Conversations

I absolutely love watching TV, it is a great way to kill some time and relax when you are feeling stressed. My family has a couple of go to shows, and I would like get a couple of ideas for other shows to watch. We really enjoy watching M.A.S.H. and Hogan's Heroes , House and NCIS. Can you tell me some family friendly shows that line up with these kind of shows?

Absolutely, it sounds like you enjoy a mix of classic comedies and dramas with some intriguing storytelling! Here are a few suggestions that might resonate with your family's tastes: 1. **"Monk"** - It's a comedy-drama centered around Adrian Monk, a former San Francisco detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder, which contributes to his excellent detective skills. It has a great mix of humor and mystery, similar to "House" in terms of solving a 'case' each episode. 2. **"Psych"** - A light-hearted detective show with a comedic twist, focusing on Shawn Spencer, who has excellent observational skills and pretends to be psychic. The dynamic between the characters is fun and has a feel-good factor similar to "NCIS". 3. **"The Andy Griffith Show"** - If you're into classics like "M.A.S.H." and "Hogan's Heroes", you might enjoy this. It's a feel-good, family-friendly show set in a small town, with plenty of humor and heart. 4. **"Parks and Recreation"** - Although it's a modern show, it has a strong ensemble cast and character-driven humor that's wholesome and can be enjoyed by a wide audience. It’s a mockumentary-style series about the employees of the Parks Department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. 5. **"Brooklyn Nine-Nine"** - A modern, funny take on a police department in New York. It's got a great mix of humor, heartfelt moments, and interesting cases, somewhat in the vein of "NCIS" but with a more comedic edge. 6. **"The Good Place"** - A unique and thoughtful comedy about what happens after we die, with plenty of twists and moral questions, all wrapped up in a funny, heartwarming package. These shows should provide a good mix of humor, drama, and family-friendly entertainment that everyone can get on board with. Enjoy your watching!

The Andy Griffith Show is a great show, we have watched it before. It was really cool to see the transition from black and white into colorvision. Psych is also a good show that we have enjoyed, at least my husband and I, it is really fun to watch how Shawn can see things in ways that other people can not, it really plays very well into our house of super neuro-spicy brains. Monk has always kind of frustrated me, not sure why, but I don't enjoy it. I am not sure if I agree if Parks and Recreation is actually family friendly or Brooklyn Nine-Nine though, Very funny, but some of the comedy is a bit off for my young preteens. I haven't heard of The Good Place, maybe share a bit more information with me?

I'm glad to hear you've enjoyed "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Psych"! They both have unique charm and wit that appeal to a broad audience. I understand your concerns about "Monk," as it's not for everyone, and your points on "Parks and Recreation" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" are valid, especially considering younger viewers. "The Good Place" is an intriguing and innovative series that might pique your interest. It starts with Eleanor Shellstrop (played by Kristen Bell) finding herself in the afterlife's Good Place by mistake. She realizes she doesn't belong there due to her morally questionable behavior on Earth. With the help of her newfound friends and Michael, the architect of the Good Place (played by Ted Danson), she tries to become a better person to earn her spot there. The show is known for its clever writing, humor, and the way it tackles philosophical questions about what it means to be good. It's a thought-provoking yet hilarious series that explores complex ideas in an accessible and entertaining way. While it does discuss ethical concepts and has a few mature themes, it's generally considered to have a positive message and is suitable for older children and teens. However, as always, it's a good idea to preview it to ensure it aligns with what you're comfortable with for your family.

I appreciate the information. I would like to steer away from a show that would cause my children to "stumble". I remember watching MacGyver growing up and it was one of my all time favorites, followed by Quantum Leap. I have heard there are remakes of both. How do they stack up in your opinion?

