Thursday, December 18, 2014

Serial: The best reality TV show... er, podcast, of the year



Reality has its place, and the genre is never better served than the true crime podcast by This American Life out of Chicago, which just wrapped up today. You can listen for free on your smartphone's free podcast app (just search for "Serial" and download the episodes), or listen for free online.

Did Adnan kill Hae? You decide over the course of 12 engrossing episodes.

Some questions to ponder:
  • How much can you remember about what you did six weeks ago, on November 6, 2014? 
  • Is Adnan a smooth talking sociopath who has charmed narrator Sarah Koenig or is he actually who he says?
  • What about that phone call to Adnan's then girlfriend the day of the murder?
  • Was the investigation botched? 
  • If Adnan didn't kill Hae, who did? 

861 sediments (sic) from readers:

«Oldest   ‹Older   801 – 861 of 861   Newer›   Newest»
All This Is That said...

"I feel validated he said that. He obviously sees what we all have seen. The difference is he actually knows her personally, which gives his comments all the more credibility. How will the sheep spin this one? He can't be jealous of her, he has way more money. It can't be that he doesn't know her, because he does."
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I don't know how they will spin it. Gladys tweeted that she was so glad that The Donald asked her to be on CA because it was such a classy show with well-known celebrities and she admired him so much, thanking him profusely for having Kate on the show..

I saw the commercial for the specials. Kate did some very exaggerated eye rolls and snarfuling with the hand gestures (or whatever that is) and threw in the single mom tag for sympathy. She is so immature.You couldn't pay me enough to watch that thing.

NJGal51 said...

Their hook is that the quads are two sets of identical twins. TLC will exploit them to the max.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

It doesn't interest me or excite me they have two sets of twins in the bunch. It's a rare pregnancy, but there are hundreds of various rare pregnancies. Yawn.

Susan said...

Sleepless In Seattle said... 200

All girls. Two sets of identical twins. Chances of that happening in natural conception is one in nine million. They had two embryos transferred and each split.
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Thanks for clearing that up Sleepless. In the family that I knew, the whole process occurred 'naturally' (there were initially two embryos and then each split)--although I believe she did take fertility drugs.

I think TFMJG has ruined it for a lot of families with multiples in that people may be less willing to donate/help them after watching the way she has manipulated and scammed the American public for the last 10 years. If the majority of the American public even remember she is still around. But it is human nature to remember the 'others' such as the Dilleys, the McG's (can't remember their name), and the Dionnes, etc. whenever another set of multiples is born. I know that something inside of me turned off after reading the couple of the quadruplet girls had two embryos transferred. That is nowhere as extreme as the lengths TFMJG went to in order to have the sextuplets, but I've become more cynical and tend to question people's motives in this area more after watching the Gosselin saga. As we probably all have.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Even with the things that didn't add up, I got stuck on two pieces of information: Adnan didn't try to call Hae when she was missing, and Jay knew where her car was.

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And, the cell phone towers. Jay's story lines up perfectly with Adnan's cell pings. It would be incredible to fake all that. The odds against it are astronomical. How could you?

And motive. Jay has no motive. None. He didn't even really know Adnan or Hae. What does he care? He was just a dude with a reputation as a guy who knew his way around the ways of things and that's why Adnan asked him to help him cover up the crime. Adnan's explanation for why Jay would do this to him was no explanation at all. Yeah, I don't know, man, you know what I mean?

That's not good enough. There has to be some explanation for why he would make up such a detailed, terrible story. Adnan offered none, and Sarah could never find one either. Thus, the only explanation is that he was simply telling the truth.

I'm actually a bit surprised by Sarah's conclusions in the last episode. I don't think she ever found what was remotely a smoking gun to prove his innocence. If anything the information she found made him look guiltier.

He is a smooth talking sociopath who charmed her and many others before her. I find him chilling.

Susan1956 said...

Realitytvkids.com (Administrator) said... 198

Lots of people have multiples. I guess they're young and good looking and extremely religious, a perfect recipe for "fans" to get sucked in.
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I'm not sure that the extremely religious angle is enough anymore either. TFMJG certainly abandoned it when it no longer served her purpose (I don't know about Jon since he is living a fairly private life/not discussing that aspect of his life) and even the Duggars may be facing possible cancellation of their show due to some of the views they have publicly expressed. For the record, I don't watch their show so have no idea of the ratings. Jim Bob has always made my skin crawl.

