TV Shows that Need to Die

TV shows play an immensely significant role in society. Because of this, we all put a tremendous amount of faith into networks; we hope that they provide us shows that are not only entertaining but also have some intellectual value. For the most part, TV shows currently airing are hilarious, quotable and serve as a much-needed escape during busy school weeks. Shows like Glee also better society by bringing light to issues such as gay rights, bullying and peer pressure.

Unfortunately, there are those TV shows that make us cringe, ignite yawns of boredom and teach terrible values. Those shows may have topped the charts back in the day, but we have come to the time where we sadly have to pull the plug, seal the coffin and pile on the dirt. Here are the top five TV shows whose glory days are over and now simply need to die.

American Idol

The once popular singing competition has surely had better days. The early seasons dominated the charts. It had tremendously talented contestants, vibrant judges and helped give winners unprecedented success. Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson were American Idol’s darlings and epitomized the power of the show. The current show bears no resemblance to that exciting past. With competition shows America’s Got Talent, X Factor and The Voice stealing prime time spots, American Idol’s contestants have no extraordinary talent. The auditions are simply no longer funny. Even worse, the defection of stars Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul has left the show dull. The finale often disappoints as the clearly more talented singer loses the prize due to the immature, unintelligent voting of the show’s preteen fan base. The winners enter the field with a poor, unsuccessful album and join the rank of other Idol failures. The show has been stretched on far too long and should end now if it wants to end on a high note.

America’s Next Top Model

Tyra Bank’s Top Model seemed to be an original show when it first aired, but now, each season seems a copy of the previous, with no exciting new changes. Even worse, Top Model is a terrible influence on society’s younger generation. The show judges on beauty, figure, appearance in photographs and how well girls can pull off skimpy clothing. Each season the amount of clothing on models exponentially decreases. Drama on the show is tacky and consists of ridiculous cat fights on superficial ideas. Tyra’s influence can be put to better use, and encouraging women to take useless photographs for model careers that never actually happen is definitely not one of them.

Jersey Shore

Entertainment value aside, Jersey Shore is an obscene, tactless show that revels in crude Italian American stereotypes. The show has too much sexual content with cast members constantly talking about sex and hooking up with each other. When they aren’t fooling around, they are drinking and engaging in bar brawls and altercations. The show displays America in a terrible light and brainwashes the youth. When all the other negative factors about the show are removed, the show is racist and the characters celebrate their heritage with terrible behavior. In September of 2011, New Jersey’s Economic Department Authority approved a $420,000 tax credit toward show. Needless to say, in this struggling economy, when millions of Americans don’t have jobs, Jersey Shore is not what the country should be spending its money on. MTV once was a shining beacon of hope for the music industry. Jersey Shore reflects the trashiness of the network as does its fellow shows Sixteen and Pregnant and My Big Fat Sweet Sixteen.

Survivor

Survivor used to be my favorite show. Friends and I would play for hours, recreating the show and pretending to be in challenges fighting for immunity. Children these days often don’t even know the show exists. With so many seasons, Survivor no longer has exciting exotic places to shoot; each insignificant island looks the same, with the same beaches and shores. The characters are often repeats from previous seasons, and the drama is not only boring and unoriginal but stretched out to the point that no one even cares anymore. Where to hide the immunity statue is now a stupid question that ignites no excitement. The show is also one of the few reality shows to not feature audience voting; this would dramatically increase audience excitement about the show. Survivor has already tanked. The show just needs to leave; it’s doing nothing for the network or the audience.

Grey’s Anatomy

Grey’s Anatomy is coming into its 7th season, and it really is two seasons too many. The show originally topped charts and scored millions of viewers because of the interesting, mischievous relationship between Meredith and Derek. The group of interns were close ,and America fell in love with the characters. Over time, however, some of the most beloved doctors have been killed off. Without any drama occurring, the viewers are practically watching the doctors live ordinary lives. The writers are running out of incredible medical mysteries to enthrall the audience, and instead, are focusing on the million rumored pregnancies floating about. Even when Grey’s tries to spice things up with music specials, the end product is awkward and poorly executed. Basically, the show has just been going on far too long. They have lost things to talk about ,and the plot line has been remaining stagnant for the last few seasons. Grey’s Anatomy’s time of death? Hopefully, soon.

