we need more sit coms on tv

[LuvCuteBoys]

I can't begin to understand what people like about the Big Bang Theory. I have tried really hard to like it but it just isn't funny at all. The characters are so obnoxious. Ugh!

It's the writing and the delivery. Jim Parsons is so deadpan-matter-of-fact that I laugh out loud. And honestly, his character is the only one I find to be obnoxious. But he's obnoxious in such a socially stunted way that it is HILARIOUS to me. Who uses the word "coitus" in regular, everyday conversation? Hysterical.

The one episode recently had a very non-smart character trying to fit in with the guys (who knows why). He made the comment that he had watched a show about starfish and Sheldon replies, "Was the starfish wearing boxer shorts? Because you might have been watching Nickelodeon."

I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it! Soooo funny.

I meant that I found that scene creepy (not necessarily depressing - and weird-creepy, not spookily-creepy)... Peggy finding her just dead at her desk, and then the scene with her being wheeled out of sight on her chair where she died, covered by a throw blanket.

Yeah, it was kinda creepy. And Roger's comment about dying the way she lived was priceless.

 

[bicker]

ok, guess my vision is skewed by the fact that everyone I know watches and loves it. It's probably going to be another show that gets axed because too many people watch shows that (IMO) cater to the lowest common denominator.

There's no way to assert that, though, without it being a bit elitist. Don't get me wrong: It is fine to consider our own personal preferences highly, but for things like entertainment, there isn't really much foundation for disparaging someone else's preferences. What they like works better for them, and that's as okay as our preferences working out better for us. All we can legitimately say, objectively, is that more people subscribe to one set of preferences than subscribe to another set. No prejudice necessary.

Having said that, I think you're still off-target. What's beating Community isn't "The Real Housewives...", but rather, principally, The Office and 30 Rock. I think it would be ridiculously unfair to call the preferences of the fans of those two shows the "lowest common denominator".

There have been far too many shows that have stayed on the air over the years that to us are so horribly written, acted, unfunny but that so many people love.

Let's try something: Please name the shows you're referring to. I think that fans of those shows will have something to say, not just in defense of their own preferences, but perhaps also disparaging of the preference for Community. Even though I like Community, and watch it, I still was able to list a bunch of negative aspects of Community - indeed, some of the things I don't like about Community is precisely what you're complaining about, i.e., how it often appeals to what is arguably the "lowest common denominator". So I think we really don't get very far thinking of our entertainment preferences and that of other folks in those terms.

I'd continue, but I think it's best to stop before I offend too many people with an attack on their taste.

I don't know... In cases like that it is probably better off stopping before you even get to the point where you have to write that it is best to stop...

 

[LuvCuteBoys]

ok, guess my vision is skewed by the fact that everyone I know watches and loves it. It's probably going to be another show that gets axed because too many people watch shows that (IMO) cater to the lowest common denominator. There have been far too many shows that have stayed on the air over the years that to us are so horribly written, acted, unfunny but that so many people love.

I'd continue, but I think it's best to stop before I offend too many people with an attack on their taste.

Trust me, I understand how you feel. I came close to CRYING when they canceled Pushing Daisies. But everyone has their own tastes... I'm not going to watch a show that I don't find funny just so it stays on the air for those who like it.

The lowest common denominator comment is kind of unfair. People like what they like.

 

[3 MEN AND A BOAT]

the main shows I'm sick of are "so you think you can dance", "american idol", "survivor", and the other comparable shows.

1 talent show per network should suffice, and survivor is basically a high school popularity contest.

 

[shortbun]

I just set up my DVR to record Community. I like unusual comedy. I LOVE Big Bang Theory although I admit to not recording new, just catch it when I see it-reruns, whatever. I think the characters are hilarious; I've always loved geek type folks for my friends because their humor is so deep. These writers do not disappoint. We watch Two and a Half Men but it's NOT a family show in spite of the fact that Fox shows it at 7 and 7:30pm. It glorifies drinking,prescription drug abusse, gamblling and very-very casual sex as well as mysogenist behavior. My current faves are Modern Family and Cougar Town. Cougar Town is a suburban Seinfeld, very cool!

 

[Angelhalo]

It's the writing and the delivery. Jim Parsons is so deadpan-matter-of-fact that I laugh out loud. And honestly, his character is the only one I find to be obnoxious. But he's obnoxious in such a socially stunted way that it is HILARIOUS to me. Who uses the word "coitus" in regular, everyday conversation? Hysterical.

The one episode recently had a very non-smart character trying to fit in with the guys (who knows why). He made the comment that he had watched a show about starfish and Sheldon replies, "Was the starfish wearing boxer shorts? Because you might have been watching Nickelodeon."

I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it! Soooo funny.



Yeah, it was kinda creepy. And Roger's comment about dying the way she lived was priceless.

It's funny how we all differ isn't it? See for me, I find BBT to be lowest common denominator. LOL! There's definitely no way to please everyone.

 

[bicker]

the main shows I'm sick of are "so you think you can dance", "american idol", "survivor", and the other comparable shows.

I'm sure you realize, though, that you've listed some of the most popular (and least expensive-to-produce; and therefore most profitable) shows on television. What's more, these shows the shows that are most compatible with product placement, and are practically the only shows on television which are piracy-proof. Given any one of myriad recent trends in the industry, this type of program is not only firmly entrenched, but very likely to become even more so the mainstay of American over-the-air broadcast television.

