http://groups.google.com/group/rec.arts.tv/browse_thread/thread/bfe57bc94b40630e#

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=1590144

A media critic says he's disappointed with ABC for lowering its
standards regarding family-friendly programming.

Movieguide's publisher, Dr. Ted Baehr, finds it sad to see how the
network has slumped to doing shows like "Don't Trust the B____ in
Apartment 23" and "Good Christian Belles" (GCB). These prime-time
programs on ABC have been criticized by pro-family groups as
anti-Christian and promiscuous.

"So, we have been writing ABC, writing Robert Iger, the head of ABC (and
president and CEO of Disney) … saying look -- you have a commitment in
Disney to be family-friendly," Baehr asserts. "How in anybody's
estimation is ['Don't trust] the B' next door or 'Good Christian Bs'
family-friendly? It's not family-friendly at all."

He does, however see good news regarding these controversial shows.

"A lot of sponsors have dropped out. Unfortunately, they're still
sponsors like AT&T that have hung in there," the Movieguide publisher
notes. "And AT&T needs the family audience, or it's going to go down.
So, there are still people hanging in there, and you need to write your
sponsors."

Meanwhile, with the resignation of Disney's Rich Ross, the first
alternative lifestyle president of a major studio, Baehr is hoping for a
"breath of fresh air" at ABC's parent company.

"It was a disastrous three years," he concludes.

Haha. These same groups have been giving ABC (among others, I'm sure) crap since Three's Company. Yawn.

Of course, that was before ABC was tied to Disney. That kind of creates a problem with the whole wholesome Disney image.

There are plenty of shows on TV that are safe for kids and families, from generally family-friendly shows like The Middle on network TV (not to mention safe reality programming like Idol, The Voice, ect) to the dozens of family/kid sitcoms Disney Channel and Nick pump out. But I don't see why EVERY show needs to be safe for kids. If adults want to enjoy a raunchy comedy like Apartment 23 after the kids are in bed, why shouldn't they be able to? Parenting isn't the job of network executives. It's the job of the parents. I find it pretty disgusting that people like this guy and the PTC feel is it their job to decide what TV we should all be watching.

i agree how about bring back tgif? that had boy meet worldperfect stranger family matters and full hhouse.i thinktheyshould focus onsome of the cartoon like family guy,amercian dad and the simpon.espaily on carton network some of their adult cartoon arae realy bad, shooot i thinkSpongeBob SquarePants got sosme dirty stuff in it i also think that parnest should makingg sure their kidsnot watching dirty shows. my momanddad watch tv show with us irember we used to watch the smiopsons when it firstgot starte then it gotten drity. shoot i turn 31this summer imnot allowto watchanythingdirty. if you wont to get tenchly i say get rideof sex and tthe city. how about my name is earl or moder n family that got gay people in it. only sitcom i usualwach is the bigbang theroy it kind of dirty too. i mostly watch the lcassc likei love lucy & thehooneymooner .

Parenting isn't the job of network executives. It's the job of the parents.

Yeah, but there was a time when airing stuff like you saw in Friends would have gotten you thrown in jail, if not the electric chair. It's called responsibility.

BRING BACK THE HAYS CODE!!!

Yeah, but there was a time when airing stuff like you saw in Friends would have gotten you thrown in jail, if not the electric chair. It's called responsibility.

BRING BACK THE HAYS CODE!!!
Well, if you're looking for an environment where ridiculous punishments are given out to people who simply are expressing their creativity, there's many oppressive dictatorships around the globe that might suit your needs.

Yeah, but there was a time when airing stuff like you saw in Friends would have gotten you thrown in jail, if not the electric chair. It's called responsibility.

BRING BACK THE HAYS CODE!!!
I know you've been a member of these boards for over eleven years, yet sometimes I wonder if you, "James" (if that is your real name) are merely an elaborate hoax perpetuated by some radical in an effort to highlight the ridiculousness and hypocrisy of television and film content watchdog groups. After all, no actual human could really be so committed to puritanical ideals that they would wish hard time or death upon persons who dare exhibit something on television that isn't sanitized for the whole family... could they?

James, if you're so committed to having nothing but squeaky-clean television, why is The Wonder Years okay? There's enough "adult material" in several episodes of that show to warrant TV-14 ratings in today's world. What makes The Wonder Years exempt from your ire? I've asked you this question on several occasions, yet I don't recall you ever answering it.

James, if you're so committed to having nothing but squeaky-clean television, why is The Wonder Years okay? There's enough "adult material" in several episodes of that show to warrant TV-14 ratings in today's world. What makes The Wonder Years exempt from your ire? I've asked you this question on several occasions, yet I don't recall you ever answering it.

Well, Brad, The Wonder Years on the whole was OK. I mean, compared to other stuff that came after its cancellation it's squeaky clean. I personally blame the proliferation of offensive material on the lack of availability of shows like The Wonder Years for us "99%ers." (And NO, I do NOT support the "occupy" movements at all!)

