My New Love: Sitcoms

ArkiStan · 04-20-2006, 03:17 AM

In college I used to only watch movies. I really didn't watch any TV shows except for news and the occasional standup gig on Comedy Central. As much as I love watching movies, it still requires me to "make an occasion," since I need at least 2 hours to enjoy a full movie without being interrupted. I'm a pretty easy-going guy, but when it comes to enjoying movies NOBODY interrupts me!! EVER!! My phone is off, the lights are perfectly dimmed, I go to the bathroom, I've got my drink and my carefully calibrated home theater does its job.

Over the past year or so, however, I've been getting into watching recorded sitcoms off my computer. It was quite refreshing to be able to experience a whole story in a mere 20 minutes. And I wasn't worried about getting interrupted. I mean, after all, it was "just TV."

First came Friends. I would watch an episode during a meal, an episode before bed, and whenever else I heppened to have 20 minutes of spare time. It took me over 6 months, but I eventually got through all 10 seasons. Then came Arrested Development. It took me 3 months for that. I'm now on the first season of Scrubs. It's quite good, but the storyline is getting too monotonous. I'm considering switching over to Fresh Prince, which I enjoyed on and off as a teenager.

While I still make occasions whenever I can to watch movies, my true love in life, sitcoms have become convenient (and amusing) gap-fillers for those leftover moments in life.

What do you enjoy?

Memo · 04-20-2006, 04:33 AM

I like dramas. I enjoy movies too but so many times you end up watching a bad movie. Shows are cool because you find a good show and you can watch entire seasons of it for a long time. I love the HBO dramas. Six Feet Under, Oz, Sopranos, and Deadwood are all pretty good. Currently getting into their new one, Big love.

ArkiStan · 04-20-2006, 05:06 AM

I'd love to get into dramas more, but I think I'm just intimidated by the commitment of the longer episodes and following the overall storyline. However, I totally agree that a well done drama can be just as, if not more, rewarding than most movies.

On a side note, you can significantly reduce the chance of watching a bad movie simply by avoiding the Hollywood trap. And even among Hollywood movies, a little prior research can greatly help in picking out the ever-so-rare fresh tomato.

kimchicowboy · 04-20-2006, 05:15 AM

i loved the 3 seasons of arrested development

ArkiStan · 04-20-2006, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimchicowboy

i loved the 3 seasons of arrested development

I thought it was one of the most brilliant comedy shows I've ever seen on TV.

ialsohaveadream · 04-20-2006, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArkiStan

I thought it was one of the most brilliant comedy shows I've ever seen on TV.

Absolutely. And if you're just starting Scrubs, the show took about 2-3 years before it really hits its stride. At this point, it's pure comedy gold, though. If you're only watching the old DVDs, it's not quite the same as the show is now.

sixpac shakur · 04-20-2006, 07:20 AM

I agree, the first season of Scrubs is a little weak compared to the now. That show is really hilarious.

I also really enjoyed the British version of The Office and the American version is OK too. You might like those if you like Arrested Development.

How about checking out Seinfeld? Seinfeld is GREAT! So is Sex and the City which is not only for women. My husband enjoyed SATC a lot because it was hilarious!

Memo is right about Six Feet Under and the Sopranos. Those two shows will grab you right from Season 1. The storytelling is like no other.

Jenny · 04-20-2006, 07:38 AM

I was just coming to add that about Scrubs being hysterically funny the more you get into the series.

My Name is Earl is classic, too. Not out on dvd yet though.

ArkiStan · 04-20-2006, 01:06 PM

Good to hear. I'll have to stick with Scrubs and see how it pans out. I actually have the first seasons of The Office(UK) and Family Guy waiting waiting for viewing.

Sounds like I'm gonna have to take the plunge into dramas sooner or later.

baggio248 · 04-20-2006, 01:13 PM

I like Scrubs, My Name Is Earl, How I Met Your Mother, and of course Family guy.

Scrubs Season 3 comes out early next month.

Cubsfan · 04-20-2006, 01:39 PM

Seinfeld, King of Queens, Futurama, and Simpsons are all good.

If you start to look at drama (of course, those are about 40 minute episodes), I like LOST and House.

zenbooty · 04-20-2006, 02:21 PM

I pray for your souls

.

Lolita · 04-20-2006, 02:27 PM

I've never watched the british version of The Office, but the American version with Steve Carell is the best sitcom I've watched yet. Just like Arrested Development and Scrubs it doesn't have that annoying laugh track intended for those that don't realize a joke just passed. I love the humor in it - less obvious jokes, more real humor.

DarkFury · 04-20-2006, 02:51 PM

"Everybody... HATES... Chris!"

Also, I like "The Bernie Mack Show" whenever they show it nowadays.

hapoo · 04-20-2006, 02:54 PM

everybody hates chris is probably the best comedy sitcom out right now. I don't know how involved he actually is but chris rock is a genius.

Memo · 04-20-2006, 09:35 PM

Arrested Development was amazing! I loved that show. I seriously can't believe it was cancelled and stupid ass shows like Desperate Housewives are huuuuuuuuuge.