These shows, like a few others, have had better days. Even though they may have been chart toppers in the past, it is now time to quit filming and shooting. Let new creative ideas and actors have a chance to shine and entertain society in a new, more rewarding way.

 

Should AI Stay, or Should AI Go?

Pro:

Who doesn’t love turning on the television for a good laugh after a long, hard day? Lately, there’s been nothing funnier than American Idol.

The old American Idol may have been a serious show where contestants fought for their dreams of becoming singers, but now, the show is just a hoot. With crackpot judges and even stranger auditions than before, American Idol should be kept on the air solely for its hilarity.

I have never been a faithful watcher of the show. In fact, the last thing I remember was Kelly Clarkson battling it out against the guy with the crazy curly hair. But back then, I could tell that contestants were there to really try their hardest and belt out songs likes there was no tomorrow for a shot at a record deal. Now, people bring their own instruments. It’s like a one-man band competition!

With that said, the show is a little disorganized. But that adds to the funny factor as well, with the new judges and the kooky contestants.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen the show funnier. The judges are crazy. It’s hilarious when Randy tries to be mean but can’t,” said senior Becky Morin.

I couldn’t agree more. The meanest Randy seems to have ever gotten is “Dawg, that didn’t even sound remotely like singing at all,” and “That wasn’t even close to good.” How can I take the show seriously when the judges are so half-hearted?

The addition of Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez has upped the comedy as well. While Steven Tyler has had a bumpy past and has supposedly gotten better, he still looks like a hot mess. He was an amazing singer and knows his stuff about judging, but the way he looks at contestants makes me laugh before the audition even begins.

Jennifer Lopez is also a great addition. She has assimilated into the role of “Paula” quite well, as she seems to be the nicest of all of the judges. But when I see her, I can’t help but see her as her old self, “Jenny from the Block.”

Despite the disorganization of the show, Pres students still love American Idol. “I love American Idol this season! It is so funny and the judges are amazing,” said senior Lauren Cooper.

As if the judges weren’t amusing enough, the contestants are too good to be true. There are, of course, the crazy dressers, like the women in their funky punk outfits. But then there are those truly wacky contestants who choose to come to the auditions with over-the-top plans. Take the woman that came to the auditions to profess her love for the Patriots, all while performing an opera-style ballad.

Most people feel that American Idol is washed up. Every devoted follower of the show, I’m sure, agrees that Simon, Paula and Randy were the best trio of judges. But I believe that American Idol is better than before because right now, our televisions are chock full of bad news about the war, protests and murders. A little comic relief is always helpful when I’m feeling down.

It may seem rude to laugh at the expense of others, but the contestants go on the show fully aware that they are going to embarrass themselves. Some people who go onto the show are there to show us their talent, but many go on and pretend that they believe in their talents, even when they have none.

These are the people for whom I watched the show. Even when the auditions ended, I kept watching because I had become interested in the top 40 contestants, and now, I’m hooked. Even though the judges have changed and the show is different, you should still give it a shot and get a good laugh out of it.  

Con:

I stopped watching American Idol when Paula Abdul left. When the show first debuted in 2002, my family and I were instantly hooked, and we watched the show religiously for the next eight seasons. However, once singer-songwriter Kara DioGuardi joined the judging panel and subsequently replaced Abdul, the show lost a necessary element.

Each season, I attempt to rekindle my love for the singing competition and find enough redeeming qualities in the show to justify a DVR recording, but I always lose interest quickly.

Paula could always be counted on as the “nice one” of the panel. Her quirky commentary left audiences guessing what the “Straight Up” singer would say next.

Abdul served as a perfect foil to Simon Cowell, the blunt British judge imported from England’s Pop Idol. However, even Simon’s witty commentary could not save the show from the lack of chemistry among him, Kara DioGuardi, music producer Randy Jackson and comedian Ellen DeGeneres.

DeGeneres left the show after only one season amidst a barrage of criticism from viewers who asked the question, “What qualifies a comedian to judge others on singing ability?” Furthermore, DioGuardi’s contract was not renewed, and Cowell decided to leave the show after nine seasons.

The departure of three of the panel’s four judges left the show’s future up in the air, but pop star Jennifer “J.Lo” Lopez and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler were ultimately selected.

The panel, consisting of the two new judges and veteran judge Jackson, is clearly the weakest in Idol history. While J.Lo is musically qualified to judge contestants, her commentary often does not really say anything. She frequently tries to assert her position on the judging panel by describing contestants’ voices as the best, worst and most unique “in Idol history.”

