Tag: streaming TV

Comfort TV in the age of quarantine and COVID-19

I’m on my second watch of “Gilmore Girls” this year. 

Now of course I love the show. But do I need to watch it again? Probably not. 

I’m not watching it because there’s a lack of TV. In fact, like most people, it feels impossible to keep up with the new shows and seasons these days. Especially with all the new streaming networks. 

Quibi may have inadvertently picked the worst time to come out given the current state of the world and its original intentions, but now we also have Peacock. 

I have four streaming services at the moment, but I hate to get another one considering I usually rotate between one or two for a month and then switch around. Though Peacock has a free version, which I appreciate.

I could watch new shows. I have the time. But given the political, racial and medical tension these days, I need a break. 

This year has been a huge return to comfort TV for me. I don’t want the stress of a new show. I want the familiarity of shows I’ve seen multiple times to escape the current state of the world. 

So if you’re in need of some comfort TV, here are my picks:

That 70s Show

For the fashion alone, this show is great. It takes you back to a time when loud prints, big hair and bell bottoms were way cool.

Plus, for a daily life show, they spend a lot of time chilling in the basement. Just like the rest of us right now it seems.

Frasier

When you’re biggest problem is running out of sherry or forgetting to hit the cough button, you’re doing OK.

This lovable comedy reminds us of a simpler time, and a time when dating was (somewhat) easier. Hey, at least it was in person.

Gilmore Girls

Talk fast. Feel better.

This show is my favorite. I love the relationship between Lorelai and Rory, and I always catch new references every time I watch.

Because I’ve seen this show so many times, it creates a sense of calm. I’m sure everyone has this type of show.

Boy Meets World

Binge-watching this show made me realize all the inconsistencies of it. Every character skips a grade or two, and Cory and Topanga break up and get back together way more times than I remember.

But again, simpler times. And we could all use a lesson in kindness from the incomparable Mr. Feeny.

I would also add “Friends” to the list, but alas, it’s on HBO Max now. Another streaming network!

2020 award nominations prove broadcast TV is dead. Here’s why.

One. That’s it.

Between the Golden Globes and SAG Awards, only one broadcast show, “This Is Us,” received a nomination. 

Giving the streaming platform growth, this isn’t surprising. Broadcast nominations have been waning for years, but 2020 is proving to be a new low.

Is it worth broadcast shows even trying anymore? They’re fighting an uphill battle against cable and streaming.

Here are issues broadcast networks deal with:

Limits

Comedies have to be 22 min. Dramas are 44 min. Two-hour reality shows have 30 minutes of ads. And there’s no wiggle room. Remember when “Friends” had extended episodes? Not a thing anymore.

Watch any Netflix half-hour series and the times, and you’ll notice all sorts of fluctuation. One episode will run for 34 minutes, 23 minutes, 38 minutes, 26 minutes. The time is based on the story, not the ads.

There’s also the language limit. You can’t swear (unless you work with “The Good Place” forking model). Broadcast networks have to work with certain standards (thanks, FCC), when cable and streaming do not.

Revenue

Ads still run king in media, but subscriptions are providing more and more revenue.

Netflix has hiked its prices steadily over the last few years, and it doesn’t even have ads. Hulu has an ad-free service. I’m waiting for Disney+ to add more/any ads. Apple TV+ doesn’t have ads, but it also doesn’t have that much content yet.

Advertisers follow the money. One screw up and you’re done. In an age when one Tweet can cause an upheaval, for better or worse, it can be a domino effect. 

Networks have to rely on ad dollars, which is why when the Roseanne debacle happened it was handled within hours, before more reputation damage could be done.

Creativity

Ryan Murphy and Shonda Rhimes, two network juggernauts, signed Netflix deals in the last year.

Why? Creativity. They can expand their work without any constraints. It’s no-holds-bar in the best kind of way.

Now, do I think Murphy’s “The Politician” is a great piece of TV? No. (In fact, I found all the characters irritating and plot way too overdone.) But, it’s different, and no one can deny that.

After 10+ years of dominating ABC and being the center of TGIT, Rhimes can leave the set plots behind and explore, even past the confines of “Scandal.”

Can you blame them?