While watching tv pretty aimlessly the other day I came across what used to be my favorite show, AFV, or America's Funniest Home Videos. Obviously, I tuned in. While watching it, I began to question the show's relevance in the age of the viral video. When camcorders come with the ability to upload videos directly to your YouTube account, where it can then be instantly accessed by millions - without the "witty" commentary of Tom Bergeron, or Bob Sagot. The idea of catching a funny clip on video and sending it (via mail) to be judged, and maybe aired to a limited audience months from now, to maybe win money in a season or two from now, seems ancient to me. As much as I love the show, I was absolutely stunned when the host, Tom Bergeron's voice over made reference to Sarah Palin. What??? I thought, this isn't running on syndication? Now don't get me wrong I enjoy a good blooper reel as much as the next guy, but in the age of YouTube, Funny or Die, and the viral video, where does this show fit in? Mind you most of the clips were circa 1993, but that live studio audience was still alive, kicking and dressed to the nines. When I decided to further research the fate of this show ( ... and by research I mean go to wikipedia) I was surprised to find it selling 30 second commercial spots for almost $100,000 and pulling in viewership ranging from 6.8-10.23 million per episode. I was puzzled as to why so many shows are struggling for television viewership above online streaming, and here is AFV, a show whose content you can find by simply typing in 'blooper reel' on YouTube - thriving with time slot ratings in the top five, every week. So, what is the draw to a show whose variety of humor is at our fingertips 24/7? Tom Bergeron's comedic genius and witty voice overs? The "Naughty File"? The classic "Head, Gut or Groin"? Or, is it the comfort and familiarity of a show that has been on air for twenty seasons with little change to its format, function or furniture?
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