What's Wrong With TV These Days?

[Zebra 3]

:( :tv: :(

[Crimson and Clover]

Too many stupid reality shows.

[Stuck In The '70's]

Too many reality shows

[LILFACE23]

Ditto!!!! Way too many reality shows. We live in reality and watching T.V. used to give us a chance to laugh at it. Operative word "used to"!!!

[dawsongirl]

Too Many Reality Shows, too many of the same formulaic sitcoms, too many of the same damn sitcoms being rerun to death in syndication and on networks like TVL and Nick.

[ClassicTV4Ever]

Way too many reality shows. I don't wish to see people act like idiots on television. REAL reality shows serve an actual purpose, like Rescue 911 and America's Most Wanted.

Also, too many stupid sitcoms with no plots whatsoever. Even the so-called "family friendly" sitcoms suck. Sitcoms today just seem so slopped together and not intelligently written.

I also have to agree about too many sitcoms being run to death on syndication and on multiple cable channels. For God's sake, try to pick up some shows another channel isn't airing or hasn't been aired in a while!

[Tammy]

I agree with too much reality tv and sitcoms being run into the ground. I've always thought Nick and Tvland should do block scheduling, with a different schedule for each night.

I also think there is way too much sexual innuendo and violence on television.

[Lucylover22]

Originally posted by Tammy
I agree with too much reality tv and sitcoms being run into the ground. I've always thought Nick and Tvland should do block scheduling, with a different schedule for each night.

I also think there is way too much sexual innuendo and violence on television.

That is a good idea! Tvland and Nick always play the same old boring sitcoms. Give us a little variety!

I don't watch any current sitcoms regularly, because I just don't like how tv is right now.

[dawsongirl]

Originally posted by Tammy
I also think there is way too much sexual innuendo and violence on television.

I agree. I'm no prude, but it's getting ridiculous.

[Czas na Zywiec]

Originally posted by dawsongirl
I agree. I'm no prude, but it's getting ridiculous.

Yea, a few sex jokes here and there are just fine, but when they start to rely on that, then it gets ridiculous. Take "Coupling" for example.

[LILFACE23]

I agree with you guys completely. What ever happened to just regular family comedies? It's nothing but sex and violence. I can see it on the movie channels or other channels. But basic local T.V. has just gone down hill. The only shows I really watch is the monday night line up and Friends. It's really gotten out of hand.

[Cora]

Too many reality TV shows. I hate them ALL so much.

[Sitcomwriter]

Too many stupid family sitcoms

More sex! More drugs! More :rock: and roll!

[ClassicTV4Ever]

Originally posted by Sitcomwriter
Too many stupid family sitcoms

More sex! More drugs! More :rock: and roll!

MORE sex? Geez, if there were any more sex on television it'd be considered as porn!

[W.J. Griffin]

What's wrong with tv today? Whooooo-eee, you got a couple of hours?

I'll tell you what's wrong: too many @#*!@*%$in' "Reality" shows (if I want reality, I'll go outside...), too many bland family sitcoms that are interchangable and indistinguishable from each other, "smutty" sex, but no real sensuality in the proceedings, unoriginal programming, too many copycat shows....

In other words, the same thing that's ALWAYS wrong with American television...nobody is willing to really take a chance and be innovative, and if a show is innovative, it's cloned to a fare-thee-well and just becomes another example of the status quo.

It's always about "demographics", i.e. how much money the media can bleed out of your wallet; quality, if it exists at all, is usually an accidental by-product. Just once, don't you wish the networks would take more chances with their broadcasting choices, instead of second-guesssing what the people want? A little more diversity in programming, a little less in the way of demographics and "critical" acclaim? Wishful thinking, I suppose...

But wouldn't it be nice, though?

[shel 7296]

I agree with you classic tv 4 ever:wave:

[skywalker2754]

I got excited to hear that TGIF was returning, because I used to look forward to all week with such shows as Step by Step, Dinosaurs, Boy Meets World, Family Matters, etc. The shows they are airing now on television though are trash. Even though shows like Family Matters went down hill towards the end, you have to admit that you'd rather see it still on the air than the stuff they air now. It just seems like there are no family sitcoms any more.