But if I were TFMJG and Jim Bob/Michelle, I would be concerned about the future of their shows. It's just too much of a coincidence that TLC is now filming another young family of multiples where the children are BABIES and another large fundamentalist family (the Bates?).

The American public is fickle and there's always the next person or person(s) out there ready to take your place. Which I don't think either TFMJG or Jim Bob & Michelle ever really considered. They've been very smug thru the years and 2015 may bring big changes to their respective families.

Rainbirdie said...

librarylady said... 183
The new quint family is already on the defense...
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Apparently TLC continues to be God's vehicle for supporting couples that are not financially prepared for multiples. Per the babies grandmother "This recent opportunity is an answer to many prayers as Ashley can not longer work and Tyson has a full time job along with caring for his family. Ashley and Tyson have a STRONG and wonderful relationship with Each other and with God and we believe that he is watching over them and providing as He sees fit." She also claims that the deal with TLC is really all about raising awareness for infertility. I have no doubt that the only reason TLC is involved with this couple is because their "shocked reaction" at the quad news went viral & there is now another audience of potential suckers..uh, I mean viewers who have followed the 'Quad Squad' since then. In the meantime, per grandma - "this little family must make ends meet". That must be why there is a 'how you can help' section on their facebook page with their registry & an address for sending gifts & cards.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

She also claims that the deal with TLC is really all about raising awareness for infertility.

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Are there people out there who are still "unaware" of infertility? And why exactly do fertile couples or those not having kids, need to be "aware" of infertility? It's a generally personal problem between you, your partner, and your doctor. It does not help your situation that others are aware. It's really not other people's business in the first place. It's not like spreading awareness of homelessness, or racial inequality, where we as a society should be more aware in order to strive for change.

If they are alluding to insurance issues for infertility, then say so. This vague awareness excuse is just nonsense otherwise.

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Ashley can not longer work
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Ashley looks like a young, energetic, healthy, able bodied 20-something. Why in the world can she no longer work once she recovers from the delivery? She certainly seems capable of trolling the internet.

Daycare issues? They obviously have a huge support network. Seems to me any number of those people would be happy to offer to babysit. Has she explored what benefits are available to her to make ends meet in the meantime? Has she looked into private coverage for maternity leave like Aflac? It is her responsibility to look into such things, not ours.

I am really sick of this sort of pathetic mooching. Don't undergo fertility treatments if you are not prepared for the consequences. Exploiting your kids is a ridiculous option to fix your poor planning. I suppose the Gosselins have left a very bad taste in my mouth.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

On a positive note, I think it's tremendous progress that they are getting such negative comments for teaming up with TLC. There has been a change here, folks, and gone are the days when everyone thought TLC was just serving up cute with all their babies. A fair group of people have had enough and are saying so.

It's a slow process, but enough people thought this was wrong to prompt them to write that huge post explaining themselves, in a very defensive, guilty way. They know it's wrong, which is why they have to justify it. That's a change, and it's significant.

Rainbirdie said...

Realitytvkids.com (Administrator) said... 8
Are there people out there who are still "unaware" of infertility? And why exactly do fertile couples or those not having kids, need to be "aware" of infertility?
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I scrolled thru a few pages of the responses. No one had questions about infertility - in fact the majority of posters were women struggling with infertility and also parents/sisters/brothers/neighbors of preemies or multiples who felt the need to share their own experiences (including a post by CJwhodunit - lol). The rest of the comments I read were assuring Grandma that she is totally right in everything she said. I guess all the negative posters were either at the beginning of the comments (I couldn't bring myself to slog thru 3000+ comments to find out) or they were deleted.

Alberta Girl said...

I agree with Admin about the "Quad Squad" BS. I glanced through their FB page, and the part about creating awareness about infertility is complete and utter crap.

There are always unsuspected expenses when raising children. It's up to each family to deal with it as it comes. What if your child is autistic? Has some other debilitating disease or handicap? Those parents need funds too, and to my knowledge, there aren't millions of parents begging for handouts on FB.

