I talk about streaming so much that it makes me miss the fun and nostalgia of over-the-air TV. Speaking of nostalgia, The Conners is one of my favorite network TV shows. I’m sure this will expose me to one of Stuart Sweet’s snippy little tirades, but I don’t care. The show, and other reboots, bring some much needed fondness and familiarity back to TV. (“Whatever happened to predictability. The milkman, the paperboy, evening TV?”) If you’re a fellow Generation Xer who’s hurtling toward middle age, you might enjoy these updated versions of shows from back in the day. That’s is a great reason to put a TV antenna atop your roof as far as I’m concerned.
The Conners is a Reboot Done Right
Forget anything Stuart says about this ABC show. When it comes to a reboot, this series ticks all the boxes of what makes great American TV. It has the same cast (including the original Becky, Lecy Goranson), and the same setting (the fictional Lanford, IL). It’s writers have updated the content to reflect issues and challenges faced by many Americans. So, it’s something old and something new… and something Mrs. Buckler and I eagerly tune into each week.
As a member of Gen X, I grew up watching the original Roseanne series. It kicked off in October 1988, the year I graduated high school. The show made its bones by challenging viewers with its sometimes controversial commentary on American culture. These were many of the same issues I faced at home, work, and college as I blundered my way through young adulthood. At times, it seemed like the Conner family was with me every step of the way.
There’s another reason why I love The Conners… and why that numbskull Stuart doesn’t get it. I grew up in a small town that’s similar to “Lanford.” We were more than a couple hours away from any sizable city, which made some of us feel trapped and isolated in our existences. It’s like we all were waiting around for something to happen, but that something never did.” This made us yearn to “get out” and make our marks on the world. Some of us left, others stayed, and a few returned due to unfortunate life circumstances. This is where we find the Conner children in the current series, which makes it relatable for me.
The New Magnum P.I. Isn’t so Bad, Either
CBS might have a hit on its hands with its reimagining of Magnum P.I. I applaud the eyeball network for reinventing this classic, but Jay Hernandez is no Tom Selleck. Hernandez was born in Montebello, California, while Selleck is a proud Michigan native. His Detroit Tigers baseball cap was a regular part of his Magnum P.I. wardrobe. Sure, Hernandez wears the hat in the series, but this is hardly authentic. I admit that I’m a stickler for these things, and it’s all Stuart’s fault.
I’ll apologize to all the good, decent, hardworking people of California in advance. It’s unfortunate that Stuart gives your state such a bad name. You see, he’s a snobbish Californian who proudly says, “Whatever you have in your state, we have it in California, too… and its’ better.” He’s a jerk, but thank goodness you’re all not like him! Since I don’t know if Jay Hernandez is like this or not, I watch the new Magnum P.I. I still wish the lead was a fellow Michigander, though.
Murphy Brown, Will and Grace, and Charmed
To be honest, neither of these shows were my cup of tea when they originally aired. Mrs. Buckler, on the other hand, enjoyed them. She likes the reboots, too. The appeal of these shows is the same as The Conners and Magnum P.I. They offer a certain fondness and familiarity for older viewers who are getting nostalgic in their mid-life years. From what I can tell from my wife’s chuckling, Will and Grace is still good for a few laughs.
Oh, how I remember the original Charmed series! I could say I loved it because I grew up on Aaron Spelling shows, but Shannen Doherty, Holly Marie Combs, Alyssa Milano, and Rose McGowan were the real draws. The reboot’s cast is more diverse than the original, which is great, but the show still utilizes the same supernatural themes we loved back in the day. If that was your thing then, you might like the bold directions the series is taking now.
TV Antennas are the One Thing Stuart is Right About
When Stuart talks TV, he likes to trot out Nielson ratings and other stats. “If it can be measured, it can be managed” is his motto. (Yeah, working with this guy is a real treat.) I judge a TV series by how it makes me feel when I watch it. The Conners and Magnum P.I. make me feel pretty good. You know what else makes me feel good? That I get to watch these shows for free, thanks to my TV antenna. I had no idea that these were still a thing until I interviewed for a job with Solid Signal.
Since joining the team here, I was introduced to cord-cutting. Stuart said I should put a TV antenna up at my house and I asked him which one to get. He asked me where I lived and I told him out in the woods, about 40+ miles from the transmitters. He said I needed a “deep fringe” antenna, and recommended the Xtreme Signal long range HD/VHF/UHF/FM outdoor antenna. I purchased it and insisted he coach me through the install over the phone. (There an hour of time he didn’t get to watch Star Trek!)
Yes, I know what you’re thinking. “Mr. Michigan” took advice from that fancy California fellow? Although it nearly kills me to admit it, it’s true. Look, Stuart might be a high-minded coastal elitist, but he’s also a consummate TV antenna expert. His knowledge of cord-cutting and antennas guided me to one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. So, yes, I’m very thankful for his help… even if he likes to call me a “hick from the sticks.” (Great rhymes there, Stuart. Maybe next time you can try alliteration.)
Get a TV Antenna Without Talking to Stuart
My cantankerous colleague isn’t the only one at Solid Signal who can help you. (Thank goodness!) We have a team of antenna experts who are happy to recommend the ideal TV antenna for you. Just fill out our antenna request form and click “submit.” A member of our team who is NOT Stuart will contact you with a product recommendation. Solid Signal makes it easy for you to get the best TV antenna.
Do you want to combine streaming with your free, local TV? We can help with that, too. For those of you who want the best of both worlds – free local TV and national pay channels – we recommend an AirTV Player. It’s a great way to binge watch your favorite original series without having to pay your local cable company for the privilege. Do you want to know more about this streaming option that includes OTA TV? Drop us a line at [email protected].
