Gen X TV: The Brady Bunch to Melrose Place (Television Series) (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA?An entertaining chronicle of television. Owen focuses on certain popular shows such as Schoolhouse Rock and Beverly Hills 90210 to depict not only how Gen Xers influenced network programming, but also how television affected the lives of this generation. The author collected much of his data by posting a survey to various Usenet groups on the Internet. Teens are sure to enjoy the black-and-white photos of some of their favorite shows scattered throughout the book. Also included are dialogue boxes that provide show statistics and summaries and/or interesting facts about the program. For example, there is a five-page history on the Brady Bunch, including a chronology of the show from the original episodes to the Brady Brides specials and quotes from the program's creator, Sherwood Schwartz. Although posting a survey on the Internet is not the most scientific way to do research, the inclusion of quotes from many of the respondents lend credibility to the author's theories. Owen's style and presentation make the reading easy and enjoyable.?Stacey M. Keeley, Sherwood Regional Library, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Generation X is not easily defined, but it would appear that TV is one of its common denominators. Owen, a TV critic for the Albany Times Union, takes a look at American youth between 22 and 32 years old and the impact of TV on their collective attitude. He probes youthful exposure to "TV as baby-sitter," examines members' reactions to later shows depicting Gen X, and discusses the group's occasional rejection of the medium as a whole. He deftly analyzes programs watched during the growing years (The Brady Bunch), landmark series (Beverly Hills 90210), shows about Gen X itself (Friends), and, in an intriguing but sobering look at cyberspace, the impact of the Internet as a means of communicating about cutting-edge favorites. Those with a strong interest in the social aspects of the medium as well as avid TV viewers will find some illuminating food for thought here on contemporary culture. Recommended for circulating libraries.?Carol J. Binkowski, Bloomfield, N.J.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 225 pages
• Publisher: Syracuse University Press; 1st edition (April 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0815604432
• ISBN-13: 978-0815604433
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 8.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,324,052 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars This book is a great idea in theory..., October 23, 1998

By A Customer

I loved the idea of this book. I love TV and Owen is an outstanding TV writer (for a good sample, read his column on-line). The book has some interesting ideas, but the book gets dull. It breaks no new ground and doesn't shed light on others. I liked the fact that it wasn't steeped in the usual "media criticism", but there is no depth to much of the book. I think Owen will write a great book on TV one day...he just isn't there yet.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun!, June 19, 1997

By A Customer

What fun! Rob Owen's book took me back to days when the TV (especially Scooby-Doo) was my babysitter. It's hard to believe that someone could get paid to write something so fun. Gen X TV is a must-read for anyone between the ages of 20 and 35!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A bit soft for a university press book, November 22, 1998

By A Customer

I hoped this book would have more insight into the topic than just a collection of overviews of the particular series. That's been done before and better.