[mcgwirefan]

Too many "reality" shows and too many dumbo comedies with the same cardboard characters.
There are some good dramas on now though.

[PZelda]

1. KILL THE REALITY SHOWS
2. Too much @#$^@^#$ swearing!
3. Too much *moans* sex.
4. Too much *shoots at random person* violence.
5. TV shows being *groans* run into the ground.

[Chocoholic]

Too many stupid reality shows, too many cookie-cutter dramas and sitcoms, too much going for shock value instead if real entertainment, too much sex and bathroom humor, no creativity and origionality, shallow characters, and one-joke sitcoms.

[Pitooey]

Too much %$^&*$# :p
Too much almost showing it all :p
Too much blood :p

I miss seeing wholesome shows........
:(

[[-Kelsey-]]

I have to agree with everyone that said No More REALITY SHOWS!!!! I watched them once and fell asleep :sleep2:
The classic TV shows are the best I mostly just watch them now. Some current sitcoms are ok but there are too many :crazy:

[barwars]

Cookie Cutter Characters.


Too many shows have boring characters.
IMO, the characters are the most important part of a TV show.
(or Movie)


But, I like plenty of TV that airs today, so.... Im not complaining.

[Lee]

I think the main problem with television today is:


Too much commercial time

Too much editing on our favorite shows

Newer production/distribution logos being plastered over the
original ones at the end of these favorite shows.

[Stuck In The '70's]

Originally posted by ClassicTV4Ever
MORE sex? Geez, if there were any more sex on television it'd be considered as porn! :rofl:

[RichFonz]

First of all, I don't look at many of the current TV today. For starters, it's those reality shows I can't stand. Next, it's the sitcoms. Except for 8 Simple Rules, and a few others, either mot of the shows contain sex/bathroom jokes, and/or dumb characters. As barwar88 mentioned, charcters are vital to a show. Take Mary Tyler Moore for instance. There was Ted Baxter as a bumbling anchorman, but there were serious characters as well, like Mary and Lou Grant. Even Three's Company was able to keep the sexual innuendo at bay. We don't see many of that today. Also, I heard of all the 'shock'-uentaries in most shows, and of course, too much violence, and the sex content is out of control--though it dipped a bit recently. I have over 1500 sitcom episodes, but '8 Simple Rules' (in one of Ritter's last appearances) is the only one I have from the last 10 years. So, you have another fan who can't take today's TV well.

RIP: John Ritter (1948-2003)

[dandelion wine]

We're being taken over by 'reality' shows.

[PZelda]

Originally posted by webwarrior762002
I think the main problem with television today is:


Too much commercial time

Too much editing on our favorite shows

Newer production/distribution logos being plastered over the
original ones at the end of these favorite shows.

AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That was another thing I had forgotten to add to my previous post.

I. AM. SICK. OF. THE. GODDAMN. F*CKING. COMMERCIALS. AND. OUR. TV. SHOWS. BEING. EDITED. FOR. EVEN. MORE. STUPID. COMMERCIALS!!! :mad:

I also agree with you about the logo thing! :mad:

[Jrnygrl]

In my opinion the writers and people who are involved in television today, grew up with television and have no imagination as to what to produce, so now we have the reality television, because they are too lazy to really come up with a concept and an idea. The television generation has been ruined by television. :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying:

[LILFACE23]

Originally posted by PZelda: VICKI!!
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That was another thing I had forgotten to add to my previous post.

I. AM. SICK. OF. THE. GODDAMN. F*CKING. COMMERCIALS. AND. OUR. TV. SHOWS. BEING. EDITED. FOR. EVEN. MORE. STUPID. COMMERCIALS!!! :mad:

I also agree with you about the logo thing! :mad:

You go girlfriend!!!:lol:

[LILFACE23]

Originally posted by Jrnygrl
In my opinion the writers and people who are involved in television today, grew up with television and have no imagination as to what to produce, so now we have the reality television, because they are too lazy to really come up with a concept and an idea. The television generation has been ruined by television. :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying:

Absolutely!!!:wave:

[James]

Originally posted by Pitooey
I miss seeing wholesome shows........
:(

So do I!
:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Montanya427]

Theres so much reality,
Who cares how the Osbournes live, I mean you cannot understand 1/2 of what Ozzy says
And like I care if some gold digger gets picked by some poser claiming to be rich
Like I cannot find anything better to do then watch some talentless wannabe actor try to become famous for surviving on an island
and how many Joe something shows is there on TV?