As to the episodes you think were "TV-14" rated, ISTR a few from the last two seasons after writers Neal Marlens and Carol Black left that fit the criterion. I refuse to watch those episodes, and I overlooked them, hence me making The Wonder Years the gold standard for decency. Their replacement (replacements?) was unable to hold a candle to them. I think his name was Greg Beeman (sp?).

Also, NO, I'm not some "hoax perpetuated by some radical."

It's sad that I find the shows on the Disney Channel more enjoyable than any of the ABC shows on these days. Its nice to watch shows where the worst that could happen is that you'd get references to "gross" stuff that kids would think are funny but that aren't offensive.

I guess it all depends on what each of us considers decent. I raised my children with high morals and they are in their 30's now and have their own children.

They don't think MOST of the so called family friendly shows are actually family friendly and I agree. We have even seen newer cartoons that we don't feel children should watch. But that is our opinion for our family.

Many years ago when my children were small I had a friend who allowed her children to watch Bevis and Butthead, Southpark and a few other shows I would not allow my own to watch. She had her idea of what was appropriate for her children and I had mine.

I for one am not asking the networks to make all programming child safe BUT I do believe that during prime time they should have some shows that are 100% child safe.

It's sad to me when my granddaughter even notices things said and done on shows and knows it's not right.

Well, Brad, The Wonder Years on the whole was OK. I mean, compared to other stuff that came after its cancellation it's squeaky clean. I personally blame the proliferation of offensive material on the lack of availability of shows like The Wonder Years for us "99%ers." (And NO, I do NOT support the "occupy" movements at all!)

As to the episodes you think were "TV-14" rated, ISTR a few from the last two seasons after writers Neal Marlens and Carol Black left that fit the criterion. I refuse to watch those episodes, and I overlooked them, hence me making The Wonder Years the gold standard for decency. Their replacement (replacements?) was unable to hold a candle to them. I think his name was Greg Beeman (sp?).

Also, NO, I'm not some "hoax perpetuated by some radical."
“Damn it, Kevin! How many times I tell you not to leave your bike in the driveway?”

“I asked you a question, damn it; what did you say?”

“NORCOM? What the hell is that?”

“He manages business? What the hell's that supposed to mean?”

“Damn it, Norma. Don’t tell me to relax.”

“…about the incompetent jackasses in shipping and receiving?”

“We better go. Traffic’s gonna be hell.”

“Aw, well, hell, Pete… they can just get someone else, then.”

“What the hell do you want?”

“You thought maybe it would get there by today? What the hell—?”

“You what? You went with a new carrier? Jesus, Wisansky, you didn’t clear that with me! If this screws up the damn account, we’re all gonna be—“

“What the hell is this, Arnold?”

“Well, it sure as hell better be!”

You know what those are? Of course you do: they're all quotes from just one episode of The Wonder Years: the series' third, "My Father's Office" — years before Marlens and Black left the show.

"Gold standard," indeed. Even that utterance of "Jesus" would have a very hard time flying on television today, some 24 years later. I think you're picking and choosing what you find offensive. It seems that since you like The Wonder Years so much (and why wouldn't you; it was a great show), you're remembering its content with tunnel vision. I, however, recall it having about as much adult content as most other shows on television in its time (I gave you examples of "strong language" from just one very early episode. There are tons of other instances I could find for you if you'd like).

I guess it all depends on what each of us considers decent. I raised my children with high morals and they are in their 30's now and have their own children.

They don't think MOST of the so called family friendly shows are actually family friendly and I agree. We have even seen newer cartoons that we don't feel children should watch. But that is our opinion for our family.

Many years ago when my children were small I had a friend who allowed her children to watch Bevis and Butthead, Southpark and a few other shows I would not allow my own to watch. She had her idea of what was appropriate for her children and I had mine.

I for one am not asking the networks to make all programming child safe BUT I do believe that during prime time they should have some shows that are 100% child safe.

It's sad to me when my granddaughter even notices things said and done on shows and knows it's not right.
I think we've entered a time where prime time TV just isn't really for kids anymore. When I was a kid I couldn't care less about what was happening on primetime TV because I stuck to Nick and Cartoon Network. I could understand the need for family-friendly programming when the broadcast networks were the only game in town but now that we have channels specifically designed for children, I don't see the need. Young kids likely aren't going to be interested in most primetime TV shows, they deal with content that they don't understand and isn't meant for them, so why should networks worry about whether or not the content is "safe" for them? I agree there's no harm in having some family-friendly shows but I really don't see what the problem is with a show like The Middle, what do you find objectable in that show?

“Damn it, Kevin! How many times I tell you not to leave your bike in the driveway?”

“I asked you a question, damn it; what did you say?”

“NORCOM? What the hell is that?”

“He manages business? What the hell's that supposed to mean?”

“Damn it, Norma. Don’t tell me to relax.”

“…about the incompetent jackasses in shipping and receiving?”

“We better go. Traffic’s gonna be hell.”

“Aw, well, hell, Pete… they can just get someone else, then.”

“What the hell do you want?”

“You thought maybe it would get there by today? What the hell—?”

“You what? You went with a new carrier? Jesus, Wisansky, you didn’t clear that with me! If this screws up the damn account, we’re all gonna be—“

“What the hell is this, Arnold?”

