Saturday, January 18, 2014

There's Nothing on the Telly


View Anything Anywhere Anytime 

I remember the huge Magnovox television set in our living room. It was an imposing piece of furniture, not a light flat screen hung on a wall. You had to walk over and actually push a button for power. Then you had to rotate the knob to your three or four channel choices. Click – kachunk, Click- kachunk, Click – kachunk. And the picture was in a grainy black and white. When “they” talk about the “olden days”, it was not awesome, my friends. It was a vast barren wasteland of old dudes smoking and reading us the news.  

Fast forward to the land of color television, and the remote control, and cable, and…and…and satellite TV and Netflix. Oh, the chorus of angels sing Hallelujah. Flat screens, LCD Display, Plasma, High Definition, Surround sound. Home movie theaters. Download to tablets or your phone! A million choices – but is anything good? 

Well, that’s up to you and there are more and more startups on the internet that offer FREE programming. Yes, you can pay for Netflix streaming, but check out hulu.com for alternate free shows. And wait there’s more. I have not actually watched any of these shows, but I’ve read about them, and as your entertainment writer, I wanted you to be aware of what’s out there on the internet or available as apps for your own creative television hookup. It’s limitless.  

www.crackle.com offers old movies, tv shows, and some new creations – Chosen  and Cleaners.  

www.pivot.tv launched in August 2013 and is geared toward ages 18-34. The goal is to spark conversation, inspire change, and illuminate issues. Check it out and take part. Pivot TV seeks viewers to create and upload content.  Host Joseph Gordon-Levitt of HitRecord on TV encourages creativity, whether it’s short film, animation or music.  Other new content are Take Part Live, Jersey Strong, Teach, and Raising McCain.
 

www.comediansincarsgettingcoffee.com is Jerry Seinfeld’s foray into new pop culture. He and comedian pals drive around in expensive cars and talk about whatever they want. It’s quite funny. The lineup starting Jan. 2014 is Patton Oswalt, Howard Stern, Jay Leno, Tina Fey, and Louis CK. You can also check out back episodes.
 

This is only the beginning. I’m sure there are many other sites that offer new programming and creative outlets. I cannot endorse or vouch for family friendly viewing. This is a new frontier. At least there’s always a delete button. Exercise it wisely. And speaking of exercise, maybe I should suggest you set up some of these shows as you walk on a treadmill. Just saying. I know I ate a few too many Christmas cookies.  

Enjoy!

 

8 comments:

  1. I often find nothing to watch and end up listening to music. Mostly I watch telly while writing, so I don't 'watch' much at all - the times I put my laptop away, you know I love that programme!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I figure some of this "new" stuff is another writing outlet. Gotta keep up with the trends

      Delete
  2. We have Netflix and enjoy it in the evening, but I'm not a huge television watcher anyway. I have sooooo many books to read!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. did you see House of Cards on Netlfix. That was soooo good.

      Delete
  3. I have started watching Acorn.tv as it has many English shows and mysteries (30 day free trial). I'll take a look at some of these others. I gave up on cable and have been mostly watching online TV or have an antenna for local shows. Thanks for the tips.
    Ann

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. at this point, you could write your own cozy and put it online - Cheryl and Jeff have acting chops!

      Delete
  4. Is it that we have become too cynical? We used to enjoy a simple hour of entertainment from our TV but now we expect so much more, maybe too much more. We should go back to making our own entertainment and just switch in for the occasional 'treat'.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you could be right. Before the family sat and watched together. Now everybody watches on different sets at different times and there is no common ground. I like the idea of a "treat".

      Delete