TV getting too inapropriate?

[richardtempleman]

I won't name any TV Show names (for fear of getting harshly scolded), but in general aren't they getting worse and worse to watch. At the same time are we not also becoming desenseitized to all of the garbage!? I Love Lucy...(that is a statement)

[slackermonkey]

Well, if you don't name the show(s) you're talking about, it makes it harder for us to agree/disagree with you without giving simple "yes" or "no" answers.

[TJL]

If you are referring to reality programs, then I agree with you.

[spunkygirl]

My thoughts are if people don't like certain shows then that's what the remote is for.

Sorry if that sounds harsh.

I agree with slackermonkey if you aren't going to name the shows then how can we agree/disagree with you?

[richardtempleman]

I don't think that sounds harsh, but it just seems like the more bad tv there is, the harder it is to change the channel to something that is more wholesome to watch. I also I admit that I have fallen into the trap of watching TV shows below my own standards.

[richardtempleman]

I am going to name shows... Big Brother, Desperate Housewives, The O.C., Friends, Will and Grace, and other shows that are just too raunchy.

[Jenya]

Originally posted by richardtempleman
I am going to name shows... Big Brother, Desperate Housewives, The O.C., Friends, Will and Grace, and other shows that are just too raunchy.

Yeah. You guys need much more good clean family friendly entertainment. Like The Trailer Park Boys. :D :D ;)

[barwars]

Friends and Will & Grace are raunchy??

Hahaha.....
now that's funny.

[Adamantium]

I think we need a variety of shows. Those kind of "Raunchy" shows are fine with me. However, I believe we need some family friendly shows too. It's like every current show is just for adults. Shows on TGIF, while some are funny, they're not for the entire family to watch like they used to be. We need more Miller-Boyett shows on TGIF. But like I said, not every show should be like that. What ever happened to the 8 O'Clock hour being for the family? Once "Friends" came on at 8, that seemed to go away.

That's the good thing about DVDs. I can watch The Andy Griffith Show, followed by Sex and the City, followed by I Love Lucy and then Curb Your Enthusiasm. You see the variety there.

[slackermonkey]

I have never seen anything remotely raunchy in Friends. There's sexual innuendo, sure, but they're clever and fairly subtle about it. It's not in-your-face.

Will & Grace can be pretty raunchy, I'll agree with you there.

[Dean Winchester]

stop complaining that there's not appropriate tv for your kids... there's Disney Channel and Nickelodeon.

Let those of us who are over a certain age and don't have children watch what we want to watch instead of having everything be as watered-down as Full House.

[Dean Winchester]

Originally posted by slackermonkey
I have never seen anything remotely raunchy in Friends. There's sexual innuendo, sure, but they're clever and fairly subtle about it. It's not in-your-face.

Will & Grace can be pretty raunchy, I'll agree with you there.

with the exception of the sexual orientation of the characters, how is W&G more raunchy than Friends? they're both about the same, with some innuendo but also not too dirty.

[slackermonkey]

Because W&G is more in-your-face about it. But with 1/2 of the main characters being gay, it'd be hard not to be.

[richardtempleman]

stop complaining that there's not appropriate tv for your kids... there's Disney Channel and Nickelodeon.

Let those of us who are over a certain age and don't have children watch what we want to watch instead of having everything be as watered-down as Full House.


That is not really the issue here. I am 19 years old, and do not have children. There is almost nothing on tv that can be greatly entertaining without having smut included as a package deal. I just want to watch a show all the way through without worring about the content getting to worldly and out of control.

[Dean Winchester]

Originally posted by richardtempleman
stop complaining that there's not appropriate tv for your kids... there's Disney Channel and Nickelodeon.

Let those of us who are over a certain age and don't have children watch what we want to watch instead of having everything be as watered-down as Full House.


That is not really the issue here. I am 19 years old, and do not have children. There is almost nothing on tv that can be greatly entertaining without having smut included as a package deal. I just want to watch a show all the way through without worring about the content getting to worldly and out of control.

but you're getting too defensive, a tv show is a tv show. Believe it or not, you're going to encounter a great deal of us who would frankly rather watch Desperate Housewives than 7th Heaven, or rather watch Will And Grace than Full House. You can complain that Desperate Housewives is shoving "vulgar" agendas down your throat, but I also can complain that 7th Heaven is shoving religious and political agendas down my throat as well. What do I do? I don't watch it. I suggest you do the same if you insist on your entertainment be G-rated.

[JT]

Originally posted by BuffySlayer79
but you're getting too defensive, a tv show is a tv show. Believe it or not, you're going to encounter a great deal of us who would frankly rather watch Desperate Housewives than 7th Heaven, or rather watch Will And Grace than Full House. You can complain that Desperate Housewives is shoving "vulgar" agendas down your throat, but I also can complain that 7th Heaven is shoving religious and political agendas down my throat as well. What do I do? I don't watch it. I suggest you do the same if you insist on your entertainment be G-rated.

And in truth, 7H can get pretty freaky at times too!

Quite frankly, people who believe that certain shows that THEY don't like should not be on the air are plain self-centered.

What if I decided that family-friendly shows are too sugary sweet to be on TV? You'd get mad because YOU like those shows.

Well about 25,000,000 people like "Desperate Housewives" and it'll be 25,000,000 people who'll be mad. How exactly is that helping the world?


We have the right to watch the shows we like, dammit! And so do you! No one is forcing you to watch DH or any other show! Watch what you WANT to. Don't watch what you DON'T want to.

I just want to watch a show all the way through without worring about the content getting to worldly and out of control.

Well obviously DH is not that show. Stop watching it and try something else, duh...

