home

Wednesday Night TV Thread

The third most watched cable channel in the U.S. is HGTV. Only ESPN and Fox News have more viewers. It even beats CNN.

Why? Apparently, the HGTV shows are happy shows, that allow people to escape the real world. And that's what viewers (including me) want.

The escapist appeal of looking at other people’s beautiful homes turned Home & Garden Television into the third most-watched cable network in 2016, ahead of CNN and behind only Fox News and ESPN. Riding HGTV’s reality shows, parent company Scripps Networks Interactive Inc. has seen its shares rise more than 30 percent this year, outperforming bigger rivals like Walt Disney Co., 21st Century Fox Inc. and Viacom Inc.

[More...]

I watch the channel all the time -- House Hunters' International is on twice every night. I record the 8:30 episode and watch it right before James Corden starts at 11:30. My favorite HGTV show is Caribbean Travel and Life. Especially in the winter. While most people seem to watch HGTV for the "flip" shows, I only watch one of those -- Masters of Flip. I really like the co-star Courtney, but my favorite part of each episode is when the "stager" named Angela arrives with the furnishings. She actually makes me wish I lived in Nashville so I could have her furnish my life. Everything she chooses from what must be her vast warehouse is perfect for the property -- I wouldn't even need to consult with her first. I'd just say, here's the key, surprise me. It'd be perfect.

HGTV is the happy network equivalent of James Corden. While happy is not quite as good as happy and funny, and Corden is both, HGTV is never upsetting and a great escape.

The only thing HGTV needs to lose are the drug commercials -- those are depressing. But they are easily avoided by recording it ahead of time and fast forwarding through them.

Scripps also owns the Travel Channel and the Food Network. Both have gotten a bit stale and could use some new shows -- or at least make some new episodes of the Iron Chef.

Netflix just got a new series "Cannabis." Has anyone watched it?

This is a thread for all things TV related.

< RIP Carrie Fisher and George Michael and Open Thread | R.I.P. Debbie Reynolds >
  • The Online Magazine with Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news

  • Contribute To TalkLeft


  • Display: Sort:
    HGTV is probably (5.00 / 2) (#5)
    by KeysDan on Thu Dec 29, 2016 at 03:44:35 PM EST
    third in popularity not so much because it is so good, but because the rest of Cable TV, is so bad.  With some exceptions.

      Among the attractive qualities of HGTV are the annoyingly funny comments of the prospective buyers.  The opening to House Hunters often begins with the young couple frustrated with the space of their present rental, belaboring the need for a bigger place by illustrating the problems of their tiny flat.  My favorite illustration is the kitchen is so small for two cooks that with the refrigerator door open, one can't cut the lettuce for a sandwich.

     And,then there are the unrealistic expectations: We are looking for a 3000sqft. apartment in Paris with a view of Notre Dame, but it must be within our budget of $400/month, Or, the buyers looking for a newer home in the historic district.

    The buyers don't ask questions about the roof, HVAC, electrical, or sewer, but, rather, the presence/absence of stainless steel appliances and granite countertops.

     Deal breakers tend to be matters such as paint color, letting the $100,000 house, with the ocean view, and 4000sqft, go because the master bedroom has yellow flowered wallpaper.  Open floor plans (aka, open concept)are a must. Kitchens with walls are out because parents can't keep an eye on little Madysen and Dakota while microwaving dinner.

    A Mancave is highly desirable, where the mister can "see himself" watching the game with the guys, and the missus needs a spare bedroom for her scrapbooking.

     Big decks are required for entertaining. And, lots of bedrooms are needed for guests. The yards are frequently too small for Rover and Spot, and, hence, the place is rejected.

    Real Estate agents do not point out rooms as much as they do "areas."  Or, sometimes both, such as over here is the living room area or bedroom area or kitchen area. And,a favorite is the astonishment in noting that "natural" light enters through windows.

    Yes, escapist reality shows that are corny, entertaining and fun, so long as HGTV stars, such as Chip/Joanna Gaines or Tarek/Christina (the professionally happy couple), do not decide that only they can make America great again.

    perfect description (none / 0) (#10)
    by Jeralyn on Thu Dec 29, 2016 at 11:35:55 PM EST
    of House Hunters--are you sure you don't moonlight as a script writer for them? You really nailed it.

    Parent
    LOL! I need to start watching this. (none / 0) (#14)
    by vml68 on Fri Dec 30, 2016 at 02:51:56 PM EST
    The yards are frequently too small for Rover and Spot, and, hence, the place is rejected.

    If you add gardening space in there, too, I resemble this remark :-).
    Thank-God, my realtor has the patience of a saint!

    Parent
    I love that show. LOL (none / 0) (#15)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Dec 30, 2016 at 04:07:44 PM EST
    Yes, and the budget issue. She wants more house which costs more and the husband says oh, it's over our budget as if husbands are the only ones that ever do budgets. Every show starts off with some real estate agent saying oh, it's going to be sooo hard to find a house that gives them what they want.

    Parent
    I also enjoy HGTV (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by Towanda on Thu Dec 29, 2016 at 10:59:10 PM EST
    and learned a lot that helped in restoring our historic home and garden -- although I had to learn that a lot of those gardening shows are located in Florida.  They need a show about the challenges of gardening closer to our border with Canada.

    And in winter, here in the North, I'm absolutely captivated by the series about Americans moving to the Caribbean.

