TV's Greatest Icons List

[Comic Book Geek]

The truth is, TV icons ain't what they used to be. There are more than 3 channels now. The commonality of TV is gone. So many of the icons who first appeared after say 1990 or so, I find highly suspect.

This is a great point. Everyone watching TV when we were young had seen brady Bunch, Happy Days etc...

I've never seen an episode of Sex in the City or Sopranos

[Mikey]

Actually, I don't blame Hue one bit for his comments.

Hue --- like the whole new generation was raised with a cable company telling them what's "classic TV" and what's not.

The only prob, this "cable company" has their own agenda.

It's quite sad........

TV Land is NOT classic TV personified.
They're just like any other money making organization.
They promote ONLY what they have their grubby fingers on.
Everything else is inconsequential and doesn't exist.

[ScottA]

No list will please everyone. Were the people who made the list twenty-somethings or people in their 40's-50's? What are they using as criteria for being an "icon"? Who knows. I don't agree with several on the list as well. But the list did manage to spark a discussion.

Speaking of TV I've been watching Who Wants to be a Millionaire each evening, which is having TV Week. All questions are TV related and are from now to back in the days. I've been doing pretty well. I've answered most without having to use a lifeline. Do you know who the green alien was in Star Trek, who Lee Stetson was or the name of the candy shop Lucy and Ethel were working at wrapping those chocolates? No one has gotten past the $100,000 question yet but I would have. I knew the $250,000 question last night but the guy bailed.

[huedell]

How can Barney Fife get greatest TV character ever in a "list" a few years back, but Don Knotts NOT make this list.

I think the inclusion of Andy Griffith and John Ritter may have had something
to do with the great Knotts being overshadowed (Knotts being penalized
in exchange for his castmates inclusion)

Shouldn'ta happened in my opinion, but that's inaccurate lists for ya---

The truth is, TV icons ain't what they used to be. There are more than 3 channels now. The commonality of TV is gone. So many of the icons who first appeared after say 1990 or so, I find highly suspect.

Excellent point--and a good way to phrase the scenario Chris----

The post-1990 icons are going to be more wobbly for sure BUT that's
the deal these days---

That's been a big part of my argument throughout this thread guys---it
may not be pretty---you may not agree with it---you may not like it---
but that's reality

The OTHER point I've been trying to make is because some of 2007 TVs
older icons are being phased out by new TV programming---they simply
aren't the huge icons they used to be. This "phasing out" couldn't have
happened so easily "pre-cable" TV during the time Chris pointed that there
was more "commonality" in TV icons----again---you may not like that---
but they are disappearing out of pop culture---its that simple

[huedell]

Okay for the last time. I purposely used Jackie Gleason because it was one of the people you considered a true icon. My point was that many young people would not be aware of him thus skewing any icon list they voted on to lean heavily on more comtemporay figures.

Yes, but what you're missing is that "YOUNG PEOPLE COUNT TOO" just as much as older
people----everybody counts equally in these things----so the list SHOULD be skewed--
-it's 2007 NOT 1977

Still, I appreciate the deeper explanation of the "Gleason thing"----I am totally sincere
about this by the way -----it beats you throwing insults

As far as your advice about my social skills and therapy----I think you're
overblowing things here----if someone wants to talk rationally to me about my board
ettiquette, I'm all ears----I just tune out with the insults flying

[Earth 2 Chris]

How can Barney Fife get greatest TV character ever in a "list" a few years back, but Don Knotts NOT make this list.

The truth is, TV icons ain't what they used to be. There are more than 3 channels now. The commonality of TV is gone. So many of the icons who first appeared after say 1990 or so, I find highly suspect.

Chris

[huedell]

I "dug up the list" and if I had known it would turn into another Hue soapbox I wouldn't have. You're totally missing the point that it's a crappy and arbitrary list at best...not what you'd expect from a "TV's Greatest Icons" list. But I know who should/shouldn't be on the list in my mind and that's all that counts. After all the years I've spent logging time in front of the boob tube I think I know what I'm talking about. Not an expert but pretty knowledgable about "TV Land", something that TV Land themselves apparently are not anymore. No worries...this list will be replaced by another inane one eventually anyway.

Anyway, carry on...I now return you to the host and star of the show...the Great One...Huedell. ('Cause you know he's coming back after this commercial break...)

And we're back...

What's so bad about expressing why I think this is a better list than you purport?

I'm not insulting you because you feel the way you do..I'm just relating my
experiences...and frankly...its a tough thing to argue against my
statistics in this thread (my views and that of people younger than me
AND the older people who know who Gleason is over Silvers 3 to 1)-

--the only argument YOU guys have that holds water is about the definition
of "icon" to begin with which is fine by me

And I agree that lists are arbitrary and that more lists are to come...