[Caffeine King]

You're 19 and you don't like "raunchy" shows? :rolleyes:

You're one very sheltered person then...

It's the real world! There is such a thing as *shudders* s-s-SEX! :eek:

:p :lol:


If you don't like it then go watch Lizzie McGuire...or is the word "hormone" too raunchy for you too? :o

There's a thing called a remote...use it if you don't like the show! :bonk:


BTW, I'm 14 and I watch Desperate Housewives and other "raunchy" shows...though, then again..I'm not sheltered.

:rant:

[Dean Winchester]

Originally posted by JT
And in truth, 7H can get pretty freaky at times too!

Quite frankly, people who believe that certain shows that THEY don't like should not be on the air are plain self-centered.

What if I decided that family-friendly shows are too sugary sweet to be on TV? You'd get mad because YOU like those shows.

Well about 25,000,000 people like "Desperate Housewives" and it'll be 25,000,000 people who'll be mad. How exactly is that helping the world?


We have the right to watch the shows we like, dammit! And so do you! No one is forcing you to watch DH or any other show! Watch what you WANT to. Don't watch what you DON'T want to.



Well obviously DH is not that show. Stop watching it and try something else, duh...

very true. I can never bring myself to watch a full 7th Heaven episode, it's way too cheesy and sugary for my teeth. But I do remember the recent WB promos about the blonde boy's "deep dark secret". I mean, is he gay (well, just imagine the conflict it'd have in a religious household)? did he rape somebody? is he an arsonist? then the spoiler turned out to be HE HAD SEX OUT OF WEDLOCK. Hello? the boy is about 18 or 19... find me one character on The OC or One Tree Hill who HASN'T had sex and they're about the same age. When I found out that was the big shocker, I had flashbacks to the "very special episode" of Full House where Michelle fell off a horse, LOL.

[spunkygirl]

Originally posted by BuffySlayer79
but you're getting too defensive, a tv show is a tv show. Believe it or not, you're going to encounter a great deal of us who would frankly rather watch Desperate Housewives than 7th Heaven, or rather watch Will And Grace than Full House. You can complain that Desperate Housewives is shoving "vulgar" agendas down your throat, but I also can complain that 7th Heaven is shoving religious and political agendas down my throat as well. What do I do? I don't watch it. I suggest you do the same if you insist on your entertainment be G-rated.

Great post I agree!

There are alot of family friendly shows out there: 7th Heaven, Everwood, and a few others.

Like I said if a person doesn't like a show then why sit around and bitch about it? Change the freaking channel LOL

[Belair]

I agree that tv is getting a little inappropriate,but what was offensive twenty years ago is no big deal today.I grew up in the eighties and watched tv shows that hardly made reference to sex,adult themes,etc,but today kids are being exposed to sexual references in alot of family shows and its not right.

Sex and the City is a pretty bad show,and quite graphic.I was sitting down to watch Jeopardy in the family room with my 8 year old brother,and we caught the end of SATC and I had to yell out,"Tom cover your eyes!" It was disgusting to see that sort of scene on tv at 6pm!

[JT]

Originally posted by Pretty in Purple
I agree that tv is getting a little inappropriate,but what was offensive twenty years ago is no big deal today.I grew up in the eighties and watched tv shows that hardly made reference to sex,adult themes,etc,but today kids are being exposed to sexual references in alot of family shows and its not right.

Sex and the City is a pretty bad show,and quite graphic.I was sitting down to watch Jeopardy in the family room with my 8 year old brother,and we caught the end of SATC and I had to yell out,"Tom cover your eyes!" It was disgusting to see that sort of scene on tv at 6pm!

When he's about to bang his wife at the age of 25, will you tell him to cover his eyes?

If you act immature with children about sex, the kids in turn will act immature about it. You tell them everything in truth and without any immaturity and they will understand completely.

[Sterling Holobyte]

Originally posted by Caffeine King
You're 19 and you don't like "raunchy" shows? :rolleyes:

You're one very sheltered person then...

It's the real world! There is such a thing as *shudders* s-s-SEX! :eek:

:p :lol:
I think he's one well-brought-up person. Kudos to his parents!


Originally posted by Caffeine King
If you don't like it then go watch Lizzie McGuire...or is the word "hormone" too raunchy for you too? :o

There's a thing called a remote...use it if you don't like the show! :bonk:
That's always the argument isn't it?! "If you don't like it...blah blah blah". Maybe your parents let you sit in front of the tv and let hollywood teach you so they don't have to do anything, but some parents care about how their kids are being influenced and conditioned even though they know they can't be there to police the tv 24 hours a day.


Originally posted by Caffeine King
BTW, I'm 14 and I watch Desperate Housewives and other "raunchy" shows...though, then again..I'm not sheltered.
:rant:
Your parents must be so proud. If they even care.

[slackermonkey]

Well, let's not bash the guy. Calling him "sheltered" and telling him to watch kiddie shows aren't exactly helping your case, either.

[Dean Winchester]

Originally posted by Pretty in Purple
Sex and the City is a pretty bad show,and quite graphic.I was sitting down to watch Jeopardy in the family room with my 8 year old brother,and we caught the end of SATC and I had to yell out,"Tom cover your eyes!" It was disgusting to see that sort of scene on tv at 6pm!

but while S&TC is a graphic show, does that automatically mean it's not a well-written program? I notice in your sig, you have how much you love Saved By The Bell and Full House. I personally think both shows are cheesy and childish, and at the same time thought S&TC was absolutely brilliant. Not to bring up awards, but S&TC won plenty of Emmys because critics actually thought the show was well-written and acted... FH and SBTB are regarded as cheese at the very best.