    I watch way too much of HGTV. (5.00 / 3) (#12)
    by caseyOR on Fri Dec 30, 2016 at 12:57:02 PM EST
    My particular weaknesses are all of the shows where people move to/purchase homes at the beach, any beach. So, Caribbean Life, island Life, Hawaii Life, Beachfront Bargain Hunters, love them all.

    Also, House Hunters, particularly House Hunters International. Americans are always so stunned at how much smaller things are in other countries than in the States. Smaller houses, apartments, bathrooms, ovens, refrigerators, etc. Everyone is searching for that authentic French, Italian, Japanese lifestyle, just bigger like in America.

    Parent

    I don't watch any TV. (none / 0) (#13)
    by vml68 on Fri Dec 30, 2016 at 02:43:22 PM EST
    The only time the TV is on at our house is when my husband is watching sports or when my parents are visiting and then it is the Food Channel, the Game Show Channel and the Catholic TV channel.

    I think it might be time for me to start watching some HGTV. Some of the shows you've mentioned sounds like stuff I would enjoy.  

    Parent

    I really (none / 0) (#16)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Dec 30, 2016 at 04:11:54 PM EST
    like all those shows too. I have to say though while I expected everything to be smaller in Europe I was quite shocked at how much smaller it was. I remember one couple basically getting an apartment that had little more than a shelf with a hot plate and a dorm refrigerator for a kitchen.

    Parent
    have you watched any of the (none / 0) (#20)
    by Jeralyn on Sat Dec 31, 2016 at 03:02:27 PM EST
    Tiny House Nation shows? I've seen loads of them, now those are small places. Fascinating how people are willing to live (with kids and pets no less in some instances) in places under 300 sq. ft.

    FYI channel has the most Tiny House shows, but I think HGTV has some too.

    Parent

    No, I haven't watched (none / 0) (#21)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Dec 31, 2016 at 04:30:09 PM EST
    those but have friends that have talked about what is on those shows. I'm afraid of having a bout of claustrophobia watching them. LOL. But you have piqued my curiosity so I might take a peek and see what the show looks like.

    Parent
    Mick Taylor (none / 0) (#1)
    by jondee on Wed Dec 28, 2016 at 08:55:59 PM EST
    great player that he was, never seemed comfortable onstage with the Stones back then.

    I never saw a guy so unanimated in a great rock and roll band.

    He sure could play though.

    I got a vinyl copy of Goats Head Soup... (none / 0) (#3)
    by kdog on Thu Dec 29, 2016 at 09:14:58 AM EST
    for Christmas, had it spinning last night.

    When the bass particularly grabbed me on "Dancing with Mr. D" I knew something was up...so yesterday I learned Mick Taylor played bass on that track.

    Parent

    Apparently he and Keith (none / 0) (#4)
    by jondee on Thu Dec 29, 2016 at 03:15:38 PM EST
    were ahem, "burning the candle at both ends" a little too much (the candle and a few spoons), particularly during the Exile On Main Street sessions..

    Taylor probably felt like he had to get out of the band to save his own life when he left.

    Parent

    Oh no.... (none / 0) (#2)
    by desertswine on Wed Dec 28, 2016 at 10:01:16 PM EST
    it's the end of Ragnar Lothbrok.  Now what.  Ivar the Boneless is going to have to take over the show.

    yes? (none / 0) (#7)
    by linea on Thu Dec 29, 2016 at 08:28:39 PM EST
    lodbrok is thrown into a pit of snakes by the king of nothumbria and ivar the boneless leads an army to avenge his father and kills the king.

    Parent
    I also am enjoying "Real Vikings" (none / 0) (#8)
    by Towanda on Thu Dec 29, 2016 at 10:55:28 PM EST
    and reading more, too.

    Did you know that Rollo founded the royal line that led to William the Conqueror and today includes every royal family in Europe?  With William the Conqueror from Normandy -- meaning Norsemens' land -- invading England and taking the throne, he fulfilled Ragnar's dream.

    And Queen Elizabeth of England is a direct descendant of William the Conqueror -- and thus of Rollo.

    Parent

    I did not know that. (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by desertswine on Fri Dec 30, 2016 at 12:20:27 PM EST
    included with amazon prime (free) (none / 0) (#6)
    by linea on Thu Dec 29, 2016 at 07:59:21 PM EST
    didnt feel much for Love & Friendship and i usually love 1700s posh period settings.

    loved Passionflower
    loved Dear Lemon Lima
    enjoyed The Truth About Emanuel
    enjoyed Liberty
    enjoyed Sassy Pants


    and (none / 0) (#17)
    by linea on Fri Dec 30, 2016 at 08:01:47 PM EST
    i just started watching Boardwalk Empire. i am very much enjoying it so far.

    Parent
    Not every season is great (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by McBain on Sat Dec 31, 2016 at 12:06:07 AM EST
    but as a whole, it's well worth watching.  Lots of good actors.  

    Parent
    can you tell me (none / 0) (#19)
    by linea on Sat Dec 31, 2016 at 01:50:49 PM EST
    which seasons it would be best for me to skip?

    Parent
    included with prime? (none / 0) (#22)
    by linea on Sat Dec 31, 2016 at 08:28:45 PM EST
    can anyone recommend amazon prime (included) shows or movies? i dont have netflix or cable or hbo or showtime.

    i like dramas and shows about the interaction of people. thank you.

    I liked Bosch (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by TrevorBolder on Sat Dec 31, 2016 at 08:53:55 PM EST
    But was predisposed to do so having read all the novels. See characters you have read about from 1992 to current is kind of neat, especially if done well.
    A police detective mystery, there have been 2 seasons and more are in the works

    Parent