TV Land

I have been struck by the revival of evening game shows on TV. I just saw an ad for a new game show, some sort of Bingo game. It makes me think that we will soon see a return to variety shows like Laugh In and Hee Haw. It seems like American Idol is the modern version of Star Search. I wonder what the modern version of Hee Haw will be like? Doesn't it seem like that's got to be next? Or maybe it is already out there and we just don't watch enough to know.

And still on the topic of TV. I have not had a chance to see my favorite radio show "This American Life" on tv. I have mixed feelings about it. We have loved the radio version for a long time. I have had a crush on Ira Glass since I first heard his voice. But I somehow just don't know if I want to see it on tv. Part of the allure of the radio version is similar to reading a book. You can create the images in your mind. You can put faces on characters. You get swept up by the mood of the music. If you haven't heard the show before, visit their website and listen to some of the older shows. Each week there is a theme. Sometimes funny,sometimes provacative, sometimes sad, but alway authentic and intimate. It always leaves us with something to talk about, something to think about. I wonder if the tv show will be able to accomplish the same thing. If you have seen the tv version, please give me your review!