The Decline of Traditional Television Viewing Habits Among Gen-X
For a generation that grew up watching television, the trend away from traditional viewing habits is surprising but undeniable. As a Gen-Xer, I have noticed a steady decline in my interest in newer television shows. Why has this shift occurred, and how does it reflect changes in our media consumption patterns?
Why I Trended Away from TV
While I still enjoy watching television, it is noticeably less than what it used to be. For shows to catch my eye, they either need to be part of an established fandom or belong to a genre I have a particular interest in. In fact, the recent season of Better Call Saul was the last one that truly impressed me. When I try new shows, I dedicate about 8 to 10 episodes to see if they hold my interest.
Television has always catered more to a younger demographic, but I find it harder to find content that resonates with me. My last true work of television that I enjoyed was the summer viewing of Game of Thrones, more out of a sense of obligation and desire to engage in conversations with friends than because I thought it was a standout show.
Busy with Life
A key reason behind my reduced television consumption is a more demanding lifestyle. At my age, pursuing new shows seems like an interruption to the daily grind. I usually watch television during breakfast and dinner, times when life can be at its busiest.
Changes in Television Accessibility
Another factor in my changing viewing habits is the ease of accessing television content. Back in the day, when I was younger, television shows were scarce and precious. A movie coming to theaters had a limited window, and unless it was one of the most anticipated films of the year, it would not be available again. Similarly, television series were fleeting and reruns were the exception rather than the rule.
Nostalgia strikes me when I think about the final episode of MASH. Due to the store where I worked, I was unable to watch it, and when I finally decided to catch up, it was late at night and all the streets were empty. Fast forward to now, and the final episode of MASH can be found on a streaming service or reruns air on various channels. This accessibility has made it harder to find new content that feels special or unique.
Current Viewing Choices
What exactly do I watch when I have the chance? For breakfast, I gravitate towards reruns of classic shows that didn’t make it to syndication when I was younger. My choices include The Beverly Hillbillies, The Joey Bishop Show, and The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show. These are nostalgic not just because I remember them fondly, but because they offer a break from the fast-paced content available today.
For my evening viewing, I am currently binge-watching The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. This show was on syndication during my college years and was quite popular. The show is particularly special to me because it fosters a sense of nostalgia, as it is the kind of content that I might not have the chance to see otherwise.
Conclusion
The shift from traditional television viewing habits among Gen-Xers reflects a broader trend in media consumption. As technology evolves and content becomes more accessible, it is too easy to let interesting content slip through the cracks. However, for those who hold onto the past, like myself, there is comfort in revisiting those classic moments. In a world where anything can be watched at any time, finding the right content becomes more challenging, but the nostalgia it offers is worth it.