As mentioned in yesterday’s welcoming message and the initial schedule, the team here at This Was TV won’t be publishing new content regularly until June 11.
Nevertheless, I would like to take this opportunity to direct your attention to some exceptional articles on television history, classic television, and related topics.
Think of these excellent pieces as a foundation for what you can expect (or at least what we hope you’ll find) here at TWTV. This is a practice we intend to continue regularly in the future.
If you have any outstanding suggestions, please feel free to share them in the comments or reach out to us on Twitter @ThisWasTV.
These are in no particular order, by the way.
Noel Murray’s A Very Special Episode series for The A.V. Club is obviously a must-read. I’m definitely fond of the entries on Twin Peaks, Heat Vision, and Jack and Eerie, Indiana.
Though not devoid of very recent episodes, Robert David Sullivan’s countdown of the Top 100 Sitcom Episodes is a real treat. And thanks to the internet’s glorious archives, you can read his “most influential U.S. television programs” from way back in 1997.
Few are better than Jaime Weinman at giving contemporary television events their proper historical footing. Check out his work at TV Guidance. I especially like this bit about the visuals of the multicamera sitcom. His recent piece on the laugh track is also tremendous.
The Classic TV History Blog is another favorite of mine. Stephen Bowie does fantastic work, especially his obituaries and interviews of industry folk. The blog is an off-shoot of ClassicTVHistory.com, where Bowie crafted a fine list of the greatest television episodes ever.
Although we here at TWTV might not agree, Rose Woodhouse’s “Classic TV is Bad TV” essay is evocative and worth your time. Jaime Weinman’s response is similarly so.
Todd VanDerWerff’s Primers on 1980s Dramas and 1980s Sitcoms for The A.V. Club are pretty invaluable for those not familiar with those respective eras.
For just a general time suck, there’s the endlessly fascinating TV without context.
Also Read: Right On Schedule: FOX Sundays (1988-1989)
