There are a lot of things that the Brits do better than Americans.
Great Britain has consistently produced better music, fashion and comedy than its Atlantic counterpart.
After watching many lame American TV shows (“America’s Got Talent,” the new “Two And A Half Men” and “Jersey Shore”), it’s clear to me that Great Britain also produces better TV.
There are some good American shows on TV, though. They include, but are not limited to: “Breaking Bad,” “Mad Men” and “Girls.”
With shows like “Doctor Who,” “Top Gear” and “Sherlock,” though, the BBC has proven that it is an artistic force to be reckoned with.
It’s not too common today to watch a show that appeals to both the hearts and heads of audiences.
Shows like “Doctor Who” leave viewers laughing hysterically while at the same moment pondering the perplexities of the universe.
Mysteries like “Sherlock” consistently amaze viewers from all walks of life with its brilliant creator/writer duo, Steven Moffat and Marc Gatiss.
The sheer boldness and audacity of the presenters from “Top Gear” make audiences both laugh and quiver.
Each of these hit shows from the UK is completely unique and original.
American TV, as of late, has become extremely desperate. This fall, CBS is unveiling a “new” show called “Elementary.”
“Elementary” is geared to be a modern interpretation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “Sherlock Holmes.” Sound familiar?
For the past few years, the History channel has aired a car-enthusiast show called “Top Gear.” Again, sound familiar?
It’s one thing for American TV to become inspired by a British show, but to completely copy it and act as though nothing has happened is abhorrent.
If the United States is to go back to the days of “Star Trek” and “M*A*S*H,” drastic improvements need to be made.
For one, audiences must demand greater quality shows from major providers like MTV and FOX.
The fact that “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” is a hit show in the United States makes me ashamed to call myself an American.
How can I, a citizen of a country that landed on the Moon, let my country be viewed as silly, frivolous and concerned with only material goods?
If American TV and society are to advance, a complete overhaul of the media we consume is required.
Shows like “Keeping Up With The Kardashians,” “Jersey Shore” and “Toddlers and Tiaras” need to be permanently removed from the public’s consciousness.
Instead of spoon-feeding ourselves with over-the-top, melodramatic reality shows, Americans need to wake up and demand more intelligent, relatable television shows.
If dumb shows like the ones mentioned above continue to dominate the public’s short attention span, then I’m afraid Jeremy Clarkson of “Top Gear” was right. Americans are “thick, humourless [and] over-governed.”
Shane Newell is a sophomore journalism student and the assistant city editor of the Daily 49er.