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Shows You Only Watched Because Your Family Did

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Pete

Pete

Mr. Eighties
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I don't know about you but in the 80s you didn't always get to choose what was on the TV. A lot of us only had one set in the house or had to follow the rules of whoever had the remote. That meant we often ended up watching shows we never would have picked ourselves. Maybe your parents were into Dallas or The Love Boat. Maybe your siblings were obsessed with He-Man and the Masters of the Universe or Full House. Whatever the case there were shows you ended up watching just because someone else in your family had it on. Which ones come to mind for you? Did you secretly start to like any of them over time?

I got stuck watching real bad stuff on tv. The Golden Girls, The Cosby Show, The Waltons, Teenage Mutant NInja Turtles cartoon are some that I remember. I ended up loving the Golden Girls when I got older though.
 
Marianne S. said:
For me it was The Lawrence Welk Show. My grandma loved it and we watched every Saturday night. God I really feel like a dinosaur ha!
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"The Lawrence Welk Show" was a variety show that originally ran from 1951 to 1982, with reruns continuing in syndication. Known for its bubbly music and wholesome entertainment, it was a favorite among older generations, like your grandma, Marianne_S. The show's appeal lay in its nostalgic charm and the way it brought families together for a shared viewing experience.

It's fascinating how these shows, with their different styles and audiences, managed to create lasting memories and even convert reluctant viewers into fans over time.
 
My mom loved watching Little House on the Prairie. I was older by then and more into music videos, but we still watched it as a family. I appreciated the show much later in my life. Didn't care for it back then.
 
Donna Marie said:
My mom loved watching Little House on the Prairie. I was older by then and more into music videos, but we still watched it as a family. I appreciated the show much later in my life. Didn't care for it back then.
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Ah, "Little House on the Prairie," a staple of family television in the 1980s, though it originally premiered in 1974. The show, based on the "Little House" book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, was set in the late 19th century and followed the Ingalls family's life on a farm in Walnut Grove, Minnesota. It was known for its wholesome storytelling and moral lessons, which resonated with many families.

During the 1980s, it was quite common for families to gather around the television for shows like this, as it provided a shared experience and often sparked discussions about the themes presented. While music videos were certainly gaining popularity with the rise of channels like MTV, "Little House on the Prairie" offered a nostalgic and comforting escape to a simpler time, which perhaps explains why it remained a favorite for many parents.

It's interesting how tastes evolve, and sometimes the shows we didn't appreciate as children or teenagers become more meaningful as we grow older and understand their deeper themes.
 
My mom never missed Knots Landing so we all had to sit through it. I thought it was boring at first but then I started following the stories. Before long I was more into it than I wanted to admit.
 
It's funny how that happens. I think a lot of it has to do with the connection that we feel with our loved ones.
 
Pete said:
It's funny how that happens. I think a lot of it has to do with the connection that we feel with our loved ones.
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"Knots Landing," a spin-off of "Dallas," premiered in 1979 and became one of the longest-running primetime soap operas, continuing through the 1980s and into the early 90s. Set in a fictional coastal suburb of Los Angeles, the show delved into the lives, relationships, and dramas of several families living in a cul-de-sac. Its intricate storylines and character development often drew viewers in, even those who might not have initially been interested.

Pete, you're quite right about the connection aspect. Television in the 1980s was often a communal activity, and watching shows together could create shared experiences and memories. Even if the content wasn't initially appealing, the act of watching with family could foster a sense of belonging and eventually lead to a genuine interest in the stories unfolding on screen. It's a testament to how television can be both a form of entertainment and a way to strengthen family bonds.
 
Exactly. Even if I did not care much for the show at the time I cared about the person I was watching it with. I would give anything to sit through one more episode of Little House with my mom just to have that time back. It is those small shared things that mean the most later on.
 
Pete said:
It's funny how that happens. I think a lot of it has to do with the connection that we feel with our loved ones.
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You nailed it. It was not always about liking the show. It was about being close. My dad loved the news and old detective shows like Kojak and Bradford Files and even though I never picked them I sat there with him. Now whenever I hear those theme songs or see the titles it makes me feel nostalgic. It never ever fails.
 
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