We all have the networks--whether broadcast or cable, legacy or newbie--that we gravitate to, but I was wondering this morning about so-called indispensable networks.Given that I write about television, nearly all networks could be said to be indispensable in one way or another, but what I was pondering was that one specific television channel that you can't turn away from, that you automatically switch to when you turn on the television, or which you have on as background while you're doing other things in our multi-tasking obsessed society.
Many years ago, that channel was--perhaps not surprisingly for those of you who know me--Food Network, but it was replaced by BBC America around 2000 and for many years that was my go-to network, the one spot on the metaphorical dial that I could always depend on for diverting fare, soothing background noise, or a sense of the familiar and comforting.
For whatever the reason, sadly, that's not the case anymore and--shock, horror--I've actually gone so far as to remove BBC America from my list of TiVo favorite channels as it's become a 24-hour network showcasing little other than Star Trek: The Next Generation, Top Gear, and repeats of three ubiquitous Gordon Ramsay reality series. (Three standouts this year: crime drama Luther, reality series The Choir, and culinary competition series Come Dine with Me all had short runs, unfortunately, and Doctor Who can't run all year long.)
But that's a rant for another post (and, believe me, it's coming).
What I am curious about is whether you have a specific network that fulfills those needs and just what network that might be. Are you addicted to USA? Hooked on HBO? Famished for Food Network? Drawn to Cartoon Network? Ingratiated towards IFC? Perpetually amazed by AMC?
Head to the comments section to discuss and debate.
Comments
Now, I either go to the premium channels, NY1 (local NYC news channel) or my DVR when I don't have appointment viewing.
I'm one of those people with no attention span.
Personally, I don't notice networks at all, even with their annoying "bugs" in the corners. My Windows Media Center records all the shows I want, and I watch them whenever I want to. I never turn on live TV. What network airs Big Bang Theory? I have no idea, but I watch every ep.
If I absolutely have to pick one, I think I'd pick USA with their fun, fluffy ("sunny," as Amanda from Michigan said) shows.
That said, I have favorite shows and certain networks seem to program more of them than others. Even that is changing as shows hop around (e.g., Project Runway) or get distributed differently (e.g., Friday Night Lights). I have no loyalty to a network, only to the quality of the shows they broadcast.
Overall, HBO and AMC have the highest number of shows that I watch religiously.
1. HBO
2. Showtime
3. IFC
4. BBCA
5. ID Channel (I love/detest the things that I hear and see on the channel)
6. USA
7. Food/Cooking Channels
8. TVLand-sometimes I just want to watch a MASH or Everybody Loves Raymond rerun
I agree, Network Television is a dying breed.
I hope AMC, USA, FX wipes the floor someday with their programming (I know unrealistic). Of course for those who have premium, all the better to mix.
I sound elitist but Jace, there is nothing that good on network with a few exceptions. I will hands down admit that The Vampire Diaries is a guilty pleasure show but I have no vested interest like Terriers, Boardwalk, BB, SOA, etc. I know the TGW is good, Cougar Town, Modern Family, NBC's Thursday line-up, especially Community but I've cut out a great deal of television. It's not a bad thing.
*I'm loving Luther, probably because I love Idris so much. I think it's a well done show.