TofuNinja · 04-20-2006, 10:45 PM

Three's Company is still one of my ALL time favs....

ArkiStan · 04-21-2006, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TofuNinja

Three's Company is still one of my ALL time favs....

Although I dont really watch dramas, LOST is a series I can't wait to watch. All my friends used to recommend it.

I'll have to check out EHC as well.

TofuNinja · 04-21-2006, 01:55 AM

Three's Company is a sitcom. The first season I believe you can find at Wal Mart for 5.50. It stars John Ritter. It's funny as heck man. Very progressive for it's time.

Devhux · 04-21-2006, 01:23 PM

I'm a big Full House fan, so I was quite happy when I noticed they have up to season 3 on DVD now.

MrGreg · 04-21-2006, 04:22 PM

When you make your way over to dramas, check out The Shield.

Emqtee · 04-21-2006, 04:33 PM

I have been really getting into old Dallas episodes. Just gotta love to hate J.R. Ewing.

Sirrich3 · 04-21-2006, 05:10 PM

Like to watch What's Happening reruns...

sizemic1 · 04-22-2006, 10:05 PM

Next up...Three's Company.

hapoo · 04-22-2006, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emqtee

I have been really getting into old Dallas episodes. Just gotta love to hate J.R. Ewing.

he dies

hope i didn't spoil anything.

g1984 · 04-23-2006, 12:44 AM

They started a new show on ABC What About Brian?. It's actually good. Barry Watson from 7th Heaven is the lead.

Emqtee · 04-23-2006, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hapoo

he dies

hope i didn't spoil anything.

Silly Hapoo. . .everybody dies sometime.

I am just at the part where someone shoots him. (I remember it from the 80's, so unfortunately I know who shot JR.)

As for sitcoms Frasier, Everybody loves Raymond, and of course Seinfeld were my favorites. Now there aren't too many good ones. Have you ever seen Curb your Enthusiasm?

04-20-2006, 03:17 AM	#1
ArkiStan Admiral Join Date: May 2000 Location: Recession Central Posts: 5,898	My New Love: Sitcoms In college I used to only watch movies. I really didn't watch any TV shows except for news and the occasional standup gig on Comedy Central. As much as I love watching movies, it still requires me to "make an occasion," since I need at least 2 hours to enjoy a full movie without being interrupted. I'm a pretty easy-going guy, but when it comes to enjoying movies NOBODY interrupts me!! EVER!! My phone is off, the lights are perfectly dimmed, I go to the bathroom, I've got my drink and my carefully calibrated home theater does its job. Over the past year or so, however, I've been getting into watching recorded sitcoms off my computer. It was quite refreshing to be able to experience a whole story in a mere 20 minutes. And I wasn't worried about getting interrupted. I mean, after all, it was "just TV." First came Friends. I would watch an episode during a meal, an episode before bed, and whenever else I heppened to have 20 minutes of spare time. It took me over 6 months, but I eventually got through all 10 seasons. Then came Arrested Development. It took me 3 months for that. I'm now on the first season of Scrubs. It's quite good, but the storyline is getting too monotonous. I'm considering switching over to Fresh Prince, which I enjoyed on and off as a teenager. While I still make occasions whenever I can to watch movies, my true love in life, sitcoms have become convenient (and amusing) gap-fillers for those leftover moments in life. What do you enjoy?

04-20-2006, 05:15 AM	#4
kimchicowboy Admiral Join Date: May 2000 Location: in the middle of the pacific ocean Posts: 5,344	i loved the 3 seasons of arrested development __________________ "I pick my nose too but never eat it." - bachviet, 3/30/04 if anyone wants to go scuba diving in oahu or wants to learn who to scuba dive in oahu, PM me.

04-20-2006, 07:38 AM	#8
Jenny Chief of Naval Operations Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Kansas City area Posts: 10,947	I was just coming to add that about Scrubs being hysterically funny the more you get into the series. My Name is Earl is classic, too. Not out on dvd yet though. __________________ Check out my spoilers for over 20 shows @ SpoilerFix.com Check out my TV blog, where I post weekly & daily TV schedules, TV news, interviews with TV stars & more! All new TV forums as well @ TV Is My Pacifier

04-20-2006, 01:13 PM	#10
baggio248 Captain Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Aurora, OH Posts: 1,967	I like Scrubs, My Name Is Earl, How I Met Your Mother, and of course Family guy. Scrubs Season 3 comes out early next month. __________________ Peter: Lois, you've got a sick mind! Lois: Peter, I'm talking about making love. Peter: Oh, I thought you wanted us to murder the children and harvest their organs for beer money.

04-20-2006, 02:21 PM	#12
zenbooty Admiral Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Prime Material Plane Posts: 7,486	I pray for your souls . __________________ Common sense is what tells you the Earth is flat.

04-20-2006, 04:33 AM	#2
Memo Admiral Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: East Village Posts: 5,659	I like dramas. I enjoy movies too but so many times you end up watching a bad movie. Shows are cool because you find a good show and you can watch entire seasons of it for a long time. I love the HBO dramas. Six Feet Under, Oz, Sopranos, and Deadwood are all pretty good. Currently getting into their new one, Big love.