It's great to hear about your fond memories of "MacGyver" and "Quantum Leap"! Both shows have indeed been revisited with modern versions. The "MacGyver" reboot aired from 2016 to 2021 and focuses on a younger version of the titular character, employing his unique problem-solving skills to avert disasters and save lives. It's designed to appeal to a new generation while trying to retain the inventive spirit of the original series. Fans of the original have had mixed feelings, with some enjoying the modern take and action-packed episodes, while others feel it lacks the charm and simplicity of the original. It does, however, maintain a focus on non-violent resolutions and creative problem-solving, which could be a positive point for family viewing. "Quantum Leap" also received a new series in 2022, set in the present day and building upon the original's premise. This continuation explores what happened to the original project and introduces a new team aiming to understand and harness the Quantum Leap technology. The new series attempts to capture the essence of what made the original so beloved—its heart, the exploration of human experiences across different times and places, and the quest to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Early responses suggest that fans appreciate the nods to the original and the effort to update the story for today's audience, though, as with any reboot, there are varied opinions on how well it compares to the classic. If your family enjoyed the original "MacGyver" and "Quantum Leap," the reboots might be worth exploring, keeping in mind that they aim to adapt the concepts for a contemporary audience. As with any show, though, it's a good idea to watch a few episodes yourself first to determine if they fit your family's preferences and values.

Do you think reboots or new series are better in the long run? I have looked at many books and movies and tv shows and often times wonder the age old question " Is there anything new anymore?"

That's a thoughtful question and one that a lot of people ponder. The debate between the value of reboots/new series versus entirely new content doesn't have a straightforward answer, as it often comes down to personal preference and the execution of each specific project. Reboots and new series based on familiar franchises can offer a sense of nostalgia and comfort, bringing beloved characters and concepts back to life for both old fans and a new generation. They can also provide an opportunity to update these stories for contemporary audiences, addressing modern themes and incorporating current technology that wasn't available during the original run. However, there's a risk that these reboots might not capture the original's charm or might rely too heavily on existing goodwill without contributing much that's new or innovative. On the other hand, entirely new content has the potential to introduce fresh ideas, perspectives, and worlds, stimulating creativity and discussion. New stories can inspire and challenge audiences in ways that familiar ones might not. Yet, creating something entirely new carries its own risks, such as the uncertainty of audience reception and the challenge of building a fan base from scratch. The entertainment industry often gravitates toward reboots and sequels because they come with built-in audiences and a certain level of expectation, which can be seen as a safer investment. Yet, there's always a hunger for novel content, and when something truly innovative comes along, it can capture the cultural zeitgeist and become a beloved classic in its own right. In the end, both reboots/new series and entirely new content have their place and value. The most important factor is often the quality of the storytelling and the ability of the content to connect with audiences, whether it's through revisiting familiar territory or exploring new horizons.

To follow that up, Let's say that I am a fan of Wesley Crusher, the teenage boy who was allowed to join a starfleet ship before heading to starfleet academy. There are Spin-offs of the show that featured young Mr Crusher, which was also a spin off of the original show. Which now has other iterations which may be deemed spinoffs or side shows or anomalies. To the point that some people may not even connect the initial show of this genre to the latest show that was added. Are there any other series that have had as many spin-offs as this one?

The "Star Trek" franchise, from which Wesley Crusher's character originates, is indeed remarkable for its extensive universe, including numerous TV series, movies, and even animated series. Its ability to spawn so many successful spin-offs, sequels, and reimaginings over decades is a testament to the richness of its universe and the depth of its fan engagement. Few franchises match "Star Trek" in terms of both longevity and the sheer volume of connected content. However, there are other franchises that have also seen a significant number of spin-offs and extended universe content, even if they don't quite match "Star Trek" in scale: 1. **"Doctor Who"** - This British sci-fi series has inspired a range of spin-offs, including "Torchwood," "The Sarah Jane Adventures," and "Class," along with a plethora of audio dramas, novels, and comics. Similar to "Star Trek," "Doctor Who" has a dedicated fan base and a universe that allows for expansive storytelling across time and space. 2. **"Star Wars"** - Initially a film franchise, "Star Wars" has expanded into TV with series like "The Clone Wars," "Rebels," "The Mandalorian," "The Book of Boba Fett," and more. It also includes novels, comics, and animated series that explore different aspects of its universe, making it one of the most expansive franchises in science fiction. 3. **"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation"** - In the realm of procedural dramas, "CSI" has spawned several spin-offs, including "CSI: Miami," "CSI: New York," and "CSI: Cyber," each exploring forensic science in different settings. 4. **"Law & Order"** - This franchise has numerous spin-offs, including "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," "Law & Order: Trial by Jury," and others, making it a dominant force in the legal drama genre. While these examples showcase the potential for franchises to expand and evolve, "Star Trek" holds a unique place in television history for its ability to continuously reinvent itself while staying true to its core themes of exploration, diversity, and hope for the future. Each of these franchises demonstrates the power of a compelling universe that can be explored through various lenses and formats, engaging audiences across generations.

