on. One example is Chicago Code. That show was really good, but didn't last long. I guess they are trying to please the masses.............masses with very little taste.
CathyA, I know what you mean, feels like it's about appealing to the lowest common denominator, rather than producing quality television.
The Storyteller
10-2-13, 11:17am
I only started it a couple of weeks ago, it gets so addictive. At this point I feel pretty confident to say it's the greatest show I've ever seen, and that includes the Wire and the Sopranos.
Honestly, I'm the same. I got Netflix a while ago, and no longer feel the need to turn the TV on, except for one or two shows (giving Agents of SHIELD a chance. And It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's back). I just prefer the control. And I think Breaking Bad is very easy to watch multiple episodes in one sitting. Said I'd watch one a day...that didn't happen :D
I was just thinking of BB when I saw this thread this morning. So much bad TV, yet still some of the best ever.
In this case, THE best ever.
iris lilies
10-2-13, 11:19am
Isn't that funny Steve? I absolutely hate certain sitcoms, but K of Q just really makes me laugh. When I would catch my kids watching it when they were younger, I would make them turn it off. I thought it was about a drag Queen in NYC. haha I didn't start watching TV until the kids had left for college...
Guessing you wouldn't let them watch RU-Paul's Drag Show, then.
I caught up with Ru-Paul on my little vacation last week. Wwatched a fair amount of cable teevee, and it reminded me that the first season of Ru-paul was probably the best. Now all of the Queens look alike, tall skinny ethnic. Well of course men can look like runway models, doh. Man, what is wrong with some curves on the Queens!!!???
LOL.......uh, no.
I was pretty strict with what they watched. They weren't even allowed to watch Power Rangers.
They did love all the reruns of Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, and The Andy Griffith Show! The rest of the time it was PBS kids stuff.
It was interesting to watch.........when I would make them turn the TV off, they would get so creative!
I'm going to have to rent Braking Bad. It sounds good. Good thing I won't get all the episodes though. I did that with Downton Abbey and I think I watched them all in 3 days! Not good!
I thought it was about a drag Queen in NYC.
Just noticed that part. No problem with my kids seeing something like that. Just means they're less likely to be prejudiced against different lifestyles as they groow up.
ETA: I wouldn't let them watch Ru Paul, as it's reality TV. No use in showing them that nonsense.
Actually, my kids are some of the most accepting people you'll meet! (In their mid-20's now.) :)
Isn't that funny Steve? I absolutely hate certain sitcoms, but K of Q just really makes me laugh.
I was never a fan of "Everybody Loves Raymond", either. Maybe part of it for me was growing up on Long Island and knowing too many families who behaved like the Barones and Heffernans. Wasn't fun to me IRL; why would I want to watch it on TV? OTOH, I know plenty of high-functioning geeks like the ones on "Big Bang Theory" and I generally find that show very funny. De gustibus non est disputandum... :)
I was never a fan of "Everybody Loves Raymond", either. Maybe part of it for me was growing up on Long Island and knowing too many families who behaved like the Barones and Heffernans. Wasn't fun to me IRL; why would I want to watch it on TV? OTOH, I know plenty of high-functioning geeks like the ones on "Big Bang Theory" and I generally find that show very funny. De gustibus non est disputandum... :)
Hey Steve........Same to you buddy, only double!! haha.........that's what my mother would say when she didn't understand something. (But I did look up your....latin?)
I'm like you.........I can't stand Everybody Loves Raymond and back in the day, I began to absolutely hate the Archie Bunker show.........it was just too close to my real homelife! My father seemed too much like Archie and that old guy on Raymond. I guess I just don't see K of Q's in the same way. Its interesting in how we find differing things funny.
I remember writing here about some movie I rented and it was supposed to be a comedy. I didn't even crack a smile through the whole thing. But alot of people on this forum thought it was hysterical. What can I say, except De gustibus non est disputandum. :)
Hahaha! That's exactly the way I felt about Married With Children; I knew too many Al Bundys at work. The last time I enjoyed a sitcom, it was Frasier: they did farce like no other.
Maybe that is why The Office (whether British or US version) just makes me so uncomfortable. Instead of seeing it as funny, I see it as all too often real and therefore depressing.
I never watched Married with Children either. I just don't like family screaming at each other all the time. I didn't really see K of Q's that way, but I'm sure some people could.
I think I watched The Office just once. To me, it was just too stupid. and uncomfortable.
Maybe alot of what we like does relate to what our own families were like.