[Dean Winchester]

Originally posted by Sterling Holobyte
Your parents must be so proud. If they even care.

what's so wrong with a 14 year old watching Desperate Housewives? I think the adults in here can have an easier time carrying a conversation with a 14 year old who watches programs like that than those who think Lizzie McGuire and That's So Raven are the epitome of shows that should win Emmys.

[Caffeine King]

Originally posted by Sterling Holobyte
I think he's one well-brought-up person. Kudos to his parents!



That's always the argument isn't it?! "If you don't like it...blah blah blah". Maybe your parents let you sit in front of the tv and let hollywood teach you so they don't have to do anything, but some parents care about how their kids are being influenced and conditioned even though they know they can't be there to police the tv 24 hours a day.



Your parents must be so proud. If they even care.
Just because I watch Desperate Housewives doesn't mean my parents (well one) has failed.

And just because I'm 14 you expect my parents to have me sheltered and not know what sex is until the "appropriate age" and to watch shows that are "appropriate" for me? :rolleyes:

I'm not immature...I can handle watching people reference or have sex...it's not a big deal. (Have you ever even stepped foot into a middle or high school in recent years?)

And isn't this where the protective parents' precious TV rating system comes in?

According to it I'm "old" enough to watch shows TV 14 and below. ;) (If you wanna go by that stupid rating thing anyways...)

[Belair]

Originally posted by BuffySlayer79
but while S&TC is a graphic show, does that automatically mean it's not a well-written program? I notice in your sig, you have how much you love Saved By The Bell and Full House. I personally think both shows are cheesy and childish, and at the same time thought S&TC was absolutely brilliant. Not to bring up awards, but S&TC won plenty of Emmys because critics actually thought the show was well-written and acted... FH and SBTB are regarded as cheese at the very best.

Whoa Whoa Whoa!
I'm not trying to begin a debate here,i just happen to dislike SATC and i dont really give a rats arse how many awards it wins.Plus Sarah Jessica Parker is annoying.

[Sterling Holobyte]

Originally posted by Caffeine King
And just because I'm 14 you expect my parents to have me sheltered and not know what sex is until the "appropriate age" and to watch shows that are "appropriate" for me? :rolleyes: Being sheltered(the way you are meaning it anyway, I think, being over-protective?) and teaching good values are two different things. I just happen to think that Hollywood is not the greatest role model to teach kids that kind of stuff.

Originally posted by Caffeine King
I'm not immature...
Sorry, but your post to RichardTempleman led me to believe otherwise. Here now we are actually having a fairly mature discussion.

Originally posted by Caffeine King
I can handle watching people reference or have sex...it's not a big deal. And isn't this where the protective parents' precious TV rating system comes in? Yeah, alot of kids can "handle it". It's a desensitization type of thing, because kids see it everywhere, not just on tv. I think the fact that it's not a "big deal" to alot of 14 year olds, and younger, is part of the problem. But that is just my opinion.


Personally, I kind of wish we could choose which channels we receive from the cable company(or dish for those that have that). I don't really know why we can't, but I think that would be a nice option to have.

[Dean Winchester]

Originally posted by Pretty in Purple
Whoa Whoa Whoa!
I'm not trying to begin a debate here,i just happen to dislike SATC and i dont really give a rats arse how many awards it wins.Plus Sarah Jessica Parker is annoying.

SJP is nowhere as annoying as Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, well, that's my opinion

[pna42]

The arguement here is to watch what you want to watch. If something is that appalling or 'smutty' for your tastes, change the channel. Just because YOU don't like it doesn't give YOU the right to pass any kind of judgment on others who want to watch it.

[Mrs. Ducky]

Originally posted by Caffeine King
Just because I watch Desperate Housewives doesn't mean my parents (well one) has failed.

And just because I'm 14 you expect my parents to have me sheltered and not know what sex is until the "appropriate age" and to watch shows that are "appropriate" for me? :rolleyes:

I'm not immature...I can handle watching people reference or have sex...it's not a big deal. (Have you ever even stepped foot into a middle or high school in recent years?)

And isn't this where the protective parents' precious TV rating system comes in?

According to it I'm "old" enough to watch shows TV 14 and below. ;) (If you wanna go by that stupid rating thing anyways...)








:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:



My parents let my brother and sister and I watch most everything on TV (unless it's REALLY bad) because they taught us not to copy what we see or hear on TV. The most we can do is ask questions, and there is NOTHING wrong with kids asking questions.

[Dean Winchester]

Originally posted by pna42
The arguement here is to watch what you want to watch. If something is that appalling or 'smutty' for your tastes, change the channel. Just because YOU don't like it doesn't give YOU the right to pass any kind of judgment on others who want to watch it.

right, and like I said before, most of us adults have more in common with teenagers who watch Desperate Housewives than with those the same age who worship Hilary Duff

[JT]

Like Mrs. D said, there is NOTHING wrong with kids asking questions.

But there is a LOT wrong with parents/older siblings being afraid to answer the questions.

[PanamaMike]

Originally posted by TVAdam
What ever happened to the 8 O'Clock hour being for the family? Once "Friends" came on at 8, that seemed to go away.


When exactly was the 8 O'Clock hour "for families"?