“Well, it sure as hell better be!”

You know what those are? Of course you do: they're all quotes from just one episode of The Wonder Years: the series' third, "My Father's Office" — years before Marlens and Black left the show.

"Gold standard," indeed. Even that utterance of "Jesus" would have a very hard time flying on television today, some 24 years later. I think you're picking and choosing what you find offensive. It seems that since you like The Wonder Years so much (and why wouldn't you; it was a great show), you're remembering its content with tunnel vision. I, however, recall it having about as much adult content as most other shows on television in its time (I gave you examples of "strong language" from just one very early episode. There are tons of other instances I could find for you if you'd like).

Very well said... there's a lot of hypocrisy when it comes to complaining about family values (and seriously, how long has that argument been going on about TV!!)

People seem to be willing to overlook so-called "offensive" material in shows that they enjoy but they take other shows to task for it. People need to get over this kind of stuff. If you don't approve then don't watch it and don't have your kids watch it. Simple as that.

I think we've entered a time where prime time TV just isn't really for kids anymore. When I was a kid I couldn't care less about what was happening on primetime TV because I stuck to Nick and Cartoon Network. I could understand the need for family-friendly programming when the broadcast networks were the only game in town but now that we have channels specifically designed for children, I don't see the need. Young kids likely aren't going to be interested in most primetime TV shows, they deal with content that they don't understand and isn't meant for them, so why should networks worry about whether or not the content is "safe" for them? I agree there's no harm in having some family-friendly shows but I really don't see what the problem is with a show like The Middle, what do you find objectable in that show?i agree i never have been a patty heation fan but even i like yhe eps that i have seen of the middle i see no harm in kids watching it

The family hour wouldn't work today. The family hour worked when families only had 1 TV and 3 or 4 channels.

I feel like the networks are schizophrenic. It's sort of a mismatch of family programming and adult-ish programming. ABC is showing "Don't Trust the B____ in Apartment 23," but at the same time they are the new home of the Hallmark Hall of Fame Movies ("Firelight" most recently). You can't really point to a show anymore and say that it belongs on a certain network because it can end up almost anywhere for no rhyme or reason.

“Damn it, Kevin! How many times I tell you not to leave your bike in the driveway?”

“I asked you a question, damn it; what did you say?”

“NORCOM? What the hell is that?”

“He manages business? What the hell's that supposed to mean?”

“Damn it, Norma. Don’t tell me to relax.”

“…about the incompetent jackasses in shipping and receiving?”

“We better go. Traffic’s gonna be hell.”

“Aw, well, hell, Pete… they can just get someone else, then.”

“What the hell do you want?”

“You thought maybe it would get there by today? What the hell—?”

“You what? You went with a new carrier? Jesus, Wisansky, you didn’t clear that with me! If this screws up the damn account, we’re all gonna be—“

“What the hell is this, Arnold?”

“Well, it sure as hell better be!”

You know what those are? Of course you do: they're all quotes from just one episode of The Wonder Years: the series' third, "My Father's Office" — years before Marlens and Black left the show.

"Gold standard," indeed. Even that utterance of "Jesus" would have a very hard time flying on television today, some 24 years later. I think you're picking and choosing what you find offensive. It seems that since you like The Wonder Years so much (and why wouldn't you; it was a great show), you're remembering its content with tunnel vision. I, however, recall it having about as much adult content as most other shows on television in its time (I gave you examples of "strong language" from just one very early episode. There are tons of other instances I could find for you if you'd like).

Unfortunately, Brad, television is way worse than that today. I mean, on TWY there was no violence or sexual material (except possibly in the episode "White Lies" from the last season in which Kevin gave the impression to the boys in the locker room that Winnie spent the night at his house--a really bad episode). I mean, watch Family Guy or Are You There, Chelsea? for comparison. (No, I didn't watch them! Everything I wanted to know about those shows I learned from the Parents Television Council!)

There should be a good balance between adult shows and family shows. LMS, The Middle and Once Upon a Time are pretty family oriented. I don't know about kids not being interested in prime time tv. When I was 6 and 7 I was watching AITF and Maude. I was only 11 and 12 when Soap and TC came on the air. I might not have gotten every joke but I did enjoy them. TV though is way worse today. My problem isn't with the fact that tv has changed so much. It appears though that a lot of shows just go for shock value instead of developing characters that people care for. If I don't like the characters then I stop watching.

The Cosby Show was really the last Family-Friendly Sitcom that both Parents and Kids of all ages could watch and Enjoy together. It was a very clean Show and did not try too be gross, offend anyone, Name calling, no Sex, violence or anything like Family Sitcoms on now do. It's was a very clean Family Show and it was not peachy-Sugar coated like Family Matters, Full house, Growing Pains etc. Roseanne is a show with family in it, but I always thought of Roseanne as a more Adults show sometime but kids still could watch it(Mostly the Earlier Seasons but later on is a different story) It's was a least in it's earlier Years a Good Family show for both parents and Kids with some Good Flamy Values.

