by Moe Zilla

Created on: January 23, 2008   Last Updated: January 11, 2009

In 1969, my father and mother gathered the family around our television set. Their voices were hushed as it broadcast a tinny voice which had traveled 238,857 miles to reach us.

"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

That was definitely television worth watching. And from there we found more quality television shows which were age appropriate. From Mister Rogers on to Sesame Street, and then later the Electric Company, I'd say at least some of those PBS shows really were educational. But the key was choosing them carefully!

There are still events worth watching on TV. You can watch the next president of America in a debate with his opponent, or see footage of today's biggest news stories. (And without television, how could sports fans watch the Super Bowl?) It's even possible that your favorite author might be interviewed on television someday.

Of course, news shows aren't what most people mean when they ask whether television is worth watching. They mean the ordinary episodes of TV shows, and they're bemoaning all those hours we waste watching sitcoms, crime shows, science fiction and melodramas.

But even then, I'd argue that today the quality of the best TV dramas are better than the best dramas of 30 years ago. The fierce competition now includes cable TV shows, and the networks are actually forced to compete based on the quality of their shows - on their stories, writers, and actors. (Currently over 75% of all households in American subscribe to cable TV.) In addition, TV networks know that DVD sales represent a second revenue stream, so it's in their best business interests to create a loyal audience who'd want to revisit their series. Today television is definitely more violent - but it's usually in shows that are making a real effort to create a convincing drama.

Ultimately it comes down to personal preferences. Yes, it's probably more educational to read a book, and it's probably healthier to go out and get some exercise. But I know rabid fans of shows like Lost and Heroes who insist the shows are great television dramas. They find them moving and meaningful, and if they consider their time well-spent - that's ultimately their choice.

I'm guilty of watching reruns of my favorite sitcoms - like Seinfeld, That 70s Show, Friends and even South Park. I could try to defend the shows based on their stories or their acting, but it's really very simple. These sitcoms make us laugh. Laughter is good for your health, both physical and mental, and it's one of the simple pleasures of life.

If the laughter is genuine, then the show was worth watching.

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