While younger-skewing shows have traditionally aired in the first hour of prime-time (makes sense to broadcast a program while the target audience is still awake), pre-Friends debut ('94) the tv schedule had many "non-family" programs in the 8-9 hour.
Off the top of my head I can think of:

Beverly Hills 90210
Martin
Living Single
Melrose Place
ROC
Bakersfield, PD
Evening Shade
Hearts Afire
In Living Color
21 Jump Street
Tour Of Duty
The Ropers
All In The Family/Archie Bunker's Place
One Day At A Time
The Jeffersons
Baa Baa Black Sheep
MASH
The Odd Couple
Barney Miller

[richardtempleman]

Television can effect everyone and I think some people are too young to realize the values that television shows can rub off on them very easily. Good values and bad.

"The days are long past when we could consider TV to be an innocent, innocuous part of daily life or a casual baby-sitter. It is a powerful, persuasive teacher and a primary companion for children, many of whom spend more time in front of the TV than in school. Considering that some members of the average family watch more than seven hours of TV per day, it is not surprising that contemporary research indicates that human development and behavior are affected by television to a degree far exceeding earlier judgments."

-Larry A. Tucker

"Research data indicate that families that limit television viewing to a maximum of two hours a day of carefully selected programs may see the following significant changes in family relationships:

1. Value setting will be taught and reinforced by the family. Families will learn how to establish values and how to reason together.

2. Relationships between parents and youth will increase in families.

3. Homework will be completed with less pressure of time.

4. Personal conversations will increase substantially.

5. Children’s imaginations will come back to life.

6. Each family member will become a discriminating selector and evaluator of programs.

7. Parents can become family leaders again.

8. Good reading habits may be substituted for television viewing."

-Elder M. Russell Ballard

[JT]

Originally posted by richardtempleman
Television can effect everyone and I think some people are too young to realize the values that television shows can rub off on them very easily. Good values and bad.

"The days are long past when we could consider TV to be an innocent, innocuous part of daily life or a casual baby-sitter. It is a powerful, persuasive teacher and a primary companion for children, many of whom spend more time in front of the TV than in school. Considering that some members of the average family watch more than seven hours of TV per day, it is not surprising that contemporary research indicates that human development and behavior are affected by television to a degree far exceeding earlier judgments."

-Larry A. Tucker

"Research data indicate that families that limit television viewing to a maximum of two hours a day of carefully selected programs may see the following significant changes in family relationships:

1. Value setting will be taught and reinforced by the family. Families will learn how to establish values and how to reason together.

2. Relationships between parents and youth will increase in families.

3. Homework will be completed with less pressure of time.

4. Personal conversations will increase substantially.

5. Children’s imaginations will come back to life.

6. Each family member will become a discriminating selector and evaluator of programs.

7. Parents can become family leaders again.

8. Good reading habits may be substituted for television viewing."

-Elder M. Russell Ballard

I'm sorry, but Elder M. Russell Ballard is an *******.

[Caffeine King]

Originally posted by PanamaMike
When exactly was the 8 O'Clock hour "for families"?

While younger-skewing shows have traditionally aired in the first hour of prime-time (makes sense to broadcast a program while the target audience is still awake), pre-Friends debut ('94) the tv schedule had many "non-family" programs in the 8-9 hour.
Off the top of my head I can think of:

Beverly Hills 90210
Martin
Living Single
Melrose Place
ROC
Bakersfield, PD
Evening Shade
Hearts Afire
In Living Color
21 Jump Street
Tour Of Duty
The Ropers
All In The Family/Archie Bunker's Place
One Day At A Time
The Jeffersons
Baa Baa Black Sheep
MASH
The Odd Couple
Barney Miller
I believe My So Called Life was on at 8 o clock too back when it was on.

[tylerjjj]

Friends is not a bad show. It may have a reference here or there but its not that bad.

[Adamantium]

Originally posted by PanamaMike
When exactly was the 8 O'Clock hour "for families"?

While younger-skewing shows have traditionally aired in the first hour of prime-time (makes sense to broadcast a program while the target audience is still awake), pre-Friends debut ('94) the tv schedule had many "non-family" programs in the 8-9 hour.
Off the top of my head I can think of:

Beverly Hills 90210
Martin
Living Single
Melrose Place
ROC
Bakersfield, PD
Evening Shade
Hearts Afire
In Living Color
21 Jump Street
Tour Of Duty
The Ropers
All In The Family/Archie Bunker's Place
One Day At A Time
The Jeffersons
Baa Baa Black Sheep
MASH
The Odd Couple
Barney Miller

A few examples of Pre-Friends 8 O'clock shows:

And by family shows, I don't mean shows with familes, just shows that the family can watch together.

ALF
The Hogan Family
Who's the Boss?
Growing Pains
Perfect Strangers
Head of the Class
The Cosby Show
Full House
The Facts of Life
The Wonder Years
Family Matters
Mr. Belvedere
Fresh Prince of Bel Air
Blossom
Dinosaurs
Step by Step
Hangin' with Mr. Cooper
Saved by the Bell: The College Years
Boy Meets World

I guess it seemed to end in 1993. I noticed "Wings" was on at 8:30. Even though that's my third favorite sitcom of all-time, it's not for the family.

FOX doesn't count. Looking back, it never paid much attention to the family hour thing.

Not every show, I just meant there were a great deal of family frendly shows. Now, almost all the shows aren't for the families. And I'm referring to my family. My parents are Christians and they don't like to hear too many cuss words in shows. Cuss words don't bother me, but I still cringe when someone cusses if my parents are in the room. They also don't like all the sexual content in shows these days. Again, I don't have a problem with that. But as a result, I couldn't watch "Friends" or most of the shows on today.

[jamesanthony]

I honestly think that most of the people who greenlight shows couldn't care less about how these shows impact or affect people's lives, the bottom line is money. If showing a still picture 24/7 could draw high ratings they would do it.

