I’ve been a snob about TV for a long time—meaning that I largely dismissed it as brain rotting and not worth my time. But thanks to a boyfriend who, well, watches a lot of TV, I’ve come to discover that in the 5+ years I’ve been out of the loop, a lot has changed. TV no longer sucks.
Though I was initially turned off by what seemed like glorified, hyper-stylish sexism, I have come to love the nuanced brilliance that is Mad Men. I identify with Peggy Olsen. I host friends over every Sunday night to watch, and I’m discovering in addition to this social aspect the best part about watching shows as they air, rather than on DVD, is that you are rationed and can’t watch 4 episodes in a row.
It’s not a great show, it’s definitely not a smart show, and yet somehow I’ve been watching Hung religiously. I think I like it partly because I have a crush on Thomas Jane, partly because I really liked The Mist, and partly because Jane Adams gets to be a tiny bit more powerful than her normal role in movies as the socially awkward woman always getting creeped on. The gender role reversal in this show is interesting too.
I continue to agree that The Daily Show is one of the best sources for news, and Jon Stewart is one of the most trusted men in television. Of course, you have to know something about the real news to get his jokes, but I still get a lot from the guests. Our TV is set to record his show, and because it’s only 20 minutes or so its easy to catch up on.
I have no idea how I ended up liking Project Runway. I am really turned off by high fashion and model culture, and I hate Reality TV. But there is something valid and worthwhile about watching people be creative under enormous pressure and tight timelines. Plus because fashion is purely aesthetic—unlike something like cooking, which is another popular “be creative under pressure” reality TV scenario—viewers can fully participate as judges. However, I find Heidi Klum annoying and wish there was a different host.
I’ve been a snob about TV for a long time—meaning that I largely dismissed it as brain rotting and not worth my time. But thanks to a boyfriend who, well, watches a lot of TV, I’ve come to discover that in the 5+ years I’ve been out of the loop, a lot has changed. TV no longer sucks.
Though I was initially turned off by what seemed like glorified, hyper-stylish sexism, I have come to love the nuanced brilliance that is Mad Men. I identify with Peggy Olsen. I host friends over every Sunday night to watch, and I’m discovering in addition to this social aspect the best part about watching shows as they air, rather than on DVD, is that you are rationed and can’t watch 4 episodes in a row.
It’s not a great show, it’s definitely not a smart show, and yet somehow I’ve been watching Hung religiously. I think I like it partly because I have a crush on Thomas Jane, partly because I really liked The Mist, and partly because Jane Adams gets to be a tiny bit more powerful than her normal role in movies as the socially awkward woman always getting creeped on. The gender role reversal in this show is interesting too.
I continue to agree that The Daily Show is one of the best sources for news, and Jon Stewart is one of the most trusted men in television. Of course, you have to know something about the real news to get his jokes, but I still get a lot from the guests. Our TV is set to record his show, and because it’s only 20 minutes or so its easy to catch up on.
I have no idea how I ended up liking Project Runway. I am really turned off by high fashion and model culture, and I hate Reality TV. But there is something valid and worthwhile about watching people be creative under enormous pressure and tight timelines. Plus because fashion is purely aesthetic—unlike something like cooking, which is another popular “be creative under pressure” reality TV scenario—viewers can fully participate as judges. However, I find Heidi Klum annoying and wish there was a different host.