Anyone watch the new show "Hostages"? I gave it a try, since it had Toni Collette, Dylan McDermott, Tate Donovan. But I don't like it. Its just constant angst and it doesn't make sense. so far, it's like the entire point is to make you uncomfortable and doesn't really have much of a storyline. So I guess that one is off my list too.
Sometimes I wonder how a show expects to continue when they choose a title/storyline that seems to definitely have limits.
I think I watched The Office just once. To me, it was just too stupid. and uncomfortable.
[snip]
Anyone watch the new show "Hostages"?
DW cringes when there's an episode of "The Office" on. That doesn't actually happen often here; I was never a big fan of it myself. But, yeah, it makes her uncomfortable.
She also was interested in "Hostages" through its promos. She watched the first episode and declared that it was too intense for her to watch the remaining episodes. I read the plot synopsis and apparently I wasn't interested enough because I lost track of the story line before I finished the paragraph. :|(
When DH and I read Angela's Ashes we lobbied heavily for MIL to read it--we thought she would really relate. I think she related to much. She just didn't enjoy it at all.
Not that this is really relevant to the topic at hand, but interesting that if we've lived it, we want to leave it behind.
Steve........I looked up some of the reviews for Hostages, and they expressed the same feelings that your wife and I have expressed. It was almost like their sole purpose was to make us uncomfortable. I watched the second show the other night, and it was just more of the same stuff. They should be giving us more to hold on to, than just feelings of angst. Its hard to believe they can make an entire season out of this, let alone more seasons. I think its not what it seems though, in terms of what they are making us think it is. Hopefully it improves. But I'm pretty hesitant to watch it again.
I'm going to watch the new Ironsside. I think its on tonight. It stars Blair Underwood who is a detective?? in a wheelchair. Looks like it has potential, but you never know.
I'm also watching Law and Order SVU. I really like that show. None of this stupid sexual tension/flirting between partners all the time. That's how alot of the other shows are....like Castle, NCIS LA. I don't like mixing cutsie-tootsie with drama.
catherine.......I think you're right about that......that we don't want to relive things we've already been through (unless they were fun, of course!).
I think the new Ironside is a re-do of the show from what, the 70s or 80s, which starred Raymond Burr. Ring a bell with anyone? I'm somewhat intrigued enough to try watching it---not a huge detective show fan---because I've always liked Blair Underwood.
I watched the beginning of it last night, but lost interest, so turned it off.
This Ironside is a very active one, as opposed to Raymond Burr. For some reason, I felt that it was uncomfortable to watch him trying to hurry up/jump the bad guy, etc. in his wheelchair. I'll bet if people like it, they'll eventually heal his spine and he will walk again. TV can do that, you know. haha
CathyA, I liked Chicago Code too; it was a bit like a family-friendly version of The Wire (one of the best series I've ever watched, ever). I knew they'd cancel it, well, because I liked it! It's come to the point that I avoid getting involved in new shows because I'll like them and then they'll be gone (anyone remember Pushing Daisies? So imaginative and fun....gone).
I'd rather watch UK's Top Gear; frumpy middle aged men being funny and witty about cars. Much more entertaining.
I watched a little of the Michael Fox show, but soon turned it off. I have quit watching "Person of Interest" because its violent and stupid. I've quit watching CSI because its violent and stupid. I watched Law and Order SVU season premier and it was just too violent. Its usually not so bad. Sure wish we had cable so there was more taste. I do enjoy the older Law and Orders because its more cerebral.......more about the law.
I will continue to watch Blue Bloods. I really like that show, and usually am reminded by it to always do the right thing.
I never watch reality shows. Seems like there's either mostly trash or violence on TV. But for a few exceptions, its all pretty disgusting.
It's not violence that puts me off. It's violence for violence's sake that annoys me. If the story and writing is very good I can stomach a bit. I have the same issue with the premium channels gratuitous soft core porn scenes. Breaking Bad is over. I have nothing to replace it. It was the ONLY thing I watched faithfully.TV is pretty feeble.
I think nowadays, TV really does have the very best and the very worst culture. On the one hand it has vapid nonsense like two and a half men, and all of reality television. On the other hand, it has shows like Breaking Bad (I'm only on season 4 so please no spoilers :D) which is Shakespearean.
.
I'm glad to see someone besides myself making that comparison. That, and Greek Tragedy. Don't know how you're staying away from the huge hoopla over the finale. But if you are, good for you! Finish it. You won't regret it.