I think that some of the older shows that some would consider quaint and some would consider outdated have their charm. I was watching a tape of That Girl with episodes from 1966 or so and one episode had Marlo Thomas' character Ann Marie going on The Dating Game because her boyfriend was doing a story about the show, and he was chosen to be one of the contestants. Since Ann Marie couldn't see him and didn't know he was one of the contestants she picked another guy and had to go out on a date with the other guy. Her boyfriend tagged along with a tape recorder to get the news story, but she got so offended at his jealousy that she made a phony tape of herself and the other contestant supposedly giggling in the dark at her apartment at 5 am. But the entire exchange was very innocuous, yet charming. They didn't have to hit the viewer over the head with the notion that Ann and the guy might've been making out, but a sophisticated viewer could get it. It kept my interest for 30 minutes. The actors were good. There was no salacious talk or titillation. In the entire 5 years of that show we never knew if Ann Marie and her boyfriend were having sex. They might've been, but the series never had to go there... there were enough other situations to keep viewers interested.

Another thing that comes to my mind are talk shows. I read a book last week where college students were asked their opinions of daytime talk shows and various people spoke out about how they felt certain hosts exploited the guests or put the guests down and judged them rather than really helping the people make choices and changes to better their lives. For example, one student disliked Ricki Lake because she would have some young woman come on her show whose boyfriend was cheating and Ricki would berate the girl because the girl would want to stay with the man even though he has two other lovers and has kids by these other women etc. The college student said that Ricki came off very holier than thou like "How could you let him do this to you, you're better than that" and not offer the young woman any type of counseling or try to understand the complexities of why a lot of people knowingly stay in that type of relationship where they know that their lover is cheating. The student said that shows like Ricki Lake's just encourage underecucated and troubled people to air their business on national tv for sensationalistic purposes. The student said that the bottom line for a show like that is ratings, not really changing or uplifitng anyone's life.

If you ask me those daytime talk shows are a prime example of how tv has gone too far. I went to see Montel Williams' show and he said straight up that he would do more positive shows, but the ratings for those types of shows are poor in comparison to the ones with titillating and sensational subject matter. I've heard Jerry Springer more or less say, "People ask me where you find these guests, but after what I've just seen (the audience's behavior) I ask myself, 'Where'd you get the audience?'"

So Tv has gone too far, but someone somewhere (maybe whoever fills out the Neilsen reports) has been conditioned to want to see this kind of lowest common denominator type tv. If you ask me the viewers are to blame for a lot of this stuff. If people stopped watching exploitive and uneducational shows and stopped buying the products sponsored by those shows then things would be different, but most people would consider that too difficult a thing to do on a large scale so we have what we have.

[richardtempleman]

I am in agreement. Thanks for not shutting others down by the way!

[Dean Winchester]

tv is supposed to be escapism. Why not watch a show for it's quality, and not because "oh, this show is OKAY for a 5 year old to watch"? One of the reasons you will not find very many people over tween age (besides parents forced to watch it) who watch Full House or Lizzie or Raven is not because they are "family friendly" (as I can watch a "clean" Cosby Show or Happy Days or Facts Of Life episode easily) but because the writing is cheesy, asinine and just pure immature. Yes, the intended kid audience finds it amusing but those of us old enough to know better can look at Lizzie McGuire and go "this crap sucks!". So what is wrong if a lot of us would rather get our enjoyment through adult shows meant for adult audiences?

[C Doody]

Originally posted by BuffySlayer79
Yes, the intended kid audience finds it amusing but those of us old enough to know better can look at Lizzie McGuire and go "this crap sucks!".

No Way Dude, Lizzie Rules. :D

[richardtempleman]

Cheesey TV shows are not what I'm talking about. Quality does not equal SEX and Foul language. Good stories can often be told without compromising good values.

[JT]

There's a simple solution to this all:

If you don't think a show is suited for children, find one that you think is.

Plain and simple. Don't spoil others' fun just because you and your child can't watch a show together. There are many shows made for children/families and there are plenty enough reruns to keep everyone satisfied.

[Dean Winchester]

Originally posted by JT
There's a simple solution to this all:

If you don't think a show is suited for children, find one that you think is.

Plain and simple. Don't spoil others' fun just because you and your child can't watch a show together. There are many shows made for children/families and there are plenty enough reruns to keep everyone satisfied.

very true, there's some 300+ tv channels out there, there is something for every age group on there, just turn the channel and you'll find something "appropriate"

[spunkygirl]

Originally posted by JT
There's a simple solution to this all:

If you don't think a show is suited for children, find one that you think is.

Plain and simple. Don't spoil others' fun just because you and your child can't watch a show together. There are many shows made for children/families and there are plenty enough reruns to keep everyone satisfied.

:yeahthat I hate reality shows and think they are a plague on the face of tv and tend to be 10X worse than most shows on tv right now, but I don't sit here and try to preach to people about not to watch them, I TURN THE CHANNEL when they come on ;)

[richardtempleman]

I am 19... I want to watch tv without being sucked into the trash. The more bad there is, the less good there can be. That's just my deal.

[Sterling Holobyte]

Originally posted by jamesanthony
I honestly think that most of the people who greenlight shows couldn't care less about how these shows impact or affect people's lives, the bottom line is money.
:nod:

Originally posted by jamesanthony
So Tv has gone too far, but someone somewhere (maybe whoever fills out the Neilsen reports) has been conditioned to want to see this kind of lowest common denominator type tv.
Double :nod: :nod:

[JT]

Originally posted by richardtempleman
I am 19... I want to watch tv without being sucked into the trash. The more bad there is, the less good there can be. That's just my deal.

