Friday, November 4, 2011

Who's Watching "Reed Between the Lines"

BET's Reed Between the Lines is a comedy about a modern-day blended family and their attempt to navigate life’s ups and downs with wit and humor (bet.com).  I may be a bit bias as an 11 year veteran of BET's awarding-winning series Teen Summit, but this show is a must see for families, but that may be a challenge in itself. 

Reed Between the Lines airs on Tuesday's at 10:00 p.m.  I don't know about you, but in my house it's lights out by 8:30 p.m. for the little ones and the older kids turn in around 9:00 p.m.  In an attempt to create family programming that can once again be watched by entire families, BET scores big but loses when it comes to scheduling of this show.  Who knows...maybe this family show wasn't really created for family viewing - - that's why it's on at 10:00 p.m.  or maybe it was more important for those in the central time zone to be able to view it with their families.  My point is that this is a show that deserves a chance in a prime time, family slot.

I'm a realist and know that TV shouldn't be a place for us to find role models or examples of what families 'should/shouldn't' be but the fact of the matter is that art does imitate life and shows like Reed Between the Lines can offer valuable talk and teaching moments so it should be on during a time where families can view together.

I like the show and the concept (although some have criticized the acting) but for me it's the principle and purpose behind the show that's important.   Television has and always will be an important part of my life and while my consumption habits have changed as a result of becoming a parent, I value the moments when I can sit down and comfortably watch a program with my entire family.


BET...just something to think about.