And aren't fertility treatments expensive? Now, I don't know the specifics about their treatment (and am truly not that interested), but wouldn't it of cost into the five figures at least? And they seem fairly young. If they've been doing this for 8 years, they would have spent quite a bit.

And this whole "God will provide" really pisses me off. I consider myself a spiritual person, and in some traditions a religious person. But people who always attach items to what God provides them is ludicrous. In my personal experience, the most "godly" people can be the most greedy people.

Quick story: my sons both went to a Christian preschool, mostly because it was a great school, close to our home, and didn't require the parents to sanitize toys once a month (hated that! LOL). One day, my oldest started going around the house and picking up items (remote, pillows, etc), and letting me know that his teacher said God made everything. I told him that those were made in a factory, and not by God, and he got really upset. Long story short - it solidified my decision to put them in public school vs catholic school. I'd rather they make their own inferences about their spirituality vs it being dictated as a fact that they must believe.

redbirdsings said...

Speaking of the Duggars and Quads. I know not together here, but they intertwined this past weekend. There is a picture on ROL that shows Jim Bob, Michelle, Josh, Anna, Ben, Jessa, Derik and Jill on a quadruple date! Jim Bob is driving, Josh, front passenger, Ben behind Josh, Jessa in the middle, then Michelle, who is behind Jim Bob. Back seat is Derik, Jill and Anna, just all smiling and grinning, ear to ear!

So, Josh was Jim Bob's chaperone, Michelle, Ben and Jessa's chaperone and Anna, Derik and Jill's chaperone. haha. Jim Bob is in no hurry to get Jana married off because if he does, Joy Anna is the next girl available and she's not older like Jana and Jana, it will be hard to fill her shoes.

What makes me angry is that is a slap in the face to 25 year old Jana. She is supposedly at home taking care of the hooligans. Grandma Duggar doing the laundry.

JMO said...

Vanessa said... 149
Then Cara is near her mother and Cara gets mad, pushes herself off her mother and darts out of camera range. The look on Cara's face was SO SAD, you can see the PAIN in her face! Then you see her mother look and slump at the camera. She looked like a run down 15 year old.
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I saw this promo the other night during a Yes to the Dress marathon. The description is bang on. That bitch tries to console her by "trying" to give her a hug (much like the one she tried to give Mady after she beat her at that dodge ball type game) and Cara wanted nothing to do with it. Then THEN THEN!! that bitch gives the camera her "look". Like "See what I have to deal with?"

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Agree completely. TFW- "I am in charge and it is never going to change," to poor me victim.

TFW also said that when anyone no longer wanted to film, they would stop filming. And then- there is no turning back. (Jon kicked to curb as he didn't want to film the kids).

Clearly, at least several kids do not want to film, yet she keeps pushing for filming, so this is the outcome. Kids who have no respect for you, because you don't do what YOU say.

The kids have her number and she knows it. So no sympathy for her at all because she is a narcissistic lying hypocrite who does not keep her word. And the kids know it. And TFW knows it. The anger, disgust and rebellion in that house lies at TFW's feet. You reap what you sow.

Her direct actions have caused all of the animosity in that house, as she is not a truthful reliable parent. And all of her past choices have caught up with her. Can not imagine what these kids go through with her ego at the helm. And it may be too late to "fix it" as she has put them through hell all for the sake of "filming" to keep herself out there.

roxyhelen said...

Sleepless In Seattle said... 200

All girls. Two sets of identical twins. Chances of that happening in natural conception is one in nine million. They had two embryos transferred and each split.
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But this was not a NATURAL conception so what the heck is the big deal.Damn, they are just another set of parents selling their kids on tv.I am so sick of these parents selling their kids on tv, on YT(just look at GabeandJess, The Shaytards) on the streets.I am sick sick sick of this society we live in.

JMO said...

Rainbirdie said... 7

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Lather, rinse and repeat...
Old and tired. Attractive couple/TLC............ tides are changing.

Wonder if TFW is having evil thoughts about this family.

roxyhelen said...

I guess all the negative posters were either at the beginning of the comments (I couldn't bring myself to slog thru 3000+ comments to find out) or they were deleted.
__________________
Negative comments are being immediately deleted.

Paula said...