AmeliaJane
10-5-13, 12:06am
I love Parks and Recreation. I also prefer the "sweet" comedies, not the ones where people are being mean to each other. In new shows, I liked the comedies "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" (police comedy) and, weirdly, "The Trophy Wife." The title is terrible, but I really like Bradley Whitford and the way the characters related to each other. In terms of drama, I loved the first season of Once Upon a Time. The second season was weaker, but the new (third) season is starting out strong and it seems the writers may have figured out some of the problems of last season. If you want something with no supernatural or violence, I really love Parenthood and nobody ever talks about it. It is just a very lovely family drama with a lot of terrific actors, including a really great portrayal of a kid with Asperger's. And I admit it, I like Nashville even though it is totally soapy. The music is all written by working country songwriters and artists and is very well-done.
I've been watching "The Trophy Wife" (which I agree, is a horrible name for it). Its really funny. the episode last night was good. I love that boy with the buck teeth. He had just had oral surgery and was loopy, and his costume was supposed to be Ellen DeGeneres. I love both his ex's........especially the hippie-type one. I guess she used to be on Saturday Night Live, but I don't remember her. Its just a cute, fun show.
The few times I venture past PBS programming, I rarely find anything that holds my attention. Most is just flat boring and inane to me. I abhor violence and it seems like every drama now has to include some. It scares me to think little kids are watching that stuff.
SteveinMN
10-30-13, 7:55pm
It scares me to think little kids are watching that stuff.
Little kids shouldn't see it (more than once) if the parents are monitoring TV and computer time.
DH and I were just talking about how when our kids were young, Friday night TV had a family night. (Forget which network). There were about 4 shows.....like "Family Matters", "Full House", etc. It was great.
But now, there's nothing like that for families.
Now that the World Series is over I can catch up on some reading and not feel like I've missed much. Go Sox!
iris lilies
10-31-13, 9:43am
Now that the World Series is over I can catch up on some reading and not feel like I've missed much. Go Sox!
:~)
This won't be a good day in St. Louis
DH and I were just talking about how when our kids were young, Friday night TV had a family night. (Forget which network). There were about 4 shows.....like "Family Matters", "Full House", etc. It was great.
But now, there's nothing like that for families.
I think some networks have shows like Modern Family and The Middle, etc... I've never seen either show but the bits I've seen seem pretty clean cut and non violent. Then there are other comedies like Parks and Rec and Community. Again shows I've never seen but appear to be family friendly. Now I'm a Supernatural fan myself - can't get much bloddier and violent then that - but would never let kids watch it if I had kids.
SnakeBlitz33
10-31-13, 9:44pm
I canceled cable but I still own a TV and have internet, so I decided to cough up the $7.99 a month to get netflix. I like most of the documentaries... and the educational shows for my daughter as she grows up, ... but there's nothing that a TV show can teach her that I can't do better. I would much rather play with my daughter and teach her new things in person rather then putting on a TV show and not spending time with her. I never liked it when parents let the TV babysit their children - I make it a point not to do that to mine.
With so much filth, violence, anger and erotica on TV, I don't really want to take part in supporting it by watching it. I would rather read a good book, or practice my ukulele.
DH and I were just talking about how when our kids were young, Friday night TV had a family night. (Forget which network). There were about 4 shows.....like "Family Matters", "Full House", etc. It was great.
But now, there's nothing like that for families.
Not to date myself, but when I was a kid family TV night was Sunday when there was Bonanza, Disney World, and for a while, The Ed Sullivan Show. Now, there is certainly NOTHING like that. If I had young children nowadays it would be difficult to find anything non-pbs of any significant redeeming value. Admittedly I watch such little network TV I've sort of lost track of what is on, but every time I take a sampling of things it is sex based humor or gun violence or dead bodies. I suppose some reality TV could be family quality, but it is pretty empty of content.
Back then a lot of us had only one TV and it was where the whole family sat. Where I grew up, Alaska had no TV and I remember the very first station and then the progression.
Ah yes..........DH and I were just talking about The Ed Sullivan show..........("Hi Eddie"........with Topo Gigio). It was an innocent time for TV.
I remember old-time TV (about a half-step beyond vaudeville). I'm glad it's evolved. There are far superior shows available now, and a vast array of choices, but there's always room for improvement. I've been watching the Smithsonian channel lately with aerial views and history of each state and documentaries of air disasters, and al Jazeera. particularly for its documentaries.
And, speaking of shows that might be kid-friendly--I would recommend Animal Planet. Particularly Pit Boss and Pit Bulls and Parolees* (pit bull rescue), Cats and Dogs 101 (information on breeds and behavior), Must Love Cats (random cats and information), and Too Cute (puppies and kittens of various breeds).
*Caveat: these are real tear-jerkers, involving dramatic rescues and happy endings.
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