TV's Generation Gap

The new fall programs are rife with angst-ridden baby boomers and fun-loving 20-year-olds. Some shows are witty; many are drivel.

Woman walks into a bar. The regulars instantly size her up: "Uptown, East Side, college educated. Probably reuses her grocery bags. Charter subscriber to Working Woman magazine. Saw The Big Chill three times. Plays Trivial Pursuit on the weekends with friends. What's she doing here on a Monday? It's Murphy Brown night."

Man makes a lewd comment. Woman instantly sizes him up: "Is there a brain up there, or just one long episode of Studs?"

SCENES FROM BOTH SIDES OF TV's generational divide: the first, from Diane English's much anticipated new CBS sitcom Love and War, is hip, sophisticated, full of...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!