Gen X TV: "The Brady Bunch" to "Melrose Place"

by Rob Owen

Overview

No generation eludes definition as much as Generation X. Rob Owens opens with a history of network and cable television since the birth of Generation X, but goes on to explore the symbiotic relationship between television and this largely misunderstood age group. From the first megahit The Brady Bunch to today's Friends, Owen unflinchingly describes the boob tube as the ubiquitous babysitter for millions of young people. Television, Owen maintains, consumes innocence as viewers encounter countless episodes of society's woes, from political strife and environmental decimation to everyday violence and crime.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780815604433
Publisher:	Syracuse University Press
Publication date:	04/01/1997
Series:	Television Series
Edition description:	1 ED
Pages:	238
Product dimensions:	8.28(w) x 9.35(h) x 0.97(d)

About the Author

Rob Owen was a radio and television columnist at the Albany Times Union in Albany, New York and features writer at the Richmond Times-Dispatch in Richmond, Virginia. His articles have also appeared in the now-defunct NetGuide magazine.

Editorial Reviews

What should have been-indeed, what has been, many times over-a magazine article on the reflexive relationship between Generation X and TV has misguidedly been turned into a book. Operating on the hardly contested premise that most 18-34-year-olds' identities are inseparable from popular television shows-as well as the arguable statement that "television today is better than it has ever been, and part of the credit for that must go to the discerning tastes of Generation X," Owen, a TV critic for the Albany Times Union and self-described "Xer," stretches a skimpy topic. Despite promising sections on the constructivist connections between cyberspace and television and on the history of network and cable TV, Owen spends most of his time relaying utterly uninspired Internet remarks by students about shows such as Melrose Place, Friends, The Brady Bunch and The Real World, all in support of the stock idea that TV has played various roles for "Xers," including baby-sitter, social facilitator and teacher. Although claiming a complex use of the term "Generation X" ("This book is not about slackers"), Owen still relies on over-simplified distinctions between "Xers" and "Boomers" ("Gen Xers were exposed to so much more than Boomers were"). The lack of insight and depth is not helped by a prose style that vacillates between textbook (he defines "latchkey kid") and fanzine ("At the beach wedding celebration [on Melrose]... no one even kicked sand in anyone else's face. Boring"). This is part of Syracuse University Press's Television Series.

Publishers Weekly - Cahners\\Publishers_Weekly

What should have beenindeed, what has been, many times overa magazine article on the reflexive relationship between Generation X and TV has misguidedly been turned into a book. Operating on the hardly contested premise that most 18-34-year-olds' identities are inseparable from popular television showsas well as the arguable statement that "television today is better than it has ever been, and part of the credit for that must go to the discerning tastes of Generation X," Owen, a TV critic for the Albany Times Union and self-described "Xer," stretches a skimpy topic. Despite promising sections on the constructivist connections between cyberspace and television and on the history of network and cable TV, Owen spends most of his time relaying utterly uninspired Internet remarks by students about shows such as Melrose Place, Friends, The Brady Bunch and The Real World, all in support of the stock idea that TV has played various roles for "Xers," including baby-sitter, social facilitator and teacher. Although claiming a complex use of the term "Generation X" ("This book is not about slackers"), Owen still relies on over-simplified distinctions between "Xers" and "Boomers" ("Gen Xers were exposed to so much more than Boomers were"). The lack of insight and depth is not helped by a prose style that vacillates between textbook (he defines "latchkey kid") and fanzine ("At the beach wedding celebration [on Melrose]... no one even kicked sand in anyone else's face. Boring"). This is part of Syracuse University Press's Television Series. Photos. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Generation X is not easily defined, but it would appear that TV is one of its common denominators. Owen, a TV critic for the Albany Times Union, takes a look at American youth between 22 and 32 years old and the impact of TV on their collective attitude. He probes youthful exposure to "TV as baby-sitter," examines members' reactions to later shows depicting Gen X, and discusses the group's occasional rejection of the medium as a whole. He deftly analyzes programs watched during the growing years (The Brady Bunch), landmark series (Beverly Hills 90210), shows about Gen X itself (Friends), and, in an intriguing but sobering look at cyberspace, the impact of the Internet as a means of communicating about cutting-edge favorites. Those with a strong interest in the social aspects of the medium as well as avid TV viewers will find some illuminating food for thought here on contemporary culture. Recommended for circulating libraries.-Carol J. Binkowski, Bloomfield, N.J.

Library Journal

YAAn entertaining chronicle of television. Owen focuses on certain popular shows such as Schoolhouse Rock and Beverly Hills 90210 to depict not only how Gen Xers influenced network programming, but also how television affected the lives of this generation. The author collected much of his data by posting a survey to various Usenet groups on the Internet. Teens are sure to enjoy the black-and-white photos of some of their favorite shows scattered throughout the book. Also included are dialogue boxes that provide show statistics and summaries and/or interesting facts about the program. For example, there is a five-page history on the Brady Bunch, including a chronology of the show from the original episodes to the Brady Brides specials and quotes from the program's creator, Sherwood Schwartz. Although posting a survey on the Internet is not the most scientific way to do research, the inclusion of quotes from many of the respondents lend credibility to the author's theories. Owen's style and presentation make the reading easy and enjoyable.Stacey M. Keeley, Sherwood Regional Library, Fairfax, VA

School Library Journal

Explores the symbiotic relationship between television and this largely misunderstood age group, and offers true facts on cast and creators of hit shows including "The Brady Bunch", "Seinfeld", and "My So-Called Life". Includes instructions for the "Melrose Place" drinking game, and a chapter on the role of the Internet on today's television shows. Only a few b&w photos. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews

Explores the symbiotic relationship between television and this largely misunderstood age group, and offers true facts on cast and creators of hit shows including The Brady Bunch, Seinfeld, and My So-Called Life. Includes instructions for the Melrose Place drinking game, and a chapter on the role of the Internet on today's television shows.

Book News