You can't be sucked into something you aren't watching, so again, stop watching...

[richardtempleman]

Just for clarification, I want all of you to know that I am a 19 year old man who has no children. When I say I want TV to improve its quality, I am not asking TV to incorporate my child's interests, BECAUSE I HAVE NO CHILD(REN). I am also not saying I want more children's shows on the networks, I just want there to be appropriate television that can be watched without a degradation of morals and quality of life for adults. I want TV shows that are mentally stimulating enough to be entertainment without mindless filth! We don't need sex or vulgarity. All we need are storylines that are developed enough to grab the attention of the viewer. Thank you for your understanding and respect.

[Belair]

Originally posted by richardtempleman
Just for clarification, I want all of you to know that I am a 19 year old man who has no children. When I say I want TV to improve its quality, I am not asking TV to incorporate my child's interests, BECAUSE I HAVE NO CHILD(REN). I am also not saying I want more children's shows on the networks, I just want there to be appropriate television that can be watched without a degradation of morals and quality of life for adults. I want TV shows that are mentally stimulating enough to be entertainment without mindless filth! We don't need sex or vulgarity. All we need are storylines that are developed enough to grab the attention of the viewer. Thank you for your understanding and respect.

I like how you think.Its great to see that some people still have a brain in their head,and an intelligent bone in their bodies.:)

[JT]

Originally posted by richardtempleman
Just for clarification, I want all of you to know that I am a 19 year old man who has no children. When I say I want TV to improve its quality, I am not asking TV to incorporate my child's interests, BECAUSE I HAVE NO CHILD(REN). I am also not saying I want more children's shows on the networks, I just want there to be appropriate television that can be watched without a degradation of morals and quality of life for adults. I want TV shows that are mentally stimulating enough to be entertainment without mindless filth! We don't need sex or vulgarity. All we need are storylines that are developed enough to grab the attention of the viewer. Thank you for your understanding and respect.

Watching a show that has sex in it is not degrading to anyone. Sex is real and it happens every single day and night, and most adults have had it, so if they feel degraded or embarrassed because sex is mentioned on TV, then they have problems.

Sure, sex is waaaay too overplayed on TV, but it's not as if every channel you turn it on, there's hardcore pornography playing out on the screen. And it's not as if sex hasn't played a part in TV for forever. Sex has been played for laughs since the days of radio, so this isn't anything new.

And sometimes, people take some things waaaay too much out of proportion. Watch "Desperate Housewives" one of these days. There's a show that's rich in storyline and character development. In actuality, only ONE of the show's main storylines deal heavily with sex, and it's not even mainly about sex. It's about a grown woman leading a young man on to believe that they're sexual relation is actually something bigger.

And again like I said, if a show doesn't fit your standards, please just change the channel and find something that you DO like. If you can't find something that you do like, go on and read a book or plant a garden or wash a car or something. Find something that's good for you and stop worrying about the quality of life for adults everywhere. You're not responsible for what grown people should and should not watch.

[richardtempleman]

Television effects a persons behavior. Society in essence is somewhat controled by TV. If I never watched TV I still could feel its effects from the people who watch it, by their behavior. TV actually is desensitizing many people, because sexual acts are personal and private and should not be paraded and made light of in front of millions. So grown ups should take more responsibility, instead of letting TV make the rules.

[richardtempleman]

P.S. Sex is real, but on TV it's glorified. It seems as if there is never a downside when two characters decide to have relations. No one gets pregnant, or contracts AIDS, and if they do it is so rare. TV should not be sex education. On TV promiscuty is generaly accepted and it is encouraged to have sex before your married. Sex on TV is fantasy...plain and simple.

[Professor Plum]

television in today's age is not inappropiate in terms of the realistic nature of the world we live in. there's wars, there's poverty, there's sex, there's drugs, there's alcohol, there's abortions, there's murders, there's rape, there's theft, etc., etc. , etc. television should not be a sugar-coated medium for those who wish to live in "the fantasy world" and not the real one. with that said, television is just doing fine in the direction it's heading. :)

[JT]

Originally posted by richardtempleman
P.S. Sex is real, but on TV it's glorified. It seems as if there is never a downside when two characters decide to have relations. No one gets pregnant, or contracts AIDS, and if they do it is so rare. TV should not be sex education. On TV promiscuty is generaly accepted and it is encouraged to have sex before your married. Sex on TV is fantasy...plain and simple.

Are you kidding me? People don't get pregnant on TV?

Obviously you've never watched the networks during the afternoon on weekdays, because I can think about seven soap opera characters who were pregnant...

[slackermonkey]

Both Carla from Cheers and Rachel from Friends got pregnant from "having relations." Rachel even made a comment about how she had to accept the consequences of her actions.

The shows you listed do not encourage pre-marital sex. It's not like, "Hey, if you don't have sex before you get married, you won't be COOL!" It's simply accepted, as it is in real life.

And television only affects behavior if you let it. Some people are more influenced by what they watch than others. It's not the case for everyone. Myself, I watch and enjoy Friends but do not plan to have sex before marriage. If it's encouraging you to do what you think are bad things, then don't watch it. Simple as that.

[JT]

Originally posted by slackermonkey
Both Carla from Cheers and Rachel from Friends got pregnant from "having relations." Rachel even made a comment about how she had to accept the consequences of her actions.

The shows you listed do not encourage pre-marital sex. It's not like, "Hey, if you don't have sex before you get married, you won't be COOL!" It's simply accepted, as it is in real life.

And television only affects behavior if you let it. Some people are more influenced by what they watch than others. It's not the case for everyone. Myself, I watch and enjoy Friends but do not plan to have sex before marriage. If it's encouraging you to do what you think are bad things, then don't watch it. Simple as that.

