Well we know there is a lot of trash programming that happens. But someone in your country must be watching it (as obviosly there has to be someone here watching it too - go figure!!), or it wouldn`t be playing there would it. Or maybe, it`s from satellite or something?

Anyway, why is there American programming in other countries? Don`t other countries make there own programs that their cultures appreciate?

I never see Australian, or New Zealand, or other country`s programs with the exception of some British, which I have no way of knowing if that is a true representation of their overall programming since it is such a small sampling (almost entirely on PBS: "Chef", "Coupling", "Red Dwarf" etc.).

Bad programming is also a subjective opinion. I don`t like a lot of what is on, so I excercise my right to change the channel or turn it off.

I`d be curious (probably embarrassed also) to know which of the crap programs actually make it outside of our borders. Seriously, I just wonder. Also, are there any American programs that you enjoy watching? (I am not being sarcastic, I am curious) Thanks.

On the differences between American and everyone else`s TV:


I have digital telly at home, so am currently able to get more American programmes than is usual. I`ll try to keep this short.

Americans do good TV. When they do it well, it`s some of the best entertainment in the world, but when they do it badly it`s abysmal. Your news programmes are awful- whatever happened to subjectivity? I have only a limited access to American news channels, but CNN contains some of the worst reporting I`ve ever seen. Still, at least your comedy is good. The cultural differences are quite funny for us.


For the record, as a Scot, I do enjoy some American TV, but compared to British TV you seem to almost entirely lack irony and a sense of real life. Why is everyone so attractive? If you have seen the American and British versions of The Office, you will understand. The American version (which lacks EVERYTHING that made the British one so terrible and brilliant) is full of pretty people with good teeth and nice hair. WHY?!

Anyway, I can see where Arak`s coming from on this one. YOU do make the most trashy TV on earth (although we are currently in the middle of Big Brother 6).

I must say that I think that British TV is horrible! Every country is going to have their good and bad points to TV. It is not just the US. It is clear that anyone not from the US, would say something like that.

Well, obviously! I have already said that some American TV is good. Some of it is absolutely great, like The Simpsons and Scrubs and Friends in its heyday. You do sitcom MUCH better than the Brits at the moment. I`m not a big telly watcher to be honest, but I`ve watched lots of countries` TV and American does produce some of the best. I still love British comedy though- I don`t think it can be appreciated outside Britain.

I agree with MrsCarbohydrate when she said that UK TV can`t be appricated outsde of the UK. I do like a lot of American programs though.

I am watching Big Brother 6 also (I`m so embarrassed). The WORST show on TV has to be Jerry Springer. That is the definition of trash.

I love "The West Wing" and "ER"(although I liked the earlier shows better than the more recent). I also like "Amazing Race". I also like to watch the Discovery channel.

Oh, and as far as why the people on American TV are all so beautiful and perfect looking: it`s because that`s a real cross section of how all Americans REALLY look!!!! Could there be any other reason? kiss kiss

I watch General Hospital. I wish that they would put someone fat or ugly on there though. Lol! I know that it is a soap opera, but reallly, they are all so perfect!
I must agree about American TV only putting perfect people on there. But then again, how many people would tune in if they all looked regular. I guess that is part of the fun.

I am borrowing my friend`s computer for the moment. I am sorry that I came off so emotional, but those things needed to be said.
Arak, if you need paragraphs, here you go. Otherwise, read a book. I really wish that you would come around, Arak...I do not like fights. When I check in next, I hope that things will be great! Thanks Kara and KC!

I`m surprised that a person claiming to not like fights, does so much fighting.

Personally, I do not regard ANY of my posts as fighting, just expression of both fact (as the world knows it so far), my own experience, and opinion when I believe it to be well-founded. I appreciate that differing opinions can co-exist, even peacefully, but I do not accept that valid contributions on a topic from science or research can be seen as fighting.

Hey Jessie!

"Arak, if you need paragraphs, here you go. Otherwise, read a book."

I was drinking some tea when I read that and I almost spit it out! You crack me up!!!

No use in trying to argue with Arak. You will just go round and round in circles with him. He loves to debate anything. (As you well know.) He would argue with a pet bird if he could.

I for one would love to see how that would go..Probably more inspiring than most internet discussions.