Robert N EmersonWhat is your TV Guilty Pleasure?
October 19th 2007 01:26
Most of us have one - a television show that is something of a guilty pleasure. Its a programme that we would think twice about admitting to watching, because doing so might bring the scorn of friends, or be at odds with our own sense of identity.
I have one such show that falls within this category - So You Think You Can Dance. I have said before that I am not a fan of the reality genre; in fact, my hatred for it often burns with the heat of a thousand suns. I just can't stand watching the endless parade of obnoxious people grasping for their fifteen minutes of fame.
However, I have to admit that So You Think You Can Dance has sucked me in. While I originally had no intention of watching it, a friend of mine implored me to do so as a relative of hers was involved in the choreography. The next thing I knew, I was hooked.
The show is not perfect, and its biggest drawback is the reality show format itself. I don't watch the results part as I dislike the drawn out and overwrought journey to discovering who is going home. Peppering it will recaps of footage we have just seen a performances from the latest one-hit wonder only add to the tedium. What I do love, however, are the wide range of dances and styles that are showcased, and the truly talented people involved in the show. Like most talent based shows could stand to realise, viewers are interested in the performers, and not the endless pageantry.
So, what is your TV guilty pleasure?
I have one such show that falls within this category - So You Think You Can Dance. I have said before that I am not a fan of the reality genre; in fact, my hatred for it often burns with the heat of a thousand suns. I just can't stand watching the endless parade of obnoxious people grasping for their fifteen minutes of fame.
However, I have to admit that So You Think You Can Dance has sucked me in. While I originally had no intention of watching it, a friend of mine implored me to do so as a relative of hers was involved in the choreography. The next thing I knew, I was hooked.
The show is not perfect, and its biggest drawback is the reality show format itself. I don't watch the results part as I dislike the drawn out and overwrought journey to discovering who is going home. Peppering it will recaps of footage we have just seen a performances from the latest one-hit wonder only add to the tedium. What I do love, however, are the wide range of dances and styles that are showcased, and the truly talented people involved in the show. Like most talent based shows could stand to realise, viewers are interested in the performers, and not the endless pageantry.
So, what is your TV guilty pleasure?
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Comment by DuskDevi
Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007
...BUT my biggest TV Guilty Pleasure is 'America's/Australia's Next Top Model'!
There’s something rather endearing about these people. They’re all so delusional. They truly believe that fashion is to be taken seriously. Compelling viewing.
...but don't tell anyone please. I have a Rugby rep to protect.
It's good to see you Ninabelle...hugs...
Dusk
Comment by Susan Keeping
What's in a word
Comment by Damo
For the Sake of Argument
My Apologetics
Only kidding.
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
I LOVE So You Think You Can Dance. I dont watch Idol, Dancing with the Stars or any of those other shows, but I love that one.
And I hate to say it, but I loved Mark Philipoussis' Age of Love. It was so bad it was wonderful. I never managed to watch a full episode without hiding my face under a pillow cringing at some of the lame lines Mark and the girls came out with.
I have a love of tragic shows. I have 2 all time favourite tragic tv shows that I was IN LOVE with:
A) Pensacola Wings of Gold - click here. James Brolin was in it....along with a bunch of unknowns playing marine fighter pilots. Awesome show (and by awesome, I really mean, very average....but so bad I loved it).
B) Young Riders - based on the riders of the Pony Express. Starred Josh Brolin (I really love the Brolin Family) who I've always loved. Steven Baldwin and a bunch of other no names. Here's a fansite, which looking at it, tells me that they've released the show on DVD!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my god, I'm off to Amazon to buy it now.
Now if they'd only release Cool as Ice on DVD, I'd lose my mind with happiness!!!
Have a good weekend!
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Big Brother
Age of Love
The Bachelor
Next Top Model
They are terribly (and I mean TERRIBLY) good.
Michaelie
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Top Model (I'm gutted that I missed the end of the current cycle as I was away)
Big Brother (crap, I know)
The Bachelor (ditto)
Eastenders (yeppie, still an English person at heart)
I know there are more but that's all I can think of at the moment as I'm off for some nosh.
See you,
Tracy
PS Great post topic, Nina.
PPS OK, I'll admit I like So You Think You Can Dance
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
I am a Cheers tragic though . . .
My mother told me once - that when television first came to their household - they anxiously turned on the box believing "Test Pattern" was going to be a quiz show!
MNG
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Scrubs would probably be the closest to guilty pleasure for me or Boston Legal....
Comment by Nina
Dusk,
I've seen a couple of episodes of Top Model (the American version) and it is strangely enthralling. Tyra Banks in particular is quite insane at times.
Don't worry, your secret is safe with me
Susan,
I'm sensing a pattern developing here - you're definitely not alone in liking Top Model....
Damo,
I was wondering if anyone would say that! I think the fighting and cattiness in it could rival Top Model.
Kylie,
I remember you saying somewhere that you had a love of tragic movies, so I'm happy to see that it extends to TV shows as well
I couldn't bring myself to watch Age of Love, but I found just the concept itself quite amusing. Plus the man takes himself so seriously!
Michaelie,
I think the 'love to hate' idea is at the crux of most guilty pleasures. They're so terrible that it's a bit like a train wreck actually - hard to look away...
Tracy,
I think that's a great attitude to have - not everything has to be intellectual or challenging.
I do have the theme to Eastenders stuck in my head now though!
Mr Nice Guy,
That's a great story, MNG! It would make a good quiz show name. And the test pattern itself probably has more content than some of the things on the air at the moment...
JohnDoe,
I think most recent things that involve William Shatner could be classified as something of a guilty pleasure.
Thanks for stopping by everyone, and apologies for the single response.
Nina
Comment by Susan Keeping
What's in a word
I should also mention that lately I've been watching Three's Company, definitely a guilty pleasure
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
That's it, right there, you nailed it!
I only watch two TV shows a week regularly.. and that's it right there... my one TV guilty pleasure and of course, like you say - it's that horrid reality TV format that grates... but not as much as 'Idol'... thankfully I have managed to avoid a fasicnation with that one so far *chuckle*
However, 'Think You Can Dance' is getting pretty exciting, don't you think?
Now I'll be thinking of you watching it (guiltily) too..
Lilla ...
Comment by Nina
It certainly is - I love all the dancers that are left and I will be disappointed to see any of them go!
I will admit that I watched the first season of Australian Idol, but I did just find it far too grating. That and the fact that the chosen singers all tended to be far too alike.