My initial reaction to the huge amount of channels we have now is that it seems the more you have the less there is worth watching. Back in the heyday of the big three networks (for those who don't remember or have forgotten ABC, NBC, and CBS) we may not have had the smorgasbord we have now - but compared to todays fare - it was at least fairly entertaining, non-abrasive stuff. We had family TV like The Wonderful World of Disney, Lassie, and Bonanza. And there were lots of dramas and movies produced exclusively for television with classic old movies running during the day and late at night. Not everything was top notch though we also had stink-o-vision like My Mother the Car, The Munsters, and Green Acres. Looking back from a long distance as an adult there were times (especially in the mid-60s) when I cant imagine anyone over the age of 12 actually being very enthused about television at all when at least 95% of it was no doubt geared toward the huge population of pre-adolescent boomers.
Looking back, I think the most intelligent people in my neighborhood were the oddball family who had no TV at all. I babysat for them a few times in the early 70s and as a testament to my own addiction - the absence of a boob tube almost drove me nuts. Odd thing though, their kids seemed brighter and more imaginative than most of the kids I sat for. Coincidence? I doubt it. Now that we have cable and practically every form of television entertainment (or alleged entertainment) has been played out, maybe weve come to a point where we should no longer question whether or not television is good or bad for us. Maybe its time to accept as fact that it really does have a major role in the dumbing-down process of both kids and adults.
Its a hard habit to kick and every time I sit down to veg in front of an re-run of Seinfeld or King of Queens I am well aware that I am heavily into totally useless mode and might as well rent myself out as a door stop or plant stand. That little voice inside my head, though faint at times, never really stops nagging that there are a thousand ways I could spend my time more productively. And yet I sit there nearly comatose helping other people by Porches and live above average lifestyles. So, I think the ultimate TV channel is the one we will never have a ghost of a chance of seeing - the one that gives you the step progam designed to help you break the TV habit.
