In PBS's shadow

Growing up I had to watch PBS to get my cooking show fix. I loved Julia Childs and Yan Can Cook and this executive chef show where PBS would take you into a kitchen and the head chef would show you an appetizer, main and dessert. These chefs were always european with a english translator and the food was decidedly continental but it was fascinating. It was just the chef cooking and explaining the dish. I loved those old shows. I watched PBS because we didn't have cable and networks didn't show that many interesting shows.

I also watched a lot of Yankee Workshop and Bob Vila. He would do tear downs and rebuilds and renovations galore. It was mainly in New England but the attention to detail and design was fascinating. Seeing the craftsmanship and care is actually a stark difference to the overnight redesign of todays shows.

PBS also showed BBC comedies Faulty Towers and Flying Circus and Dr. Who.

What I loved were the history shows. They were thoughtful and exhaustive. The PBS shows always matched up with my school work and helped me to understand my studies better.

PBS shows gave rise to the food network and to any home flipping, home design shows. PBS shows people what life can be like. PBS is the trend setter.