Exactly.

People who let TV rule their every action are suckers, plain and simple.

[W.J. Griffin]

You know, there's obviously a lot more going on with richardtempleman than just the smut-on-tv thing, and I think it would behoove all of us, pro and con on this issue, to be sensitive to this. We all know that tv is, at best, a mixed blessing, and, indeed, one man's trash is another man's treasure. However, it is also true that a person can find what most of us enjoy about tv to be somewhat traumatic.

I think this may be the case here.

You all have your individual stances, and mr. templeman has his. It does no one any good to bicker back-and-forth one way or 't'other...cut the man some slack. He's entitled to his opinions, as you are entitled to yours...

And I to mine.

[dawsongirl]

I won't name any TV Show names (for fear of getting harshly scolded), but in general aren't they getting worse and worse to watch. At the same time are we not also becoming desenseitized to all of the garbage!? I Love Lucy...(that is a statement)

I think so, at least with sitcoms. It's all sex-jokes anymore, which most are downright nasty, not even funny. The whole concept of skirting the issue, not stating the obvious, and the double entendre have gone by the wayside. Things are much funnier left to one's imagination.

I mean, take The Drew Carey Show. It was one sex joke after another and toward the end, it was more painful to watch than having your hair pulled out strand by strand.

[dawsongirl]

When he's about to bang his wife at the age of 25, will you tell him to cover his eyes?

If you act immature with children about sex, the kids in turn will act immature about it. You tell them everything in truth and without any immaturity and they will understand completely.

I don't really think Sex and the City is good teaching material though.

[dawsongirl]

but while S&TC is a graphic show, does that automatically mean it's not a well-written program? I notice in your sig, you have how much you love Saved By The Bell and Full House. I personally think both shows are cheesy and childish, and at the same time thought S&TC was absolutely brilliant. Not to bring up awards, but S&TC won plenty of Emmys because critics actually thought the show was well-written and acted... FH and SBTB are regarded as cheese at the very best.

Something doesn't have to be "well-written" to be entertaining to someone. Obviously all 3 shows were good to a number of people to last more than 13 weeks.

If we're all getting tired of something, I'm getting tired of the arguments that you have to be 12 to like FH or TGIF shows in general. And the same goes for the flipside too. And I'm also sick of this attitude that a show that won Emmys was automatically better than every other show that didn't. What a bunch of crap.

Thanks for your time. :) :tiphat:

[dawsongirl]

"Research data indicate that families that limit television viewing to a maximum of two hours a day of carefully selected programs may see the following significant changes in family relationships:

1. Value setting will be taught and reinforced by the family. Families will learn how to establish values and how to reason together.

2. Relationships between parents and youth will increase in families.

3. Homework will be completed with less pressure of time.

4. Personal conversations will increase substantially.

5. Children’s imaginations will come back to life.

6. Each family member will become a discriminating selector and evaluator of programs.

7. Parents can become family leaders again.

8. Good reading habits may be substituted for television viewing."

-Elder M. Russell Ballard

Now THAT is a huge load of bull****.

I grew up in front of the TV. It wasn't my babysitter or anything, I just enjoyed TV shows.

1. My parents taught me plenty of values, regardless if the TV was there or not.

2. My mom and dad are my best friends. That has NOTHING to do with an electronic piece of furniture in the living room.

3. Ha! I still never did my homework early. I could be really board and there was nothing on TV and I still wouldn't do it.

4. It's called DINNER TIME. Use it effectively. TV on or off.

5. HAHAHAHAHAHA. Lemme tell you something. I'm not being egotistical, but I have a great imagination. And you know why? Because I learned how to construct a storyline by WATCHING TV. Shocking, I know.

6. What the hell? If you watch too much, you can't make good decisions?

7. They should have never stepped down. Get some balls, people.

8. Piss on that. I was a damn English major and spent 4 years of college doing nothing but reading and I passed just fine, thanks.

Whoever that Ballard dude is, his opinion pisses me off.

[dawsongirl]

I think that some of the older shows that some would consider quaint and some would consider outdated have their charm. I was watching a tape of That Girl with episodes from 1966 or so and one episode had Marlo Thomas' character Ann Marie going on The Dating Game because her boyfriend was doing a story about the show, and he was chosen to be one of the contestants. Since Ann Marie couldn't see him and didn't know he was one of the contestants she picked another guy and had to go out on a date with the other guy. Her boyfriend tagged along with a tape recorder to get the news story, but she got so offended at his jealousy that she made a phony tape of herself and the other contestant supposedly giggling in the dark at her apartment at 5 am. But the entire exchange was very innocuous, yet charming. They didn't have to hit the viewer over the head with the notion that Ann and the guy might've been making out, but a sophisticated viewer could get it. It kept my interest for 30 minutes. The actors were good. There was no salacious talk or titillation. In the entire 5 years of that show we never knew if Ann Marie and her boyfriend were having sex. They might've been, but the series never had to go there... there were enough other situations to keep viewers interested.

:thumbsup:

That's no less innocent than anything else, but the difference is it's not stated. That's the problem today...it's like writers think viewers are total idiots and unless they say point blank "Ann Marie was pretending to screw that other guy so that Donald would get pissed off. Haha! Funny, no?" that people won't get it. Well, then that's their loss. Don't insult my intelligence because you have some antiquated notion of people's intelligence.

[JT]

Now THAT is a huge load of bull****.

I grew up in front of the TV. It wasn't my babysitter or anything, I just enjoyed TV shows.

