Too Much TV!

     I've been watching way too much television since I've been out of work.  We didn't have cable at home for the last five years or so, and we didn't really miss it except for the Red Sox and Bruins. We had over the air digital, but mostly we utilized our extensive collection of videos and DVDs.

      Now in our new home, Mom went wild and bought a huge TV and signed up with Xfinity.  We really didn't have a choice. The reception here is awful, and without the cable there wouldn't be any TV at all. While we were waiting to get hooked up, mom was stuck binge watching Perry Mason. I sure got tired of that theme song after what seemed like a couple of hundred episodes.

     It was weird watching cable TV after such a long time. But there are so many stations that it seems like I never see even half of them. I could be missing some good shows. When I try to channel surf, I run into dozens of channels we don't get, so I stop. I'm disappointed I don't get Turner Classic Movies, but I guess it doesn't matter now that Robert Osborne went to the big movie theatre in the sky.

     The sad truth is, I'm watching way too much TV. It seems like the day is a lot longer than 24 hours, and the TV is on for at least half the day. So what am I watching?

     SPORTS: It is nice to see baseball, and with fans in the stands and fewer masks, it's almost like normal.  So far the Red Sox are doing well. After missing so many games the past few years because I couldn't get radio reception at our old home, I like it.  

Until they were eliminated I had been watching the Bruins too, even though I can't stand the play by play announcer. I still miss Fred Cusick and Derek Sanderson.  I haven't watched too many Celtics games. I tried, but basketball just doesn't appeal to me anymore (Since probably 2008). 

      PBS: I really appreciate the Create channel. They show lots of cooking, travel, craft and how-to shows. My favorites include America's Test Kitchen and Cook's Country, The Free Range Cook from New Zealand, and The Scandinavian Cooking Show. But I watch a lot of others too, and most of the recipes look really good.  The travel shows have been refreshing, since I probably would never see any of these places otherwise.  

     OLD SHOWS:  METV shows quite a few oldies but goodies. I really don't have to watch Andy Griffith anymore, having seen every black and white episode approximately 30,000 times. But when there isn't a game on, it's still a good choice. It's a shame I had to read a book about what a jerk Andy was in real life. I try not to let that ruin it for me. Just shows what a good actor he is.  If I'm up at 8 AM I can enjoy Leave it to Beaver. Again, I've seen them all. But I don't get tired of them. I like to compare how different the shows are from the first season to the last.

I hadn't watched in years, so I started watching "Bonanza". I have noticed after a few months that there are three types of episodes, and they rotate: 1.  One of the main characters gets framed for a murder or some other crime.  2.  Either the main characters or guest star are going to be attacked by lynch mob, and can't get a fair trial. But it all turns out OK.  3. A lighthearted episode that isn't really funny.  4. Plot involves a love interest for one of the main characters or two of them compete for her attention. Not watchable. Every so often they throw in an episode that is actually interesting and enjoyable. Currently, they are showing season 12 of 14 seasons, so I'm waiting until the originals with Adam come back on. 

Late night they have Green Acres, Twilight Zone, and Alfred Hitchcock. I'm not usually watching TV at 3 and 4 am or I might watch Cannon and Barnaby Jones. I used to love these shows, but I just can't get into them now.  I am happy they show Highway Patrol with Broderick Crawford. Not so happy it's on at 5 am, But I have the dvds so it doesn't really matter.

     GAME SHOWS: I love the old reruns more than new game shows. Never liked the new Lets make a Deal, give me Monty Hall any day! Same with Bob Barker, even though Drew Carey doesn't bother me. Pat Sajak doesn't impress me, but I still watch Wheel of Fortune. Jeopardy is OK, but I wish they didn't make such a big deal out of replacing Alex Trebek. I think most of the interim hosts were OK, but I wonder how they got a chance to do it. I'm not going to lose sleep over whoever they choose.

Don't tell anybody, but I never liked Alex very much on Jeopardy. I never liked him at all until I saw him on Classic Concentration last year on Buzzr. I couldn't believe how sweet, charming and funny he was. I was shocked, to tell you the truth. So I like to watch Concentration. I think I have ESP because I often guess the same numbers the contestants choose!

Well, this post is getting very long, so I will close for now. This is most of what I watch. Next time I will delve into the best TV viewing--watching whatever you want on YouTube! Till next time, view wisely!