Ep 1. The One About TV

The Nineties is a documentary series that explores the political, cultural, and technological events that shaped the 1990s. In season 1, episode 1, entitled "The One About TV," the show delves into the impact that television had on the decade.

The episode begins with a brief introduction to the history of television, from its invention in the 1920s to the rise of cable networks in the 1980s. The focus then shifts to the 1990s, when television began to change dramatically.

One of the major themes of the episode is the rise of reality TV. The show explores the popularity of shows like The Real World, Survivor, and American Idol, and how they changed the landscape of television. Interviews with producers and critics shed light on why these shows were so successful, and what they say about our culture.

Another theme of the episode is the battle between network television and cable. The rise of cable networks like HBO and Comedy Central forced the major networks to compete for viewers with edgier programming. The episode looks at shows like Seinfeld, The Simpsons, and The Larry Sanders Show, which pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable on network television.

The show also explores the impact that the O.J. Simpson trial had on television. The trial, which was broadcast live on television, was watched by millions of people around the world. The episode examines why this trial was so captivating, and what it says about our obsession with celebrity.

In addition to these themes, the episode touches on a number of other topics related to television in the 1990s. These include the rise of 24-hour news networks, the impact of the FCC's television content regulations, and the proliferation of infomercials.

Overall, the episode is a fascinating look at the role that television played in shaping the 1990s. Through interviews with experts and archivists, as well as clips from some of the most important shows of the decade, the show paints a vivid picture of how television evolved over the course of the decade. Whether you were a fan of Seinfeld or Survivor, or simply curious about the history of television, this episode is a must-watch.