Barbara Walters

I watched the Barbara Walters TV special last night, about the greatest TV shows of all time. I always watch these  kinds of shows, because I am a big fan of TV.

For years I felt like that was not something to tell people. In fact, I thought I should hide the fact that I enjoy TV so much, from others. Not to say I do not enjoy spending time with people, and watching sunsets, but I like watching movies and television programming. I think, for me it is a step away from reading a book. However, I found, if given the chance, I watch TV over reading a book. That may have to do with the books I have found to read, or maybe its because when I watch TV I can do other things at the same time.

I am very passionate about my TV shows and will watch some shows over and over again. What I enjoy the most, is a good sitcom which makes me laugh. I watched sitcoms when I was young, and I think watching sitcoms is like a type of therapy for me. It makes me laugh.

The list Barbara used for the special was compiled by TV Guide, which I haven’t used in years. I remember years ago, when there were a handful of stations, it was easy to read. This past Sunday I tried to find where the local station here moved Jeopardy to, and it was like trying to crack a code to figure out what show was where. With the schedule on the various providers, I think most people check that, so who are the people providing this TV Guide poll with it’s information?

Looking at the various categories, I was surprised how many different shows were mentioned that I did not watch. Under reality show, some ice fisherman show was listed? I have never seen this show, nor heard of it! I watch a few shows which would qualify better, especially if they can be current TV shows.

I Love Lucy

I always take exception to certain shows, and the lack of others, but this list was not too bad. Citing I Love Lucy as the best show of all time is probably right. The other night, as I lay awake with insomnia daring me to fall asleep, an episode came on, and I laughed out loud numerous times. I think that timeless comedy is something that is rare, and even though they do not have cell phones, or computers, we can relate to what they are doing, and that does make it a good show.

My criteria for a good show is usually one which I stop on when surfing and watch. When it beats out the other options, it is a good show. When it almost always wins, though it is 20-30 years old, I think it’s great! Some of the shows which were mentioned fit this criteria; MASH, Cheers, Seinfeld and Cosby. Some were longtime favorites, especially when the category was TV moms, and included Happy Days, Leave it to Beaver and Brady Bunch.

Shows that did not make any of the lists which I found to be an oversight include Frasier, Sex and the City, Gilmore Girls, Golden Girls and thirtysomething. These shows are some of  my favorites which were overlooked. I am not sure how these shows were not included, but maybe it is a time issue, since all of these are fairly new and the list likes to include older shows. I will watch All in the Family, on occasion, but most of the humor seems to be topical, and 70s oriented, not pertinent anymore, plus seeing Archie’s archaic bigotry is somethimes not funny.

One more category I found questionable was the “Favorite non-human” which was an interesting category, and I agree with Lassie, Mr. Spock and Alf, but two muppets? What about Mork, from Mork and Mindy? Rin Tin Tin? Mr Ed? And seriously, who would pick Kermit as Number one? I did not like this category at all.

And when Mad Men showed up, I thought it is too early to call it a best show of all time. A show still on the air should not even be considered in this category. I love Mad Men, but I think a show like ER or The Sopranos is in a different world, and these kinds of polls for dramas should not include shows that have yet to make, or break their spot in the books as “Best of” anything.

The best example of them getting it right was in “Talk Show Host”. They mentioned the five greatest talk show hosts and definitely got it right crowning Johnny Carson as King. Ellen, Oprah and David Letterman followed, which is where they belong. That was the best call.

Overall, I really liked the way this program brought a taste of the shows, gave some information about them, showed clips, (mostly the most famous clips) and moved on. It was done in an MTV type format with people chiming in on why they liked the show, or person, which was fast-moving, though felt like a ripoff. I enjoy Barbara, and she was funny to ask about “Baba Wawa” when interviewing the Saturday Night Live people, which took best variety show honors. (And yes they are still on, but being on for 40 years should count!)

There is a full list of these winners and more categories they said, on the internet. Maybe they will replay the show sometime, however, this is not one of those shows I would watch again. (OK maybe just the Tonight Show clips)