This is so silly, Don't Trust the B airs at 930pm and is CLEARLY meant for adults to watch. I see no reason why all shows should be for kids. We have plenty of options for kids.

Also, I find it pretty odd that most of these groups aren't taking issue with the content of these shows so much as the title of the series, neither of these shows would really be considered offensive if those complaining actually WATCHED the programs and looked at the actual content. Instead they are reacting to the title of these series.

How would anyone in this forum like it if I or any other Sitcoms Online member worked for the Parents Television Council?

I actually wouldn't care, Family Guy is the sickest Show on right now.

It appears though that a lot of shows just go for shock value instead of developing characters that people care for. If I don't like the characters then I stop watching.

I totally agree. If you're going to have characters that are horribly written and have no rooting value, even if they are the bad guys/girls, it's not going to be an entertaining show. And if shows are going to have adult content, I feel it should be necessary to the plot, not thrown in to look "edgy" or cool. Many TV viewers aren't stupid and they know when something is done just because it can be. But it shouldn't be up to special interest groups or pearl-clutching conservatives to determine the viewing habits of the adult public. If you don't like the content of a show, just don't watch it.

The decency of television has declined alot in the last 10 - 15 years. I think its all about ratings now a days. Yes, there were shows from the past that had some bad content to them, but most of them were mild compared to whats on now. Threes Company for example- people back in the day were complaining about the show because of a guy living with 2 females. But the show also taught about good friendships, how to help one another in a dire situation and they cared for each other like a family. I used to watch Married With Children also.......I know that had some pretty racy content also but I think its mild compared to whats on now. Alot of sitcoms on now I cant get into because the characters seemed to be mean spirited and spaced out.

If you ask me,these so-called "family" shows are just as bad as the shows with adult content;esspecially DISNEY&NICKELODEON.Those network have on bratty kids,clueless adults;and everyone look alike.it seems like a network calling itself a family channel should remember that it's a family channel,and have nothing over PG-14(And that should be at the 10 o'clock hour).saying that,it it still the adult responsibility to what their kid watch;not the network,and for sure NOT THE GOVERMENT!!!

I don't think "decency" has declined, I think that people just have different values these days and feel a bit more open minded about what can be shown on TV.

A different generation is creating TV now and they had different experiences and a different viewpoint of the world, so they express things in a manner that they wouldn't have been able to do 15 years ago.

A few things about this topic. I sometimes think that maybe there should be family friendly shows in the primetime hour. But with that, you have a problem. If you have a show like Leave it to Beaver or Father Knows Best, would that hold up today?

You also have to think of the dialogue. It was mentioned about Disney Channel shows. But I dont watch them, yet I have to wonder who really talks like that? Look at squeaky clean shows like Saved by the Bell. Do you think high schoolers really talk like that? I mean I just think when your target audience is little kids, do you honestly think high school kids would talk in a way that would be ok with little kids around?

It all depends on what you mean by "family friendly"... There are PLENTY of shows on TV (primetime or not) that are suitable for the majority of families out there. I think the issue is that a few puritanical people believe all shows should be sugarcoated, devoid of any realism and sanitized and take offense to even the most minor elements of "edginess".

It all depends on what you mean by "family friendly"... There are PLENTY of shows on TV (primetime or not) that are suitable for the majority of families out there. I think the issue is that a few puritanical people believe all shows should be sugarcoated, devoid of any realism and sanitized and take offense to even the most minor elements of "edginess".

I used to be like that; not so much anymore. Although I dislike the "realism" part, I acknowledge that others like it, and so I seldom judge anymore.

I totally agree. If you're going to have characters that are horribly written and have no rooting value, even if they are the bad guys/girls, it's not going to be an entertaining show. And if shows are going to have adult content, I feel it should be necessary to the plot, not thrown in to look "edgy" or cool. Many TV viewers aren't stupid and they know when something is done just because it can be. But it shouldn't be up to special interest groups or pearl-clutching conservatives to determine the viewing habits of the adult public. If you don't like the content of a show, just don't watch it.
This is exactly how I feel. It annoys me when shows like Two and a Half Men and Family Guy put more stock into being "shocking" than developing good, relatable characters but if "edgy" content is well-written and well-executed then I have no problem with it, and I think it's a ridiculous that groups like the PTC want everyone to follow their standards.

If I were a parent of a young child I would be more concerned about whats on the RADIO than with television. With TV parents do have control between the content ratings, V-Chip, family friendly channels and so forth. Radio on the other hand...outside the home & car much less control. Just recently I was at a Dollar Tree in Colorado. They had the radio on tuned to a local Denver rock station. Over the store sound system I heard the morning djs talking about sex sex sex and more sex. OK those with kids in the sotre can always leave and go to another store..then again chances are the next store's radio is airing the same thing.

Funny how stores like Target and Walmart on their TV's its usually family friendly stuff being shown YET in the stereo boombox section its not unusual for it to be tuned to a radio station that isn't exactly family friendly.

Apartment 23 is a well crafted show with good actors and gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous women as leads. The bitch on the show is a schemer, and that is part of the joke.

