I am fascinated by CBS. Years ago it was a source of frustration to me that people weren’t watching the Kings’ shows because they were on the fuddy-duddy network. It was hard to convince people how out there and experimental they could be. (EVIL is still heckin’ CRAZY.) But I also appreciated that they gave me great new entries in trad genres like sitcoms. Quality in those genres got so underappreciated in the 21st century because of the rise of self-aware shows. I admit the adds for TODD make me roll my eyes. But I’m sure many people reading this substack hate the ads for YOUNG SHELDON and that show is terrific. ELEMENTARY had edge, at least when it started. I think what I appreciate most about the lineup CBS makes possible is that some terrific performers get to do their stuff, and I like watching good performers.
Such a good point about what comfort TV might mean to different people (of different generations, hahaha T_T). For me, engaging with TV weekly is usually about appointment viewing and water cooler talk (where it happens anymore). So what does it mean to have to wait a week for a show that, with 5 seasons on Netflix, could instead be happily binged in a shorter period of time? One way that it works in a weekly setting for me is just knowing I have lots of other content to engage with in that same period of time. Of course, the risk is that too much content crowds out (potentially) softball options.
Hey! I liked this! And at the end of the day, I don't think it's too bad if a new show just entertains me and that's it. Plus, I really like Marcia Gay Harden so I'm very very very happy she's getting work.
I love how this post talks about the reliable repetitiveness of CBS. Because last season, they had Good Sam (name pun) with a recognizable young actor against an acclaimed older star. Mother and daughter. Medical dramedy, but more comedy tbh. They couldn’t get along. That was axed due to ratings. It was way more serialized. I wonder if this fares any better.
I am fascinated by CBS. Years ago it was a source of frustration to me that people weren’t watching the Kings’ shows because they were on the fuddy-duddy network. It was hard to convince people how out there and experimental they could be. (EVIL is still heckin’ CRAZY.) But I also appreciated that they gave me great new entries in trad genres like sitcoms. Quality in those genres got so underappreciated in the 21st century because of the rise of self-aware shows. I admit the adds for TODD make me roll my eyes. But I’m sure many people reading this substack hate the ads for YOUNG SHELDON and that show is terrific. ELEMENTARY had edge, at least when it started. I think what I appreciate most about the lineup CBS makes possible is that some terrific performers get to do their stuff, and I like watching good performers.
Such a good point about what comfort TV might mean to different people (of different generations, hahaha T_T). For me, engaging with TV weekly is usually about appointment viewing and water cooler talk (where it happens anymore). So what does it mean to have to wait a week for a show that, with 5 seasons on Netflix, could instead be happily binged in a shorter period of time? One way that it works in a weekly setting for me is just knowing I have lots of other content to engage with in that same period of time. Of course, the risk is that too much content crowds out (potentially) softball options.
Hey! I liked this! And at the end of the day, I don't think it's too bad if a new show just entertains me and that's it. Plus, I really like Marcia Gay Harden so I'm very very very happy she's getting work.
I love how this post talks about the reliable repetitiveness of CBS. Because last season, they had Good Sam (name pun) with a recognizable young actor against an acclaimed older star. Mother and daughter. Medical dramedy, but more comedy tbh. They couldn’t get along. That was axed due to ratings. It was way more serialized. I wonder if this fares any better.