We all have our opinions on what we'd like to see on television, and what we don't want to see. And now Salon has a two-part series where they asked several writers and other folks to come up with their fantasy television series. Included are such people as Phil Rosenthal (creator/producer of Everybody Loves Raymond), Mark Cuban, writer Megham Daum, Aaron Shure (writer on Lucky Louie), and ex-Men's Health, Maxim UK, and Stuff editor Greg Gutfield.
Most of the writers took it as a creative writing exercise, so many of the shows are more jokes than actual ideas. I don't really get Daum's idea about a show involving a ferret and laser tag, and John Darnielle (lead singer of The Mountain Goats) wants to see more boxing on TV.
Mark Cuban wants a reality show starring Dennis Rodman. Ugh.
You know whose essay I agreed with the most? James Frey's. Yup, that's James Frey of Million Little Pieces and Oprah fame. He wants to see a return of the old-fashioned private eye show we don't see on TV anymore, like Magnum, P.I., The Rockford Files, and Mike Hammer. I'd love to see that happen. Either that, or a variety show hosted by Amy Sedaris. All Amy, all the time!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-25-2006 @ 12:11PM
bluehmstr said...
USA has two great detective shows, "Monk" and "Psych," although their protagonists rely almost entirely on brains versus brawn. I loved Magnum as a kid, and I love Monk as an adult.
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8-25-2006 @ 12:27PM
eugene said...
isn't james frey's idea basically a show like "fastlane?" i mean all flash. granted none of the characters were nearly as likeable as magnum, but flashy cars, hot women, dubious plot/investigative work, guns, fights, etc....
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8-26-2006 @ 1:06PM
David said...
As one of the people who have gone on record as one of the people who think that Frey sucks (http://www.youandwhosearmy.com/archives/2006/02/million_little.html).
I have to admit even a stopped clock tells the right time twice a day in this case. Magnum PI is the greatest show that was ever on TV.
Frey proves that it doesn't take a genius to see that there is a need for this type of show to return. It gives one hope that others will figure it out as well.
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