I Miss My TV
February 12, 2008 | Filed under: Stuff
I miss scripted TV so much that I . . . wait. Before I tell you this, let me just remind you. I MISS SCRIPTED TV. So don’t judge me. But lately I’ve been desperate enough to sink to new lows. I’ve gotten hooked on marathon sessions of Project Runway, America’s Next Top Model, Run’s House, and even Scott Baio’s 46 And Expecting, or whatever it is called.
Yes, I am a shameless TV ‘ho.
I grew up in Los Angeles, close enough to Hollywood that star sightings were common. I fantasized about writing scripts and accepting my Oscar for best original screen play. Later I switched to dreaming about my Emmy because I fell in love with TV sitcoms like Charles In Charge. I wanted to be nominated for the Emmy and have Scott Baio as my date, and all the kids I’d gone to high school with would see me on the awards show and gasp, wishing they’d been nicer to the book worm they’d once paid to do their homework.
Yes, when I was in high school, I was a nerd. And I had this HUGE crush on Scott that lasted years. He was a few years older than me but that didn’t stop me from wanting to marry him and have his babies.
And then it happened. One day I was walking the dog after school and I passed by this huge house that was always a rental, and SCOTT BAIO WAS OUTSIDE SHOOTING HOOPS. He smiled and said hi, that he and his parents had just moved in for the summer.
Oh. My. God. Cue the hyperventilating.
He said hi again because I still hadn’t spoken. Hadn’t done anything but nearly wet my pants. I think I managed a weak smile before I ran off like the silly 15 year old I was.
The next day I went back and brought a gaggle of friends, none of whom believed me. Poor Scott. He was outside again, with the basketball in a tank top and shorts, all tanned and sweaty and gorgeous, and (I’m not proud of this) we all started screaming. His mother came out and offered us water. I think she thought we were going to faint on her sidewalk and sue us.
After that, I never went back, and three months later, he moved away. Twenty years later, just the other night, I caught his show on VH1. I sat there, mesmerized, my crush renewed.
Apparently I’m still that ninth grade geek deep down inside. Okay, maybe not so deep down . . .
(P.S. I named the winner from Sunday’s post, so be sure to take a peek . . .)
Posted by Jill @ 1:00 am | Make a Comment
Hi-5 » I Miss My TV says:
[...] Author Jill Shalvis wrote an interesting post today on I Miss My TVHere’s a quick excerpt I miss scripted TV so much that I . . . wait. Before I tell you this, let me just remind you. I MISS SCRIPTED TV. So don’t judge me. But lately I’ve been desperate enough to sink to new lows. I’ve gotten hooked on marathon sessions of Project Runway, America’s Next Top Model, Run’s House, and even Scott Baio’s 46 And Expecting, or whatever it is called. Yes, I am a shameless TV ‘ho. I grew up in Los Angeles, close enough to Hollywood that star sightings were common. I fantasized about writing [...]
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 2:31 amStacy ~ says:
Aw Jill, that’s so cute. It’s good to know that it’s still okay to act like a dork when we see our teen heartthrob after all these years. Me, I loved Rob Lowe and Jon Bon Jovi. RL is a little too conservative-looking for me now, but JBJ is still HOT. I’m sure I’d swoon just like a “leetle gurl”.
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 3:56 amJudy F says:
you are still young at heart…. I would faint for jon bon jovi or George clooney.
PS. we have lovely snow 6-8 inches right now with freezing rain on top. I am going back to bed
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 4:00 amKim A. says:
Great story! At 15 I would have screamed, too, over some teenage heart-throb.
I have to admit that now I really only watch news, various documentaries, and weather. I haven’t seen any of the popular shows on television, none of them. Writers’ strike? So what?
-Kim, who is enjoying a — gasp! — second morning of sunshine. Never mind it’s -19C, that’s almost balmy compared to yesterday!
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 5:37 amMelanie says:
I’ve been hoping and praying the writer’s strike ends soon so I can have my McDreamy back! Will he get back with Meredith? He can’t really end up with that nurse can he??? Nooooooooo!
In the meantime, I started watching Friday Night Lights, which has become my new obsession. Just because it was one of the last shows that still had new episodes on TV.
That’s cool about Scott Baio! lol I would’ve done the same thing, but alas, growing up in the Metro DC area, didn’t lead to many celebrity sightings…so sad. Although I did once see Cal Ripkin at the mall once. Does that count?
Melanie-also a Project Runway junkie.
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 6:13 amkris says:
I definitely would have done the same thing. That must have been really dool to have seen your start crush up close. The closest I have ever gotten is the movie theather.
