In Defense of Shitty Television

Last month, Stephen Marche wrote a short but fascinating article on popular television for Esquire magazine.  Today, Marche says, the small screen is producing more fresh, smart material – and more venues through which to access that material – than ever before.  Shows like Mad Men and Girls are seamlessly melding entertainment with prescient social commentary, while companies like Netflix and HBO GO are democratizing our access to such quality programming.  TV seems to be in the midst of a new “golden age.”

So there’s the bait.  Now comes the switch.

How bad could it be? [image source]