I really believe TLC is at a cross-roads as a network. If one looks at cable ratings, they rarely have any show in the top (unless its a Duggar wedding). They are struggling to find any type of quality programming. Heck, last night I was flipping trying to find something beside a Hallmark movie to watch and TLC was showing a movie - "You've Got Mail", I believe. Note to TLC: Recycling and remaking Kate Gosselin ain't gonna do it.

TLC stinks said...

Paula, ITA. TLC is definitely on a downhill slide with this rehash of airing oddities. Initially there may be viewer interest, then TLC has nothing new to add other than vacations, remodels, etc with these families. The formula is no longer working and TLC needs to move on. The whole scope of TV is transforming into quality series on demand binge watching. People are streaming and recording the shows they want to watch. TLC will go the way of soap operas.

The fact that TLC is airing Kate Gosselin proves the cable company has nothing new to offer. I raised two teenagers and one thing I do not want to watch are adolescents misbehaving. It really brings back not-so-great memories. What makes it worse is that they are not acting out a real script, but the kids are thrown into situations and the cameras are rolling to tape their reactions, kind of like an uncontrolled experiment. Meanwhile, a mentally ill parent encourages their behavior for drama and mugs for the camera as what can she do? Poor, poor single mom of eight. Well, she planned for multiples, wanted a divorce so I feel no sympathy and I think most sane people see right through her. She thinks she is a glamour puss now and that adds to the lack of sympathy because she acts more like a diva than a parent. I do not believe the specials will end well for her. She wants publicity, and there will be that for sure, but it is just not normal to want to be hated. I guess a narcissist just wants the attention, good or bad. Really sad for the kids. TLC has truly hit bottom.

redbirdsings said...

Paula said...17

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was surprised too to see You've Got Mail being shown on TLC. The only nice thing I saw on the Pilgrim clip promo was the group of kids that were bowing after they did their play. The mumbo jumbo blabbering that was coming out of her mouth sitting in the interview chair was awful. And the SIGH! UGH! and the eye rolling!

Please FW, please get some help for you and the kids, before it is really too late.

FlimsyFlamsy said...

TLC Stinks (#18), I think you made some good points about the
current trends in TV. I just noticed that 2 of my stations air
6 straight hours of local news in the morning. Six hours! What in
the world can you report for 6 hours?! But that's what's "in" now.
TMZ and Radar report things minutes after they happen. Between
Twitter and Facebook and Instagram, "instant" is what's in. And
binge watching is part of that. Immediate gratification.

And then we have TLC, who's going to wow America with footage
in January of children buying school supplies in September.

Layla said...

I find it interesting that Donald Trump says TFW is a fantastic mother, but has he ever spent time with her and the kids? I doubt it, so he is probably basing that claim on all of TFW's talk about how she "does it all for the kids" and she's "so exhausted". So, according to HER, she is a fantastic mother.

JMO said...

The fact that TFW described 10 year olds as "little miniature pilgramy children" who were so "adorable" in an attempt to infantize them speaks volumes. Wondering how much she paid Mady and Cara and their friend in filming this to go along with her antics??

TLC stinks said...

Layla, good point. The Donald knows nothing about what kind of parent is other than what has come out her mouth. Also, what does The Donald know about parenting? I suspect his kids were raised by nannies.

Formerly Duped said...

Paula, I also spotted You've Got Mail on Lifetime! I tuned in for a while, in spite of myself, since I own it. What a charming movie. I was complaining just the other day what horrible TV films Lifetime has been showing lately. They used to have a good murder or family tale now and then...but I also saw the ads for K+8 (awful) as well as two shows about plus size women, one about little people women, and also the polygamy show- did I hear correctly he is taking a 5th wife? For ratings, no doubt.

JMO said...

I don't have Donald Trump's quote re: TFW in front of me, but something about she is a great mom (qualifier) and then blasted her. Don't have exact post, but clearly DT is a savvy person, who delivers a compliment with a criticism, and you can read his exact quote up thread.

He knows exactly what/who TFW is.

JMO said...

Rainbirdie said... 7 --

Grandmom's response (as well as the parents) is sad at best.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...


I really believe TLC is at a cross-roads as a network. If one looks at cable ratings, they rarely have any show in the top (unless its a Duggar wedding). They are struggling to find any type of quality programming.



