TV Talk

[next_to_normal]

I was inspired by slaymesoftly's TV post to talk about my own TV-watching habits. I'm rather monogamous about my obsessions, so there's really no fandom I participate in as much as BtVS.

I do like TV that makes you think, however, and that's always more interesting with fandom interaction, so there are usually one or two current shows that I will get slightly fannish about, i.e. I'll read reviews and discussions of each episode after it airs, but I don't generally participate in those discussions, and I never read or write fanfic. Formerly, that was BSG, but since that's finished, it's been Mad Men.

In general, I'm not very good at being a "casual viewer." I think it's partly because I'm just not drawn to procedural or self-contained shows, where it doesn't matter if you tune in every week. I like serials - maybe because they require more from the viewer. Even the procedural-type shows I do watch (Bones, Fringe) have an overarching plot or character arc.

When I watch a show, I don't plan to just catch an episode here or there - if I start watching, I want to start at the beginning, and watch every episode in order. It's kind of weird, because it means that even shows I'm not crazy about (like Dollhouse) or shows that have gone way downhill recently (like Bones) still get my full dedication - or they don't get it at all. The only difference might be whether I plant my butt on the sofa to watch when it airs, or wait four days before watching the new episode online when I have nothing better to do.

I would definitely watch How I Met Your Mother live, although I have class on Monday nights, so it's unlikely I'll be home by 8pm. Thursday is a scheduling nightmare, with Bones and Fringe on Fox and the NBC comedy lineup at the same time, but my apathy toward most of those shows might lighten the load eventually. I was less than thrilled with Bones last year, but for now it's staying on the schedule in hopes of improvement. Fringe sort of interests me, but I can't seem to give it the attention it requires, so it's best watched with a rewind button. The Office is still awesome as ever. I also enjoyed the series premiere of Community, more so than Parks & Recreation, which I'm still watching even as I kind of wonder why. I'm sticking with Dollhouse for now, and I love Psych, but I think it's probably close to finishing its summer run.

There's also a ton of TV that's not currently on right now that I will tune in when it comes back, and I sort of worry that if I list them all out, I'll get a reputation as a TV addict or something, lol. But I'm also a fan of Burn Notice and Leverage, which both split their seasons into a summer and winter segment, as well as Chuck and 24, which will be coming back after the new year. There's also the spectacular Friday Night Lights, which... airs who knows when. I don't have DirecTV, and last year I was really good and didn't download illegally, but I've heard that this year the episodes might not air on NBC until JUNE, which is a really long wait...

Imported shows I DO download illegally: Doctor Who, Gavin & Stacey, and most recently Being Erica, thanks to maharet83's recommendation. And then there's House and Brothers & Sisters, which I like enough to watch on DVD, but am at least a season behind (and refuse to watch them live until I'm caught up).

Dear lord, I watch a lot of TV...

Comments

[dawnofme.livejournal.com]

I don't enjoy self-contained or procedural shows either. Bones was a disappointment last year. I watched the first epi for this season and it was okay. I will watch Dollhouse, but it's not my favorite show at all. I think it has the potential to get better. I watched Leverage, but I'm not jumping up and down excited for more. It's fun, but not must see for me.

I'm watching more TV this year than I've watched in years, but none of the shows interest me as much at BTVS did. I don't feel the need to write fan fiction and I rarely even feel the pull to create fan art/graphics. Sometimes I will for Doctor Who, Torchwood or Supernatural. But I'm still writing fan fiction and creating fan art for Buffy years later.

[brunettepet.livejournal.com]

You and I share that slightly obsessive need to catch every episode. Last season I missed a couple episodes of "Friday Night Lights" and had to wait for the DVDs to watch the season in its entirety. I also stuck with "True Blood," though I caught myself wondering why three or four episodes into this season.

I follow online discussions about "Supernatural," "Top Chef," and Project Runway," but never participate. The only shows I've ever done that with are Buffy, Angel and Battlestar. "Mad Men" is pitch perfect, and I don't think I could offer anything to an online discussion other than constant gushing and commentary on the great set design and costuming!

You think you watch a lot of TV? I'm adding three new shows ("Flash Forward," "V," and "The Forgotten") to an already over full roster. Here's hoping they all suck! My husband just shakes his head.

[silverusagi]

Everyone watches more TV than me...

[urania-calliope.livejournal.com]

I LOVE TV and I wish I could watch more of it. Since I no longer have a TV all of my viewing now happens in the form of DVDs or downloads.

There's a few shows I'm dying to start watching like: Supernatural, Eastwick, True Blood, V and Being Human.

[ladyofthelog.livejournal.com]

My dark secret: I don't watch TV. I used to watch SVU reruns a lot when I was sick and had cable, but sans cable, I don't miss it. Right now, I'm just starting Angel on DVD.

[deird1]

When I watch a show, I don't plan to just catch an episode here or there - if I start watching, I want to start at the beginning, and watch every episode in order. It's kind of weird, because it means that even shows I'm not crazy about (like Dollhouse) or shows that have gone way downhill recently (like Bones) still get my full dedication - or they don't get it at all.

Agreed.

I don't really watch shows live anymore, because Aussie scheduling is weird and can mean you end up watching out of order or missing episodes. These days I just wait for the dvds.

[angearia.livejournal.com]

We're TV soulmates. *pauses to ponder*

Seriously, though! Except for watching Doctor Who and Being Erica (which I don't), I watch all the same shows. I too am disappointed with Bones but giving it a shot. And I watch Fringe, but I keep having to rewind.

[slaymesoftly.livejournal.com]

You do watch a lot of TV. That settles it - you're meeting me at Jaxx Saturday night (assuming you won't be throwing up on anyone)