Reality TV and all the shows that fall in the same category have turned family TV nights watching Leave it to Beaver into nights of teenagers hogging the TV to find out who is going to be America’s Next Top Model. I think that the world of TV has tainted nice, fun-filled family nights in front of the TV. Whatever happened to shows with plots that followed a story, instead of shows following the lives of people we are probably never going to hear of again? I miss the old shows like The Wonder Years, I Love Lucy, Carol Burnett Show, Step By Step, Full House, Green Acres, and The Brady Bunch. All these shows had plots and stories, not stupid, immature, copycat, reality TV shows.
I miss the shows that caused families to sit down together and observe the ways of other families; one’s that may have problems or may be the perfect image. These shows had great values and morals. They could teach families to deal with their problems and try and fix them. If I had my way all of reality TV would be canceled and more scripted TV shows, that show good values or cause laughter, would be on TV every night. Creating family and friend time that could give us some of the best times of our lives.
Blair, I am in complete agreement with you. I remember the days of watching Andy Griffeth and I Love Lucy with my family on Nick at Night as a child, and absorbing not only an entertaining story line, but also strong moral values. Sure, some may argue that the new era of reality television provides a new generational genre in the entertainment business, but in my opinion, from "Survivor" to "So You Think You Can Dance," reality TV remains extremely below par compared to shows of the past.
ReplyDeleteBlair, I think you make a very valid point as well! Although I must admit that I do sometimes fall into the whirlpool of reality tv, that doesnt mean that I see any value in it whatsoever. The messages and images portrayed by these so- called "reality tv-shows" are not only unrealistic but have the potential to dish out body image or other image problems to teenagers and young adults on a silver platter. Whatever happened to the days of the Brady Bunch or I Dream of Genie? They were fun and harmless!
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you Blair. I remember coming home on Friday nights to watch Boy Meets World and Sabrina the Teenage Witch on TGIF with my family, Clean family fun. Now, I'm making my parents sit down and watch Gossip Girl with me, where there are girls doing drugs and having sex. Not exactly the clean sober fun we all used to have. No wonder the generation behind us are growing up way too fast. I wonder what Mr. Finney from Boy Meets World would have to say about this. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post and comment thread. Good point about the influence on body images. It's great to know that you young folks love the same old shows I used to love to watch. One of my favorites was the detective show Perry Mason. That show inspired Sonia Sotomayor to want to become a lawyer. We need more shows that inspire the best in people. I think one reason for the explosion of all these reality shows is that it is cheaper to produce them, since the TV networks don't have to pay intelligent people to write good scripts.
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