TV Shows That Can Change Your Life and Why
Have you ever been deeply affected by a TV show? For many, the characters, stories, and moments in a show can have a profound impact on one's life. Here is a compiled list of TV series from different eras that have influenced viewers in various ways:
Quest for Inspiration: Mission Impossible and the Pursuit of Adventure
My journey with television began in the 1970s with the TV show Mission Impossible. In my home country of Malaysia, I watched it and felt inspired to pursue an adventure abroad, similar to the heroes shown on the screen. This desire led me to leave my household in Malaysia, move to the United States, pursue a scholarship in the UK, and eventually make a career in software development in New York. Inspiration comes in many forms, and for me, the world of espionage portrayed in Mission Impossible helped shape the path I took in life.
Empowerment Through Visibility: Tales of the City and The L Word
Later in life, I watched Tales of the City and The L Word and found myself represented in the gay/lesbian characters for the first time. Up until then, growing up, I rarely saw reflections of myself in media. This was significant because it helped me in my journey of self-identification and personal growth as a bisexual. Both these shows broke boundaries of representation and empowered individuals like me to embrace their identities. Watching these shows led to more meaningful relationships and allowed me to live authentically throughout my life.
Depression Busters: Northern Exposure and Star Trek: The Original Series
Northern Exposure with its quirky characters and cheerful outlook on life provided a continuous mood lift for me whenever I needed it. On the other hand, Star Trek: The Original Series was a beacon of hope for humanity, a possible future that could encourage us to be better. The show's depiction of exploration and optimism helped me envision a world where we achieve great things. Although reality has not always matched the show's vision, the message of "boldly going where no one has gone before" still resonates with me today.
Humor and Resilience: Ally McBeal, Whose Line Is It Anyway? and Father Ted
Lastly, some television series have lifted my spirits and provided much-needed laughter throughout the years. Ally McBeal with its mix of comedy and drama gave me joy through its quirky characters. Highlights included a man getting just 39 cents after his wife dropped a massive piano on his car, and Betty White's comedic psychiatrist character in Season 3. The improv show, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, was a life-saver for me on dark days, managing to provide relief from stress and depression. From the UK came the hilarious and satirical Father Ted, which never fails to tickle the funny bone. Clips of the nun during Lent are a prime example of the show's comedic brilliance.
The shows mentioned here – Mission Impossible, Tales of the City, Northern Exposure, Star Trek: The Original Series, Ally McBeal, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, and Father Ted – are not just entertainment, but life-changing series that have shaped our ideas, inspired more welcoming and inclusive society, provided mental relief, and uplifted otherwise mundane days. They are more than a television experience; they are a reflection of our collective journey and aspirations.
May your own journey with television be as inspiring and joyful as mine has been. Let the magic of these shows continue to bring light and transformation to your life.