That is the question! (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself…)
I struggle with paying a fortune for cable TV when I hardly ever watch it! And it stands to good reason when all I do is loiter in the vicinity of my computer. Either I’m working on design projects, waiting for an approval on a project, I’m writing down my thoughts (ha – lucky you!), or I’m getting creative with refurbished furniture/Crap to Fab masterpieces. I have had no need or desire to watch TV. That, and I rarely watched TV growing up so it’s not something I’m used to.
Ok…”freak”…says me in my most loving voice to myself. I realize this isn’t normal. I get it. Yes, I knew there are cheaper alternative options out there, but I also wanted to be able to “switch back” to “life as I knew it” if I got desperate for entertainment. I do like my nightly wind-down before bedtime and TV can be nice and mindless. I was on the fence…but after weighing the options, I canceled my cable. Instead, I chose Philo and Netflix – much cheaper alternatives! They both have so many things to watch that I can’t possibly run out of options!
I hit the “guide” in Philo and proceeded to be completely overwhelmed with options. I love documentaries and interesting shows that teach me about cool places. Or aliens…oooo…they’re coming! I’m learning all kinds of stuff! The downside of Philo is commercials. You can’t fast forward through them. I’m still getting used to that, but it’s not bad. Netflix…commercial free and shorter episodes since the ads have been weeded out.
Mysteries At The Museum is so cool. Host Don Wildman takes you on an adventure into historic mysteries, scandals and events, and it feels like you’re right there! I’ve learned about the ancient city of Pompeii, the Loch Ness Monster, and so much more!
Expedition Unknown is also fascinating. Josh Gates attempts to “solve” mysteries of the past (even though he never seems to get that done), but you’re compelled to watch as he’s searching for clues to things like the location of the missing Crown Jewels. Awesome! You’ll be sitting there rooting for him and hoping he finds what he’s looking for!
Other shows like The Unexplained, The Dead Files, Rizzoli & Isles, NCIS, Yellowstone, Super Soul Sunday, Long Island Medium, and Flea Market Flip are among my saved shows. I can pick whatever I’m in the mood for! Same with Netflix – although it’s hard for me to sit for long periods of time for movies, so I watch TV shows there, too.
So after being a TV hater, I am now allowing myself time to unwind before bed. My cat, Marley, and I lounge around and pick our poison. Marley is a dog in a cat’s body. He’ll loyally hang out with me in front of the TV for as long as I’m willing to sit there.
The reason for this post? I’m not a fan of TV, I admit. But I’m a fan of learning and exercising my brain! If you hate TV, too, maybe give some of these new smart TV apps a shot and find something stimulating that you can wrap your senses around. Pick the shows you really want to watch and/or will be interested in. Maybe they’ll broaden your horizons and/or teach you something new! Make viewing worth your while…
~Kim