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I agree. I think TLC is finally really suffering from not having a real clear vision or direction. They had direction when they were the LEARNING channel and would mostly air educational documentaries. Sort of like a more human-interest version of the Discovery channel. Now they are a hodge podge of reality shows, most about oddities, at the end of the day none really related to another. They're cluttered and without a theme. They hit on a few families that made them some money, but interest can only last so long in one family.

I find it incredibly telling that they brought Kate back. To me that suggests backward thinking and desperation. When you are forward thinking, you don't try to resuscitate shows that died for you years ago.

I think what happened was they had one or two oddity reality shows that hit it big for them, the Duggars and the Little People, and they've gone with that idea ever since. The problem is it is very, very difficult to keep the public interested in such things for long. And is very, very difficult to find the family that will draw the interest. This model is not sustainable. It's just not. Add to that a few scandals, like HBB, and they're really up a creek.

mice said...

I don't think there is anything interesting or new that will be aired regarding the upcoming TLC episodes during January. Unless TFW comes out and announces to viewers that she is banging Steve and has been for several years (which she won't), it's all a big yawn. So the twins have acne ( get them treated),and the majority of kids are more vocal towards her and the younger kids are still screaming for their Xmas gifts. Nothing is new. I hope Jon did get to spend time with the kids for the majority of the days they are off for the holiday. Frankly, I don't care if TFW is away with Steve for "protection" during the holidays. After so many years, it is Gina's problem (whether she wants to deal with this or not).

I didn't post the comments regarding Jon and what the kids wanted and that he has stopped smoking (great) and he is trying to get in shape with a personal trainer. I think good health at his age is the most important gift he can give to his children now.

My last post was regarding the girls' room being sparse and the lack of decorating unless TLC is paying for the redo.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season and here's to a New Year filled with family, friendship, love and hope for those in need.
I will watch CA as I have always done in the past regardless of TFW being on the show. I'm not surprised that she lasted several weeks because she faded into the background as opposed to other more vocal and aggressive celebrities that fought for their charities and their rights to stay. This is not the first time this has happened.
original url

Formerly Duped said...

oops not Lifetime, TLC! Lifetime still makes crappy new movies but I was surprised at TLC showing a quality movie like You've Got Mail. (I was mixed up due to a migraine earlier that day..anyone else get confused with one of these?))

AuntieAnn said...

Rainbirdie said... 7

Apparently TLC continues to be God's vehicle for supporting couples that are not financially prepared for multiples. Per the babies grandmother "This recent opportunity is an answer to many prayers as Ashley can not longer work and Tyson has a full time job along with caring for his family. Ashley and Tyson have a STRONG and wonderful relationship with Each other and with God and we believe that he is watching over them and providing as He sees fit."

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Alrighty then, if you say so Grandma.

Now I'd like to hear God's side of the story. Not that I know for sure, but somehow I think he might not agree. In fact, he might be a little angered over getting dragged into another reality show about multiples. I'd be careful.

It's deja vu all over again. Yawn.

roxyhelen said...

I think what happened was they had one or two oddity reality shows that hit it big for them, the Duggars and the Little People, and they've gone with that idea ever since.
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I think the more similar shows they've come up with, the less special it all seemed.Back when they aired J&K there was interest because HOM had not been televised so much before and people were curious.Same with the Duggars, some people just hadn't imagined someone could have so many kids.But now it feels pretty ordinary.We have the Hayes, texas quints, the masches, mcghees and so on and so forth.The market is saturated I don't think people would tune in even if octomom would do a show at this point.It's over.And I'm happy :)

Anonymous said...

JMO @ 25 - Absolutely agree. Donald Trump is known as being astute - first a compliment followed by the zinger. He calls her the way he sees her.

bm

White Organza said...

"Also the polygamy show- did I hear correctly he is taking a 5th wife? For ratings, no doubt." (24)

It's the good ol' TLC's bait and switch, Formerly. As always, the're playing on words: the husband talks about another "woman" (not "wife") joining the family. My bets are on Grandma.

Like you wrote: For ratings, no doubt. Pfffttt.

MikeB said...

