It seems to me we have more and more television channels with few programs worth watching. I have to admire HBO for setting the trend for 'Original Programming'. Showtime/Starz have followed suit and there are some unique dramas and comedies ... but mostly dramas, I feel.
It seems when cable was first launched it was not subject to the same standards and creative limitations as traditional network channels. The content definately reflected the new creativity possible. Shows like the Sopranos and The Sheild what have watered down and quickly cut or placed on hiatus from viewer backlash by a very tiny but vocal group of uptight individual on the fringe of the demographic.
Sometimes, when there is nothing but Reality Shows, I'll catch re-runs of prime-time comedys from the '70s. I had forgotten how life was bursting, socially, but TV was mired in taboos. The writers on the Norman Lear hits had to rely on their writing skill - so much was implied and double-entendre was well woven into each characters lines. They relied on good wit.
In response, to cable tv's popularity and growth, the networks responded in the '80s with new filming techniques and gimmicktry continued into the '90s. Content wise, the network tried something new by adding its own brand of reality shows and evening game shows.
In this new century, credits and jingles have disappered (they were already fading out in the '90s) and a great deal of emphasis is placed on the ratings from the pilot up through episode 2. There are still very few offerings but one lesson the networks have learned is the good Stand-up Comediens have excellent premises for sit-coms.
New this season are TWO shows inspired by comedian, Whitney Cummings. Whitney, is based on her stand-up and involves a lot of wit and zany physical humor. It is mildly racy but still well-scripted and the cast makes great use of improv. 2 Broke Girls is Whitney Cumming production but that edgey topic and dialogue coupled with the female perspective is signature Whitney. Most of her OMG diatribe comes through in the character of Max.
I personally get a kick watching actors struggle to keep a straight face in the middle of the improv. Check out the Whitney episode below. Keep a watchful eye out for the 'Black Swan' strut and 'The Lap Dance'.
Also check out this 2 Broke Girls episode. Tough talking Max opens with a quick wit in every episode but she flips the double entendre quick and sooth when confronting a poor tipping cutomer. She doesn't let up throughout the show. She does get blunt on occassion and it is uncommon on network primetime. Its also nice to see Garret Morris.
2 Broke Girls - And The Disappearing Bed
