“Vast wasteland” is from a famous speech to the National Association of Broadcasters delivered in 1961. At that time there were only three networks, CBS, NBC, and third ranked ABC which only reached about half the country.
There actually was some good writing back then compared to the rotting tripe on the public airways today. It’s all streaming services for us when we’re looking for comedy and drama…plus some PBS.
I think I will boycott both Hallmark channels. I’m tired of the Christmas movies. It was bad enough when they added them to July. Now it’s starting in September. They may as well change their name to the Christmas Movie Channel. But don’t think the stories will ever change. Boy meets girl, or girl meets single dad. All us a happy ending. Different actors, same story. Life isn’t like that, but that’s Hollywood!
Program listings (or a TV Guide) isn’t the problem, I use an online one, very customizable.
The problem, at least to me, is the lack of quality shows. So called “reality” shows and warmed over games shows from the 60’s and 70’s with “celebrity” tacked on the front of it (and most of the “celebrities” I’ve never heard of).
I didn’t realize that “TV Guide” was still around until I recently started seeing TV commercials trying to get new subscribers. I haven’t seen it at a checkout stand in years.
Years ago, I subscribed to TV Guide, but then they changed the format from that little mag to a bigger one (but with less content), and making it more like “People” Magazine. I still would have stuck, but when I saw the Daytime Schedule was mostly “Various Programming”, with virtually no show details, I dropped it.
Winter used to be the time when the reruns ended and new shows began. Now this winter the most network-like scripted program is Frasier, which isn’t even on a network. Scripted shows are so expensive, even on a can’t-miss reboot, that they only committed to 13 episodes. That would evaporate if it were on network, but it works for streaming.
We got 6! US ABC, NBC, CBS, and PBS AND Canadian ABC, NBC, and CBS. But that wasn’t until we got our first TV in 1964. It was color TV. Mom and dad painted the cabinet pink and yellow. Grampa built it for us as his hobby was TV repair. All made from spare parts. Otherwise we wouldn’t have a TV until 1968.
It has been a good night. I am now on my third movie on Turner which I like – this one is “Fitzwilly” – yes, a bit early for Christmas, but it is a favorite.
Da'Dad about 1 year ago
“Vast wasteland” is from a famous speech to the National Association of Broadcasters delivered in 1961. At that time there were only three networks, CBS, NBC, and third ranked ABC which only reached about half the country.
Heres Waldo about 1 year ago
… a wasteland, it will always be. I miss the 50s, 60s and 70s.
alasko about 1 year ago
Let the Guide, guide you.
Rhetorical_Question about 1 year ago
Vast wasteland
admiree2 about 1 year ago
There actually was some good writing back then compared to the rotting tripe on the public airways today. It’s all streaming services for us when we’re looking for comedy and drama…plus some PBS.
gale5406 about 1 year ago
I think I will boycott both Hallmark channels. I’m tired of the Christmas movies. It was bad enough when they added them to July. Now it’s starting in September. They may as well change their name to the Christmas Movie Channel. But don’t think the stories will ever change. Boy meets girl, or girl meets single dad. All us a happy ending. Different actors, same story. Life isn’t like that, but that’s Hollywood!
rheddmobile about 1 year ago
Even my 84-year-old mother with dementia can manage to find the shows she likes using the internet.
mgl179 about 1 year ago
Program listings (or a TV Guide) isn’t the problem, I use an online one, very customizable.
The problem, at least to me, is the lack of quality shows. So called “reality” shows and warmed over games shows from the 60’s and 70’s with “celebrity” tacked on the front of it (and most of the “celebrities” I’ve never heard of).
mrblanche about 1 year ago
Newton Minnow, rest in peace. (Look it up.)
tkj99 about 1 year ago
Still a vast wasteland. There are some good shows. I don’t have cable anymore and select what I want to watch by streaming. No commercials!
NeedaChuckle Premium Member about 1 year ago
Watch very little regular TV. Stream mostly now. Curiosity Stream is one of the best out there.
Mumblix Premium Member about 1 year ago
I didn’t realize that “TV Guide” was still around until I recently started seeing TV commercials trying to get new subscribers. I haven’t seen it at a checkout stand in years.
dlkrueger33 about 1 year ago
I really, REALLY miss the TV Guide.
Kerrds2001 about 1 year ago
It’s just you, Janis, and the remote Arlo. Good luck.
Grace Premium Member about 1 year ago
With Netflix, Prime and Disney+ along with endless Hallmark movies, we didn’t much notice the strike.
uniquename about 1 year ago
TV Guide magazine is coming back. You can subscribe for $15/year.
ChessPirate about 1 year ago
Years ago, I subscribed to TV Guide, but then they changed the format from that little mag to a bigger one (but with less content), and making it more like “People” Magazine. I still would have stuck, but when I saw the Daytime Schedule was mostly “Various Programming”, with virtually no show details, I dropped it.
rugeirn about 1 year ago
Can you type in tvguide dot com? I knew you could.
Ermine Notyours about 1 year ago
Winter used to be the time when the reruns ended and new shows began. Now this winter the most network-like scripted program is Frasier, which isn’t even on a network. Scripted shows are so expensive, even on a can’t-miss reboot, that they only committed to 13 episodes. That would evaporate if it were on network, but it works for streaming.
The-Great-Gildersleeve about 1 year ago
Where exactly did the program listings go? I still use them.
Just-me about 1 year ago
This winter, tv wise anyway, will be dismal because of the writer’s strike.
dadlivonia about 1 year ago
Now it is only half vast
trainnut1956 about 1 year ago
Don’t worry, Arlo. You don’t need a listing. It’s all infomercials and Maury reruns anyway.
alkabelis Premium Member about 1 year ago
Props to Newton Minnow
crazeekatlady about 1 year ago
We got 6! US ABC, NBC, CBS, and PBS AND Canadian ABC, NBC, and CBS. But that wasn’t until we got our first TV in 1964. It was color TV. Mom and dad painted the cabinet pink and yellow. Grampa built it for us as his hobby was TV repair. All made from spare parts. Otherwise we wouldn’t have a TV until 1968.
viniragu about 1 year ago
Yep, Television did create a Vast Waistland !!!!!
David Huie Green LoveJoyAndPeace about 1 year ago
At least there’s more and more waste to step on!!
mafastore about 1 year ago
It has been a good night. I am now on my third movie on Turner which I like – this one is “Fitzwilly” – yes, a bit early for Christmas, but it is a favorite.
Skeptical Meg about 1 year ago
All that has changed is the vastness.