TVSquad

I recently started watching Bravo. I'm not sure why. Something about those reality shows is strangely addictive. Like, no matter how screwed up my own life might be, it's nothing compared to most of the folks on those shows. I'm pretty sure that's why reality shows are so popular. It's because they make us feel so much better about our own pathetic lives.

There's a show on Bravo called The Real Housewives of Orange County. Remember that movie Peyton Place? Yeah, it's a lot like that. Only the women are a lot richer, and the problems are a lot more complex than they used to be in 1957. Still fascinating ... in a voyeuristic-stalker kind of way.

There's something really great about being able to buy an entire season of a TV show, or the entire run, on DVD. It can be addictive, too. But isn't it interesting that even though there are scads of great -- and some not-so-great -- series committed to DVD and readily available online or at the local superstore, there are a ton more that aren't? And what about great TV specials? When I read this list, it got me thinking about which TV programs I would buy in a heartbeat. My list is very subjective -- maybe even eclectic -- but here's my ten TV shows that need to be on DVD.

The Bob Newhart Show
Recently, when the American Masters did a special about Bob Newhart, they showed footage from The Bob Newhart Show. No, not the one with Suzanne Pleshette as Emily. They had clips from the 1961-62 Bob Newhart Show on NBC. It was a variety hour, showcasing many of his now classic routines. It looked really funny, filled with his inspired sketches and bits. And it was critically acclaimed, too, winning Emmy and Peabody awards. Naturally, NBC canceled it after just one season. I'd love to think that there's enough footage from those shows to create a DVD.