Living vicariously through 'Greek'

LoriAnn, Columbia, MO — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:01:21 GMT

Does Friday Night Lights count? It is set in a high school, although the social dynamics of being a teen aren't really the focus of the storylines, but I'm still as hooked as I've ever been on a show. And I have to admit, back in the day, Tim Riggins would have been exactly the kind of bad boy I'd have swooned over!

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

Leslie, Albuquerque — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:35:16 GMT

The tv shows I avoid like the plague whenever possible. I've tried hard to watch Greek and Secret Life with my daughter and I just can't get absorbed in it. Then again I didn't watch shows like that when I was a teenager either so I think I'm just holding steady.
The movies/books I'm a bit worse about...I've been very entertained by the Traveling Pants movie, all the Harry Potters, and from the rumblings in my house I'll soon be watching Twilight.
I'm still not sure why I have the dividing line for Trials and Tribulations of Ridiculously Pretty and Acne Free Teenagers on the big screen vs. on tv but I guess I'm pretty guilty too.

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

Carol Reid, Sterling, VA — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:47:18 GMT

I do the same thing!! I love Greek and hope Cappie and Casey get back together in the end--remember where he wants to be in 10 years?? He wants to be with Casey!!

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

KG, Twin Cities, MN — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:09:42 GMT

I didn't attend college so I live through my daughters whom attend the same school. You bet your bippy my household is full of sweatshirts, hoodies, T-shirts, window clings, flags, etc! My dogs both like to wear their school hankies on game day. Even now, I'm looking at Thundarr, sitting atop my computer at work. If only the school didn't have Packer colors! I guess I'm more Geek than Greek. Go Bisons!

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

Joe Mullin, Columbus, Ohio — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:29:34 GMT

Hey! I'm right there with you. I feel like sometimes I missed out on a lot in HS and I don't go to a "traditional" college so we, too, have no greek system. I am a HUGE fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I LOVE Greek, and looking forward to the new 90210. A few movies I love are Mean Girls, John Tucker Must Die, the Bring It On movies, etc. It is always fun to reminisce and wonder what could have been :)

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

Ali, Louisville, KY — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:31:05 GMT

I admit to watching "Secret Life of the American Teenager" each week. I roll my eyes through the whole thing, but have gotten involved in the story lines so I continue to watch.

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

Katey, Wyoming IL — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:42:35 GMT

As a 31yr old, I, too, am far past the demographical target of these shows. And yet I can't look away.

One Tree Hill? Check. GG? Check. Greek? Check (and I was a sorority girl, back in the day).

The 'adult' shows available these days seem to focus on intrigue (which my life is sorely lacking) or familial issues (which again, as a single person with no kids, I can't really identify with). The so-called 'teen' shows provide a better mix of relatability.

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

Patrick — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:54:17 GMT

Yes, it *is* weird to be drawn into the world of pretty teens when those days are far behind you. It shows that your life is probably empty and lacks meaning. Perhaps you should do some volunteering.

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

Detroit, MI — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:55:23 GMT

I can't watch Greek. As someone who was in a sorority in college, I can tell you that it's not like what you see on TV [most of the time anyway -- there are always exceptions]. That show just takes the stereo types to the extreme. I realize that is probably what is entertaining about it, but I exercise my right to change the channel. Now Gilmore Girls...THAT was my guilty pleasure.

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

Scout Albion, Nebraska — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:01:44 GMT

I love The Hills and don't have a single thing in common with any of those girls (with the exception of gender). Watching their lives unfold, in the beautiful clothes, under the cloudless skies, behind the Jackie O shades, at the exclusive clubs... It is just so detached from my midwestern reality that I find it all very intriguing.

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

Sarah, Edinboro, PA — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:21:14 GMT

I do watch teen shows--as does my older sister and our 65 year old mother! I don't catch them all--but I do enjoy Greek and Gossip Girl and have enjoyed other ABCFamily and CW shows aimed towards teens in the past. I just...enjoy them. I'm not sure I can say specifically say why. Are they really so different than shows geared for adults? Basically just the ages and settings are different. It seems like there may be an automatic assumption that teen shows equal a lesser quality product and I don't think that's true! Sometimes plot lines are a bit breezier but usually the acting is just as good as anything else, the production too, etc. The only teen show on now that I truly think sucks (and yet watch so I can make fun of it with my sister) is The Secret Life of the American Teenager. Does Brenda Hampton KNOW any teenagers who talk/act like that? Or adults for that matter? Get them help STAT, Brenda! Everyone is ridiculous. Ben is super creepy towards Amy and yet we are supposed to yearn for this relationship...gaaack!

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

Brett Pedersen, San Francisco, CA — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:45:53 GMT

Party of 5 ws great because no matter how bad your life was, they had it worse!

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

Kris — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:46:08 GMT

I am 32 years old and my biggest guilty pleasure is One Tree Hill and old reruns of Beverly Hills 90210. I am excited for the new season of One Tree and for the new 90210, which I will watching both.

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

QB, Washington, DC — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:17:33 GMT

I'll pass on the teen entertainment.

I left the gossip, drama and cattyness behind me when I left high school - and I'll never look back.

I much prefer a movie that will stimulate my adult brain. You know. Thinking. As opposed to hormones.

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

love to reminisce — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:44:31 GMT

I watched One Tree Hill from the beginning, Buffy and 90210 in repeats...But The Gilmore Girls is my favorite. I tried watching the Secret Life but havent been able to get into it, but I have to say Greek is entertaining when I tune in, I dont always remember to do that. I have also caught myself catching repeats of Saved by the Bell, when the kids got into high school and college..
oh and Patrick, just because you like to reminisce or enjoy these shows does not mean that you were/are unhappy with your own life...

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

Jase Phipps — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:47:09 GMT

What about the Gilmore Girls? I own all seven seasons on DVD... And me, who can't get into Greek or the others--hard to believe...

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

Danielle, Portland, Maine — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:54:48 GMT

I admit that I am drawn to those shows. In my tv viewing lineup I have Greek, Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill. I look foward to the new episodes and predictable plots. I have no idea why. Gossip Girl I just get hooked wondering what crappy thing will happen next.

I am 23 years old, my college didn't have a Greek System, i'm not into drama or rumors, I have a steady fulltime job and boyfriend. I have nothing in common with anyone in these shows, except that I wish my life was exciting as theirs. Maybe that's why I watch.

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

Pam, Philadelphia, PA — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:05:09 GMT

As a 38 year old woman I am far past my high school and college days yet I love these shows, especially Greek and Gossip Girl. Thanks for letting me know I am not the only one!

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

Betsy, Houston, Texas — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:33:50 GMT

LOVE Greek! My husband I started watching with our teenage daughters. I was in a sorority, my husband was a GDI and we still think the same things are hysterical about the show. I wouldn't go back to high school or college, but I'll watch Greek every week and live vicariously.

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

Wendy Saint Albans VT — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:36:40 GMT

I am 35 and love the teen shows as well as movies and don't even feel ashamed of it. This society asks that we be adults all the time. I find that being transported back to a time when the small issues really did seem that important makes me forget for a time the large important issues that make up my day. And for those that say you must use your brain and think...get over it. Just because I enjoy not having to ponder the weightier issues in life doesn't make me any less of an intellectual or an adult. It makes me an adult who knows that personal enjoyment needs to have a place in my life if I am to be a happy person.

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

Violet Bentonville, AR — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:38:41 GMT

My secret passion is Degrassi. I'm 36 and have watched it since I was in high school. It's a great escape even if it over dramatic and childish. I am also a huge 90210 fan and cannot wait for the new show to premiere.

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

Alexis, Cleveland, OH. — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:18:04 GMT

Danielle: "Gossip Girl I just get hooked wondering what crappy thing will happen next."

LOL. I think that's seriously why I love these shows. there is comfort in its predictability and in knowing that no matter how dumb you were in high school/college. You were never THAT dumb.

But really I thought and still think Greek is a pretty fluffy show (unlike Gilmore Girls, Felicity, or Veronica Mars). But it makes me want to go back to college and order more sorority gear.

p.s. RIP Veronica Mars and I can't believe somewhere out there ppl with influence are greenlighting Brenda Hampton shows.

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

someone from somewhere over the rainbow — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:04:34 GMT

I was sick throughout highschool and college so I never really got to enjoy a lot of things that my friends did. I feel like some of us watch these shows to feel like we've had a second chance. Nothing in these shows ever actually happens, but it's entertaining none the less.
Ps. I couldn't peel myself away from Laguna Beach.

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

Lydia, Logan, UT — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:52:49 GMT

I just started watching 'Greek', and as a former sorority girl, I love it. Cappie and Casey's relationship torments me in just the right way that I keep coming back begging for more. Besides 'Greek', I'll watch 'Gossip Girl' sometimes. Tried to give that 'American Teenager' show a shot, but that was just so cringe-worthy. The dialogue and blank stares of the actors is just awful. Then I found out it's from the creators of '7th Heaven' and it explained so much. I'm not ashamed of watching so-called teen shows. It's entertainment. And anything that lets me unwind and have a bit of fun, I'm all for.

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

Ali, Columbia, SC — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:29:30 GMT

I'm in my 30s and I love these types of shows...but not Greek. Got to echo a previous poster-- I was a sorority girl and I have yet to see anything on screen that resembles true Greek life (actually rush during the original 90210 probably came the closest - go figure). But VM, Gilmore Girls, Buffy, Felicity, Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, I love. Will check out new 90210, but don't know how it can touch the original. Plus, love Harry Potter and have recently started reading Twilight series (don't love, but not bad and they are easy beach reads). And despite what Patrick has posted above, no, my life is not empty -- I have family, friends, a demanding career and I do volunteer work with a local charity and an animal shelter -- but when I relax, I enjoy some escapism!

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

Beverly, Lakeside, CA — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:25:23 GMT

Veronica Mars was the best example of this. My daughter and I watched this show from start to finish and we are so sad it is gone/

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

KC, New York, NY — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:41:12 GMT

I didn't go to private school or a college with a Greek system, and i'm not rich - and yet I can't get enough of watching Gossip Girl and Greek! High school was terrible. I'd rather watch someone having fun in high school on tv.

Living vicariously through 'Greek'

AC, Irvine, CA — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:52:13 GMT

Degrassi is my guilty pleasure. The ridiculous drama of Canadian teenagers is just such an escape from all the lame day-to-day things I have to worry about in my own life, and it's nice to just turn off my brain for a bit and watch people going nutty over things I would have thought were the end of the world when I was 16, too.