Place this infographic on your site using the embed code below:
TV Watchers – Cast of Characters
Children’s Shows Then and Now
Television shows have undoubtedly changed greatly over the years and children’s programming is no exception. According to a UCLA study that measured what children value in television, researchers found that fame is the No. 1 value emphasized by television shows popular with 9-to 11-year-olds; a dramatic change over the past decade. Let’s take a closer look at how things have changed over the years.
Photo Source: ccharmon w/ CC License
Space Battles
The final frontier has always been a fascination for children and these shows provide all the intergalactic action the younger set craves.
Then: Battle of the Planets
This children’s show started in 1978 and ran until 1985. It was an animated program that followed five intergalactic kids on their adventures to keep Earth safe. With special powers, they were specifically adapted for the job. The program was hailed as the ideal show for the “post Star Wars” generation.
Now: Clone Wars
While Star Wars may have been big back when Battle of the Planets was playing, kids today have a whole new trilogy based on the Star Wars theme. This includes the movie Clone Wars, which was later turned into a popular television series in 2008 and is still going strong today. In it, Obi Wan Kenobi and Yoda lead Jedi knights in a battle against the Separatist droids.
Slapstick Comedy
From the Three Stooges to Tom and Jerry, slapstick comedy has been a part of children’s programming since the beginning. But it’s become slightly more sophisticated over the years. . . or has it?
Then: Ren and Stimpy
This odd pairing of a crazy Chihuahua called, Ren and his cat sidekick, Stimpy, entertained children from 1991-1998. The show based its humor around things like litterbox jokes, hairballs, farting, and a slew of other disgusting antics that tend to make kids laugh. The duo tackled many crazy adventures that helped to propel the show into a seven year run.
Now: Spongebob Squarepants
Currently on its 9th season, Spongebob Squarepants is the No. 1 rated television show for 2-to-11-year-olds, and has been for 10 years now. The show’s humor tends to focus on characters getting hit in the head, farts and other disgusting themes much like Ren and Stimpy before it.
Photo Source: CrazySphinx w/CC License
Kids Being Kids
Teens will always live more interesting lives on screen and many television shows aimed at capturing the attention of kids based on that lifestyle. Here are a couple of shows that play into the on screen dream life of teens – generations apart..
Then: Saved by the Bell
Back in 1989, six high school students attending Bayside High were some of the hippest teens on screen. The show dealt with life as a jock, a geek, a feminist, a fashionista, a trouble maker and a model type – an interesting mix of kids who were constantly getting themselves into sticky situations.
Now: iCarly
This hip new show really appeals to the growing Internet fame of youth via YouTube and other platforms. Carly sets up her very own online show where she shares everything from recipes to interviews. The show covers the life of young Carly who lives with her older brother and primary guardian, as she navigates the waters of adolescence. Based on unexpected fame and a typical high-school experience, this show may be meant for teens but it’s also appealing to a younger demographic.
Photo Source: The U.S. National Archives w/no copyright restrictions
Shows that Spanned the Decades
Of course, not all shows have been replaced over time. While it is rare, there are some programs designed for kids that qualify for their own Then and Now comparison.
The Simpsons
Premiering in 1987, this animated television show has turned into the longest-running scripted show in all of television. Some (including President Bush) have said that American family values should be more like the Waltons than the Simpsons, but the public seems to love the offbeat, dysfunctional family. Not strictly for children, it has become a show viewed by all ages over the years.
Sesame Street
Aimed at a younger age group, Sesame Street started as an experiment to see if television could be used to teach children, back in 1969. Since then, over 500 celebrities have appeared on the show which covers everything from counting letters to learning manners and proper social behaviors. The show is now produced in more than 30 countries and is viewed by over 82 million children worldwide.
Children’s shows may have changed over the decades but the basic ideas are often the same. Slapstick humor will always appeal to kids and high school trials will always be interesting to those who are about to enter high school or who suffer through lesser dramas on a daily basis. While much has changed, you could say television has simply adapted to the times.
Evolution of the Sitcom
Even though sitcoms have been around for decades, they still do their part in making audiences laugh. They’ve undergone a lot of transformation since the 1950s, and the evolution in how plotlines, filming styles, and genres have changed gave us what we have today. Here’s a look at the development of sitcoms as outlined per decade from 1950 to 2010.
Decade: 1950s
Milestones: This time period marks the birth of the sitcom.
Noteworthy shows: I Love Lucy, Father Knows Best, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, Leave it to Beaver
“He’s put his foot down so many times, I feel like I’m married to a Cuban centipede!”
The 1950s began the sitcom legacy. Of some of the first situation comedies to ever hit television programming, many of them were “domestic comedies,” or Domcoms, like Father Knows Best, for example. The Laff Box was also a staple for many comedies from this decade, and the laugh track was used for shows like I Love Lucy. Continue reading
How Satellite TV Works
Place this infographic on your site using the embed code below:
Top 10 Obscure Satellite TV Stations You Never Knew Existed
Photo Source: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1331221
Out of 285+ channels, you’re bound to have a few favorites. But have you explored the other stations available to you? Do you know what other gems lie in the realm of satellite TV programming? Here’s a look at some of the more obscure channels and shows you might be psyched to discover!
News on Tap
News nuts devour CNN, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, and even C-SPAN for hardcore news junkies. But what about the less well-known news outlets?
1. Euronews
Overshadowed by more well-known and watched BBC America, Euronews bills itself as news from the European perspective. Critics point to major founder and contributor, the European Commission, when analyzing the impact of Euronews. Many have noted that Euronews carries few stories that criticize the European Commission when questioning the ties between the two.
Available in 11 language services, Euronews is indeed a European news outlet. Over 350 million households in 155 countries have access to Euronews.
