Why do people always prefer "SAFE, EASY" comedy?

[Death Metal Moe]

I'm really worried about our country's TV habits.

It seems to me that everytime a new cutting edge, smart, whitty comedy show comes along, it DIES. The State. Get a Life. Colin Quinn's 1st show. (I'm sure we'll add his second show soon too) The Kids In the Hall. ( I know they were on the air for many years. I just miss them, and I don't think they would have been TV on long if not for HBO picking them up) The Critic. The Tick. (Cartoons count too)

Also, WHY is Leno beating Letterman? Because Leno sets up every joke so RETARDS could get it. He basically takes your hand, and walks you through it. No thought at all. Even his FUNNIEST bit with the headlines, he OVER EXPLAINS what's going on.

So this having been said, what is left on TV? Friends?(recycling decades of OLD IDEAS) Everybody Loves Raymond? (More garbage) Will and Grace? (FUCK THAT) How about the cutting edge BULLSHIT on UPN or the WB?

I really can't name too many, becaue I don't watch SHIT.

Now it's not to say that Friends hasn't mademe laugh, I'm just saying that it seems America CRAVES SHITTY, , recycled, easy to digest comedy over the things that make you think a little.

I'd trade every Friend's Episode for one more TV Funhouse. I'd gladly SHOOT Seinfeld in the FUCKING HEAD for more Upright Citizens Brigade.

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[Johnny4]

I just watched a great show about this very subject. I was called something like Genius, but canceled and was on Trio. Right now they are playing these shows on the channel(one of which is Action). They explained this phenomena by saying they smarter shows don't appeal to a broad audience. One show that just made it to pilot is called Lookwell! This show is comedy legend and I have seen it and laughed my ass off. It was also a Smigel and Obrien creation along with Funhouse. The Tick was hilarious and you can't even get it on DVD.

Rackin' up bad Karma since 1971!

[A.J.]

I was just as angry after "Police Squad" was cancelled.

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[irishkb]

well when someone can sue mcdonalds and win because-oh my god the coffee they order was hot.. and now here's the next shocker mcdonald's is greasy and fattning..
do you really think any good comedy can survive with that mess going on...too many tight assed people in powder..cough-tippergore-cough...

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"IM"-mick0306

[Bama]

A lot of these new "cutting edge" shows die because they deserve too.
Maybe that's for the best. If a show got really popular the "cutting edge" crowd would hate it and call the people who make it sell outs for some odd reason that only others in the "cutting edge" crowd can understand.

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[silera]

...too many tight assed people in powder..cough-tippergore-cough...

I'm assuming you meant power, and, last I heard, Gore "lost" the election.


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[TheMojoPin]

See my rant in the "That 70's Show" thread. The networks usually just cater to our basest needs, and far too many people are more than willing to just let their brain die and submit.

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[blakjeezis]

Fact: Your brain is more active when you sleep than when you're watching TV. A vast majority of the television viewing audience are brain dead. Television is is a vast intellectual wasteland, dotted with a few oases here and there. I've given up on television it's a lost cause. If you want good, edgy, or intelligent humor seek it elsewhere.

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[Death Metal Moe]

A lot of these new "cutting edge" shows die because they deserve too.
Maybe that's for the best. If a show got really popular the "cutting edge" crowd would hate it and call the people who make it sell outs for some odd reason that only others in the "cutting edge" crowd can understand.


You know, this is an interesting point. If a show got WAY TOO popular, some art school jerkoff like Wonderboy would say that they weren't doing what they wanted anymore and were catering to what people wanted, so they're sell outs.

But I HARDLY think TV Funhouse, UCB, The State, and The Critic NEEDED to be cancelled. We need MORE shows like this.

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[JustJon]

Because people like to feel safe. Edgy comedy is uncomfortable because it's not what they were used to.

If you want a really edgy show, look for old episodes of David Lynch's "On The Air", a brilliant, off-kilter show about a 50's radio station.

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[Contra]

well this is a simple question. the main reason that the prime time stuff on TV today is so popular is because people work, plain and simple.

when they come home they dont want to rack there brain with some more shit that is going to make you think. they just want some dumb funny shit to bug out to and laugh at.

so although i agree with the state of TV, after work i still enjoy shows like "That 70s Show" cause i can just veg out and laugh.

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This message was edited by Contra on 12-17-02 @ 4:05 PM

[JerryTaker]

David Lynch's "On The Air"

I didn't realize there was more than one episode of this. I only remember one ep airing after the Twin Peaks finale...


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[nealcassady]

Totally agree. The shows everyone is talking about were just very brainy and off-center. The big problem is that unless there is an immediate payoff, most networks won't stay and help the show develop an audience. Mr. Show With Bob and David and the Larry Sanders Show are two examples of brilliant shows that could never reach a mass audience, yet were lucky enough to put out some great stuff.

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[canofsoup15]

You want some BIG laughs
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