I'm sad to see the Gardners going down the same path the Gosselins did. Why can't they be more like Craig and Kimberly Fugate who had identical girl quadruplets but apparently aren't seeking the limelight. She actually takes care of the children herself without the help of a state supplied nanny. I've seen a couple of updates on them over the last year, but nothing that would indicate they are trying to get a reality TV series out of the situation.

It is quite obvious the Gardners sought out the press as soon as they knew about her pregnancy. Heck, they even gave themselves the nickname "Quad Squad" in their grifting posts. The defensiveness of the grandmother makes it obvious they want to milk the situation for all it is worth. I'm sure they didn't intended to have quads, but now that they do they think they've won the lottery and will make millions like TFW and not have to go back to work.

AuntieAnn said...

Now they are a hodge podge of reality shows, most about oddities, at the end of the day none really related to another. They're cluttered and without a theme.

====

Thanks to Eileen O'Neill. She turned TLC into the circus it is today. Sure, she increased the market share and revenue of Discovery but she did it on the backs of innocent kids, little people, really BIG people, slobs, hoarders, rednecks and a host of other anomalistic specimens from the populace. They've got perverts and pedophiles on the payroll. It's a huge mess.

Unless she doesn't have a conscience I don't how can she sleep at night.

JMO said...

TLC stinks said... 18
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Thank you and very well said

Now all we need is a bucket of water to throw on the witch, so we can all see her melting....

MikeB said...

I really believe TLC is at a cross-roads as a network. If one looks at cable ratings, they rarely have any show in the top (unless its a Duggar wedding). They are struggling to find any type of quality programming.
_______________________________________

I think a lot of the "educational" cable channels have lost their way. They have forgotten their original mission and are staffed with people who are chasing the almighty dollar over producing quality programming. The programming has focused more and more on shows like American Chopper, Storage Wars, Shipping Wars, Car Wars, Family Jewels, Inked, Duck Dynasty, Deadliest Catch, Gold Rush, Ice Road Truckers, Monster Garage, Sons off Guns, Doomsday Preppers, the Duggars, Honey Boo Boo, Sister Wives, and any other number of shows that are pure entertainment with very little educational value.

They will take what would make an excellent one-time documentary and twist it into weekly drama.

Maybe at some point the powers that be will remember the "L" in TLC once stood for "Learning". Shows like How It's Made, Mythbusters, Dirty Jobs, Outrageous Acts of Science, How the States Got Their Shapes, etc. show that an entertaining program can also educate.

JMO said...

AuntieAnn said... 30

Very much hilarious! Which is why we all love you: )

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

I think a lot of the "educational" cable channels have lost their way. They have forgotten their original mission and are staffed with people who are chasing the almighty dollar over producing quality programming.

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I agree. I think they are terrified that educational programming won't bring in the ratings for them. Which means their jobs are on the line. They'd rather go with a sure thing like a man being eaten by a snake or a family with 29 kids.

The thing is, educational programming IS alive and well. Just look at Serial. People were addicted to that. It was a thoughtful, academic, meticulous examination of a murder case told in a format that was interesting and engaging. In the process you learned a lot about a variety of subjects.

I guess at the end of the day you can produce a network that shows car crashes, sex, and people bleeding out all day and people will probably watch. But do you feel GOOD about that? Are you adding something of value to the public realm?

I think one of the great things Serial had going for it was that Sarah was never expected to make money off it. As the joke is in that parody, it's a podcast it's only supposed to be for four people! She could produce something of high quality without having to worry about pleasing anybody or making millions. I think most producers would be petrified to try to do something like that for fear it will flop and their jobs are done.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Even in that quad's facebook page they have in the title something like "a miracle unfolding" or something.

A miracle? It struck me as pretentious. It's not a miracle. It's infertility doctors and dumb luck. Yeah it's one in 9 million, but somebody has to be that 9 million. It happened to be you, big whoop.

Anonymous said...

MikeB said...

Maybe at some point the powers that be will remember the "L" in TLC once stood for "Learning".

Admin said...

I agree. I think they are terrified that educational programming won't bring in the ratings for them.

888888888888888888888888888888

I think history has shown that what's good for the populace doesn't appeal to the lowest common denominator and translate into ratings. If these networks had been successful with educational programming, they wouldn't have changed like they did.