Is the entertainment industry that lazy that they dont want to write scripts for a weekly show, or are they too cheap to pay real actors to perform and entertain the public? Why would I want to come home from work and watch some stranger try to find love or fame or riches or whatever they are looking for?

And whats up with all this home improvement makeover shows on cable? For the most part the makeovers are utterly outrageous and I would not be proud to show that kind of work on TV

[DianeChambers87]

I hate reality shows, I never watch any of them but....

Its what's selling right now to the networks. Unfortunately people watch these shows by the dozen and therefore they get pretty good ratings. As long as the shows are making mega bucks they'll be on.

[TJL]

Originally posted by Montanya427


Is the entertainment industry that lazy that they dont want to write scripts for a weekly show, or are they too cheap to pay real actors to perform and entertain the public?

Reality shows are cheap to produce, compared to a top rated sitcom, that's why the Nets love them.

Reality shows have spawned a race of rediculous pseudo actors and actresses who are willing to do whatever they can for thier 15 minutes of fame or a layout in Playboy. There is nothing "real" about these shows.

Aside from that, what I realy think is wrong with TV is the Networks refuse to give new shows a chance to develop a following. A show sometimes need more than four episodes to find an audience.
Many of the most beloved and popular sitcoms in TV history pulled in lousy ratings their first season, yet they were given a chance. Nowadays, with all the competition from cable, DVD, etc., a new show is pulled immediatly if it doesn't win its timeslot after one episode.
Give the new stuff more time.

[Dean Winchester]

Originally posted by TJL
Reality shows are cheap to produce, compared to a top rated sitcom, that's why the Nets love them.

Reality shows have spawned a race of rediculous pseudo actors and actresses who are willing to do whatever they can for thier 15 minutes of fame or a layout in Playboy. There is nothing "real" about these shows.

Aside from that, what I realy think is wrong with TV is the Networks refuse to give new shows a chance to develop a following. A show sometimes need more than four episodes to find an audience.
Many of the most beloved and popular sitcoms in TV history pulled in lousy ratings their first season, yet they were given a chance. Nowadays, with all the competition from cable, DVD, etc., a new show is pulled immediatly if it doesn't win its timeslot after one episode.
Give the new stuff more time.

I agree 100% How fast the networks forget about shows like Cheers, MASH, Seinfeld and others that started out poorly, and wound up classics. Hell, if Friends had gotten the ratings today on Thursday night that the first part of the first season got it's first season (when it started, it placed in the the teens and then it started to gain a following and by season end, it was one of the top 5 shows on television), NBC would've axed it already. Look what they did with Coupling because people didn't quickly warm up to it. Hello, Monica Rachel Joey Ross Chandler and Phoebe weren't "America's best friends" at first either, but NBC believed in the show and it became a smash.

[ClassicTV4Ever]

Originally posted by BuffySlayer79
Look what they did with Coupling because people didn't quickly warm up to it.

Coupling is canceled already?

[TJL]

Originally posted by BuffySlayer79
Hell, if Friends had gotten the ratings today on Thursday night that the first part of the first season got it's first season (when it started, it placed in the the teens and then it started to gain a following and by season end, it was one of the top 5 shows on television), NBC would've axed it already. Look what they did with Coupling because people didn't quickly warm up to it. Hello, Monica Rachel Joey Ross Chandler and Phoebe weren't "America's best friends" at first either, but NBC believed in the show and it became a smash.

Exactly. What would have happened if NBC canned "Friends" because it came in 3rd in it's timeslot after one episode?