04-20-2006, 05:06 AM	#3
ArkiStan Admiral Join Date: May 2000 Location: Recession Central Posts: 5,898	I'd love to get into dramas more, but I think I'm just intimidated by the commitment of the longer episodes and following the overall storyline. However, I totally agree that a well done drama can be just as, if not more, rewarding than most movies. On a side note, you can significantly reduce the chance of watching a bad movie simply by avoiding the Hollywood trap. And even among Hollywood movies, a little prior research can greatly help in picking out the ever-so-rare fresh tomato.

04-20-2006, 07:20 AM	#7
sixpac shakur Lieutenant Commander Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: In Howard Stern's Reality Posts: 773	I agree, the first season of Scrubs is a little weak compared to the now. That show is really hilarious. I also really enjoyed the British version of The Office and the American version is OK too. You might like those if you like Arrested Development. How about checking out Seinfeld? Seinfeld is GREAT! So is Sex and the City which is not only for women. My husband enjoyed SATC a lot because it was hilarious! Memo is right about Six Feet Under and the Sopranos. Those two shows will grab you right from Season 1. The storytelling is like no other.

04-20-2006, 01:06 PM	#9
ArkiStan Admiral Join Date: May 2000 Location: Recession Central Posts: 5,898	Good to hear. I'll have to stick with Scrubs and see how it pans out. I actually have the first seasons of The Office(UK) and Family Guy waiting waiting for viewing. Sounds like I'm gonna have to take the plunge into dramas sooner or later.

04-20-2006, 01:39 PM	#11
Cubsfan Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,743	Seinfeld, King of Queens, Futurama, and Simpsons are all good. If you start to look at drama (of course, those are about 40 minute episodes), I like LOST and House.

04-20-2006, 02:27 PM	#13
Lolita Lieutenant Commander Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: New York Posts: 863	I've never watched the british version of The Office, but the American version with Steve Carell is the best sitcom I've watched yet. Just like Arrested Development and Scrubs it doesn't have that annoying laugh track intended for those that don't realize a joke just passed. I love the humor in it - less obvious jokes, more real humor. __________________ There are two tragedies in life. One is to lose your heart's desire. The other is to gain it.

04-20-2006, 02:51 PM	#14
DarkFury Secretary of the Navy Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Chillin' N Da 'Hood Posts: 34,997	"Everybody... HATES... Chris!" Also, I like "The Bernie Mack Show" whenever they show it nowadays. __________________ DarkFury's Pimptopia - Don't Hate the Playa, Hate the Game! Home of the Original OG Pimp (accept NO imitations)

04-20-2006, 02:54 PM	#15
hapoo Fleet Admiral Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: 742 Evergreen Terrace, Springfield USA Posts: 9,276	everybody hates chris is probably the best comedy sitcom out right now. I don't know how involved he actually is but chris rock is a genius. __________________

04-20-2006, 09:35 PM	#16
Memo Admiral Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: East Village Posts: 5,659	Arrested Development was amazing! I loved that show. I seriously can't believe it was cancelled and stupid ass shows like Desperate Housewives are huuuuuuuuuge.

04-20-2006, 10:45 PM	#17
TofuNinja Rear Admiral Upper Half Join Date: May 2000 Location: On Serenity Posts: 3,503	Three's Company is still one of my ALL time favs.... __________________ "To search for the old is to understand the new." -Gichin Funakoshi- ===>>>LABELED CANTACUZENE'S DUMBEST PERSON ALIVE!!!<<<===

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04-21-2006, 01:55 AM	#19
TofuNinja Rear Admiral Upper Half Join Date: May 2000 Location: On Serenity Posts: 3,503	Three's Company is a sitcom. The first season I believe you can find at Wal Mart for 5.50. It stars John Ritter. It's funny as heck man. Very progressive for it's time.

04-21-2006, 01:23 PM	#20
Devhux Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Calgary Alberta Canada Posts: 2,511	I'm a big Full House fan, so I was quite happy when I noticed they have up to season 3 on DVD now.

04-21-2006, 04:22 PM	#21
MrGreg Captain Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 1,529	When you make your way over to dramas, check out The Shield. __________________ -The nerd formerly known as vectorcalculus

04-21-2006, 04:33 PM	#22
Emqtee Lieutenant Commander Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 513	I have been really getting into old Dallas episodes. Just gotta love to hate J.R. Ewing.

04-21-2006, 05:10 PM	#23
Sirrich3 Rear Admiral Upper Half Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: In Sunny Southern California Posts: 3,950	Like to watch What's Happening reruns... __________________

04-22-2006, 10:05 PM	#24
sizemic1 Owww, I feel good! Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Beautiful Temecula CA Posts: 2,002	Next up...Three's Company.

04-23-2006, 12:44 AM	#26
g1984 Lieutenant Junior Grade Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 149	They started a new show on ABC What About Brian?. It's actually good. Barry Watson from 7th Heaven is the lead. __________________ My website

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