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Is a vacuum more entertaining than tv?

© F. Colin Kingston

"There are days when any electrical appliance in the house, including the vacuum cleaner, seems to offer more entertainment possibilities than the television set." - Harriet Van Horne, New World Telegram, June 7, 1957

Most viewers in today's multiple channel world have literally dozens of television channels to choose from. Even though the above comment was made 41 years ago, during the days when there were only three broadcast networks, it is still relevant today.

It is a daunting task for any network, much less all of them, to come up with popular, entertaining and/or informative programming 24 hours a day. Despite this fact, there are many worthwhile programs on television. The key is to know where to look. That is the goal of this column. What follows are some of the best in family programming, drama, comedy, and science fiction shows that television currently has to offer.

Family programming doesn't have to mean brainless programming suitable only for the mind of a three year old. It can and should mean something the entire family can enjoy together.

"Touched By An Angel" (CBS) made it fashionable not only to mention God on television, but to worship him as well. "Promised Land" (CBS) is a less popular cousin to "Touched By An Angel" but it is just as deserving of your attention. "7th Heaven" (WB) is fast becoming the best family drama on television. It features the lives of a minister, his wife and five children.

"The Pretender" (NBC) chronicles a super-genius who has the ability to be anything he wants. One week he is a doctor, another a lawyer etc. He spends his time righting wrongs and looking for information on his family. "Early Edition" (CBS) features a hero who, for some as yet unexplained reason, gets tomorrow's newspaper today. Armed with tomorrow's headlines, he helps prevent tragic things from happening.

Some of the most realistic and best written dramas in television history are being made today. These include "The Practice" (ABC); "Law and Order" (NBC); "Homicide: Life on the Streets" (NBC) and "Party of Five" (FOX). PBS'contribution includes "Masterpiece Theater" and "Mystery!"

In my opinion, "The Larry Sanders Show" (HBO), is the best comedy on television. Starring Gary Shandling, it features a show within a show format and regularly lampoons the entertainment industry. The writing is sharp and crisp, not to mention funny. It doesn't get the acclaim that "Seinfeld" (NBC) gets, but I think it is just as deserving, if not more so.

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