Since the mid-nineties, America has been enraptured by prime-time television. Shows such as “Friends,” “Frasier,” and “Sex and the City” have united people at water coolers, card tables, and dinner tables coast to coast.
Amid America’s prime-time bliss, the powers-that-be of television have decided that the escapades of Dr. Frasier Crane as well as Joey, Chandler and company must come to an end. They will undoubtedly be undisputed champions of syndicated television, but will before long be nothing but a filler between solid blocks of Bill Cosby and Roseanne on Nick at Nite.
America felt similar remorse as the credits rolled for the final “Seinfeld,” but Pheobe and Monica came to our rescue. Upon this significant loss of so many great shows in one season, what could possibly replace them?
NBC offers “Will and Grace,” which has proved to be some consolation for prime-time viewers, but dismal jokes such as “Scrubs” will definitely not quench our thirst.
The network also plans on bringing Matt LeBlanc back to prime-time in his own “Friends” spinoff series, “Joey.” However, one cannot help but fear that he will suffer the failure that each of the “Seinfeld” cast members suffered in their individual solo efforts.
On the other hand, CBS has been able to provide some solace with champions like “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “King of Queens,” but will it really be the same?
Another point to consider is upon the departure of these prime-time hits will come the overwhelming invasion of the terminal illness that is reality TV. As our homes are invaded by naked men on islands and fat fiancés, America will yearn for just one more dose of Ross and Rachel, but will be left stranded.
All in all, despite “American idols,” Will, Grace, and Raymond, America will undoubtedly feel a great sense of loss at the end of this television season.
Audiences must face the emptiness and sorrow in the fall when prime-time television returns without new adventures of “Friends,” “Frasier,” and the women of “Sex and the City.”
At the same time, we should also forge ahead in hopes that new faces will enlighten our lives as they did, and reunite America once again every Thursday night.