What Beloved Shows from Your Childhood No Longer Hold Up?
The passage of time can be a merciless tool when compared to cherished television shows from our childhood. Some hold up remarkably well, while others falter under the scrutiny of adulthood. This article explores how certain beloved shows from our past fare when viewed from an adult perspective.
Donna Reed Show
The Donna Reed Show was a staple during my childhood. However, revisiting it as an adult reveals how mundane it has become. The once-quirky family dynamics and simplistic storylines now seem dated and unimaginative.
Original quote:
What a bore!*
* - Me, after watching an episode of the Donna Reed Show as an adult.
The Andy Griffith Show
Contrary to expectations, my fondness for The Andy Griffith Show persists even today. The gentle humor and comforting characters from Mayberry remain endearing. It's as if the show was crafted for a timeless audience.
Original quote:
The Andy Griffith Show... The gentle comedy, homespun characters, simple stories still make me wish I lived in Mayberry.
Cheers
Set in a 1980s bar, Cheers was a blockbuster series during my college years. Visiting the original bar reinforced the show's cultural impact. However, streaming the episodes now isn't the same. The humor feels dated, and the stories have lost their charm. Yet, we can't ignore its influence; spinoffs like Wings and Frasier are still popular and enjoy a cult following.
Original quote:
Awful! - But still, the spinoffs Wings and Frasier... we still enjoy.
Little House on the Praire
When I was a kid, Little House on the Prairie was a classic. As an adult, watching it brings up mixed emotions. Recent seasons, particularly seasons 7, 8, and 9, are filled with disturbing and frustrating content. The show seems to have outgrown its charm.
Original quote:
It has changed a lot in the last 20–30 years. - Sigh. Sadly, I still prefer the older shows from back then they held a lot more meaning and you felt a lot more attached to them than today's shows which lack that soul.
Dinosaurs
The animated series Dinosaurs was once a source of humor. However, viewing it now uncovers how inane and nonsensical the show has become. The plotlines and characters are now seen as childishly and poorly executed.
Original quote:
Dumb. - Me, after watching the first two seasons of Dinosaurs.
Perspective on Ongoing Changes
The term “holding up” suggests that a show should remain unchanged and true to its initial essence. This notion can be limiting, especially in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Our nostalgia can sometimes be a rose-colored lens that distorts reality. Shows from the 1980s and 1970s might seem less refined or sophisticated, but they hold a unique charm and authenticity.
While it's valid to critique these shows, it's important to recognize that evolution and change are integral parts of any form of media. Creators in the past often had greater creativity, imagination, and a focus on moral storytelling. Today, much of the content is either reality TV or rehashings of previous shows, lacking the depth and creativity.
As adults, we have the luxury of re-evaluating our past favorites with a critical eye. This does not diminish their importance but rather enriches our understanding of the cultural landscape of the time. Whether a show holds up or not, it always provides a window into a bygone era, offering a unique perspective on history and the human condition.
Original quote:
No... Just because it doesn’t feel 'exactly the same as it did when you were a kid or teenager.' - My justification for not dismissing a show just because it has evolved.