LET'S TALK: U B Merv
Summer. A great time for lots of things. Except TV.
Now, to be fair, summer television isn't as bad as it used to be. We are no longer doomed to reruns. There is some fresh content that crops up in the summer, so when you've got one of those nights when it's just too hot or you're just too tired to do anything else, you just might find something interesting.
Merv Griffin died this week. Now there's a man who knew how to run a TV empire. So here's the question: If you could build your own television network, what would you air? Would you bring back "classic" programs? Would you create new "reality" shows (where did they get THAT name - I don't want to know the people who exist in THOSE realities!)? How about a good sudser? More news from more perspectives? Documentaries? Cartoons? Round the clock ambiance (virtual fish tank, crackling Yule log, sparkling brook, calming meadow, starry night)? Wall-to-wall baseball? Football? Poker? Jeopardy? Movies? [Check out the links included above -- you'll be lost for hours; Ambiance is particularly fascinating . . .]
Have some fun with this one!
Comments
My TV Fantasy
We can agree that current TV fare is not very stimulating. Sometimes I ponder the monthly cable bill versus the number of hours we view anything at all - it's a bad ratio, and I won't admit my per-hour viewing cost!
Given the chance to create a TV broadcast schedule, my preference would be real-world stories. There is such a variety of lifestyles and conditions in the world! Sadly, many are unaware of the full range, and base their life choices on the few models provided by modern journalism. If we all chose to truly learn about other cultures, and the rigors of life in other places, world peace might have a shot! At least that would be my aim, my dream.
Good intellectual exercise! Anne H.
Goin' for the classics
I think Jess is right -- it probably won't be too long before this little exercise of programming your own TV channel will be a reality, thanks to the Web, TiVo and other devices.
I think I'd bring back some of the dramas I got hooked on in the 70s and 80s -- Hill Street Blues, St. Elsewhere, Cagney & Lacey, Picket Fences, Northern Exposure (what a great soundtrack!). All great shows, and they didn't need to go "blue" -- they depended on great writing and interesting characters. I'd still like to move to Cicely, Alaska!
the future...
don't you think networks and cable will become a thing of the paast? I jsut think with YouTube and the proliferation of such things, you'll be able to pick and choose what you want to see via computer and even your television. i think i will live to see the day when we don't turn to such and such channel at a certain time to see a specific show. Look how TiVo has changed things already (a device I'd LOVE to have!)
but to get back on task, I'd choose home stuff, building and real estate, a bit of zoology ala discovery channel, tossed in with some sitcoms (I still love me my sitcoms) and football (i have to stay married, ya know!) you cna keep all the pseudo reality crap, i've never watched a lick of it.