GCB was cancelled because it was a crappy show. I watched the pilot and it sucked. Did have Annie Potts in it, but the show was garbage. Cancelled. Go away.

What are Family Values anyway? Every family has different values and different ways to go about things. If you are a prude who doesn't like people saying four letter words. turn off the TV and hide in a cave.

Apartment 23 is a well crafted show with good actors and gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous women as leads. The bitch on the show is a schemer, and that is part of the joke.

GCB was cancelled because it was a crappy show. I watched the pilot and it sucked. Did have Annie Potts in it, but the show was garbage. Cancelled. Go away.

What are Family Values anyway? Every family has different values and different ways to go about things. If you are a prude who doesn't like people saying four letter words. turn off the TV and hide in a cave.
Yeah, Apartment 23's a great example of a show that uses edgy humor to its advantage. The show's raunchy, but it never feels cheap because the raunchiness is very well-crafted and isn't thrown in your face. GCB on the other hand - I haven't seen it but from what I've heard of it seems like a good example of a show going for shock over quality.

I have much more issues with shows like Hannah Montana or Wizards of Waverly Place on the DISNEY channel that say they are for families but often feature characters who are poor role models, are rude and insensitive and use fowl language like the R-word, especially over shows geared for adults that air at 930pm.

I am a 60 year old man who prefers classic TV shows like Lucy, Hazel and The Golden Girls. I have sampled Don't Trust The B---- In Apartment 23 and GCB. I rather liked GCB and couldn't stand the former, but people have the right to see these shows and form their own opinions of them. There are devices on most TVs and DVD players to limit content inappropriate to children, who I believe should not be allowed to see certain programs. I gave "Don't Trust" a scathing review on IMBD, but I believe that we should have freedom of choice. I like early John Waters films, but many people find these to be disgusting. To each his own.

I am a 60 year old man who prefers classic TV shows like Lucy, Hazel and The Golden Girls. I have sampled Don't Trust The B---- In Apartment 23 and GCB. I rather liked GCB and couldn't stand the former, but people have the right to see these shows and form their own opinions of them. There are devices on most TVs and DVD players to limit content inappropriate to children, who I believe should not be allowed to see certain programs. I gave "Don't Trust" a scathing review on IMBD, but I believe that we should have freedom of choice. I like early John Waters films, but many people find these to be disgusting. To each his own.

Finally! A level-headed answer to a thread like this! It drives me nuts when people are all "nobody should be allowed to watch this or see that because we have to protect our children." I mean honestly, when did it become society's job to parent everybody's children?

Finally! A level-headed answer to a thread like this! It drives me nuts when people are all "nobody should be allowed to watch this or see that because we have to protect our children." I mean honestly, when did it become society's job to parent everybody's children?
@Leslie Eckhardt and @factsoflife

I agree with both of you. We should be allowed to watch what we want too and not be told that we can not watch them or that we should not let our kid watch them. only parents can choose/Decide what their kids watch and parents themselves can watch. Nobody should be allowed to tell other parent what their Kids can and can not watch. That why I don't like the PTC! It's like they are trying to tell us what we can't watch and telling us how to parent our children's and what they and we can not watch! We know what is right for our children's not them! and we can make our own decision with out some group coming and telling us that we can not let our children's watch that. sorry but Stay out of my business, I know what is right for my own kids not You(PTC).. They have a thing called a remote if parents don't like how just turn he channel.

If you are a prude who doesn't like people saying four letter words. turn off the TV and hide in a cave.

----

I hope I am not that bad. By the way where would I find a cave?

One poster mentioned that in the past, families had 1 tv set and and members would watch the show together. Now with each member having a set, interest in a show would be different. You have to change somewhat to grow. I sometimes see older shows and wonder How did I watch this as a child. Years ago I was watching the Dynasty spin out The Colbys and up pops Charlton Hestons tv wife out a bathtub with very little on. The wife was barely covered but it was a sexy scene. Never see that in the 60's .

Straightlaced people have been complaining about the lack of morality in TV programming since the 90's.

If I remember correctly, the only TV program that conservative groups lauded in the past was 7th Heaven.

If I remember correctly, the only TV program that conservative groups lauded in the past was 7th Heaven.

7th Heaven, but also Touched by An Angel, Promised Land, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman and I'm sure there were others.

But yes, they kept saying "all shows have to be like 7th Heaven", "7th Heaven is what TV must look like." It's insane.

Also, I was an avid viewer of the WWF back in the late 90's and early 2000's. It was very raunchy and Jerry Springer-like back then.

Then the Parents Television Council (headed by Brent Bozell) started a campaign against the WWF for its indecency.

The PTC was ultimately semi-successful in censoring WWF programming. Over the past few years, the WWF/E has become more "family-friendly" in its content.

