Modern Television vs. the Classics by Amy Yarbrough

A lot of people, upon hearing the word “classic” in reference to a comedy television show, often think of just regular shows from the 90’s or the early 2000’s. But when I think of classic TV shows, my mind automatically goes to shows of the 50’s and 60’s, such as “I Love Lucy," “The Dick Van Dyke Show," “I Dream of Jeanie," “Bewitched” etc. These were some of my favorite shows when I was younger, even though in their time they weren't specifically meant for children. They were technically still “adult” shows, but the humor in them was funny without needing to be dirty or tacky. They were enjoyable for adults and children. Of course, there is nothing wrong with finding that sort of joke funny. Explicit jokes and punchlines are often used, and can be quite hilarious, but in the classics, they weren't needed. But nowadays, they are kind of needed. Kids shows are so dumbed down that there needs to be a thick line between what is for adults, and what's for children. Channels such as Disney and Nickelodeon used to be better, but now they're mostly comprised of stupid jokes and bratty kids. Although their earlier shows were also mostly stupid jokes and bratty kids, at least they were executed better! 
    
    Kids shows are often suppose to have a different lesson in each episode. Adult shows do have lessons sometimes, but not ones your children are necessarily ready for. The classics have lessons and things that adults also go through, and in a better environment for children. Although it's a good thing for kids to learn that they need to take care of their own mistakes, I think it's also good for them to know that adults make mistakes too. 

    Older television shows also had a better variety of setting and characters. Now everything is pretty much the same. Have you seen that show with that group of 20 something year old friends who all hang out at that one place in the city? Yeah, I'm not sure which one either! Once there's one extremely popular show, a bunch of others try to take off with very similar concepts. 

    Although modern television can be pretty funny, there will always be a certain amount of charm that only the classics have.