[shocolah]

Nauseating and disgusting reality shows (ALL of them!) mainly because they are so fake and staged. One show that puked me out was "The Bachelor". Dumb, lame-@ss kiddie sitcoms like "Yes, Dear' (is that the best they could come up with for a title???? HOW STUPID!) Give me reruns of 70's and 80's shows anyday over the new stuff.

[AquaHarmony]

Originally posted by ClassicTV4Ever
Way too many reality shows. I don't wish to see people act like idiots on television. REAL reality shows serve an actual purpose, like Rescue 911 and America's Most Wanted.

Also, too many stupid sitcoms with no plots whatsoever. Even the so-called "family friendly" sitcoms suck. Sitcoms today just seem so slopped together and not intelligently written.

I also have to agree about too many sitcoms being run to death on syndication and on multiple cable channels. For God's sake, try to pick up some shows another channel isn't airing or hasn't been aired in a while!

I agree with you on the sitcoms being run to death. On any given day, The Cosby show can be seen on UPN, FOX and Superstation TBS, all simutaneously!!! There is no reason to have a show on that often, for that amount of time. Mix it up networks!!! VARIETY Cable is expensive, so it does not make sense that 3 or 4 different networks, have the same show running at the same time, or well within 30 minutes of each other. OVERKILL:eek:

[Steve M.]

Originally posted by ClassicTV4Ever
MORE sex? Geez, if there were any more sex on television it'd be considered as porn!

And we still wouldn't show as much sex on TV as the French do! :lol:

On a serious note - yes, reality television has to go. It's the TV equivalent of SUV's ponderous, stupid, and completely unnecessary. Besides, what was 9/11? Reality television at its rawest! That was enough reality on televsion for the rest of this century and possibly for the twenty-second century as well!

[Superbatboy]

It's all about money. Think about how much money Fox made off American Idol last year??? That show probably cost have the $$$ to produce than a show like Friends does, and they draw the same ratings if not higher for AI. TV is no longer a creative forum like it was back in the day. Everything is money.

[Penny Lane]

I'll tell you EXACTLY what's wrong..............................
B-O-R-I-N-G!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:sleep2: :sleep:

[Steve M.]

I myself only watch five shows a week, not counting the Jim Lehrer news show on PBS. Currently, I'm only watching "Everybody Loves Raymond," "I'm With Her," "Frasier," "Ed," and "The West Wing." If Ray Romano and Kelsey Grammer pack it in come May 2004, I won't see it as less time for TV; I'll see it as more time for my CD's! (Penny - I like the Beatles too!) And more time for PBS, where they at least never forgot what qualtiy meant (except during pledge week!:) ).

[Mrs. Ducky]

I don't see anything wrong with sitcoms. I have my week all planned out:

Sunday: Malcolm in the Middle

Monday: Still Standing

Tuesday: 8 Simple Rules..., According to Jim

Wendesday: That 70's Show

Friday: Reba, Like Family, Grounded for Life


If you ask me, I think that all the reality shows are destroying sitcoms and in order to compete in ratings, they remake what was a hit. I HATE REALITY TV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[donald snl]

me too

[Bugiddle]

Many of the current shows are mind-numbingly boring, especially the sitcoms. Give me the classic sitcoms any day!

How can it be that I have 100+ channels, yet nothing is on???

[PZelda]

Originally posted by Montanya427
Theres so much reality,
Who cares how the Osbournes live, I mean you cannot understand 1/2 of what Ozzy says
And like I care if some gold digger gets picked by some poser claiming to be rich
Like I cannot find anything better to do then watch some talentless wannabe actor try to become famous for surviving on an island
and how many Joe something shows is there on TV?

Is the entertainment industry that lazy that they dont want to write scripts for a weekly show, or are they too cheap to pay real actors to perform and entertain the public? Why would I want to come home from work and watch some stranger try to find love or fame or riches or whatever they are looking for?