1. My parents taught me plenty of values, regardless if the TV was there or not.

2. My mom and dad are my best friends. That has NOTHING to do with an electronic piece of furniture in the living room.

3. Ha! I still never did my homework early. I could be really board and there was nothing on TV and I still wouldn't do it.

4. It's called DINNER TIME. Use it effectively. TV on or off.

5. HAHAHAHAHAHA. Lemme tell you something. I'm not being egotistical, but I have a great imagination. And you know why? Because I learned how to construct a storyline by WATCHING TV. Shocking, I know.

6. What the hell? If you watch too much, you can't make good decisions?

7. They should have never stepped down. Get some balls, people.

8. Piss on that. I was a damn English major and spent 4 years of college doing nothing but reading and I passed just fine, thanks.

Whoever that Ballard dude is, his opinion pisses me off.
Please, let's run away together like Thelma and Louise and blow up that Ballard dude's house.

ITA with everything you said. I watch at least five hours a day, two of which are soap operas, and I'm still in ALL honors classes and have been a straight A student since second grade.

[JT]

:thumbsup:

That's no less innocent than anything else, but the difference is it's not stated. That's the problem today...it's like writers think viewers are total idiots and unless they say point blank "Ann Marie was pretending to screw that other guy so that Donald would get pissed off. Haha! Funny, no?" that people won't get it. Well, then that's their loss. Don't insult my intelligence because you have some antiquated notion of people's intelligence.
That too!

"Three's Company" hardly ever used in-your-face sex-jokes. It was a monarch in the world of double entendres and sexual innuendo. You don't have to have it explained to you that "Jack thinks he boinked Janet last night while he was drunk" to know it.

[dawsongirl]

Please, let's run away together like Thelma and Louise and blow up that Ballard dude's house.

ITA with everything you said. I watch at least five hours a day, two of which are soap operas, and I'm still in ALL honors classes and have been a straight A student since second grade.

:cheer: I'll get the car.

But we're still dumb and evil. :( Damn us.

[dawsongirl]

That too!

"Three's Company" hardly ever used in-your-face sex-jokes. It was a monarch in the world of double entendres and sexual innuendo. You don't have to have it explained to you that "Jack thinks he boinked Janet last night while he was drunk" to know it.

:nod: And gee, people still watch it and enjoy it. Gosh.

[James"Thunder"Early]

People want inappropriate and the network gives the people what they want.

[snl75]

well im a big tv watcher and i get along great with my mother and i also have alot of friends and as a lot of people here know im a huge reader so all this research means nothing to me and for the record i watched dallas all in the family and snl growing up i dont believe for one minute yhat a tv show is going to change who you are as a person if your mother and or father teaches the difference between real and make believe at an eraly age then kids will know the difference. what we need to do is take all this money that we are throwing away on this reserach and junk and bulid playgrounds and have other programs after school for kids maybe some clubs that involve reading . and music and other good things then kids could learn things that maybe perants because they have to work 2 or 3 jobs to keep a roof over there heads cant teach ther kids . sorry if im on a soapbox .

[spunkygirl]

Something doesn't have to be "well-written" to be entertaining to someone. Obviously all 3 shows were good to a number of people to last more than 13 weeks.

If we're all getting tired of something, I'm getting tired of the arguments that you have to be 12 to like FH or TGIF shows in general. And the same goes for the flipside too. And I'm also sick of this attitude that a show that won Emmys was automatically better than every other show that didn't. What a bunch of crap.

Thanks for your time. :) :tiphat:

:notworthy :clap THANK YOU! That ticks me off more than anything. I have watched Full House since it came out, and it ticks me off when it's basically said that it's a kids show, and whatnot.

I agree about the emmys thing too.

Great post! I loved it! :D

[snl75]

you know i kind of feel the same way about quintuplets sure its silly and it will never win any emmys but im past 30 and i find the show pretty entertaining

[Steve Carras]

stop complaining that there's not appropriate tv for your kids... there's Disney Channel and Nickelodeon.

Let those of us who are over a certain age and don't have children watch what we want to watch instead of having everything be as watered-down as Full House.
Nickelodoen--with butt guly garbage like REN AND STIMPY and RUGRATS?

Disney channell..horrible.

Likewise Cartoon Network. I'm surprised you didn't mention Boomerang.That is a great channell.

[dawsongirl]

:notworthy :clap THANK YOU! That ticks me off more than anything. I have watched Full House since it came out, and it ticks me off when it's basically said that it's a kids show, and whatnot.

I agree about the emmys thing too.

Great post! I loved it! :D

Thanks. :)

I grew up on TGIF shows and I still find most of them enjoyable, even if they have the occassional "kiddie" plot. There's adult stuff in all of them too.

[Belair]

While we are on the topic of this,i have to laugh at parents who forbid their kids to watch The Simpsons! I know of kids who are absolutely not allowed to watch the cartoon,and they are quite bitter about it,because 'other kids' are allowed to watch it,and when they come to school and talk about the latest episode,the other kids who have the ridiculous parents feel left out.Come on,its the Simpsons! not Sex and The City.

[dawsongirl]

While we are on the topic of this,i have to laugh at parents who forbid their kids to watch The Simpsons! I know of kids who are absolutely not allowed to watch the cartoon,and they are quite bitter about it,because 'other kids' are allowed to watch it,and when they come to school and talk about the latest episode,the other kids who have the ridiculous parents feel left out.Come on,its the Simpsons! not Sex and The City.

Um, sounds like lazy parents who don't want to teach their kids the difference between cartoon and real life. I mean, duh, Homer would have died about 100 times if he were real.

Also, there's this word satire. More people should learn it. :)