The destruction of a fun product.:rolleyes:

Most of the male characters on sitcoms these days, act to darn feminine. No masculinity and too many reality shows!:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: These sitcoms today aren't funny! Then the one funny show they had, THM they fired the lead character! With the exception of Y&R, I stick with the classics!:mad:

I like a variety of programs. If I like a show, im not going to stop watching it because they say 1 offensive thing. If they say something I dont like, I ignore it or change the channel. Lets take The Facts Of Life for example, they had some storylines that were considered risque at the time. But they taught some good lessons. Threes Company was considered risque at the time, but if you compare that to whats on TV now a days, that is REALLY mild. Threes Company also taught about good friendships, having clean fun and caring for one another. I was a fan of Melrose Place when it was on the air, the storylines on that show were way out there. But I realized its television and television (most of the time), doesnt represent real life. Melrose Place DID have some tender moments too.

You know, for some reason I cant explain, maybe the effects or the writing, but alot of the TV shows from yesteryear, seemed more realistic to me than most of the shows on the air now.

Yeah, but there was a time when airing stuff like you saw in Friends would have gotten you thrown in jail, if not the electric chair. It's called responsibility.




Good point!!!

I grew up in the 90s, but I really don't see much of difference between then and now. Granted, I don't watch childrens programming, or any (newer) series that could remotely be considered as 'family-oriented' but I do sample a lot of shows.

If you go back and look at some of those nicktoons that aired, many were incredibly vulgar. Ren and Stimpy and Rockos Modern Life had all kinds of sexual innuendo and animated violence, and both were aimed at kids (but found a large audience of young adults). Married With Children was a wildly popular sitcom that ran in prime time - but I hardly would consider that g-rated. Roseanne was another hugely popular one but it dealt with real issues that face many in blue collar families - did people really sit down as a family to watch it? Issues that dealt with economic hardship, birth control, abortion, etc may have been a little to unsettling for a parent to watch with their preteens.

My question is: Do families even sit down and watch television together anymore (outside of American Idol and live sporting events?) Have they ever since the invention of cable? Us 90s kids had Nickelodeon, preteen/adolescent girls have the Disney channel, housewives have oxygen, sports fanatics have ESPN, news junkies have cable news, etc. There is a channel that caters to just about every demographic out there.

I am positive that there are shows out there that are rather wholesome and could theoretically be watched together as a family, but who does that in the modern world? Isn't Good Luck Charlie a family oriented show in the vein of those schmaltzy and sappy sitcoms that ran on the old tgif lineup?

By the way: Kids are exposed to way worse things on the internet, and moreover, they hear (and possibly witness) far more crude things in the public school system than anything that runs on broadcast television. That is not even mentioning the pop music they consume, which is all about sex (and always has been). I am not defending the vulgarity that is rampant on broadcast television, just being realistic.

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I was reading the latest tv guide today, and there was a comment written in by a viewer in regard to an article about Two and half men. The article mentioned how low the show had gone with an segment on the show about Aston Kutcher singing about a douche. A second commenter mentioned she thought the show was funny and laughed so hard she almost peed her pants. I thought to my self "How low are we going with foolishness." Just her comment make me think, hope she has dry clothes.
What happened to nice interesting plot. Sure you have slang but make it funny, not something you whince at. I guess once the 50+ age people die out, the language and sex and violence will be normal. But for me I cringe.
I do find certain shows from the past a little tame, but back in the early years, we just didn't know it. Now the shows of the present are quite a bit raunchy and I do know it. Do they have certain stations marked Raunchy, and Tame.?

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I was reading the latest tv guide today, and there was a comment written in by a viewer in regard to an article about Two and half men. The article mentioned how low the show had gone with an segment on the show about Aston Kutcher singing about a douche. A second commenter mentioned she thought the show was funny and laughed so hard she almost peed her pants. I thought to my self "How low are we going with foolishness." Just her comment make me think, hope she has dry clothes.
What happened to nice interesting plot. Sure you have slang but make it funny, not something you whince at. I guess once the 50+ age people die out, the language and sex and violence will be normal. But for me I cringe.
I do find certain shows from the past a little tame, but back in the early years, we just didn't know it. Now the shows of the present are quite a bit raunchy and I do know it. Do they have certain stations marked Raunchy, and Tame.?
So you are saying that 50+ are to blame for the language, sex and violence on TV today?

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I was reading the latest tv guide today, and there was a comment written in by a viewer in regard to an article about Two and half men. The article mentioned how low the show had gone with an segment on the show about Aston Kutcher singing about a douche. A second commenter mentioned she thought the show was funny and laughed so hard she almost peed her pants. I thought to my self "How low are we going with foolishness." Just her comment make me think, hope she has dry clothes.
What happened to nice interesting plot. Sure you have slang but make it funny, not something you whince at. I guess once the 50+ age people die out, the language and sex and violence will be normal. But for me I cringe.
I do find certain shows from the past a little tame, but back in the early years, we just didn't know it. Now the shows of the present are quite a bit raunchy and I do know it. Do they have certain stations marked Raunchy, and Tame.?

Must be this one! http://w2.parentstv.org/Main/News/Detail.aspx?docID=2709

Have television executives forgotten about family-values and decency?

This is just my opinion and my families opinion but we think they certainly have. Okay, so it's not just my opinion, I talk to plenty of people both online and in person that agree and have been saying this for years. But I have come to realize they don't care, the world has changed and many of the changes are not for the good, some are but most are not.

