Television

I had high hopes for the new television season, but I haven’t found one show that captivates my attention. My interest in television in general has been waning for the past few months. I suppose part of that is due to the fact that I usually drift off to sleep about midway through any program. The combination of fatigue and medications that warn “may cause drowsiness” creates a predictable scenario for a motionless body.  So I’m better off to be up and moving, doing little projects, or even sitting at the computer communicating with friends.

I also find most television shows to be predictable and unimaginative. Most have been on the air far too long, including some that I previously liked such as CSI or House or Survivor. There are too many spin-offs and clones and copycats. Don’t get me started on game shows and “reality” shows. And most comedy shows are just garbage. Who actually watches those?

Language and fashions on television are at an all time low. Last season I turned off a talent show because of their choice of a “guest” singer. It would be nice to think that the majority of children in our country are in bed by eight and not hearing the cursing and sexual innuendos that are acceptable on so many shows, but I know from experience they are not. I was appalled by the number of children at our school who dressed as that trashy singer for Halloween. How does a kindergarten student even know who she is???? Well, you know the answer.

I suppose I might find more tempting entertainment venues if we had cable or dish or something, but I’m far too cheap to pay money for more of something I don’t use much of in the first place. More channels would only give me a chance to watch home remodeling shows or gardening shows or cooking shows. While I enjoy them, I don’t have time to actually do any of that stuff, especially if I spend time watching someone else do it, so what’s the point?

My one television addiction is the news. My daughter asked me recently why I watch the news. Most of it is depressing, disturbing, or disappointing. True. But it can also be entertaining, enlightening, and encouraging.  The news gives me a glimpse of other areas of the country, insight into the concerns of other people, and a feeling of gratitude that at least I’m not “that person”!  And with friends and family spread out in every area of the country I just feel better knowing what is going on and where. Of course I could do without politics and sports, but obviously someone cares about those or they wouldn’t take up so much air time.

If I have any extra time these long  winter evenings you’ll probably find me here at the computer doing research or emailing friends, at the table working a puzzle, or on the loveseat reading a book…at least until I doze off.

Comments

[Classof65]

I know why you and I dislike today's television offerings - we're not the demographic the shows are aimed toward. The so-called humor in the sit-coms is juvenile and not even mature enough to be labeled as "sophomoric." There is a fixation on toilet jokes, more junior high than adult, and the blatant sexual innuendos are not even funny. Even the more mature programs such as CSI and Criminal Minds engage in sexual banter between supposedly professional scientists and I really could not care less about the scientists' love lives.

In fact, I no longer watch television. The TV is on and my husband watches it, when he can stay awake!, but I only listen to it, when I can't totally block it out while perusing the internet. It is rare that I actually watch a show other than the news, 60 Minutes and Antique Roadshow. If my husband were not at home the television would not even be turned on. Oh, I do have one vice: Judge Judy. That is the show that makes me feel so superior!

[Megan]

My husband and I share your opinions and agree wholeheartedly that we are not the demographic for which these shows are written. I consider it a badge of pride.

I hope you curl up with a book and a purring feet warmer. And a mug of hot chocolate!