While we each, of course, are entitled to enjoy our own preferences, it may be beneficial to reevaluate our own antipathy for shows like this, because that antipathy, while perfectly justified and justifiable - unassailable, even - putting them aside still might be to our own, long-term benefit. I liken antipathy for game shows on television to an account executive's (in certain industries) antipathy for golf (within the traditional paradigms): While surely account executives were entitled to not like golfing, they were often better-off putting aside that antipathy and learning to like it, since it was a fundamental part of what they needed to like to get the most out of the opportunities they had.

 

[RadioNate]

It's funny how we all differ isn't it? See for me, I find BBT to be lowest common denominator. LOL! There's definitely no way to please everyone.

Lol. BBT is one of the most witty sitcoms ever.

Lowest common denominator = Wipeout.

 

[bicker]

Lowest common denominator = Wipeout.

While, again, I think labeling anyone else's preferences in that way is wrong, something a producer of Wipeout said this week does provide some fuel for that fire: Rather than making the point that the show is about rooting for someone to win (which is how I like to watch the show), the producers made it clear that the show is all about watching people wipe out.

 

[shortbun]

While, again, I think labeling anyone else's preferences in that way is wrong, something a producer of Wipeout said this week does provide some fuel for that fire: Rather than making the point that the show is about rooting for someone to win (which is how I like to watch the show), the producers made it clear that the show is all about watching people wipe out.

I had three girlfriends in last night to watch Miss America. All of them were talking about how much their families love Wipeout. I had never watched it but it was on right before Miss America.

 

[Angelhalo]

While, again, I think labeling anyone else's preferences in that way is wrong, something a producer of Wipeout said this week does provide some fuel for that fire: Rather than making the point that the show is about rooting for someone to win (which is how I like to watch the show), the producers made it clear that the show is all about watching people wipe out.

LOL watching people wipeout IS why the show is funny. I don't think we have ever "rooted" for anyone. We watch it because people falling, makes us laugh. However, while we love Wipeout, we will freely admit that it IS lowest common denominator. We'll admit it when we know we love a stupid show with a low brau concept! LOL!

 

[Angelhalo]

Lol. BBT is one of the most witty sitcoms ever.

Errrrrrrrrrrr......ok..........

LOL! I think it's dumb, unfunny, crud. But, that's OK! YOU like it (and so do millions of others) and I am happy for you!

There are all kinds of shows out there, plenty to fit everyone's entertainment needs!

 

[klacey1]

We watch Modern Family and The Office for our "sitcom" fix. I really love that mockumentary style. We also have tons of old shows (like The Golden Girls) on DVD that we can pop in when nothing else is on.

 

[LuvCuteBoys]

I can't even begin to try to think of what I would consider the "lowest common denominator" because that's just not the way my brain works. Just because I don't like something doesn't mean it's bad

 

[bambii]

(blank) my dad says is funny but i forget what time and day it is on.. and the Middle reminds me too much of malcom in the middle which i cant stand, i quess i just miss wholesome family shows every thing has to be about the shock value... i use to watch big brother and amazing race for realily to but it cant hold my interest.. i do watch kitchen nightmares, jerseylious , tabitha salon make over.. i love food netwoork and anthing about weddings and cake, and salons..

also want the travel channel back...

 

[tchrrx]

Better with You is a wonderful, hilarious sitcom. It comes on ABC on Wednesday nights.

 

[palavra]

The Middle is really funny ~ especially the episode a couple of weeks ago where the parents take the house back I watch lots of oldies or I DVR them to watch when there is nothing else on.

I miss shows like Frasier, Home Improvement, etc. I also miss shows like Northern Exposure and Picket Fences and X-Files ~ quirky and funny.

The Middle, Modern Family and Big Bang Theory are excellent sitcoms. And with cable or satellite, many of the old comedies are available too.

 

[Liberty Belle]

I like The Office, Big Bang Theory, and $#%@ My Dad Says, but I always forget to watch them.

 

[bumbershoot]

the main shows I'm sick of are "so you think you can dance", "american idol", "survivor", and the other comparable shows.

1 talent show per network should suffice, and survivor is basically a high school popularity contest.

I agree. On the other hand, my sister in law loves SYTYCD and she normally watches stuff that isn't "lowest common denominator, and my husband and son have been known to sneak viewings of Dancing with the Stars...so I'm getting lonelier in my family!

...but very likely to become even more so the mainstay of American over-the-air broadcast television.

Sometimes I worry that those shows will be the ONLY shows on...

Lol. BBT is one of the most witty sitcoms ever.

I watch and enjoy BBT, but sometimes they go for the really obvious and ridiculous joke, and that IMO is going for the lowest common denominator.

...the producers made it clear that the show is all about watching people wipe out.

Which is something that some people have always liked to see! I have a hard time with it...watching someone falling makes my spine hurt, and for other shows when people are embarrassed, I can't stand those either. And that's been on TV since at least Candid Camera, then America's Funniest Home Videos (falling AND embarrassment, along with the cute kids), etc etc...



Do cable companies track what is being recorded on DVR? And is that reported to networks so they know that people are "DVRing" the shows even if they can't watch them due to schedules or kids with later bedtimes, etc etc? I've often wondered that...

 

[SookieStackhouse]

Too many "reality shows", so tired of the dancing stuff, talent shows, never watch hospital stuff either!

I definitely enjoy some older sitcoms.