As much as I wish the pendulum would swing back the other way, I just don't see it happening unless there is a monumental shift in social consciousness.

PJ

Paula said...

I agree...Lifetime has gone the same track as TLC. The channel was founded as a venue for women's programming. Now, it's become just trash watching....Dance Moms, Little Women of LA, etc. and really, really bad movies, all the while cancelling good shows such as Army Wives. I have my couple of must watch shows such as NCIS and Bones, but most nights I am channel surfing or just reading. TV has truly become a waste land.

Paula said...

Another show I do watch is "Mysteries at the Museum" on the Travel Channel.

Sara said...

TLC aired "You've Got Mail" last night. Do they ever air movies? I thought that was weird.

Sara

Anonymous said...

And as for calling all these events "miracles", it seems to me to be a slap in the face for those who are unsuccessful. What? They didn't pray hard enough or long enough or in the right way? God likes some people more than he likes you? SMH Did they blame God when they didn't get pregnant the regular way? Is the Gosselin mess still considered a miracle?

Just my opinion.

PJ

Vanessa said...

They've got perverts and pedophiles on the payroll

*********
Sounds like the title of a new show!

localyocul said...

Anonymous said... 45
And as for calling all these events "miracles", it seems to me to be a slap in the face for those who are unsuccessful. What? They didn't pray hard enough or long enough or in the right way? God likes some people more than he likes you? SMH Did they blame God when they didn't get pregnant the regular way? Is the Gosselin mess still considered a miracle?

(((

AMEN. My sister went through IVF. She went through the same daily shots, procedures, etc. twice but guess what? They weren't successful. She is childless at 50 now. This Look at Me grifting generation drives me nuts. This quad squad mom didn't go through anything thousands of other women do.

Vanessa said...

Alrighty then, if you say so Grandma.

Now I'd like to hear God's side of the story. Not that I know for sure, but somehow I think he might not agree. In fact, he might be a little angered over getting dragged into another reality show about multiples. I'd be careful.

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and let's go back a little further shall we? I'd love to hear God's take/opinion on human engineered conception. If He provides as He sees fit, why then di He not provide them with children. I am by no means against fertility treatments, but I also don't use God as my crutch to justify my actions or use Him to deflect my choices.

Vanessa said...

It's the good ol' TLC's bait and switch, Formerly. As always, the're playing on words: the husband talks about another "woman" (not "wife") joining the family. My bets are on Grandma.
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Exactly how I saw it too

Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said...

I think history has shown that what's good for the populace doesn't appeal to the lowest common denominator and translate into ratings. If these networks had been successful with educational programming, they wouldn't have changed like they did.

As much as I wish the pendulum would swing back the other way, I just don't see it happening unless there is a monumental shift in social consciousness. (41)

PJ
_________________

So well said, and 100% correct. It's simple economics. It's all about the advertising revenue and bringing in the bucks whether what the networks provide is educational or pure crap and the public has spoken; they want the mindless crap and they don't care what they have to shell out monthly to get it.

And having a clear concious so one can sleep at night isn't a factor in these times either, it's having the powerful job and the fat bank account that matters.

Fleecing The Sheeple said...

Maggie Revels @frazzledmom02 · Dec 28
“@Women_Of_Christ: If you are not as close to God as you used to be, who moved?”@Kateplusmy8

This came from the sheeple who sees nothing wrong with filming the crap out of kids as a means of financial support:

Maggie Revels ‏@frazzledmom02 54m54 minutes ago United States
@Sassccha @Kateplusmy8 if the kids are ok filming and it provides for them what is the big deal

It's the same one who tweeted that "God is working." I wonder if she realizes that the "who moved" tweet says so much about Kate.

"If these networks had been successful with educational programming, they wouldn't have changed like they did."

===========================

Yes, it's the dumbing down of America, and it's the sheeple who are enamored with these reality programs. Speaks volumes, doesn't it?

Vanessa said...

I find it interesting that Donald Trump says TFW is a fantastic mother, but has he ever spent time with her and the kids?
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Agree. I think it's the same old mob mentality the press has in regards to her. Or should I say the standard "good mother" opinion they all seem to HAVE of her.

Vanessa said...

