The television discussion thread

**Darkside Ron Garvin** · 01-07-2013, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by Iron Ape

I just got done reading Alan Sepinwall's 'The Revolution Was Televised', about the 12 best and most influential shows of the new golden age of television (The Sopranos, The Shield, The Wire, and Mad Men, just to name a few) and the chapter on Breaking Bad was fascinating as fuck. The whole thing barely ever saw the light of day as there wasn't an established network out there that thought people would actually be interested in watching a 50 year old, terminally-ill family man manufacture a non-glamorous narcotic and completely self-destruct. FX, a network that created its brand on the back of edgy anti-heroes, even passed on it after putting the show into development. I imagine those particular suits are kicking themselves pretty hard right now.

I was taken back by this fact. When hearing what the show was about, before ever watching an episode, my original thought was "Why is this not on FX?" Is this "The Revolution Was Televised" a book or article (sorry but I am strained for time to do the research myself at the moment)?

**Tomsta666** · 01-07-2013, 03:27 PM

I'm sure I read that it was originally pitched to HBO, and they flat out turned it down too.

**Iron Ape** · 01-07-2013, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by Darkside Ron Garvin

I was taken back by this fact. When hearing what the show was about, before ever watching an episode, my original thought was "Why is this not on FX?" Is this "The Revolution Was Televised" a book or article (sorry but I am strained for time to do the research myself at the moment)?

It's a full-fledged book written by the television critic for HitFix. He's largely regarded as being the best critic in the boob tube game.

Originally Posted by Tomsta666

I'm sure I read that it was originally pitched to HBO, and they flat out turned it down too.

Yeah, HBO passed. FX started to develop the show, though, and when it came down to choosing whether to take Breaking Bad or the Eddie Izzard drama The Riches to series, they went with The Riches. That lasted two seasons (and has largely been forgotten).

**Darkside Ron Garvin** · 01-08-2013, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by Iron Ape

It's a full-fledged book written by the television critic for HitFix. He's largely regarded as being the best critic in the boob tube game.

I have heard of Alan before thanks to his "What's Alan Watching" blog on the site you speak of (though I first learned of the blog via an email containing some of his excerpts thanks to a family member). That's why I was inquiring if it was an article or book. I have added it to the list of "soon to acquire" for my next round of purchases on the Kindle.

**FLWWEFan** · 01-09-2013, 07:05 AM

Originally Posted by Tomsta666

All this talk of Breaking Bad, I thought i'd give it another go. I've seen seasons 1 and 2, and for whatever reason never got around to the rest. So instead of jumping back in at season 3, and since it's on Netflix I figured I'd start again from the beginning.

I'm 8 episodes into season 3 and I must say it's starting to get real interesting. I'm glad I started watching this show a few weeks back...no regrets what-so-ever.

Now I'm trying to figure out what tv series to watch next on Netflix. I already watched Walking Dead, Prison Break, American Horror Story, and Sons of Anarchy.

**Tomsta666** · 01-09-2013, 07:22 AM

Originally Posted by FLWWEFan

I'm 8 episodes into season 3 and I must say it's starting to get real interesting. I'm glad I started watching this show a few weeks back...no regrets what-so-ever.

Now I'm trying to figure out what tv series to watch next on Netflix. I already watched Walking Dead, Prison Break, American Horror Story, and Sons of Anarchy.

I'm up to s02e13. Walt has just let Jessie's junkie girlfriend die. Ice cold man, ice cold.

And wow you guys get Walking Dead on your Netflix? It's not on ours

**FLWWEFan** · 01-09-2013, 07:44 AM

Originally Posted by Tomsta666

I'm up to s02e13. Walt has just let Jessie's junkie girlfriend die. Ice cold man, ice cold.

And wow you guys get Walking Dead on your Netflix? It's not on ours

Yeah...we get a ton of tv series on it. It must vary by country. But Netflix has a lot from AMC on their streaming site to choose from.