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 6:36 amMental Pause Mama says:
LOL…I loved Chad Everett on Medical Center, but I am an old woman. I got his autograph at a Red Lobster when I was about 12, and I still have it! And I will think Jon Bon Jovi is hot till the end of my days. (Have you ever seen the movie “Midnight and Valentino”?)
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 6:52 amBailey Stewart says:
You saw Scott Baio!!!! And he talked to you?!!!!! I loved Scott Baio – even all the way up to when he was on Diagnosis Murder. Mother couldn’t understand why I would watch that “old fogey” show with her.
Charles in Charge
Of our days and our nights
Charles in Charge
Of our wrongs and our rights
And I sing, I want,
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 7:01 amI want Charge in Charge of me.
Suzanne says:
LOL. Well, I can’t say I loved Scott Baio. I wanted David Cassidy….
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 7:06 amLiza says:
I loved Scott Baio too and think it is so cool that you got to meet him! I would have acted the exact same way. My biggest crush at 15 was Jon Bon Jovi. He is in Nashville all the time recording music, but I only get to see him at his concerts(will be her in April!!!). However, a friend of mine got to meet him when she was getting coffee at Starbucks. She looked over and there he was with Richie waiting for their drinks.
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 7:08 amBailey Stewart says:
Oh no!!! Now I have that song stuck in my head!!! :hissyfit:
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 7:08 amCaryn says:
Have you tried Netflixing entire seasons of various shows? That’s one option several friends of mine have used to ease the pain. I’m sure America’s Top Model, Project Runway, and the like have some of the only people who *aren’t* hoping for a speedy end to the strike!
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 7:13 amSarah says:
What a great story!!
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 7:43 amLooks like they’ve ended the writer’s strike for you, yay!
I’m mainly a reality TV watcher, anyway. And LOST was still releasing new episodes.
I’ll admit to a secret obsession with ANTM. The new season starts in a few weeks!
Christa says:
they’ve been having some weird reality shows (I’m sorry you still can’t get me to watch Biggest Loser. I don’t want the world seeing my failure in the world of weight loss) All I can say is thank goodness Las Vegas still has new episodes airing
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 8:17 amJill says:
I am watching Las Vegas and House, both of which are out of first runs, now I think.
Lost is all I have at the moment . . .
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 8:30 amJill says:
And I should add, I’ve always loved Jon Bon Jovi too, but my real celebrity crush is Matt Damon. But then he went and got married, sigh. I guess I’ll have to keep Alpha Man. I’m sure he’s thrilled.
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 8:31 amHélène says:
I just watched Scott Baio’s 46 And Pregnant for the 1st time on Sunday and i am hooked! And he is soo cute!
I myself currently am addicted to the Food network, Animal Planet and Discovery channel, and the New Las Vegas. But i do miss my ER, Brothers & Sisters & Private Practice.
as for snow, we are expecting between 7 and 10 inches within the next 24 hrs, and it is currently 15f.
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 8:32 amRobin says:
Geek, here too! I live just outside LA (and have my whole life) and have always been beside myself when I see a celebrity. Usually my tongue hangs out of my mouth and I’m sure my expression is worthy of a trip to the podium. :yes: (Thank you, Academy.)
Jill, have you seen the video with Matt Damon and Sarah Silverman? It’s very funny. I think it’s on YouTube.
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 8:44 amShelly says:
Well Robin beat me to it…. I just emailed the link to the Matt/Sarah video before I came back and saw her comment. The red jumpsuit rap dance will have you ROFL!
Geek? Check
Loves “Boy-next-door-with-a-bad-streak” types? Check
In really good company here at this blog? Check
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 9:12 amShelly says:
P.S…. the good news about the writers strike is that it has given people more time to read. Not a bad thing for someone in your industry. (wink)
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 9:13 amChristina says:
ok so I am little bit younger and my crushes were zach from Saved by the Bell. However now I love James Morsten (hairspray, 27 dresses)and James franko. I too miss TV, and yes I have been spending more time reading.
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 10:04 amCourtney says:
Jill-I miss scripted TV too.
**sigh**
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 10:14 amLori says:
Ok, I’ll admit it – I watch Scott Baio 46 and Pregnant also but my real dirty pleasure is Rock of Love II – Bret is my secret crush. I DVR it and watch it over and over….. Husband likes it too but I am positive it’s NOT for Bret.
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 10:55 amBrandy says:
Jeez, I’ve been watching re-runs of Law&Order on tnt. *g* I’m NOT a reality show fan.
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 12:05 pmAnd um, not to be a downer, but who-ever has been watching Friday Night Lights? Rumor has it that it has been canceled. Sorry.
