2 of 49

Write now Article Tools

Is television worth watching? Of course, it is. There is always something to be learned from television, but let's not forget what television was created for in the first place - entertainment. As long as people are entertained, television is doing its job.

While TV isn't what I'd like it to be in many ways, it's still the least expensive form of entertainment that I have, even with the upcoming change to digital that requires new converter boxes. Twenty-four hours a day, I can watch TV for free. You just can't beat that.

Are shows how I want them to be? No, honestly, they aren't; at least not all of them. I'm a very traditional and conventional person. I don't like profanity or seeing people half-dressed. I'm not fond of blood and gore, and I don't like off-color humor. What this means is that I don't laugh much at NBC's famous comedy block, and I tend to stay away from a lot of the crime and medical dramas because they seem to think I need to see how bloody it really gets in an OR. The truth is that I don't need to see it. If I want to see that, I'll turn on the news or a documentary.

What I want to see is Columbo and Adam-12. I long for Dr. Kildare and Emergency! I want Laramie and Wagon Train, with a few modifications perhaps to allow for changes in how animals are used. Unfortunately, this TV is gone. Even the channels that are supposed to honor the golden age have given way to reality shows, wrestling, and more current era comedies that are not my style. TV Land is no longer of interest to me, except for reruns of The Andy Griffith Show.

Still, I learn a lot from the Discovery Channels, of which there are several. I get to see parts of the world I wouldn't otherwise on the National Geographic Channel. I see stories of the heart that are appropriate for the entire family on the Hallmark and Lifetime Channels. Since I can't afford to go to an actual race, I can turn on Speed TV and the Fox Network and watch NASCAR. When I need to learn more about why my dogs are behaving a certain way, I can tune in Animal Planet. If I just need freedom from stress and don't want to learn a thing, I can use the remote control to flip my way over to some indulgent Patrick Swayze movie that's airing on any number of channels.

Is television worth watching? Certainly it is. Not only does it educate me and allow me to see and experience things I never would otherwise, it continues to perform its true function. Television entertains. It may not be perfect, but the beauty of television these days, is that there are a lot of channels to choose from, and if I don't like the channel I'm on, a press of the button takes me to a new place. Oh, yes, television is worth watching.

Learn more about this author, Marcia Studley.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Is television worth watching??
We want to hear your view. Write now!