Can a TV Show Change Your Life?
During the early 2000s, the Pre-Social Media era, as a society we were more glued to the television than iPhone’s. TV Guides, DVRs, and marking calendars were a part of second nature. No matter what you were doing, you were not missing your show even if that meant finishing your homework early or staying up late. We would do anything to get that extra thirty minutes of happiness.
As a child, I vividly recall my grandpa calling the television “an idiot box.” At the time this made sense, especially when I watched My Gym Partner's a Monkey (If you know you know). However, when I rewatch it now, it is my favorite show. Personally, I feel that viewing television shows on streaming services has positively guided me throughout my life thus far. I know I can’t be the only one who feels this way.
A frequent TV watcher Savannah spoke to me about how her favorite shows subconsciously helped her from her teenage years to young adulthood. She shared the show that impacted her the most was A Different World.
Just by watching this show, she not only learned about sexual health, and the importance of college, but she learned about womanhood. Savannah told me, “As a kid, I didn’t think anything of seeing a dark skin woman on TV who wanted to be a doctor, but now I see how meaningful it was for me.” As our conversation continued, she told me how she recommended this show to her friends. She reminisced on when her friend made a comparison to her and one of the leading characters, Whitley (Jasmine Guy). “She was a character who always viewed herself as the prize; rich, confident, and mad smart” Savannah told me. Usually, this type of character could be seen negatively, but this time these traits were shown in a new light. A black leading woman who wasn’t portrayed as anyone’s damsel in distress is always a must-see.
Keeping with the theme of female leads, another young woman Bailey said the early 2000s hit, Hannah Montana, which starred the beloved Miley Cyrus, had a large influence on her. At age six, Hannah Montana opened her eyes to something new. “Fashion-wise, that show rocked my world,” Bailey said. She mentioned that she went so far as to even buy a blonde wig and a guitar to be just like Hannah.
Hannah Montana affected more than just her fabulous closet. Learning right from wrong and handling situations is another gem she gained just from being a weekly viewer. Also being one of those weekly viewers, I can personally attest that Hannah left a mark. Or was it, Miley? I could never tell with the wig on.
Staten Island raised Miranda fell in love with none other than the soapy telenovela Jane the Virgin. It all started from a curious scroll on Netflix one day. After she pressed play, she was immediately hooked. Miranda says, “Watching Jane the Virgin definitely affected my career life and the passions I have.”
This show was Miranda’s awakening to what she wanted for herself. The mix of romance, drama, action, in Miranda’s words, is “a slice of life.” This was the perfect show to guide her to dig deeper within herself.
That “silly” show you’re watching right now could actually lend you a hand in the real world and can possibly leave a lifelong impact. After talking with Miranda, Bailey, and Savannah, I concluded that this feeling did not only apply to me. There is a world of shows out there just waiting to make an impact on you.
With that, what will you watch next? Leave a comment below.