In Hollywood this summer, Variety held a summit with top family and faith entertainment leaders to discuss Faith & Family Programming. They stated, “Many film studios have recently released major Bible-based films with name talent broadly targeting family audiences. Mainstream TV networks are increasingly adding programming with religious characters and faith-based storylines.
“What has been the impact of Hollywood embracing faith – can we look forward to continued momentum for this genre? What types of faith-based entertainment projects are succeeding creatively and financially? How are general audiences as well as core faith-based audiences relating to recent high profile efforts? Top entertainment executives will discuss the future of faith-based and family entertainment…” It been clear that consumers drive the entertainment industry. Producers respond to what consumers want. When consumers watch according to their values, they make way for better TV.
The Hallmark Channel produces many outstanding, redemptive, heart-warming programs and series. They continue to air on television and to stream some of the best known and loved television series such as: Little House on the Prairie, The Waltons, and When Calls the Heart.
This year fifty-seven PBS programs have been nominated for Emmy Awards. PBS provides some of the best television and streaming programming for all ages through series such as the following: American Experience, American Masters, Sesame Street, Arthur, Curious George, Great Performances, National Parks, Pioneers of Television, Live from Lincoln Center and much more. Their programming is available on television, as well as on DVDs and via streaming.
October 1, Variety reports the latest news on PBS’ Masterpiece series that are available on television and on streaming. Some of the best Masterpiece series that currently available, which are appropriate for adults, include the following: Indian Summers, Arthur and George, and Poldark. These series like other Masterpiece series can be gritty but rarely gratuitous. These programs like many others that Masterpiece presents provide spectacular cinematography, excellent acting, and historical interest.
PBS’s Downton Abbey that picks up next year in its ongoing series and whose series to-date is available on streaming or DVD, has been recently nominated for an Emmy Award for Television Drama series. Likewise, Wolf Hall has also been nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Mini-series and is also available now on DVD. (Before beginning any Masterpiece series, as with any other viewing, it is important to read good reviews by professional, experienced, trained reviewers on Sonoma Christian Home or others. Not all Masterpiece series, as with any television series, are equally suitable or appropriate.)
Viewers looking for worthwhile television programming can see what is on television by using category, network, or decade filters on TV.com. They can find daily tv schedules on TV Guide.
CNET.com has announced television programs and movies added and removed from Netflix.com in October. For the first week of October the following family television programs for various ages are available on Netflix.com on October 1, Batman Begins (2005), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), The Great Food Truck Race Collection: Collection 1, House Hunters Renovation Collection: Collection 1, Million Dollar Baby (2004), The Navy SEALs: Their Untold Story (2014); and Robin Williams Remembered, A Pioneers of Television Special (2014) and more. CNET also lists television programs being removed from Netflix.com.
It is critical that consumers who want and value good redemptive, family programming make their desires known by the following: rate and review programs with simple online tools; visit IMDB (Internet movie and television database); participate on social networks; patronize and support good programming; give feedback to ads and commercials that support programs; support good reviewers and more. Consumers have power and can use it positively to make a difference in our culture and world.
Written by Diane Howard, Ph.D. (Performance Studies), dianehoward.com
Leave a Reply