The WOW! Buzz

Committing to a TV show is like committing to a relationship.  You have to invest time in getting to know the show –  its’ story lines and characters as well as making a time commitment to watch each week.  When you start to feel that you and the show are a fit, then your schedule is set around the time that the show airs. If you can’t be there to watch it, then it is imperative that you set the DVR otherwise you will feel lost missing a week.  You will probably find yourself seeking out others who are just as into the show as you are to talk about what happened this week and your thoughts on the upcoming week’s preview. 

Maybe after a couple of seasons, the show starts to lose its luster.  You find yourself starting to nitpick at the things that are starting to annoy you.  But, you don’t stop watching.  You feel that you have committed all this time that maybe if you give it a little longer, they just might turn it around.  So, you are sucked in a little bit longer.  But, at what point do you say, it was a good run while it lasted but it just is not working for me anymore?

I find myself at this crossroad with American Idol.  I have been a fan of the show since season 1 (Kelly Clarkson for those of you unfamiliar with it’s first winner.)  At first, I loved the variety of personalities, the judges (Simon vs. Paula) and the evolution of the show through the years.  I cheered for the underdogs and watched in anticipation of who America would choose as its winner.  I will even admit that I have attended a couple of the tours through the years. 

But, this year is different.  I don’t know if it is because Simon has turned into a tamed lion after his announcement that he will be leaving the show after this season or if not having Paula back over what she should be paid.  In my opinion, I think it is ridiculous what Simon, Randy and Ryan make but to not Paula in the same equation was just wrong.  Admittedly, she doesn’t always make the most sense but at least she knows what she is talking about.  Ellen, while super funny, is no judge of musical talent.  To me, she is mimicking Randy half of the time.  Does she really know the difference of being on or off key or the arrangements that were changed whether good or bad?  Highly doubt it.  Anyways, in addition to the judging, the mentors for the top 12 have not been that impressive either – Miley Cyrus?  Adam Lambert?  Outside of Usher, it seems that Idol is having a hard time getting some of the bigger stars to help these budding stars.  There is only so many seasons that I can hear the works of Lennon and McCartney and the Billboard Top 100.

So back to my original question, how do you break up with a show that you have spent so much time following?