Yesterday, I went on a mini-tirade on Facebook about “reality” TV programming. A friend suggested I get rid of cable and just go with Netflix (sorry, no sports, news, premium channels, On Demand, etc. — seriously, what would I do if I couldn’t watch the Indians and Browns lose?).
The other night, I posted about a huge grammar gaffe a newscaster made, and someone said here’s an idea: “turn off the TV.” Now fiends, I realize that my world should not (and does not) revolve around “Gee, what’s on TV tonight?” I have other interests, as I’m sure we all do. And I’m not defending the pile of garbage that much of television has become. Rather, I’m here to defend a part of TV that is worthwhile, and to dispel the notion that those of us who carve out time to watch it are somehow devoid of a quality existence, or are blessed with oodles of mindless, shiftless, lazy, unproductive hours every day to devote to it.
In other words: anti-TV snobs, get off your high horses. I understand that it is oh so de rigueur to hate television. I get it. But what gets me is those who opine large and long against all TV, when they haven’t seen a program of any kind in months or years — or ever.
It’s OK, though. Eeeeeverybody got an opinion. And this is not to say that I wholeheartedly approve of a glut of TV for children or anyone; I don’t. I’m not a complete stupe — kids need to play and read and talk and go places and have kid fun. Everything in moderation, right? Instead, I’m talking about adults making TV choices. If I had a dollar every time I got the impression from someone that the only good storytelling one can receive is from a book or a stage play…please.
Again, if that’s your opinion, gofrit. But I am here to tell you that there is indeed interesting, compelling content on TV today. I have my favorites, and you have yours. If you have no favorites, or you hate all TV, and because you don’t watch it you believe the medium shouldn’t exist — well, that’s fine too, but it makes you 100% unqualified to judge what’s on. In other words, don’t be a pretentious telenazi. Be nice. You can disagree with the hoi polloi without coming across as, well…you know. And I get that you can hate drinking diesel fuel without ever having actually drunk it, but let’s not go overboard here. It’s entertainment, people. Nothing existential. Move along.
I think I’m smarter for watching the many documentaries, news programs, historical series and interviews I’ve seen on TV over the years. I’ve been challenged by story lines on the shows I watch — many of which have characters just as rich and complex as the ones I read about in my books every night. The bad stuff on TV? You stay away from it, just like you’d avoid the works of authors and playwrights you don’t particularly like. Simple as that. God knows I hate reality shows, which is why I don’t watch them. Aside from sports and news programming, I like TV mostly for fictional drama. You know, escape — like in books, except the characters actually move and talk in front of your eyes instead of in your brain. And the miracle of DVR? Priceless. Or, I should say, worth the price. At least for now. 
Hey, it’s Finkday! Be happy!
There are a lot more shows on now that I actually enjoy watching. Like you, I don’t watch the so-called *reality* junk, but I do enjoy documentaries, and shows that tell a good story. One of my favorite historical series was the true telling of the Hatfields and McCoys. I thought it was well done. I have too many favorites to name. Wonderful post, Bird. Hugs!
Great call on The Hatfields and McCoys Mavis! I loved that short series as well!
Thanks David! It was definitely one of my favorites.
Loved the Hatfields and McCoys! I also loved The Normal Heart, The White Queen, The Tudors, Texas Rising, all of the Ken Burns films, The Kennedys, Pillars of the Earth, World Without End…definitely too many favorites to name — all from TV. Great stuff!
I forgot about Texas Rising! I loved it! So many great series on the tube. Can’t wait for more!
I have an internal listening “kill switch” toward anyone taking a preference or personal decision and trying to make it a dogmatic declaration in my life…not happening! Matters not if it is “Vegans Rule” or a faith system, musical taste, reading genre or viewing tastes…I am a reasonably intelligent adult I can decide for myself. To television or not to television is NOT the burning answer to the Universe. It is an entertainment option in life. Nothing more!
I have favs that challenge me, make me think, educate me, make me cry and cause me to laugh uncontrollably. My list of favs might surprise folks but it is my list of favs. I thought HBO’s “Newsroom” was the best television since “Deadwood” or “The Sapranos,” simply my humble opinion. I have movies that I so enjoy that no matter how many times I have seen that movie, if it is on I will watch it again and again and again.
I enjoyed the discussion Ms Fink that you prompted surrounding Reality TV…it was enjoyable banter. I have known for years you are a Grammar Laureate and I love you for that, you is the bestest fer sure.
All that to say…loved the Post, RtB remains Mi elección lectura personal diaria! All who do not read it are stoopid! Peace!
lol thank you Dave! You always make me laff. Of your faves, I loved Newsroom. Of course, I also loved The West Wing, so it follows, right? I have not seen Deadwood or the Sopranos, believe it or not. Gotta catch up on those on Netflix.
Did you watch Mad Men or Breaking Bad at all?
West Wing was fantastic…I simply did not get into Mad Men nor Breaking Bad though I tried. Deadwood and Sopranos are so worth the effort in my opinion. Have you tried “The Brink” on HBO? So irreverently funny we watched the first four 30 min episodes and laughed harder with each one…check it out! <3
I’ve watched two episodes of The Brink! Have to catch up!
Basic cable is all we have. From reading these comments it appears that we’re missing out some good shows.
You are indeed! While some of them are pretty intense (not that you can’t handle it, but they are not short on rough language and some jiggly stuff), the story lines are riveting.