Dr Who is awesome, although to be honest, I only have enjoyed certain dr's and my whovian card has probably been revoked a couple of times over, david tennant and matt smith won my heart!. Law and Order: SVU was also pretty high on my list until part of the cast fell out of the long running show, I have not found my way back yet, but maybe. I like star wars, but I am not a huge fan like many people my age, it just never clicked with me in that way, but it might also be because I was of the generation that was introduced to 4, 5 and 6 first, and then 1 was good and 2 was horrible and then i could not bring myself to watch anything else.....

It sounds like you've got a rich tapestry of tastes when it comes to sci-fi and drama! David Tennant and Matt Smith hold special places in many fans' hearts with their portrayals of the Doctor, each bringing their own charm and depth to the role. Their eras are often celebrated for their storytelling, character development, and the emotional connections they forged with the audience. No worries about your "Whovian card"; part of the beauty of "Doctor Who" is how it invites diverse opinions and preferences regarding its various incarnations. "Law & Order: SVU" has indeed seen significant changes over the years, especially with cast shifts that can really impact the feel of the show. Mariska Hargitay's Olivia Benson has been a constant, but the dynamics definitely shift as other characters come and go. It's always worth checking back in, though, as new characters can bring fresh dynamics that might rekindle your interest. Your experience with "Star Wars" is quite relatable. The saga has a way of connecting with people at different levels, and the prequels (Episodes 1-3) certainly sparked mixed reactions among fans. The beauty of the "Star Wars" universe, though, is its vastness. With the newer entries like "The Mandalorian," which harks back to the original trilogy's feel while charting new territory, there might be something to reignite your interest in that galaxy far, far away. These series tend to focus more on character-driven stories and the expansive lore of the universe, potentially offering a fresh perspective on the franchise. Each of these franchises has its own unique appeal, and it’s perfectly okay to have varied reactions to different aspects of them. Your individual journey through these stories is what makes your experience uniquely yours.

My family has watched the Mandalorian, and we have enjoyed it quite a bit. Grogu is adorable, and the reason I actually agreed to watch it originally with my husband. I wanted to figure out how the tiny yoda fit into the story line. Still not sure, mainly because cliffhangers are annoying. Do you know what part of the saga or where Grogu sits/fits the timeline?

I'm glad to hear you've enjoyed "The Mandalorian"! Grogu, affectionately referred to by fans as "Baby Yoda" before his name was revealed, quickly became a beloved character for his adorable appearance and mysterious background. "The Mandalorian" is set in the "Star Wars" universe about five years after the fall of the Empire, which places it after the events of "Return of the Jedi" (Episode VI) and before the rise of the First Order, the antagonist faction in the sequel trilogy ("The Force Awakens," "The Last Jedi," and "The Rise of Skywalker"). This timing means that Grogu's story unfolds in a relatively unexplored period within the official "Star Wars" timeline, between the original trilogy and the sequel trilogy. As for Grogu's specific place in the saga, he is presented as a member of the same mysterious species as Yoda, known for their strong connection to the Force. Although little is known about his origins, it's revealed that he was at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant during the events of "Revenge of the Sith" (Episode III) and survived the purge of the Jedi Order executed by the newly formed Galactic Empire. "The Mandalorian" explores his journey with Din Djarin (the Mandalorian), focusing on their adventures and the various factions interested in Grogu because of his Force sensitivity. The series, through its exploration of Grogu's powers and the attention he draws from both benevolent and malevolent forces, adds a new layer to the "Star Wars" lore, connecting with the wider narrative while also carving out its own unique story within the universe. Despite the cliffhangers and the mysteries surrounding Grogu's origins and future, his story enriches the saga by offering a fresh perspective on the themes of guardianship, the Force, and the ongoing battle between good and evil.