Well, with more lists...there's more discussion

Maybe I'll agree with you next time...one things for sure---I won't point
fingers at someone who disagrees and make him out to be a spotlight
searcher----I'll say: "hey that guy disagrees" and try to have a mature discussion if the mood strikes me

I think I've been nothing but classy throughout this whole thing---can't say the same for you guys

[Johnny]

Okay for the last time. I purposely used Jackie Gleason because it was one of the people you considered a true icon. My point was that many young people would not be aware of him thus skewing any icon list they voted on to lean heavily on more contemporary figures.

I am done talking about the ridiculous list.

The larger issue is your severely poor social skills. Your lack of grace and class when discussing any issue. I have no "tactics" at use here. I am merely stating what I believe to be true. I did read your posts as inane as they are. Your passive agressive comments are not lost on me. Clearly you need professional help. I have bit my tongue through many, many of the circular arguments that you create on here just to hear yourself (talk) type.

Truly, from one human being to another. In my opinion you need help. Not a bash. Not a joke. My true opinion.


TOYROOM sorry for not giving you credit for coming up with the list. After Huedell's agressive hi-jacking of your thread it became hard to remember that anyone other than him even posted on it.

[Comic Book Geek]

When you look down the list what visions pop in your head while you read the names?

Henry Winkler? You see the Fonz with thumbs up

Lucy... you might see her in a dozen get ups. Maybe with that sideways lip face saying "ewww"

Fred Sanford?

Where's Barney Fife?

Glad we get Ellen, Sarrah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Aniston... Wait. Why did we get them?

These lists are always wrong, possibly on purpose, but this one, to quote Homer Simpson is the suckiest bunch of sucks that ever sucked.

[huedell]

You know, I am so bored and tired of your repeated tactics of provoking and then playing the victim. It is transparent, it is pathetic and it fools no-one. It is sad. Whatever satisfaction you get from provoking people on this board to debate the inane with you has to be greatly outweighed by the disdain for you it evokes in them no?

Perhaps not.

Again, sad.

You would think anyone that read my earlier post about Jackie Gleason and
Milton Berle being huge "old time" icons and subsequently saw you slamming
me, and using Glesaon as an example of how "I don't get it" would
see enough that you don't read posts thorougly.

The insults you throw? Well I think that even proves more YOUR type of "tactics"

I feel bad you are this annoyed by me---but that won't stop me from my
usual debates----especially when I see that you'd rather bash than read my
posts judiciously to have a valid opinion on me or my ideas in the first place

[The Toyroom]

I "dug up the list" and if I had known it would turn into another Hue soapbox I wouldn't have. You're totally missing the point that it's a crappy and arbitrary list at best...not what you'd expect from a "TV's Greatest Icons" list. But I know who should/shouldn't be on the list in my mind and that's all that counts. After all the years I've spent logging time in front of the boob tube I think I know what I'm talking about. Not an expert but pretty knowledgable about "TV Land", something that TV Land themselves apparently are not anymore. No worries...this list will be replaced by another inane one eventually anyway.

Anyway, carry on...I now return you to the host and star of the show...the Great One...Huedell. ('Cause you know he's coming back after this commercial break...)

[Johnny]

You know, I am so bored and tired of your repeated tactics of provoking and then playing the victim. It is transparent, it is pathetic and it fools no-one. It is sad. Whatever satisfaction you get from provoking people on this board to debate the inane with you has to be greatly outweighed by the disdain for you it evokes in them no?

Perhaps not.

Again, sad.

[huedell]

I read all of your posts Huedell. As arduous a task as that was.

Beyond this list thing what is really disturbing is your state of mind generally.

I am done with this thread, I only wish I had never gotten lured into it to begin with.

Not only do you not get the points others are trying to convey about this meaningless list you dug up, you just don't get it generally.

My advice and final word: Get some therapy.

What?

You said in this post that you "read all my posts"---Bull

And where's the proof?

You also said in your post that I "dug up this list"

Maybe you should get therapy for unfounded bullying and insults---
that wasn't MY list-----I didn't "dig it up"

[huedell]

Oh Hue, c'mon
If it wasn't for you --- we'd all be sitting here agreeing with each other and this thread would be long buried already

You're a good devil's advocate

Seriously though,
If I was compiling that list, I would exclude all television shows from the 90's up to today.

I think an icon should not be confused with a flavour of the month.

If this list was compiled back in --- say 1990...
I'll bet Bronson Pinchot would be on it for Perfect Strangers
Today, people say WHO ?

Firstly, you're missing the point---this is a 2007 list---so it should reflect that

Secondly, perusing that list we've been jawing about...actually pound for
pound... I don't see THAT many "flavors of the month" as you're purporting
A few...but there's really not that many...it's not like Paris is on that list or
anything

Thirdly, thanks for showing some class and acknowledging my feelings
Mike it is much appreciated

[Johnny]

I read all of your posts Huedell. As arduous a task as that was.

Beyond this list thing what is really disturbing is your state of mind generally.

I am done with this thread, I only wish I had never gotten lured into it to begin with.

Not only do you not get the points others are trying to convey about this meaningless list you dug up, you just don't get it generally.

My advice and final word: Get some therapy.