The BBC’s Jen Chaney reflects on the evolution of television viewing habits. Once derided as a mindless medium, often referred to as the “boob tube,” television has now become a cornerstone of modern culture.

We don’t just watch TV now. Many of us study and dissect it by reading recaps and essays. We discuss it with a fervour that we can rarely muster during book club meetings. We get into heated arguments on Twitter about why a certain character made a certain decision in a certain episode as though we are talking about misguided choices made by members of our own family. We are invested in TV to a degree that we haven’t been before. If you don’t agree, just bring up the name Nate among a crowd of Ted Lasso fans and watch the back-and-forth it provokes.

Television offers a rich variety of programming that not only captivates audiences but also ignites passionate debates. Discussions now range from dissecting plot twists and character development to delving into social commentary and assessing cultural impact. Television has transformed into a dynamic force, shaping perceptions and fostering collective engagement in shared viewing experiences.