Harry and Wally's Favorite TV Shows

by Harry Castleman, Walter J. Podrazik

Provides summaries and critiques for over 2,100 television shows appearing in prime time over the past fifty years

Genres: Tv

628 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1989

Reviews

[Julio The Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

The encyclopedia for the TV rerun addict, and what American doesn't fall into that category? Each entry contains a full cast and crew listing, synopses and critical review. Harry is tough but fair. Samples: "THAT GIRL was considered daring in its day, but looks tame in the wake of truly innovative female-led shows such as MARY TYLER MOORE". Or, "THE YOUNG REBELS, created by Aaron Spelling, was one of the worst ideas ever for a TV show. They're young revolutionaries but it's okay because they fight in the AMERICAN Revolution!" This is like reading medieval Catholic theology, only for couch-potatoes and kids fixated on early morning television. Bloody marvelous!

[John Schorg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written more than 35 years ago, this is the perfect book for anyone who grew up on television starting in the 1960s. These guys cover everything, and they aren't afraid to say that some stuff deserves a closer look, and that there are some turds that can't get polished, no matter how hard you try. A very good companion piece to TV (The Book)... plus, these folks recognize that British television played a role in advancing the form.

[Vincenzo Ridente · Rating 5 out of 5]

A journey through the best and worst of television with the number of episodes for each series and the authors ratings of what think of each show highly recommended for every TV lover

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that has become something of an historical artifact itself - it was published about a decade and a half ago. Ne'erthelest, still relevant in terms of the reviews, and many of the reviews contain sociological insight and context - such as the authors noting the portrayal of women in the 1950s or the trend of sitcoms in the late-70s featuring affluent white people adopting African-American kids (although I'm not sure that two shows *"Different Strokes" and "Webster"* can be considered a trend).

[Robert Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed paging through this book and reading reviews of even programs I had only seen a couple episodes of, and didn't last for many more. It describes them so eloquently. The authors perceptively describe each program's appeal, and how well they do it.

Although I don't agree with their assessment of "The Captain & Tennille" variety show. She did a lot more than "sit and look pretty". It may not have been a landmark in TV history, but it sure beat "The Brady Bunch Hour", a PATHETIC venture, even for a cheesy prime-time variety show.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of old television shows. And this guide, while no longer up to date, is big fun for me to read through and remember what I used to watch in those off hours when the parents were at work and the stations had to fill the airwaves with something other than soap operas.

[Phair · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my bible- It's like the book of my life as I was born at the start of the TV age. I love the irreverent comments and the detail provided and the amazing scope of this work. Fun to read start to finish and just stroll down memory lane.

[Susan]

Humorous look at television's impact on American's lives.