One of the great advantages of online technologies and media is that I have been able to follow and stay abreast of the 2008 Presidential Election from abroad in a way that I was simply not able to back in 2000 and 2004. As I have mentioned, turning to podcasts kept me informed but at the cost of reading. Sometimes I even had the tendency to lose control and use online sources to watch TV shows or purchase (yes, I purchase) music. But now that the election is over, I should be back in full swing, reading up a storm. The problem is that in spending so much time searching for the latest new reel, interview or video footage, I also formed an unhealthy liking for certain American TV shows (curiously, I almost never turn on my television set). Here’s the pathetic list:
- Gossip Girl
- It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
- Entourage
- Lipstick Jungle
- The Office (U.S. version)
- How I Met Your Mother
- Weeds
- The Big Bang Theory
- My Name is Earl
These shows may appear to lack in any concrete redeeming value, but while podcasts and online newspapers allowed me be closer to my country politically, the shows keep me be closer to my country culturally. Plus, Gossip Girl has great shots of New York City, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The Office really make me laugh.
Grave Error 
I know exactly what you mean by unhealthy liking for TV shows. Boy, are these things time suckers.
– It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Watched it for a while.
– Gossip Girl
Not yet into it, but know many who are, mostly girls 😀
– Entourage
The BEST of the lot! Love Ari Gold, love Johnny “Drama”. This show makes my day!
Your list does not seem to include Reality TV. What a pitty, because one of my favorite show is The Amazing Race. Although this season lacks inspiring teams I must say.
Cheers!
No reality tv for me. Sorry, Jens.