Entertainment Snobs

Hello. My name is Aprill and I love television. I've become a TV geek. I don't just watch my shows; I watch EVERY episode of my shows. And I read blogs about my show. . . and listen to podcasts about my shows. There is a daily television column in the paper. I read it, every day. It's really sad! I like to learn about what happens in the background, and what's in the future for the show. Just the other day I found out through the TV Guide blog that Grey's Anatomy may be making a spin-off based on Addison Montgomery's character. But not only that, it will include Tye Diggs who has a reputation for being on failed shows. And I learned that there haven't been spin-offs from a drama before, only comedies. See how fun that is???

I love my shows, and I love talking to people about what's been happening. It's like a shared memory. I can call my sister after Heroes and we understand each other. We have shared the emotions and we "get" each other. I love asking, "Did you see this?" when the answer is yes. We can laugh again, or console each other, or freak out together.

So when I ask someone if they watch a certain show and they say, "I don't watch TV", it makes me sad. Not only because that person missed out on great entertainment, but also because of the attitude implied. I recently asked a coworker if she watches The Office. She said, emphasizing the "I"--" I " don't watch TV." What does that mean? That she has better things to do with her time. She probably chooses a "better" form of entertainment. Movies, maybe? Theater? Or books?

The general argument is that TV is made cheaply and has a lower quality of writing and producing than movies, and less ability to capture our imagination than literature. Sure, there is a lot of crappy television, shows that fill the airwaves without any benefit to those who watch. I won't name them because I'd rather talk about the quality programming. On TV there is a lot of both good and bad ways to spend your time. But not just on television. Every year, more bad movies are released than good ones. And plenty of books that I would be ashamed to be seen reading. So is television different? Does television have a higher ratio of good vs. bad? I don't have the figures. It's irrelevant to me how many bad shows are being made. I choose to watch only what is worth my time. And there is so much that is good quality entertainment. Hundreds of channels, 24 hours/day. How can you not find something that makes you happy?

I was about to write that if I'd asked my coworker about her favorite book, I could have found a television show she would enjoy just as much. Surely with my vast geek knowledge I could find something for her. Then I changed my mind. Maybe it's not for everyone. Different strokes for different folks. Some people are way too into cinema. And that's ok for them. I just ask to be allowed my entertainment without judgment. If you don't watch TV, how can you say it's no good? So, I declare, there is no shame in loving television!