The format of Euronews features headline news interspersed with magazine segments. These short-format programs feature financial news, stock market data, arts, culture, style, sports, news, science, and weather. Every 30 minutes, headlines from throughout Europe and the world are broadcast to viewers.
2. Free Speech TV
Founded in 1989 as a cable TV show, Free Speech TV is now available on online through DIRECTV® and other providers. Free Speech TV, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, is supported by donations from philanthropic organizations and viewers.
Broadcasting primarily syndicated news programs and documentaries on political, social, environmental, and cultural issues, Free Speech TV is owned by Public Communicators Inc. Key syndicated shows broadcast on Free Speech TV include Al Jazeera English News, Fault Lines, Democracy Now, Gay USA, and The UpTake.
Learning Never Stops
3. Military History
Not to be confused with Discovery’s The Military Channel, A&E spun off Military Historyfrom the fan favorite History. This channel is for the person who not only loves the military, but wants to know the ins and outs of military battles.
Prior to spinning off all military programming to Military History in 1999, History was known as the “Hitler Channel.” Recent program offerings included profiles of significant military figures, such as a program chronicling Hitler’s demise and another on one of George Washington’s generals, the Marquis de Lafayette.
4. Create TV
From cooking shows to arts and crafts offerings, Create TV was founded after the closure of PBS’ 24-hour educational format channel, PBS Your Own University, or PBS YOU for short.
Create TV’s Programming includes the classic how-to painting show with the late Bob Ross: The Best of the Joy of Painting. Shown daily, today’s viewers can enjoy hearing Bob Ross instruct about creating happy clouds to go with mountains, trees, and other flora.
Watch When the Kids Are in Bed
5. Crime & Investigation Network
Make sure the kids are asleep before clicking on the Crime & Investigation Network, where you might be encountering some bloody scenes. Regardless of what time of day it is, make sure to check the TV rating that comes on in the corner of your TV during the first 15 seconds of each show. That way you’ll know whether the kids can watch.
The little ones might be too afraid of shows like “Cold Case Files,” which features detectives determined to figure out unsolved murders. While adults might be intrigued by the way these detectives can search for a killer who committed his or her crime years ago, kids might prefer to pass on the nightmares.
6. Chiller TV
Not for the faint of heart, Chiller TV is the place for suspense and horror programming. Part of NBCUniversal, Chiller’s byline is “Scary Good.”
From the relatively tame Fear Factor to everyone’s favorite show, The Twilight Zone, Chiller TV has shows for those who want to watch, but not have to grip the edge of the seat in terror. For those who like bone-chilling, screaming-in-the-dark fare, Chiller TV has what you need…FearDotCom, Remains, and the Midnight Movie.
Chiller TV features films and TV shows from the NBC and Universal vaults, as well as from other film studios.
Mom, Stop Hogging the Remote!
7. BabyFirstTV
Photo Source: http://sonomaonthecheap.com/2010/08/baby-week-at-michaels-craft-stores/
At what age will a baby start grabbing for the remote? 9 months? 1 year? Whatever the age, once a little tyke gets his teeny mitts on the remote…well, that’s the end of Mom and Dad watching the TV, at least during daylight hours.
Just right for little ones and enjoyed/tolerated by parents is BabyFirstTV. Created in 2003, BabyFirstTV offers programming for the babies through 5-year-olds. As the only network designed for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents, BabyFirstTV blends learning into its mix of cartoon, animation, and puppetry shows. Shows integrate numbers, animals, colors, music, and letters. As an added bonus to parents everywhere, BabyFirstTV is blissfully commercial free.
8. Qubo
A kid’s network called Qubo? The name may sound weird, but to kids and parents, Qubo is anything but. Launched in 2006 by ION Media Networks, NBCUniversal, Nelvana, Scholastic, and Classic Media, Qubo offers programming in English and Spanish. Qubo programming is also shown on NBC, Telemundo, and on a dedicated website.
Qubo shows include kiddie favorites such as NBCUniversal’s Maisy, Nelvana’s Pippi Longstocking, PBS’ Adventures from the Book of Virtues, and Scholastic’s The Magic School Bus.
There’s a Show for Everyone
9. Corner Store TV
Need…washboard abs? Something to make you look 10 years younger? Every Dean Martin Variety Show on DVD? A faster way to cook? Chances are good that if you vaguely remember seeing an infomercial on TV, you will find the item you are looking for on Corner Store TV.
Corner Store TV offers viewers and online users access to many of the popular products advertised on TV.
10. Retro TV
Are you a Bill Cosby fan? Not The Cosby Show, but The Bill Cosby Show. Yes! Then look no further than Retro TV. Retro TV has only classic TV shows from the ’50s through the ’90s.
Highway to Heaven. Police Story. Starsky & Hutch. The Saint. Take your pick. Nuke some popcorn. Crack open a Tab. And enjoy Retro TV.
Top NFL Super Bowl Feats
Place this infographic on your site using the embed code below:
Highest Rated Premium Channel Programs & Why They’re Successful
Place this infographic on your site using the embed code below:
Real Cost of Programs
Place this infographic on your site using the embed code below:
American Viewing Habits in Contrast
Place this infographic on your site using the embed code below:
Posted in DIRECTV News
No Comments
Where to Catch the Christmas Classics on TV
Between Christmas shopping, Christmas decorating, and Christmas baking, there’s hardly any time to sit down and enjoy holiday-themed TV programming, especially if you have no idea what’s on. Instead of giving up and turning to Real Housewives, read this guide to know which stations will be the best to keep an eye on and which special TV shows and movies you don’t want to miss!
STATIONS
Posted in DIRECTV Movies, Programming
No Comments
