So where exactly did good television go? Today everyone is thrilled with the overly rehearsed world of reality television where life is played out in takes. What happened to the really good shows that paved the way for what was supposed to be better? There isn’t a particular way to explain that other than times changing and sometimes for the worst. If you look at reruns of “The Jack Benny Program” and “The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show” the comedy was perfect for it’s time but because they actually focused on things that were light, funny, and easily solved in thirty minutes it’s now outdated.
Through a period of about twenty years there were some great shows that focused on topical comedy that spanned from feminism to race and religion and did so in an effective manner that helped create social consciousness. “Maude” was a great example as was “Good Times” and “All in the Family” but now there is a retrogression of sorts. Everyone loves to watch reality television because it’s “real” and that’s a sad comment. Reality shows are edited the same as an episode of “CSI” or “The Office.” There is nothing truly fun about reality television and nothing to be learned from it.
I am sure that there is someone that considers “Growing up Gotti” the reality TV equivalent of “I Love Lucy” or that thinks of the Kardashians as the Nelsons. Reality TV is nothing more than a cheap alternative to shows that can cost up to three or four million dollars per episode to produce. I think that because it’s so much easier to make money with people that are actual idiots without paying out as much up front good television is something we can say goodbye to. Ultimately television is a business and everyone involved wants a nice check.
I kind of miss the days when I could come home and watch reruns of some of my favorite shows such as “Airwolf” and “The A Team.” I miss the days of Glen Larson produced shows such as “The Fall Guy” and the original “Battlestar Galactica.” I guess times and tastes do change but favorites do not and neither does the difference between good television and absolute BS. So when you ask about the whereabouts of good television remember to look back because as of this moment it’s a thing of the past.