Study says boomers don't like what's on TV

Associated Press ^ | 11-19-06 | DAVID BAUDER

[BunnySlippers]

Network TV means "West Wing" where everyone congratulates themselves for being Liberals.

[Rastus]

I find TV is better than ever right now. I watch:

Prison Break
Heroes
Veronica Mars
Friday Night Lights
Lost
Smallville
Supernatural
Ghost Whisperer

I've never been much of a TV watcher, so it's incredible that there's that much for me to watch. I think it started by my wanting to watch HD programming, and these are the shows that stuck.

That said, probably at least half of that wouldn't appeal to the average boomer.

[TruthWillWin]

The TV lineup on the networks is pretty sad.

At least we have 24.

[LouAvul]

Haven't had tv since 1998. Wasteland for idiots.

[GSlob]

"Except for history, football and a couple others, it is drivel."
You are way too generous, unreasonably generous. Except for the extreme weather alerts, it is drivel or worse - what is there besides commercials, porn, idiocy, baboonery, perversion and leftism? It is well known that for every idiocy watched the viewer's IQ drops a fraction of a point. In '88 I had a TV for a few months, could not stand the crap and gave it away, and my wellbeing has improved mightily. Follow Michelangelo's dictum: "Clear them out of your life as the scandalous and evil-living lot they are", shun and boycott them and everyone who looks like them. The money you save on the cable alone over the lifetime, if invested prudently, could add to your retirement.

[sageb1]

I remember wanting to watch Shirley Temple on Sundays, but my dad wanted to watch bowling. I do remember him griping about watching The Wizard of Oz yet AGAIN. Now I agree with him. We had 3 channels, but only 2 came in well. My mom ironed to Arthur Godfrey. One Christmas, we went to visit friends of my parents. I saw Perry Como's Christmas special in color. It wasn't too long after that that my dad bought our first color TV so he could watch Bonanza in color.

[Hound of the Baskervilles]

"Except for history, football and a couple others, it is drivel."

I will watch Everybody Loves Raymond but that's about it for any sitcoms. I loved the mini-series Rome and can't wait for the next season. Other than that it's the History and Science Channels or nothing at all. I used to watch FOX practically all day but I turned off all TV and radio news two months ago because all they do is argue and say things like "Stay tuned... when we come back we have something to tell you that is really going to ruin your day." TV is terrible and the commercials are way, way too loud especially car commercials. But the worst is that loud mouth Billy Mays who sells Orange Glow. The man yells as loud as he can. I dive for the remote mute button as soon as I seen him on the TV.

[ThomasThomas]

Network TV isn't programed for anyone who THINKS regardless of age. If some FEEL they target certain age groups such as their own, the problem can somewhat negated by spending more time reading here, and maybe post once they have learned something.

[Arizona Carolyn]

You may be right, I know we watch more CBS primetime programming than any of the other stations.

[sageb1]

You have every right to say that. Kids ARE disrepectful to parents/adults in both the newer sitcoms and in cartoons. The tone of voice is whiney and demanding.

[BunnySlippers]

I buy Prison Break and Lost on DVD. They are good.
Didn't know they are on networks.

Sitcoms are the problem.

[GSlob]

I'm with you. Since '88.

[sageb1]

I am completely unfamiliar with any of those shows.

[delacoert]

An additional one-third said they'd go out of their way NOT to buy such a product.

LOL

Sometime within the last year or so I responded to a telephone survey about television advertising using almost the exact phrase, "I'd out of may way NOT to buy such a product."

I'm 49 years old.

[RayChuang88]

I'm surprised people here haven't discussed why the Left-leaning nature of much TV programming is turning off way too many viewers, too.

The only thing I watch regularly is History Channel, some Discovery Channel (especially the wonderful Mythbusters), Fox News Channel, ESPN, and ESPN2.

[BunnySlippers]

There are some good things on cable. You've missed a lot ... I wouldn't necessarily consider that admirable.

[Rocky]

Most TV programming is targeted for people under 40 IQ.

[TheBigB]

I enjoy most of those as well! Heroes is my current favorite...can't wait to see what happens at Homecoming tomorrow night!! :) ("Save the Cheerleader. Save the World.") Veronica Mars is one of the best-written shows; Lost is having a weak season, IMHO; never miss Smallville or Supernatural.

[Fierce Allegiance]

Haven't had tv since 1998. Wasteland for idiots.

I'd agree,e xcept for History and Disclovery chanel. And the Military channel. And Survivor, CSI, House, Amazing race, SPEED Channel, NASCAR (although I have to go get a tivo to skip the commercials).

It's not all crap, but requires some research to get the truly good stuff.

[acapesket]

I am 49 and I HATE TV! I cannot bear the sound of it running endlessly in the background!
The 2 that we own are on for maybe 1 hour and 30 minutes per day, between child and hubby.
They mostly watch sports.
There are no TV's in our bedrooms or on the top floor where the bedrooms are.
We pay for the minimum channel exposure and I have blocked most everything that has no intellectual value.
I used to love Brit and got my dish post 9/11 because I could only watch non Fox news- it's the People's Republic afterall! Post election.. I shut the damned thing off all together and I am thinking of selling the 27" in the den.
Any buyers? It's only 8-9 years old!