Television and Culture
Television and culture have each affected the other in major ways. From epic historical moments to hilarious TV catch phrases, television and culture influence each other daily. In this section we'll examine the relationship between television and culture.
Are you over-ingesting on media? Perhaps an overhaul of your "media diet" is in order.
The 'Last Week Tonight' host took an enthusiastic media to task on his HBO show for oversimplifying good science and turning a blind eye to bad studies.
TV Antiheroes Like Cersei and Dexter Enthrall Us. Here's Why
Antiheroes like Cersei Lannister from HBO's crazy popular "Game of Thrones" are all over TV. And we'll cheer for them, too, provided they meet a few conditions.
The American Academy of Pediatrics exchanges its 'turn it off' stance for a more nuanced approach.
We headed to the Center for Puppetry Arts to hang out with some old friends. Want to come, too?
Modern media embrace the flying machines. But is that good for our society?
We've all done it. You planned to watch just one episode of your favorite show but ended up burning through four or five in a single setting. Ever wonder why binge watching is so addictive?
Do TV shows and book deals encourage criminal behavior?
Since 2006, there's been an enormous increase in mass murders and many experts think this may be because of the publicity these criminals receive on TV and the Internet. Could the wide coverage inspire copycat behavior?
Emergency rooms on TV are fraught with drama and tension. While nonfictional ERs have their share of stressful moments, a lot of the work they do is misrepresented when it's transferred to the entertainment sphere.
Maybe you could care less about grammar. After all, it's a doggy-dog world, and you're OK as long as people know what you mean, right?
Does TV shape culture or reflect it? Since TVs became commonplace in American homes in the 1950s, pundits have debated their positive and negative effects. We'll examine some of the changes.
Love it or hate it, you have to admit that TV is one of the most powerful forms of mass media in the Western world. But what are some of the most famous, world-changing TV moments?
From flat-screen HDTVs to small, flip-open screens, TV viewing has become part of everyday life, far removed from the luxurious event of watching black-and-white TV in its earliest days. How has this evolution changed America?
Since the advent of smartphones, you can check your e-mail, catch up on Facebook, browse the Internet and even watch videos, all on the go. Naturally, cell phones have already affected our viewing habits and changed the TV industry. But how?
The golden age of television may be gone, but the delightful age of customization is here to stay. Here are five technologies that will let you whatever TV you want exactly when you want it. Now that sounds pretty good, doesn't it?
Home theater technology is offering better and better picture and sound at lower and lower prices. When will the home viewing experience supplant theaters entirely?
Since the launch of ESPN in 1979, 24-hour sports stations have grown into a multibillion dollar industry, with even extremely niche-focused sports networks pulling in millions in revenue. How has this had an impact on society?
Since DVRs have gained popularity, TV networks have had to adapt to the time-shifting, commercial-skipping technology. DVRs allow viewers to schedule recordings and watch programs whenever they like. But are these viewings factored into ratings?
You laugh, but a whole generation of mad men once trembled at the thought of VCRS and, more important, the total destruction they stood to wreak on ad sales. It didn't happen though. Is it the same story with digital video recording?
It's impossible to say for certain whether TV has been good or bad for American politics. But the introduction of the television definitely changed the political landscape in the United States, from the election of the president to the city council.
The introduction of television all but changed the way we elect our presidents. So just how exactly has this powerful medium influenced our elections? Read on to find out.
Do you love wandering the aisles of specialty food stores, seeking exotic ingredients to transform into a gourmet feast? If Friday fish fingers have no place at your table, you're probably a foodie -- and you just might have TV to thank for it.
There's no denying reality TV's prominence in today's culture. But is it influencing Americans in a positive or negative way?
These days, crime dramas are all the rage, from the bazillion spin-offs of "CSI" to "reality" shows like "Cops." How has all this crime drama shaped our perceptions, for better or worse, of law enforcement here in the real world?
The best TV shows change the way we think about news, sports, drama or comedy. Which ones have had the most impact on viewers or the medium?