Ahhh, Scott Baio. he’s a little old for me, but still cute. *g*
Donna M says:
Well Brothers & Sisters had a new episode on Sunday night, yea! I love that show & they have one more new episode. It is obvious they have been saving it!!
Like you, I really miss my favorite programs, to numerous to name! I’m not really into reality shows but watch some, Dance Wars is the only one I can think of at the moment. Oh yea, there is Extreme Home Makeover which Sunday night had me in tears over the big brave Marine that lost his leg & is now raising his children alone because his wife was overwhelmed!! So she left without the children?? Nice lady! I’m not saying it’s easy but I wonder about the whole story behind that. It is looking like the writer’s strike may be settled & I’m jumping for joy. I wonder how long before we start getting new shows of Grey’s, Ugly Betty, The Women’s Murder Club, etc., etc.! Next Monday they will announce the next cast of celebrities for Dancing with the Stars, love that show.
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 12:28 pmBy the way, Suzanne, did you know David Cassidy is going to be on Oprah today along with the kids from the Cosby show. Should be fun to watch.
Okay, this is really long but you brought the subject up, Jill!!
Donna M says:
P.S. Congratulations Robin for the win on Sunday’s contest. Enjoy!
Long story but I was visiting my grandmother in Bend, Or. when Kirk Douglas was filming a long forgotten movie there. I actually become “friends” with a couple of the lesser actors. Great group & they were so good to me. One day as Kirk Douglas came out of the bar he tripped on the chair I was sitting in! So I can claim to have “tripped Kirk Douglas”. His sons visited him there so I also saw Michael but he was maybe 10 years old at the time! It was a fun experience for a movie buff that was all of 12 or 13 years old. I still have the autograph book with all their signatures.
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 12:40 pmRobin says:
Thanks, Donna! I can’t wait to read it!
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 1:46 pmLiza says:
Just read over at tv guide that Women’s Murder Club might not be back. It is the only show I want to watch on Friday nights and now they are talking about it not coming back. They also have a list of how many episodes are already finished and how many more will be produced for this year. Heros and 24 are off until next season(24 until 1/09).
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 2:11 pmLori says:
24 off until 1 of 09!!! :hissyfit:
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 2:48 pmMajor bummer!
jeanne says:
I’ve been watching things like the history channel, discovery, cnn, and renting a lot of movies lol.
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 2:56 pmJSL says:
Jill, that is hilarious. Scott’s mom was also pretty nice, in my opinion. That or I’m just too used to the current Hollywood antics. I have to admit, I have a sick fascination with ANTM marathons, and can spend an entire day watching it. Worse? My super sweet 16. I describe them as a car wreck – the sick fascination that stops you from looking away (or changing the channel).
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 3:00 pmLexi Connor says:
I LOVED Rick Springfield. I still get all goofy when I hear one of his songs or see pics of him (or when he went back to General Hospital…{sigh}). As for now, Jill, I join you in the Matt Damon camp.
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 3:11 pmJill says:
I lived down the street from Rick Springfield! I’m NOT kidding you. But my heart belonged to Scott.
:yes:
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 4:10 pmBailey Stewart says:
You lived down the street from Rick Springfield?!! Oh, man.
When you watch the YouTube video with Matt, it’s also funny to note that his wife is one of the dancers in the red jumpsuits.
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 5:11 pmCryna says:
Since I don’t watch a lot of TV the strike has not affected me too much.
But 24 not being on until January/09 will be a real downer 
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 5:14 pmStephani's Serendipity says:
You are definitely not alone. I too have gone on the search for anything on television that will entertain and let my brain relax and not think for two seconds. I found Scott’s show on VH1 and am totally addicted. So addicted that I went online to search for episodes that I missed. I found them all right and am ashamed to say I spent the entire day in front of my computer watching each and every one. *SIGH* He is still such a hottie. How lucky that you actually go to speak to him and see him in person. WOW! That would be so cool.
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 8:43 pmJaymi says:
Hey Jill,
Posted on February 12th, 2008 at 9:48 pmI just heard that the writer’s strike is over. What do you think of that?!?! :bananadance:
Debra W says:
Jill,
I am de-lurking to tell you my Scott Baio story. I was playing blackjack at Bally’s in Las Vegas, and someone walked up to the table and asked me how the dealer was running. I answered without looking up, and a few seconds later, I glanced at the person who was talking to me. It happened to be SCOTT, himself! I was momentarily looking right into Scott’s eyes! Then he walked away…And then my moment with Scott was over. Sigh…
We can dream, can’t we?
Hugs,
Posted on February 13th, 2008 at 6:44 pmDebbie