One of my assignments for class this week:

[lizzybennet]

Dawson Creek was considered one of the most popular teen TV dramas ever created. The series went through the ups and downs of teenage drama and was followed regularly by teens. However, there are newer teen programs that have also become teen hits. I would like for you to view one of the following programs listed below. Provide your own analysis and perspective on the program. Discuss the influence you believe it has on our teenage audiences. Why are teens attracted to these programs? How closely do they relate to their lives, if at all? Based on the TV show, what would you believe about teenagers today?

Gossip Girl The OC One Tree Hill

Degrassi Junior High Degrassi High Degrassi: The Next Generation

Friday Night Lights Kyle XY

The Secret Life of the American Teenager

If you can’t see any of the current ones listed above, you can still view the following in syndication:

Dawson Creek, 90210, Gilmor Girls, Smallville


So, dear LJ friends, I put it to you: what should I watch? I've never watched any of these shows. I've been thinking about why this is and I've decided it is because I missed this particular rite of passage. We didn't have cable and so, when all my friends were watching 90210, I had my nose stuck in a book. Any recommendations for a particular show and episode that would be perfect for this experience? (and btw, I know some of you will take exception to Smallville being grouped in here with these others. It's not my list! Blame my professor!!)

Comments

[polgaramalfoy.livejournal.com]

I've seen a few eps of Friday Night Lights and they were pretty good. A friend of mine really likes Kyle XY, but I haven't seen it.

Best wishes on your assignment! LOL

[mysteena.livejournal.com]

I know, I wish I had this kind of assignment every night!

[ticklethepear.livejournal.com]

I haven't seen more than a couple of episodes, but I've heard good things about Gilmore Girls.

[themenow.livejournal.com]

I love Gilmore Girls!

[frizbeemom.livejournal.com]

I haven't seen these shows either. My nose was likewise buried in books or deep into chores and other assigned work. Good luck, though. :)

[mysteena.livejournal.com]

Books and chores...sounds so familiar. It's funny that we had such a similar childhood with such different religious backgrounds. Well, I'm not saying our childhoods were identical. you had a very unique experience. Still, we do have a lot in common considering :)

[sunrise0124.livejournal.com]

well the only think I've seen is Smallvill and I own almost every(if not all) episode so i can't chose that one.

If I had to choose one I think I would pick either Degrassi or the secret life of the American teenager. I've caught bits and pieces of Degrassi when my kids leave the tv on if they leave and leave it on. I never really paid attention to it though. The secret life of an American teen sounds interesting to me. lol.

[mysteena.livejournal.com]

I had no idea Degrassi was a Nick show. I think my kids must turn the channel every time it comes on because I've never seen it on before. I watched a couple episodes tonight.

[sunrise0124.livejournal.com]

i didn't even pay attention to the channel. my kids are too young to enjoy that one.

How was it?

[mysteena.livejournal.com]

It was ok, a little over the top. Showed teens as all rich and beautiful, like all those shows do.

[mortuus.livejournal.com]

Gilmore Girls is an awesome show all around. That would be at the very top of my list.

I've seen a lot of the Degrassi shows. I loved the original two when I was younger, and I've watched some of The Next Generation. Those would be my second choice.

Gilmore Girls is entertainment (fast, fun dialogue; cool characters), whereas Degrassi goes more for the realities of teen life.

[mysteena.livejournal.com]

I ended up watching episodes 1 and 2 of this seasons Degrassi. They focused on one of the characters experimenting with crystal meth. While it still seemed unrealistic (the beautiful people, the beautiful clothes) it was refreshing to see that the writers were trying to send a message.

[gnawtee.livejournal.com]

90210 was my favorite in high school!

Then when I went to college (and so did the 'kids' in 90210) they filmed the college years on my campus. It was super cool!

I'm sort of a dork, but I'm ok with that.