Critiques argue that in trying to "offend no one," the networks tend to offer TV programs that appeal to the "lowest common-denominator." Do you agree? Can you name programs that are definitely for the LCD? Can you think of any network (NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, CW) programs that defy the LCD label? Explain.
I would agree that the networks tend to offer TV programs that are more suited for the general public, including those in the category of "lowest common-denominator." Such examples are shows that just about anyone can understand, such as game-shows, news channels, food shows, and more. The regular sit-coms, such as The Office are also aimed to at least capture the attention of those in the LCD.
I like what this person had to say.
"What the mass media offers is not popular art, but entertainment which is intended to be consumed like food, forgotten, and replaced by a new dish." W. H. Auden.
I don't know what a lot of network shows are, so I looked them up online. On NBC, some of the top shows include Law & Order, The Biggest Loser, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Office, ER, Dateline, and Heroes. Because I haven't really spent time watching these shows, I'm not sure what audience they were aimed for, but after our discussion in class, I really do think most shows are aimed for the LCD.
Some of the most popular shows on FOX include 24, American Idol, Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader, Cops, House, The Simpsons, and Prison Break. American Idol is a show that anyone can watch - the LCD included. In fact, the title, "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader," as a game-show, just seems to shout to the LCD. Are they smarter than a 5th grader?
Perhaps of all the shows I've listed the only ones that may defy the LCD would be Law & Order, and ER. From their titles alone, they seem to be semi-intelligent shows.
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