This week, by far, ranks as one of my favorite weeks of the year. Finally, I can welcome stability and regularity back into my life.
Of course, I am talking about the return of my favorite television shows to the small screen. Few things make me happier than having my entire week sketched out for me between 8 and 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Some people will surely think this makes me shallow. I came to terms with that a long time ago. If people judge me because I find a modern form of entertainment enjoyable, they have way too much time on their hands.
Time which could be better spent getting to know the Dunphy and Pritchett families on “Modern Family.” Or learning about the weirdest community college in the country on “Community.” Or realizing your family isn’t as screwed up as the folks in “The Middle.”
I have always bristled when people criticized television shows, especially comedies as being mindless, but that kind of reaction makes me shake my head even more now because the state of humor on TV keeps getting better.
If you look at the program schedule as a whole, you might find this hard to believe, but you need to look past the reality/competition show dreck which fascinates executives.
I know that sounds hypocritical for me to bash one genre while making fun of those who bash my favorite genre, but I’m standing up for creativity here. Hollywood does not have a ton of that right now.
That’s why I get excited for my favorite shows. Networks have actually rewarded writers who have come up with new and interesting sitcom ideas.
When I find a show I like, I throw myself into it. I know people who will watch a show they like once in a while. I can’t do that. I pretty much need to watch each week or I lose interest.
Thanks to new technology, I can find a little wiggle room in my schedule, but usually I find myself occupied with shows during prime time hours.
When I looked at this year’s schedule a few weeks ago to plan – because it really does take a serious strategy – I saw that I could fill a little time each night with a show I either already watched or wanted to give a try.
I liked this because things can go dangerously off the rails when I don’t have something I want to watch on television at night. Sure, I could read a book or just relax with my family and go to bed early. That does happen sometimes, but there’s no guarantee that I will make that choice.
With an interesting show looming, I am much more likely to settle down for the evening earlier and fall asleep at a reasonable time. Television provides me discipline. Television makes me responsible. TV lets me get up for work with plenty of energy.
So if someone tells you that you shouldn’t watch TV, they apparently want you to stay up all night trying to learn the lyrics to “Mr. Roboto” because that’s what can happen in the blink of an eye without a good television comedy on in prime time.
Nobody wants that to happen.