Television
Constance Towers, She's What Is Saving Television
By Tommy Garrett
Mar 22, 2009 - 1:47:05 AM

HOLLYWOOD—TV Guide is reporting that some of the primetime shows are struggling, if not in the ratings department, in the financial bottom line category. Shows like “Cold Case” and “Law & Order” though ratings winners are expensive to produce and license. The problem is, the networks are forgetting a key point. Fans are sick of reality TV and sick of the junk shows that are flooding the airways.

Photo of Constance Towers Courtesy: Tommy Garrett

When we fell in love with “Judge Judy,” we didn’t mean we wanted to see the “Jerry Springer” of court shows to follow. Judges who seem to have no idea about evidence, what is hearsay or what is in fact entertaining. Same with “Survivor.” That was followed up by shows like “Fear Factor.”

Just a week ago Disney released a classic film in its contemporary version. “Witch Mountain.” That film, which we all loved as youngsters was excellently produced and written, then released with a whole new cast, plot and storyline. Television viewers are desperate for good T.V. All they ask is that producers and networks stop treating them like idiots and showcase the best.

Why are shows like “Oprah,” “The Price is Right,” “As The World Turns” and “60 Minutes” still so popular with audiences? They offer some form of entertainment, news (uncensored and unbiased) and a little diversion from the world’s economic news and political problems throughout the nation and the world.

ABC currently has the most variety, but CBS the strongest lineup. ABC losing “Life on Mars” would be a disaster for fans and viewers who are looking for a comedy that is a mixture of quality and old style entertainment. NBC losing any of their “Law & Order” franchise would be sad as well. Many people see this as the new century’s version of “Perry Mason” or “Matlock.” All shows which aired in the top spots of their slots during their reign.

Speaking of Television greats. Movie, Stage and Television icon Constance Towers is returning to “General Hospital” in grand fashion in April. She is also starring in a pilot “Awakening of Spring” opposite Days star John Aniston and former “As The World Turns” hunk Jesse Sofer. All of which Michael Logan, the most talented columnist on the planet reports in the current TV Guide on newsstands around the nation as well as online at:

http://www.tvguidemagazine.com/soaps/constance-towers-checks-back-into-general-hospital-294.html