I grew up glued to the TV set. Although only Greek was spoken at home from the time of my birth, I learned to speak English by the time I was three, solely from watching TV. While critics decry the influence of TV on our society, I must admit, I love it….I’m hooked. I attribute my verbal skills and broad general knowledge largely to TV, which enables me to experience the world very broadly and in a brief time period.

But TV has changed. It has largely run out of “stories” and now resorts to “reality” shows, graphic sensationalism, pseudo-news, and a host of other devices that have diminished much of what it originally contributed both to learning and to entertainment. Take, for instance, the very nature of a “story”. Growing up, I remember that TV shows had a story. It may have been formulaic, but there was a story that one could follow and get involved in. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but today there are few stories. Much of the emphasis is placed instead on character development, visual effects, music, product placement, etc. The story has faded into the background. Instead we are confronted with the primary characters’ personal problems, addictions, family issues, and “relationships”. The sets have become very elaborate and the visual effects stunning but, for the most part, the actual stories are minimal, predictable, or simply unbelievable.

Most of the time when I watch current programming I find myself multitasking – notebook computer on my lap, making phone calls, or reading a magazine or journal. Occasionally I catch a vintage TV program and am reminded just how engaging a story can be. The Brits still have a knack for good stories, and if you catch a simple show like Doc Martin, you will realize what I mean. But even British TV is going the American route these days and much of their programming looks like American TV with a British accent.