In recent years, this TV Addict has started to notice a disturbing trend in the world of television. One that has nothing to do with network executives penchant for continuing to employee one Michael Rappaport (Although that does seriously concern me, and frankly must stop!) Rather, the gap continues to widen between what I (the TV Addict) watch and you, the rest of America. A trend made all the more clear after taking a look at the Top 20 Shows in season-to-date ratings that was recently published in the January 9, 2009 issue of Entertainment Weekly.
Among the multiple incarnations of CSI, the rest of CBS’ seemingly unstoppable procedural lineup (CSI: CRIMINAL MENTALISTS THAT DISAPPEAR WITHOUT A TRACE AT THE ELEVENTH HOUR) and the bane of my existence known as reality television, this self proclaimed TV Addict and lover of all things small screen watch only four, count ‘em, four of the country’s Top 20 shows.
Begging the slightly awkward yet somewhat obvious question, what happened America? Or, to paraphrase the theme song from another TV Addict favorite that 97% of you completely ignored, “We used to be friends….” And more to the point, we used to be on the same page.
FRIENDS, SEINFELD, THE WEST WING, all top 20 shows that we used to wholeheartedly agree upon. Yet nowadays, I’m more likely to find my favorite shows hovering around the bottom 20 shows ratings wise (see TERMINATOR, LIPSTICK JUNGLE, or the CW’s entire prime-time lineup) or worse, canceled (ELI STONE, may you rest in peace). While you, America, are off enjoying an endless supply of D-List celebrities dancing, going to rehab or in general, trying to re-capture the magic that is commonly referred to as their fifteen minutes of fame.
I hope you’re happy. 