Generation Y: Encyclopedia II - Generation Y - The television of Generation Y

Similar to the case with movies, members of iGeneration and Gen Y at large are purported to watch much less [7] television in comparison to members of past generations. This is largely attributed to the popularity of the Internet, [8] which was formerly relegated to so-called "nerds" or "geeks". In fact, in 2004 Internet viewing surpassed television watching. Mundane programming and lacking television series which honestly depict (and thus appeal) to Gen Y are some contributors of this. Although reality shows are viewed by some, it seems most reality series are actually more popular amongst older adults as many are bored with the trend.

Generation Y - General trends

Typically, news and current events outside of pop culture are not closely followed by most Generation Y members. Anderson Cooper's program is popular amongst those who follow news. For those less serious, The Daily Show is their answer. The Daily Show has become the most popular news program for the 18-25 demographic even though it is a "fake" news program.

Animated sitcoms, such as Family Guy, The Simpsons, King of the Hill, and Futurama are very popular among Gen Y and latter Gen X. Traditional sitcoms fare less well among Gen Y, but are still common in the 2000s mainly because of older viewers.

Comedy Central and FOX are popular channels among Gen Y. The former hosts the definitive Y show "South Park" and the latter hosts many popular Gen Y shows, some of which, such as early-2000s show Andy Richter Controls the Universe have been cancelled in favor of reality shows in the indignation of many Gen Yers. The WB is also somewhat popular (e.g. Buffy the Vampire Slayer); but its popularity among teens is below that of its late-'90s peak, and the network began targeting an older audience in 2005.

Other popular networks for Generation Y are Fuse, G4, VH1, Spike TV, Cartoon Network (mostly Adult Swim), Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, MTV and MTV2. (The children's networks may be of particular note. Previous generations had Sesame Street (PBS), Saturday morning cartoons, and after-school shows such as The Mickey Mouse club. Cable first became widespread in the 1980s, with the above children's stations for Gen Y (while Gen X was getting its MTV).

Generation Y - Notable Generation Y shows

Special mention should be given to South Park as it is arguably the most definitive (if not the most popular) Gen Y show even after over 8 years of running, as it came out in 1997 during the early days of the Gen Y era and has lampooned Gen Y culture ever since. Its popularity dipped a bit among Gen Y in the mid-2000s as some of Y's younger members (typically those born after about 1989 or 1990) showed little interest in the show. Also, if Chappelle's Show was not abruptly cancelled in 2005 it would have surpassed "South Park" in popularity, perhaps eventually becoming even more quintessentially Gen Y. "South Park" will likely end in 2008 as the end of that year is when their contract expires and Matt Stone and Trey Parker seem to be increasingly interested in other projects.

The Simpsons — while truly being a Gen X show — remains popular amongst a considerable minority, despite many former 1990s fans no longer regularly watching the show because they find it tired and outdated, accusing the show of being on only to break records. (In some ways, The Simpsons carried on, in animated form, the family/themes from Gen X's Married With Children.) The show is likely to end in 2009 or 2010, and if it ends in 2010 it will have been on in four different decades.

Due to the fact that modern programming generally does not appeal to this generation, slightly older 1990s television series such as Daria, My So-Called Life, Seinfeld, and Buffy all have their legions of devoted fans. Even early '90s sitcoms such as Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Saved by the Bell, and Full House appeal to some.

Anime and "mature cartoons" are also popular: Cowboy Bebop and Aqua Teen Hunger Force both quickly became cult-hits on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim program block.

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Generation Y - The television of Generation Y

Generation Y - The television of Generation Y: Encyclopedia II - Generation Y - The television of Generation Y

See also:

Generation Y: Encyclopedia II - Generation Y - The television of Generation Y

Generation Y - The television of Generation Y

Generation Y - TV overview

Generation Y - General trends

Generation Y - Notable Generation Y shows

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