You CAN judge a book by its cover

Has anyone seen the ads for 1600 Penn? Its a new TV show about the first family and it centers around a fat, loud, obnoxious idiot. (no, not the president. One of his kids apparently) I have not seen it, but I can tell you with 100% conviction that I already hate it. Every show that features some loudmouth jerk has been horrible, and this one will follow suit. I mean, look at the promo photo, you hate it already don't you?

Token uptight black guy? Check. Nerdy kid? Check. Prudish, disapproving older sister? Check. OK, so Pulman is great and Elfman is hot so you may tune in once, but the first time that fat idiot out front farts in front of some diplomat and they cue the laugh track you'll just throw the TV out the window.

I also saw ads for the next season of fat stupid Honey Boo Boo, then a show about loudmouth idiots from South Boston (they fight all the time and have weird accents!) then for WV redneck kids on MTV (guess what fight the producers scripted this week!)...oh dear lord make it stop!

the cure?

I agree with every word in the first post.

The pilot episode was available on-line. Even Ms. Elfman can't help the horrible drivel this show brings to the table.

I saw a lengthy preview while at the movies and it would make a lie of the first post. While I agree in theory with hating the fat obnoxious character, the previews had him only in a minor supporting role.

But the second post is wrong on every count. Those are a fine example of what's wrong with TV. A few of them have good ideas, but the execution is wrong.

Honey Boo Boo on the other hand is an argument for capital punishment.

I have some things Id love to say about loudmouth windbag douchnozzle asshats who wouldnt know a damned thing about modesty or humility, even if it jumped up and bitchslapped them in their idiocentric, egomaniacal, pretentious, self-righteous taints, but I will keep them to myself.

A new low in "reality" TV.

http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2013/01/08/babies-mamas-reality

One possible solution to this whole dilemma:

I just watched an hour of rednecks shooting 'gators in some Florida swamp during a rainstorm, while another redneck stayed inside and argued with this wife instead.

Going to cleanse my palate with some Fishing with John .

Nobody likes a wise-ass, GPS

Yet another reason I don't miss broadcast or cable TV. If it makes it to Netflix, then I'll start watching it.

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: One possible solution to this whole dilemma:

Absolutely. Non auto racing TV is largely trash. And not real life, especially when it's called "reality".

In reply to 4cylndrfury:

I just started watching the Big Bang Theory a few months ago. I don't know how I've missed it so long but it could be the funniest show on TV.

pinchvalve wrote: Every show that features some loudmouth jerk has been horrible

All in the family was a great show in it's time

Reality is spelt, W.a.s.t.e.d.l.i.f.e.

Wally wrote: In reply to 4cylndrfury: I just started watching the Big Bang Theory a few months ago. I don't know how I've missed it so long but it could be the funniest show on TV.

It's not bad, but it palls after a while. Too afraid to violate the successful formula they have happened upon.

aussiesmg wrote: Reality is spelt, W.a.s.t.e.d.l.i.f.e.

tr00f.

The local NBC affiliate just added MeTV as their second digital channel. Been watching Emergency and MAS*H a lot.

4cylndrfury wrote: the cure?

should have just stopped there.

9 out of 10 kids where I went to college would be a regular on the set of big bang theory. that show's as much predictable canned drivel as any of them.

Speaking of the awful state of broadcast television, what's the current go-to for a Netflix streaming box? Roku?

And does Hulu Plus ever stop sucking with those same four ads repeating at every break?

Wally wrote: In reply to 4cylndrfury: I just started watching the Big Bang Theory a few months ago. I don't know how I've missed it so long but it could be the funniest show on TV.

My friend is moving in with me soon, we both graduated just recently as Math Majors. Our girlfriends are convinced it will be just like Big Bang Theory. I just hope that a cute girl moves in across the hall. For some reason, the girlfriends didn't think that was funny.

I also like How I Met Your Mother. It is like Friends+Seinfeld in the present. Actually, it is nearly the exact same formula as Friends, which I never liked.

Last Man Standing - Really Funny.
Hawaii Five O - Good drama with nice scenery.
Burn Notice - Lots of action.
Fairly Legal - Hot Lead Lady
Castle - Good, clean show
Blue Bloods - SAA
Fringe - Great Sci Fi Drama

Just about everything else is garbage, as far as I am concerned, including BBT. And as much as I like these shows, I wouldn't sit inside on a summer night watching them when I could be out living life.

bravenrace wrote: Just about everything else is garbage, as far as I am concerned, including BBT. And as much as I like these shows, I wouldn't sit inside on a summer night watching them when I could be out living life.

I can't think of a single show ever that would make me stay in on a nice summer night. Sports need not apply.

I'm biased, but yeah. It looks absolutely terrible.

I really enjoy The Walking Dead, How I Met Your Mother and The Big Bang Theory but I only occasionally watch them during dinner on Netflix so it isn't like I am really up on them.

That new show coming up on FX "The Americans" has got me interested from seeing the commercials several times.