Steven Tyler, on the other hand, constantly tries to obtain a more family-friendly persona, making personal connections with contestants and giving out numerous hugs. However, he cannot shake his bad-boy image, as he is consistently less harsh on attractive females, often allowing them to progress to the next round for the sole reason that he finds them good-looking.

Even worse, Randy Jackson is attempting to fill Cowell’s shoes by giving harsher criticism than ever before. In the past, Randy was the “moderate” judge- he was harder on contestants than Paula but not as frank as Simon. Suddenly, after nine seasons, he is the new “mean” judge—but, Dawg, it’s just not right.

Junior Rachel Whelan offers a similar opinion, saying, “American Idol has been on for too long! Once the original judges left, the show lost appeal because Paula, Randy and Simon together were the identity of the show. It got boring just watching people sing after the show had been on for so long.”

Junior Ashley Phillip agrees, saying, “In my opinion, American Idol spends too much time ridiculing others instead of focusing on the talent that makes a person an ‘American Idol.’ The judges sound like immature preteens because they spend too much time insulting contestants rather than giving constructive criticisms and suggestions. I don’t think that American Idol needs to end, but they should re-evaluate what they show to viewers and the message that they are sending.”

Now in its tenth season, American Idol has completely lost its spark. None of the show’s original appeal remains, and what’s left is not enough to keep viewers still watching.

DeGeneres: License to Judge

Paula Abdul is done complimenting the good American singers and Simon Cowell will be done criticizing the worst of American singers, for 2010 will be his final year. How is the well-known show going to fill in the spaces on the panel that is watched by over 30 million viewers? Bring in the unique and hilarious Ellen DeGeneres, of course.

DeGeneres announced in September that she would be joining the panel of judges for American Idol. She joined Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi on the panel after the audition phases in seven different major cities in the country. After some brilliant auditions as well as some brutal ones, DeGeneres came bearing jokes. On February 9, DeGeneres took her spot in between Simon and Kara, where many feel like she belongs. The first thing she said to Cowell on the show was, “So, this is how it is going to be. As soon as I come on, you leave.” She lightened up the room and atmosphere for the whole first day of Hollywood week.

Many wondered what the outgoing comedian could bring to the show besides laughs, but the executive producer of the show, Simon Fuller, sees her as a major benefit. “Her love of music and understanding of the American public will bring a unique human touch to our judging panel,” Fuller says in an interview with Fox. That’s what the producer thinks, but what does Presentation think?

Ellen truly does know the taste of the American public. Her daily show, Ellen: The Ellen DeGeneres Show, entertains in over three million viewers per episode. “She is so funny and watching her show makes my day. The best part about her is her stage presence, and that is what she teaches the contestants,” junior Jessica Hewitt says. Just two weeks ago, Ellen DeGeneres related the shy but passionate contestant Alex Lambert to an “unripe banana”. As the crowd cheered and agreed, the comedy carried onto next week, when Lambert came out looking fantastic and on key. After he hit the last note, Ellen quickly commented, “It’s like someone took the unripe banana and put it in a paper bag…so that it ripens faster. I don’t know how you did that so quickly!” She even had Randy laughing. She finished that commentary saying, “Keep rocking the mullet.”

Known for her bright smile and ability to make anyone laugh, we consider DeGeneres the perfect judge to fill the space of Abdul, a major sweetheart. “The best part is that she is able to critique and get a joke off at the same time. I really like her funny attitude,” junior Aryanna Harandi said. This is true for when a contestant is off key, DeGeneres spots it and calls it out. Being a viewer of the show from her living room couch as well as viewing the show live, the new judge told a well-liked contestant two weeks ago during the top 24 round that he was “majorly pitchy.” After that show, DeGeneres told her audience from her show Ellen the following: “It’s interesting to hear the contestants sing live versus watching them at home. I didn’t realize until I went home and watched it on TV that they sound totally different. The mix is different in the studio than what the viewers hear.”

Sing Like No One’s Watching: Holiday CDs

American Idol David Archuleta released his first holiday album this year called Christmas From the Heart. Audiences all over the country fell in love with his surprisingly mature and sultry voice, and awkward but cute personality in 2007. You can’t help but be mesmerized by the beautiful melodies and song arrangements. This album truly embraces what Archuleta represents—a full-hearted family image. One of the best cuts on the album is “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” which he collaborated on with his mom! However, the rest of the songs, while vocally superior to many other renditions, fail to make a lasting impact and serve better as background music to a party than spotlight Christmas carols. Overall, Archuleta succeeded in creating a well-done holiday soundtrack.

