Let’s go way, way back—to Mrs. Cibber singing Handel’s music. Charles Burney wrote of her, “By a natural pathos, and perfect conception of the words, she often penetrated the heart, when others, with infinitely greater voice and skill, could only reach the ear.” That would’ve been television! But I guess I digress . .
Heck, I’m old enough to miss vaudeville. My uncle used to take me when I was a boy while he dated one of the dancers. What great shows and variety with acrobats, clowns, comedians (I didn’t always understand the more adult humor), singers, choreographed dancing, magic tricks and once I got to sit close enough to see that the fan dancer was wearing flesh-colored tights, so she wasn’t really nude. Some years later I got to see the last vaudeville show at the Folly Theater in Kansas City when I was on temporary assignment to the Federal Building there. I was disappointed in that one however because it had devolved into pretty much porn content by then. Variety shows on TV in the ‘70s were the only other thing to come close to vaudeville. Who knows, maybe the trend wheels will spin back that way someday. Probably after I’m long gone.
I remember Monday nights and The Firestone Hour. They had classical music and even opera singers. Then there was The Friday Night fights and Wrestling. Haystacks Calhoun and The Mad Arab. Not the glitzy junk they have now.
gocubzgo about 7 hours ago
It is somehow true that there is both a lot more and a lot less on TV these days.
Da'Dad about 7 hours ago
The screens were smaller and even lacked color but they did entertain us. Thanks JJ.
finzleftright about 7 hours ago
It sounds like Ed Sullivan is what he’s missing! And it’s streaming on Pluto TV.
MeanBob Premium Member about 7 hours ago
It’s all still there on You Tube, just different. And if even remotely possible, politicized.
Renatus Profuturus Frigeridus Premium Member about 7 hours ago
I see many “human” animals on TV every day.
Radioshack Premium Member about 7 hours ago
So true, so true. Arlo speaking for the masses. Where are the Ed Sullivans, Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts, George Gobels, and Ted Macks of today?
Lucy Rudy about 6 hours ago
America’s Got Talent has all that junk.
electricshadow Premium Member about 6 hours ago
I guess after your tenth reality TV show or hundredth You Tube video, you crave the classics.
Gizmo Cat about 4 hours ago
I hardly watch tv these days. I just tape the movies I like to see, so I can watch them without commercials and stream a lot of movies as well.
nosirrom about 4 hours ago
And Topo Gigio! Arlo, kiss me goodnight.
rheddmobile about 3 hours ago
My dude, you are old. Young people watch all those things on the internet.
sarahbowl1 Premium Member about 2 hours ago
I miss variety shows like Carol Burnett and Dean Martin, etc!
Lomax9er7 about 2 hours ago
The whole spinning plates on poles.
SirThomas about 1 hour ago
All in one show. Not on five different channels devoted to one thing!
ddjg about 1 hour ago
Let’s go way, way back—to Mrs. Cibber singing Handel’s music. Charles Burney wrote of her, “By a natural pathos, and perfect conception of the words, she often penetrated the heart, when others, with infinitely greater voice and skill, could only reach the ear.” That would’ve been television! But I guess I digress . .
[Traveler] Premium Member 31 minutes ago
America’s got talent does that stuff
Fontessa 31 minutes ago
I miss a television show that you could watch with your parents and your children at the same time, and no one would be horrified or shocked.
NRHAWK Premium Member 27 minutes ago
Heck, I’m old enough to miss vaudeville. My uncle used to take me when I was a boy while he dated one of the dancers. What great shows and variety with acrobats, clowns, comedians (I didn’t always understand the more adult humor), singers, choreographed dancing, magic tricks and once I got to sit close enough to see that the fan dancer was wearing flesh-colored tights, so she wasn’t really nude. Some years later I got to see the last vaudeville show at the Folly Theater in Kansas City when I was on temporary assignment to the Federal Building there. I was disappointed in that one however because it had devolved into pretty much porn content by then. Variety shows on TV in the ‘70s were the only other thing to come close to vaudeville. Who knows, maybe the trend wheels will spin back that way someday. Probably after I’m long gone.
NeedaChuckle Premium Member 18 minutes ago
I remember Monday nights and The Firestone Hour. They had classical music and even opera singers. Then there was The Friday Night fights and Wrestling. Haystacks Calhoun and The Mad Arab. Not the glitzy junk they have now.
ChessPirate 15 minutes ago
Now. all we get is one big Gong Show… ☺
BJDucer 7 minutes ago
I miss the Smothers Brothers.