So let me get this right? Addressing the fact that there is sex, cursing and violence in society is immoral and anti-family? So what? we're supposed just pretend none of these exist? That's silly to me. If you don't like something do not watch it. Leave the rest of us alone.

“Damn it, Kevin! How many times I tell you not to leave your bike in the driveway?”

“I asked you a question, damn it; what did you say?”

“NORCOM? What the hell is that?”

“He manages business? What the hell's that supposed to mean?”

“Damn it, Norma. Don’t tell me to relax.”

“…about the incompetent jackasses in shipping and receiving?”

“We better go. Traffic’s gonna be hell.”

“Aw, well, hell, Pete… they can just get someone else, then.”

“What the hell do you want?”

“You thought maybe it would get there by today? What the hell—?”

“You what? You went with a new carrier? Jesus, Wisansky, you didn’t clear that with me! If this screws up the damn account, we’re all gonna be—“

“What the hell is this, Arnold?”

“Well, it sure as hell better be!”

You know what those are? Of course you do: they're all quotes from just one episode of The Wonder Years: the series' third, "My Father's Office" — years before Marlens and Black left the show.

"Gold standard," indeed. Even that utterance of "Jesus" would have a very hard time flying on television today, some 24 years later. I think you're picking and choosing what you find offensive. It seems that since you like The Wonder Years so much (and why wouldn't you; it was a great show), you're remembering its content with tunnel vision. I, however, recall it having about as much adult content as most other shows on television in its time (I gave you examples of "strong language" from just one very early episode. There are tons of other instances I could find for you if you'd like).


Hell and damn constitute adult content? Whoever thinks that should just stay in their sandbox with their cookies and milk.

Hell and damn constitute adult content? Whoever thinks that should just stay in their sandbox with their cookies and milk.
I agree. Dam and Hell is not as bad as the F word or the S word. Dam and hell was heard on The Cosby Show, Full House and Family Matter a least once.

Billboard I saw once:

Contrarily to popular belief, my last name isn't "Dammit!" - God

I think the networks are trying to keep up with cable in that they keep pushing how far they can go content wise. I watch tv to escape from the days problems and want to laugh which is why I prefer comedies over drama and reality shows. You can keep the raunchy shows how is talking about someone's sexuality, self gratification, and body parts funny? I like shows mainly from the 50's - the 70's. Edgy to me would be All In The Family, Maude, etc. the shows back then had true humor comedians were funny without being raunchy like George Burns, Bob Hope, Jack Benny, etc. These days nothing is left to the imagination. To each his own.

Billboard I saw once:

Contrarily to popular belief, my last name isn't "Dammit!" - God
I really don't think that is an actual quote. :lol:

God is too busy sitting up there in the sky while he's busy on his laptop setting up his love matches for christiansingles.com :lol:

Billboard I saw once:

Contrarily to popular belief, my last name isn't "Dammit!" - God

I have seen that one! I can tolerate a lot of ugly words but not God__________.

My father always told me that intelligent people didn't need to use crude language to express themselves...even in an anger.

Cursing has become so casual. People don't even flinch to see nudity and simulated copulation in movies and on TV, they defend it and want to see that. More and more parents accept what is offered on TV in primetime as appropriate for children to watch. I can't stop what happens, I wouldn't even try to but it does make me sad because I see the decline in family, values and morals. It shows in everything in our lives, crime, violence in schools, it has escalated so much. :( :( :(

Roger, I think God is too busy weeping for us.:(

Hell and damn constitute adult content? Whoever thinks that should just stay in their sandbox with their cookies and milk.

I agree 100%.

I have seen that one! I can tolerate a lot of ugly words but not God__________.

My father always told me that intelligent people didn't need to use crude language to express themselves...even in an anger.

Cursing has become so casual. People don't even flinch to see nudity and simulated copulation in movies and on TV, they defend it and want to see that. More and more parents accept what is offered on TV in primetime as appropriate for children to watch. I can't stop what happens, I wouldn't even try to but it does make me sad because I see the decline in family, values and morals. It shows in everything in our lives, crime, violence in schools, it has escalated so much. :( :( :(

Roger, I think God is too busy weeping for us.:(


I wouldn't worry too much about what imaginery beings think. What do the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus have to say? :rolleyes:

Imaginary beings???????????????

Common Tater.
The post 57 was right on. My mom and your dad were alike.


As for age 50+ people, I think just aren't used to this era of crudeness.
The younger people age think nothing of the language, sex and violence. Does any one say, please don't say that?. I sometime do but am look to be a square.
I think they get a good kick out of it. I just read there will be 9 billion people on earth in 2045. By then I will be gone.

Imaginary beings???????????????

What do you think "gods" are, real? They're what ignorant ancient people created to explain what they didn't understand because there was no science centuries ago.

What do you think "gods" are, real? They're what ignorant ancient people created to explain what they didn't understand because there was no science centuries ago.


You have a right to your beliefs and to express them BUT you have no right to attack my faith. You are in my prayers.

