Growing Up with TV: A Fun Look Back

Advertisements
2–3 minutes

Ah, childhood! It feels like forever ago, but I can still picture those comfy nights in our living room, where the TV was basically the center of our world. We’d all sprawl out on the floor, laughter filling the air, and we’d munch on Arare (those tasty local rice crackers, also called Kakimochi).

Now, let me tell you, we didn’t have a remote control back then. Can you believe it? No remote at all! We had to get up and change the channel ourselves, and that often led to dramatic sighs and eye rolls. Honestly, the biggest argument wasn’t about what to watch, but who had to get up to change the channel!

Then came the early nineties, and we finally upgraded from our tiny 19-inch TV to this big 27-inch beast. Man, we thought we were living large! It felt like we had struck gold. Looking back now, though, it’s kind of funny because we all know better today with our big 65-inch flat screens. Technology has come a long way!

But once we got this fancy new TV, we finally got a remote control, and that’s when the real drama unfolded. Instead of arguing over who would stand up, now it was all about who got to control the remote. That caused some epic battles in our house!

Those evenings were always packed with our go-to shows. The Cosby Show? Total classic. The Huxtables felt like family, bringing loads of laughter into our lives. And Who’s the Boss? was another favorite with Tony Danza and Judith Light. Such a great mix of comedy and heart!

Then we had Growing Pains—talk about relatable! The Seaver family was so close to home. And Full House? I was all about those family adventures with the Tanners.

I can’t forget The Golden Girls! Those ladies had me cracking up. Watching them tackle life’s ups and downs with so much humor had me wishing I could join their kitchen chats.

Family Matters introduced us to Steve Urkel, and how can you not love that guy? He was hilarious! And Saved by the Bell was a weekend must-watch. Who didn’t love the drama and friendships at Bayside High?

I also got a kick out of Married… with Children. The Bundy family was such a wild ride! And Family Ties? Michael J. Fox as Alex P. Keaton brought some fun generational debates to our screens.

And let’s not forget Alf—the wacky alien who crashed with the Tanners. I mean, who wouldn’t want that kind of chaos in their lives?

On top of all that, I enjoyed classic reruns like Leave It to Beaver, The Addams Family, and The Munsters. Watching The Andy Griffith Show and Mork & Mindy felt like hanging out with old friends from another time.

Looking back, I can’t help but smile at all the time we spent together, munching on Arare and glued to the TV. Those nights were filled with laughs, lessons, and so much love. Whether we were fighting over who got to hold the remote or discovering new favorite shows, those moments made my childhood something really special.

What about you? What were some of your favorite shows growing up?

Advertisements

Discover more from The Flawed Artist

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Responses

  1. vermavkv Avatar

    This is such a warm, nostalgic, and vividly told piece! 🌟

    I love how you captured not just the shows themselves, but the whole experience of family TV time—the snacks, the laughter, even the playful battles over who had to get up and change the channel (or later, who controlled the remote). It instantly transports the reader back to that simpler era, when television wasn’t just entertainment but a shared family ritual.

    Your storytelling really shines in the little details: the jump from a 19-inch to a 27-inch TV, the pride of that “big upgrade,” and the way those sitcom families—the Huxtables, the Seavers, the Tanners—felt like part of our own families. The mention of The Golden Girls kitchen chats and Steve Urkel’s unforgettable antics added the perfect touch of humor and heart.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Keito + Kanvas Avatar

      Thanks so much! I’m stoked you liked it! 🌟It’s funny how those little moments from family TV time can really take us back, right? I had a blast writing about all the laughs and snacks we shared. Your feedback means a lot—let’s keep the good vibes and memories flowing!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. veerites Avatar

    Dear Keito
    Is that your living room with that old TV ?
    The morning tea or coffee can wait, like we wait for spouse to join, but your post can’t wait. In the sense, I can’t wait to read your post.
    Thank you for liking my post,’Right’ 🙏🌺

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Keito + Kanvas Avatar

      Haha, no, that’s not my living room, but I wish it were! That old TV definitely brings back some good memories. And I totally get what you mean—some things just can’t wait! By the way, it’s a free pic I found.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. traciesulpazo Avatar

    As the youngest in the family I was the human remote control in the 70s and early 80s.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Keito + Kanvas Avatar

      Oh, how I know that feeling.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. David Pearce Music Reviewer Avatar

    So different from my English childhood. We had those shows but they were never massive. Our shows never really made it away from England because they were so set in UK culture. I wonder if you have heard of any of the shows I mentioned in my blog yesterday? 🤔🤔

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Keito + Kanvas Avatar

      It’s cool how different TV cultures can be! I haven’t heard of the shows you mentioned, but I’m sure I’d enjoy some of them if I gave them a shot. Sounds like you had some unique favorites over there!

      Liked by 1 person

  5. veerites Avatar

    Dear Keito
    I can’t stop praising you for your command on pen.
    Thank you for liking my ‘Left’ 🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Keito + Kanvas Avatar

      I’m always grateful for your comments! 🧡🧡

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Cook Plate Fork Avatar

    Those are all my favorites too. I might add I always watch Star Trek.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Keito + Kanvas Avatar

      Oh, I do like Star Trek too.

      Liked by 1 person

Leave a reply to traciesulpazo Cancel reply

Discover more from The Flawed Artist

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading