Fall is officially here. The DVR is cleaned out and prepared for the onslaught of new television shows. I can't tell you how happy this makes me. The magical light box in the living room that tells me stories is pretty much my favorite thing ever.
My love for television may be genetic. I've had entire conversations with my mother and sister about Ross and Rachel, Rory and Lorelei, Jack and Kate, and Quinn and Finn. Deeply etched into my memory are final episodes of shows in the same way as a lost loved one. Oh yeah, at 10 years old I sobbed inconsolably when "Family Ties" went off the air. And who didn't shed a tear when Sam ended "Cheers" for the final time with the line Sorry, we're closed? Well, I did. In fact, I am pretty sure that my love of television is a big part of why I chose to become an actor.
This may be why one of my biggest pet peeves is when actors say with that super pretentious attitude I don't watch TV. It makes me want to scream why on earth are you in this business then? I don't actually scream that because I am a polite person, but truthfully there are lots of good reasons for actors to watch TV shows.
If you are an actor in LA and want to work then chances are you are going to go out for television series co-star and guest star roles. The best way to prepare yourself for these auditions is to watch the shows. That way you'll know the tone and look of the show. Plus, you should be familiar with the main characters. Don't be the guy that goes into an audition for "Community" asking, who is Jeff Winger?
If it's an audition for a show that hasn't aired yet, you can figure out a lot about what a show will be based on what channel it's on and knowing other shows written or produced by the same people. For instance, the new Aaron Sorkin show will probably involve walking and talking - at a very fast pace. By watching TV you'll also know what shows are likely to cast your type so you can target those Casting Directors. Basically watching television is necessary research for any actor that wants to work.
Plus, we should all be supporting scripted television by watching it because we want to keep those jobs coming for all of us actors. I've been through a few non-existent pilot seasons because of the strike and all the reality shows that came out of it. Let's not go back to that.
If you are still confused about how awesome television is, just watch Jane Lynch's intro to the 2011 Emmys.
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