Socially Significant Television

We all know the place in pop culture history occupied by shows like That Girl, Mary Tyler Moore, and All in the Family. Which shows from the 1980s to today do you consider socially significant, and why?

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Permalink Reply by Dianne on May 1, 2008 at 4:15pm: Law and Order...it shows how we are currently fascinated with crime, courtrooms, and trying to figure it all out.

The Simpsons...sometimes all we need is to not think too much, and have a little (or a lot of) comic relief

Both of these are running long enough to influence so many generations that I think they will never go away.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by ewd76 on May 1, 2008 at 11:25pm: Simpsons will be a classic for as long as there are humans in search of entertainment.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Scott P on May 1, 2008 at 4:50pm: Boston Legal covers many current social issues.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by NetflixJunkie on May 1, 2008 at 5:35pm: House MD.

It's like a self study on living life as a jerk. I have been nicknamed House at work because I do not hold back when people make stupid mistakes.

Where are my pills, anyways?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Pihk on May 2, 2008 at 4:23pm: at work because I do not hold back when people make stupid mistakes.

You must be really tired at the end of the day.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mort in Detroit on May 1, 2008 at 8:54pm: I'll Fly Away

Brooklyn Bridge

Ellen

Queer As Folk; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by ewd76 on May 1, 2008 at 11:26pm: King of Queens, just seems to be something different about it, hard to put into words.

George Lopez, the reason should be obvious.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by ewd76 on May 1, 2008 at 11:27pm: I think the cop shows and reality shows will be a genre footnote much like splatter platter songs back in the 50's and 60's.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Cat G on May 2, 2008 at 4:03am: Alice First show to break ground on single women raising children.

The Millionaire A look at what happens to people’s lives when someone steps in and plays them like chess pieces.

Thirtysomething Expose of the Yuppie generation and what was important to them.

Kung Fu Gave us a look at other philosophical viewpoints.

The West Wing Introduction to politics in the U.S, 101.

Jericho What lengths we will go to, just to survive.

Alien Nation The best glimpse of prejudice in a raw form, that I’ve seen. It didn’t have to be critical of any particular sect of our current society, but did show how harsh it is to judge people on their race rather than who they are.

Will And Grace Exposure to a gay lifestyle, in a format most would think acceptable.

Big Bang Theory – Perfect illustration that Sci-Fi freaks are BRILLIANT people! lol

Annie Oakley Women can kick butt too.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Headcheese on May 2, 2008 at 5:15am: Ok, here's a real one, Murphy Brown with Candice Bergen. Single, career woman who also had a baby without being married and even our Vice President chose to weigh in on this series! lol

And The Jeffersons, we're movin' on up baby!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mort in Detroit on May 2, 2008 at 4:06pm: How could we forget Murphy Brown? Isn't she the only fictional character ever personally attacked by a national leader? I miss Dan Quayle. He should've been W's v-p. Though between them we might have nuked ourselves by now.; ▶ Reply to This