Why is it?

[Brengirl]

Does anyone remember Percy Shaw, the catseye man. An old acquaintance of ours was a friend of said Percy who told us that in spite of his wealth he remained true to his roots. Had a big house with very big rooms but barely furnished. When entertaining he brought in cases of beer and invited his mates to feel at home. He had 4 or 5 t'vs at vantage points in the room. Just watch what you wanna watch and sup up was the invite.

[Florence Fennel]

Forgot about the soaps Zaz - can't stand them. Having said that, I'm still very much a fan of the Archers!

[Brengirl]

TV for me is when there is nothing else to do apart from go to bed. I don't need it to be educational or entertaining. It just fills the gap until tomorrow.

[Glutton4...]

Any TV we watch is usually recorded, that way we can fast forward the 'what's-coming-up-after-the-adverts' and the adverts, and the 'what-we-just-did-before-the-adverts!' An hour long programme actually only lasts about thirty five minutes.

[valmarg]

That good tv programmes are always short runs?

ie: Idiot Abroad, Spooks, My Name is Earl and so on.

Yet the pap that is X-phincter, Strictly Gone Dancing, Big Bother and alike seem to go on forever?

Erm, don't actually watch any of the above-mentioned.

valmarg

[Two_Sheds]

Mr. G is similarly addicted. Luckily, he no longer turns it on, and then goes out.

Mr TS turns it on, then goes to work

TV for me is when there is nothing else to do apart from go to bed. ...It just fills the gap until tomorrow.

I can see the appeal of that, but I just hate being that passive. If I watch, I also need to be knitting, or sewing, or teaching the parrots new vocab
I can only read in bed (because it's the only place I can't hear the TV), and I must read before I can sleep, even if it's just 5 mins.
Not always educational or worthy books, I do love a good thriller too

[Cosmo and Dibs]

That good tv programmes are always short runs?

ie: Idiot Abroad, Spooks, My Name is Earl and so on.

Yet the pap that is X-phincter, Strictly Gone Dancing, Big Bother and alike seem to go on forever?

I agree!

The IT Crowd is possibly my favourite show yet only gets a measly 6 episode run. Same for Peep Show.

And Doc Martin is only on every two years for 6 or 7 weeks! Tsk!

[northepaul]

I can only read in bed (because it's the only place I can't hear the TV), and I must read before I can sleep, even if it's just 5 mins.

Me too, cant switch off unless I read something....

I watch TV but usually DVDs - at the mo I am trawling though the X files. (Currently on season 7 when it starts going down hill) I may watch the odd thing such as River Cottage when its on. Have I got news for You etc. Usually when my OH gets in we watch something on the Iplayer - a history prog such as A story of England etc.

I also watch the Sarah Jane Adventures with my DD...just to check its suitable viewing mind

If you add up the amount of hours per week I actually watch TV on schedule, DVD and the Iplayer its about 5-6 hours a week and I also have to do something else, such as knitting.

[Sprocket*]

I agree but not sure I could cope with stress that Spooks causes me for any longer - I love it but it frightens me to death.

I also love top gear but the fact that they are short run makes you relish every moment - unlike Celebrity which I can't wait to see the back of and it hasn't even started....

[valmarg]

Well, I leave you to your trashy rubbish.

valmarg

[ginger ninger]

I'm a BIG big "Country File" fan...always have been as far back as I can remember so at the moment I'm enjoying "Strictly", only because the lovely "Mat" is on. I don't watch the soaps, can't stand all the repeats of "Friends" that seem to never end. Did like "Top gear" until I found out Jeremy Clarkson writes ALL the other 2's words/scripts and there not allowed to ad-lib...at all.

I do though enjoy watching celebrates eating cheeky animal parts, having bugs dumped on them, being in the dark with creepy crawlies and drinking smelly yucky drinks...Yup. "I'm a celebrity get me out of here" fan reporting for duty

[Patchninja]

Saying that strictly etc is pap for the (implied) stupid masses is snobby and insulting
If you don't like it, don't watch it.

[Two_Sheds]

Saying that strictly etc is pap for the (implied) stupid masses is snobby and insulting
If you don't like it, don't watch it.

It might be snobby, I don't mind that as an insult. I don't think you're stupid if you like Sat Night TV, there's just no alternative.

We don't like, so we don't watch: the problem is, there are too many 'pap' (your word) programmes on TV, and not enough quality stuff.

If more people turned off the pap, perhaps the message would get through that we want better...?

[lindyloo]

because of my x factor strictly thread, in case you think i am a mush brain, i had first better mention that the rest of tv i watch is ussually documentaries, and programs about the past, or antiques. downton abbey is about as 'soap' as i go.

the programs which i think are a waste of money are the ones whereby the rich or famous are funded to go off on a jaunt. the ones such as caught on camera or speed cops ( not even sure of the names). ridiculous game shows. anything that spies on people - big brother, notting hill etc., most talk shows. most childrens programs. the weather report- hardly ever accurate, until it reaches the stage of looking out of the window and seeing it for yourself. oh- i know this will upset people, another pet hate; dr. who!

and the last few years worth of period drama's, ussually bbc- all far too stuffy for me- i want smugglers, rogues, a bit of swash and buckle. although i love all of the thomas hardy dramatizations.

for total relaxation, i mostly read, or watch a dvd or video out of a collection spanning about 30 years of carbooting- some great series and films made in the past! but ussually i am doing up furniture, or similar active role in the evening, and out most of the day.

[Hilary B]

There are a few programs I prefer to watch (not many of those mentioned so far) but on the whole I only watch what is on a supper time, because OH expects the box to be on while we eat (not having a dining table we use lap-trays...). There are days nothing that is on suits him, for those times we have the DVD player.
I tend to prefer being online, it's still not exactly intellectual, but at least it is my choice of rubbish, and mainly a bit 'interactive'.