Beech Tree News Network

An article in the Daily News reported that cultural attitudes are now more favorable toward television. The author attributed this to better quality programming and the ability to binge on well-written dramas. And, the fall TV schedule is packed with choices.

The ABC schedule includes a variety of programs. Some of the returning programs include: Once Upon a Time, Revenge, Castle, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Nashville, Grey’s Anatomy, and Scandal. ABC also has a few new programs scheduled; two of those are Forever and How to Get Away with Murder. I’m eager to see How to Get Away with Murder; it sounds entertaining.

The CBS schedule has some good programs, too. Some of those returning are: The Good Wife, CSI, NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, Person of Interest, Survivor, Criminal Minds, The Amazing Race, Hawaii Five-O, and Blue Bloods. Three of CBS’ new programs are Madam Secretary, NCIS: New Orleans, and Stalker. I watch many of the returning programs, and the new ones may be added to my if-I-can-watch-I-will list.

NBC has scheduled Sunday Night Football. Their schedule also contains the following returning programs: The Voice, The Blacklist, Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., Law & Order: SVU, The Biggest Loser, and Grimm. Some of NBC’s new programs are: The Mysteries of Laura, Bad Judge, and Constantine. Although The Blacklist should be rated for violence, I am a faithful viewer and eager to see season 2 (If you missed season 1, you might binge watch to catch up.).

PBS programming is also very good. Masterpiece Classic programs (period dramas such as Downton Abbey, Little Dorrit, Bleak House and Jane Eyre) are scheduled in the fall and winter; while Masterpiece Mysteries (such as Sherlock, Inspector Lewis and Hercule Poirot) are scheduled in the spring and summer (ww.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/schedule/). My personal favorite, Downton Abbey, Season 5, won’t be released in the U.S. until January 4, 2015, although viewers in the UK will begin watching in September.

HGTV always has entertaining programs. Some of those scheduled are: Love It or List It, Love It or List It Too, House Hunters, House Hunters International, House Hunters Renovation, Property Brothers, Brother vs. Brother, Beachfront Bargain Hunt, Lakefront Bargain Hunt, Fixer Upper, Flipping the Block, Flip or Flop, Rehab Addict, Cousins Undercover, Buying and Selling, Hawaii Life, Vacation House for Free, and The Jennie Garth Project. Though I’m not much of a DIY home-project person, I watch HGTV several times every week. Good entertainment!

Alfred Hitchcock once said, “Television has done much for psychiatry by spreading information about it, as well as contributing to the need for it” (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/television_2.html#hiVocRYtl5V...). Though humorous, Hitchcock’s statement is truthful. All programs are not appropriate for every audience. Nevertheless, we have many good options.