And whats up with all this home improvement makeover shows on cable? For the most part the makeovers are utterly outrageous and I would not be proud to show that kind of work on TV

IMO, the one and original fun home improvement show will always be Trading Spaces. Trading Spaces started in 2000, and the other lame-ass shows just started this year (with the expection of "While You Were Out" which I think started the same year or as a mid-season replacement in early 2001...I'm not sure). I want to :schmack: all the stupid home improvement shows off cable...UGH.

[db108108]

Reality shows were a quick fix for the networks. Got a failing timeslot? Stick a reality show in there! Fortunately for us, just like very new/hot genre (like talk shows in the early 90s, sitcoms in the mid 1990s), it tires out. Some reality shows survived, just like some talker and sitcoms did.

For me, what's wrong with tv right now is that people are pushing the envelop for the sake of pushing it. On "Ellen," Ellen DeGeneres pushed an envelope that needed to be pushed at the time, but then it became pushing it for the sake of pushing it. That's why her new talk show is so refreshing- it's her the commedian, not her the lesbian.

Then you get new shows like "Coupling" that try to push envelopes that everybody is already sick of hearing about.

The networks think that the HBO shows do weel because cable allows their content to be more adult. Thjat's not the problem. HBO is successful because it has GOOD shows that people want to see.

[David]

Originally posted by skywalker2754
I got excited to hear that TGIF was returning, because I used to look forward to all week with such shows as Step by Step, Dinosaurs, Boy Meets World, Family Matters, etc. The shows they are airing now on television though are trash. Even though shows like Family Matters went down hill towards the end, you have to admit that you'd rather see it still on the air than the stuff they air now. It just seems like there are no family sitcoms any more. ABC has a lot of Family sitcoms, but a lot of them dont live up to the ones they used to have (except 8 Simple Rules :) )

[barwars]

I think ABC is the most family-friendly network.

[db108108]

Unfortunately, "Family Friendly" often comes at the cost of creativity, Sure, My Wife & Kids, According To Jim are family friends, but they suck.

[Steve M.]

Okay, I'm going to put in my two cents' worth and express my fondness for ABC's "I'm With Her"at 8:30 PM ET, Tuesdays. Yes, the idea of a teacher dating a famous movie actress is unrealistic, but it's still a fun show to watch! :)

[Tuesday Weld]

I think there's just too many stupid shows,geared towards the airhead element.But then,everything has gone downhill,these days.

[treky]

Originally posted by db108108
Unfortunately, "Family Friendly" often comes at the cost of creativity, Sure, My Wife & Kids, According To Jim are family friends, but they suck. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Rebel Queen 1980]

I agree too many Reality shows,and the sitcoms today,
all they mention is sex,infidelity and scuffles on family problems,
What ever happened good family sitcoms that the children
could sit down and watch also?I have a young niece and nephew
and all I let them watch is Disney Channel and Cartoon Network.
Think about it Grown-ups,Did we grow up with V-Chip TV?

[Steve M.]

Two words -

PARIS HILTON!

She just makes me want to :barf: !!

[PZelda]

Originally posted by Steve M.
Two words -

PARIS HILTON!

She just makes me want to :barf: !!

Amen! props:

[robyrob]

not enough new and original ideas - they are to busy worrying about ad revenue, getting big name stars, following fads/trends, etc to actually worry about putting the effort into writing good shows (with a FEW exceptions)

[treky]

Originally posted by robyrob
not enough new and original ideas - they are to busy worrying about ad revenue, getting big name stars, following fads/trends, etc to actually worry about putting the effort into writing good shows (with a FEW exceptions) :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Dean Winchester]

I think the networks forget about long-term popularity and prefer to favor "currently hot" shows.

No prime-time reality show will ever make it in syndication. Whereas shows like Friends, Frasier, Raymond, Will & Grace, The Simpsons amongst others will still be in reruns 5, 10, 20+ years from now. Who really thinks people are going to tune into American Idol or Survivor reruns on TV Land? HA!!!! isn't gonna happen.

I'd rather make a show that draws 15-20 million viewers now, and will have a long life on DVD, syndication and cable, than a show that gets 30 million viewers now and will be seen as yesterday's news a year from now. To those who are trying to argue my claim, who can really name 3 of the Survivor's (I'd even say who can name TWO)?