Downloadable TV Still Has A Long Way To Go

 
By Sherri March 26, 2006




It's perhaps one of the most recognizable locations for people to go and download television shows, but iTunes doesn't honestly offer a whole lot as of yet.

I realize this is due to licensing and deal-striking issues, and that iTunes is constantly adding more programming as it becomes available. Despite this, I found myself rather put off by the list of what the mega service has available for TV nuts.

If I were one of the Powers That Be, here's my list of Top 10 shows I'd add right away either currently running or already canceled:

10.) Old school Sesame Street. Kids can never get enough of this and it's hard to find the old stuff. You know, back in the days when Sesame Street focused on letters, numbers and colors rather than feelings and breaking stereotypes. Not that there's anything wrong with the newer programming, but sometimes a toddler just wants to kick back and see what's being brought to him today by the letter "H."

9.) American Dad. I can never seem to remember when this is on or where, but when I do catch it, it's hysterical.

8.) Family Guy. The same goes here. I always end up buying the DVDs instead!

7.) Little House on the Prairie. Box sets are available, but an episode here and there to download and turn on for good, old-fashion nostalgia sake would be great.

6.) American Idol. Okay, I hate reality TV, but I know folks who fall over themselves for this one.

5.) Friends. What list is complete without Friends?

4.) Showtime's Masters of Horror. Maybe Showtime would see fit not to sensor the series on a download site?

Warning: I'm a big Joss Whedon fan, so my biggest disappointment came in seeing iTunes not only doesn't have a dose of Joss, it has none of his titles!

3.) Firefly. Only running one season, this show made a major comeback in DVD format and launched a full-production movie, Serenity. Perhaps some of Whedon's best work to date, too!

2.) Angel. Fans of Whedon's Buffyverse can no longer get a taste of this show unless it's in reruns. With five seasons packed of good episodes, it's a shame not to see this one out there.

1.) Buffy. The show that started it all. This one ran for seven seasons and created a fan base that's still going strong.

Next, I'll visit the shows I'm impressed to see on iTunes. Schoolhouse Rocks - it doesn't get any better.