Roger, I think God is too busy weeping for us.:(
He's weeping for us because of all the lonely single people. That's why he's busy in outer space on his computer setting up love matches on the Christian mingles website. :lol:

God is also busy communicating with his best friend Kirk Cameron. :lol:

What do you think "gods" are, real? They're what ignorant ancient people created to explain what they didn't understand because there was no science centuries ago.
Agree 100% ..... they're all fairy tales for people who can't deal with death.


You have a right to your beliefs and to express them BUT you have no right to attack my faith. You are in my prayers.
bencasey wasn't "attacking" anyone. Just because someone doesn't agree with your beliefs doesn't mean it's an attack. Lighten up.

Ignorant ancient people sounds like an attack to me. CommonTater, don't let bencasey get to you. He insults everybody that doesn't agree with him. He's been doing this for years.

Ignorant ancient people sounds like an attack to me. CommonTater, don't let bencasey get to you. He insults everybody that doesn't agree with him. He's been doing this for years.

I wasn't attacking him, just making a comment about childish beliefs.

Yes I know I have seen his/her insults to others for a long time, it's sad that they continue to allow it.
Another person joined in to further insult me and agree with the 1st attacker.

I admit I'm religious, I will never hide that fact. I go out of my way to be kind to others because we never know what someone else is dealing with and because I'm a Christian. I don't insult those who aren't Religious, those of various faiths and I don't call others names. I expect others to respect my beliefs too.

I just expressed my opinion which apparently I'm not entitled to do unless I don't have a different opinion or I want to be called names.
I am ill and don't need the insults or stress from a message board which I joined to help fill my time in this bed and join in conversations with some people I thought enjoyed TV like me, old shows, some new shows and just chat about it. I am not too proud to also admit it gets lonely. Sometimes you cheered me up with some of the different conversations.

My granddaughter was here last night, sometimes she comes on here to read, she doesn't post. She was upset that anyone would say such hateful things to her Grandmother, she had a hard time understanding it but I was so proud that she said, we have to pray for people like that Maw Maw. Yes, I'm proud because she's in College making exceptional grades and she respects other people.

I wish you all the best. I will miss you.

Yes I know I have seen his/her insults to others for a long time, it's sad that they continue to allow it.
Another person joined in to further insult me and agree with the 1st attacker.

I admit I'm religious, I will never hide that fact. I go out of my way to be kind to others because we never know what someone else is dealing with and because I'm a Christian. I don't insult those who aren't Religious, those of various faiths and I don't call others names. I expect others to respect my beliefs too.

I just expressed my opinion which apparently I'm not entitled to do unless I don't have a different opinion or I want to be called names.
I am ill and don't need the insults or stress from a message board which I joined to help fill my time in this bed and join in conversations with some people I thought enjoyed TV like me, old shows, some new shows and just chat about it. I am not too proud to also admit it gets lonely. Sometimes you cheered me up with some of the different conversations.

My granddaughter was here last night, sometimes she comes on here to read, she doesn't post. She was upset that anyone would say such hateful things to her Grandmother, she had a hard time understanding it but I was so proud that she said, we have to pray for people like that Maw Maw. Yes, I'm proud because she's in College making exceptional grades and she respects other people.

I wish you all the best. I will miss you.
I don't insult anyone that isn't religious either. If they make a comment, I won't say anything. The problem for me is when they mock someone's religious beliefs. That's what makes me mad. They are entitled to their opinion but when they laugh at somebody for what they believe, that's crossing the line. I'm sorry that you're ill. It sounds like you're leaving. I'm sorry for that too because this site needs more members like you.

Well I think that a lot of television is more trashier then it was back in the day. Reality shows would have never been allowed on TV back in the 1960s and even possibly the 1980s. And cussing was never even allowed on TV back in the 1970s either. You don't see many sitcoms nowadays that have a decent plotline either. So I personally think that television has long forgotten its values.

Uh you don't have to be religious or 50+ to think it is repulsive to expose kids to sex, extreme violence, and vulgar language. I am sure there are many 30 something parents out there that won't let their 11 year old tween watch an episode of Girls or Dexter...even atheist ones. Moreover, there are TV and MPAA ratings for a reason.

I know a few people who grew up in strict religious households; they were forbidden to watch anything that wasn't approved by their parents (they didn't even have cable), and could only listen to christian music. Naturally, they went to a private christian school.

The one kid grew up to be a heroin addict. The other is covered in tattoos and piercings, and the girl is happily married with a bunch of kids living the average suburban life. The moral and pious upbringing didn't 'save' the first two.

There were plenty of bad people and horrible things in the world back when TV was 'wholesome' and entirely family oriented....just saying.

Sad to say the culture is the same. In the last 10 years, shootings, more only in the bedroom/or in the doctors office talk. I remember seeing Bob Dole talk about Erectile Disfunction and thought Oh my lord. Here is politician talking about this?. On the streets you heard people cursing. Hey even on this board people are acting different. I did get kick some one saying WTF could mean. "Why the Face". I immediately thought of the dirty word for F.

Now my question "how do you cope with swearing? Do you ignore it, roll your eyes, say Knock it off, or swear too for this is the new lingo? .With tv you can just not watch certain shows, but out on the street.