Her direct actions have caused all of the animosity in that house, as she is not a truthful reliable parent. And all of her past choices have caught up with her.
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Boy oh boy are you right! She hasn't even reached the WORST of what she's engineered. Wait until her children are adults, with husbands, kids, friends of their own...wait until they start to scrutinize their childhoods and upbringing through ADULT eyes...wait until they are in a therapist's chair and come to realize how very VERY mentally ill their mother is...

Vanessa said...

I guess all the negative posters were either at the beginning of the comments (I couldn't bring myself to slog thru 3000+ comments to find out) or they were deleted.
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Yup-just like the Gosselins admitted to doing. It's the equivalent of shoving your fingers in your ears while "screeching" "I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!!!"
Just like she does in the recent promo

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

And having a clear concious so one can sleep at night isn't a factor in these times either, it's having the powerful job and the fat bank account that matters.

&&&

I think there are a lot of people out there still interested in making quality programming before making money. I've seen such programming. It's just none of these people work at TLC. I think you CAN make money making good programming but it's probably not going to be as quick and easy and cheap as just following around a family of 29 kids.

I think this issue is more complicated than dumb programming makes money so TLC makes dumb programming. Not true, great programming, even educational programming makes good money too.

Fleecing The Sheeple said...

If He provides as He sees fit, why then di He not provide them with children.

===========================

The rationale here would be that He did provide them with children. He's the one who gifted the physicians, scientists, researchers with the intelligence and skills to ensure that fertility treatments are successful.

Vanessa said...

Fleecing The Sheeple said... 56
If He provides as He sees fit, why then di He not provide them with children.

===========================

The rationale here would be that He did provide them with children. He's the one who gifted the physicians, scientists, researchers with the intelligence and skills to ensure that fertility treatments are successful.
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I suppose, but some could say it's the work of the devil

Blowing In The Wind said...

Yes, it's the dumbing down of America, and it's the sheeple who are enamored with these reality programs. Speaks volumes, doesn't it?

-----------------------------

And here is the perfect example of the lack of intelligence/logical thinking ability of the sheeple:

Josh Ronisky ‏@VMRForms_JoshR 19m19 minutes ago
@Sassccha @Kateplusmy8 i actually give Kate thumbs up.This is not child abuse.She needs to make a living. kids seem happy on the show.

Josh Ronisky ‏@VMRForms_JoshR 12m12 minutes ago
@mscatie @Sassccha @Kateplusmy8 its not a living for her only, its a living them too. She would not able to have a reg job and afford it

What do other parents with large families do to take care of their children? Do they live in 1.2 million dollar homes, drive three cars, private school for all eight, pay $15,000 a year in taxes, have a pool and all of the expenses in the maintenance of the pool and the property? If you can't afford it, you downsize and you get a job. You don't expect a television network to provide for you.

Sheeple just can't see it, and that's what bugs the heck out of me. There's no logic in their thinking. You put your kids on reality thinking that this is the only option for them. What happens when that well runs dry?

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

This is not child abuse.She needs to make a living.

&&&

If you need to make a living then it's not child abuse? There's some screwed up utterly faulty logic if I ever saw one.

Alberta Girl said...

Vanessa said:
Boy oh boy are you right! She hasn't even reached the WORST of what she's engineered. Wait until her children are adults, with husbands, kids, friends of their own...wait until they start to scrutinize their childhoods and upbringing through ADULT eyes...wait until they are in a therapist's chair and come to realize how very VERY mentally ill their mother is...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Exactly! My husband's mother (aka my MIL from hell), was more concerned about her new husband than her kids. My husband had been on his own since he was 16, because his stepdad didn't want him around the house anymore. A few weeks after we had our first baby, my mom was over visiting. She said "I'm so proud of both of you. You're doing a great job". I appreciated the comment from my mom, but didn't think too much about it then, as I've heard things like that from my parents my entire life.

Later that night, my husband was really upset. He said he realized that he never heard his mom say that to him ever. And being a new father, he couldn't believe how his mom would choose some loser guy over her kids.

It may take awhile, but the G8 will see her as she is one day.

Rhymes with Witch said...

If you need to make a living then it's not child abuse? There's some screwed up utterly faulty logic if I ever saw one. 58

Not to mention- SHE'S not the one making a living, the kids are making a living for her.

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