A Very Special Christmas, Volume 7 – Various Artists

For the first time since 2003, the A Very Special Christmas project released its latest collaboration of holiday hits. The proceeds of this charity album benefit the Special Olympics. According to USA Today, the franchise has raised over $100 million for the program’s athletes since 1987.

Creators of this latest album decided to focus on selling to a younger audience so many artists from this collection are from an eclectic but more mainstream background in music. Artists include country stars Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, the Carter Twins and Gloriana; pop stars include Colbie Calliat, Sean Kingston and Charice; and Disney stars include Miley Cyrus, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, and Mitchell Musso. Each song presents itself with a new and interesting rendition of the classic holiday songs that differentiates with each artist.

What are the best cuts? Colbie Caillat’s soothing version of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” puts you in the mood to cuddle up by the fireplace, and Carrie Underwood’s rendition of “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” is upbeat with a nice country twang.

But creators focused on sales when picking artists like Miley Cyrus in “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and Ashley Tisdale in “Last Christmas,” who struggle to come up with decent vocals.

So if you’re looking for some new versions of Christmas songs from your favorite artist and want to support an amazing organization, pick up your copy of A Very Special Christmas: Vol. 7 now!

Trans-Siberian Orchestra – The Lost Christmas Eve

  Think you don’t like Christmas music? Think again, because the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is like nothing you’ve ever heard before. This progressive rock band, founded by the big shot composer Paul O’Neill, takes Christmas music from the mellow clichés we have all grown to love to an innovative rock opera worthy of stunning lights and booming pyrotechnics. 23 tracks of classic Christmas songs revamped coupled with the band’s fantastic original music make up The Lost Christmas Eve, the final piece to the band’s epic Christmas-themed trilogy.

Centered around a Christian message, the album follows the story of an angel who is sent to earth on a mission find the person that has best continued Jesus’s work. The album takes off with a symphonic wonder, “Faith Noel,” beginning with a dazzling introduction to “The First Noel,” and easing into a dramatic rendition of “God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen.” The album continues to wow listeners with the power ballads “The Lost Christmas Eve” and “Christmas Dreams.” 

The greatest surprise on the album comes in the form of the sensational “What Child is This.” The transformation is brilliant and unexpected for first time listeners, especially when it climbs into an escalated reflection of a life gone to waste. For those who enjoy a good acoustic tune, the TSO supplies quality acoustic guitar in the genuinely warm “Christmas Jazz” and the enlightening closing track “Midnight Clear.”  The Lost Christmas Eve is truly ear candy for rock lovers. It just so happens that it’s also Christmas music.

For those who enjoy a more modern sound but feel bad leaving traditional Christmas music behind, Relient K offers a glorious combination of the two. Their hit album, Let it Snow Baby…Let it Reindeer, is the perfect compilation of Christmas cheer and good music. It’s fun and diverse, yet obviously a holiday album. The tracks range from heartrending ballads to blissful ballads to upbeat punk rock songs stylistically similar to Blink-182, all while maintaining a distinctly Christmas quality.

Relient K – Let it Snow Baby…Let it Reindeer

From the cheerful “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” to the religious and somewhat emotional “I Celebrate the Day,” Relient K captures all the best qualities of Christmas in a variety of styles, all of which are accompanied by the superb skills of frontman Matt Thiessen, who wows listeners with both his smooth vocals and his flawless piano playing.

Fortunately, though the album only contains a handful of original music, the covers of the classics are amped up by explosive guitars and impressive harmonies. You’ll recognize the songs, but you’ve never heard them done like this before. After hearing Christmas rock at its best, don’t be surprised to find yourself rocking out to “Angels we Have Heard on High” and “Deck the Halls.” Relient K even includes a couple original, more pessimistic tunes like “I Hate Christmas Parties” and “In Like a Lion.” While not full of ideal Christmas cheer, these more somber tunes might be just what’s needed in the midst of Christmas chaos. With something for everyone, Relient K’s cleverly titled Christmas album is not something you want to miss.

Now that you know the latest and greatest Christmas music, go get yourself in the holiday spirit!