Charles Jensen | Writer

The start of a new TV season is always a time of reflection for me as I contemplate what my time-wasting needs are and which shows will likely last long enough to earn my unfettered devotion.

I consider several factors when choosing my shows, because I hope we’ll be together for a long time. It’s like choosing a boyfriend. You want him to smell nice, to dress appropriately, to laugh at the right times, and most of all, you want him to look good in your apartment.

This week I’m celebrating the new TV season by cataloguing what I love about shows:

1. The main characters are in high school.
Applicable to: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Veronica Mars, Gossip Girl, 90210, Privileged
Although only my therapist can tell you for sure why I love a good high school show, I’m going to say that in terms of television, high school shows are fun for the way they act as a microcosm of the “adult world,” what with everyone lying, cheating, stealing, plotting, and climbing their way to the top.

2. Competitive “reality” shows
Applicable to: Project Runway, Top Chef, America’s Next Top Model, Top Design, Design Star, American Idol
I honestly love the creativity-based shows, like Runway and Top Chef. I recently received an email asking me to explain my love of Top Model. I can’t necessarily, except to say that I enjoy the high camp factor, I do have an interest in fashion (“As this is a fashion magazine, an interest in fashion is crucial.”) I think, unlike Survivor, the art-based shows are more focused on process than conflict, and I appreciate that too. Although I love a good model throw-down.

Come back for more tomorrow!