Shows We're Shocked Conservatives Like
Scanning through Entertainment Weekly's curtain-raiser on a new episode of "Inside the Actor's Studio" featuring the cast of "Modern Family" (hey, a guy's got to unwind somehow, right?), I was surprised to find this blurb from the former show's host, James Lipton:
Lipton’s also eager to speculate why this seemingly liberal-friendly comedy about a blended family -- with a gay couple and their adopted kids -- recently topped research firm Experian Simmons’ list of scripted series most enjoyed by conservatives: “Modern Family really upholds the most traditional values, and as one after another of their political leaders, like John Ensign, turn out to be sexual swine, [conservatives] are looking for new heroes.”
Put aside Lipton's ad hominem (made all the creepier when you imagine it in his stentorian tone) and take the case on the merits. He has a point. Get beyond the presence of a gay couple (which may not rankle as many conservatives as the EW writer seems to believe). This is a show that manages to be warm, smart, endlessly funny, and deeply supportive of the nuclear family. Why would the appeal to the right be surprising?
This brought to mind a conversation that Ben Shapiro -- author of the new book "Primetime Propaganda: The True Hollywood Story of How the Left Took Over Your TV", recently profiled by our own Pat Sajak -- had with John J. Miller on the most recent installment of National Review's "Between the Covers" podcast.
Shapiro's criticisms of the right's efforts in Hollywood were spot on, his primary argument being that conservatives have too often fallen into the trap of emphasizing the political message over raw entertainment value. But one note struck me as slightly off. When asked how conservatives could fight back, Shapiro suggested contacting sponsors and encouraging their support. This may be appropriate in marginal cases (a show on the bubble or a show that is enduring advertising boycotts because of its conservatism), but in the vast majority of instances, it actually cuts against Shapiro's core point: conservative-friendly shows -- per conservative beliefs -- should live and die on the merits.
"Modern Family" may not play out like something written by the staff at the Heritage Foundation, but its success has been driven by quality, not a politicized fan base. Conservatives looking to make it in Hollywood should take note.
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Aug '10
Re: Shows We're Shocked Conservatives Like
I know it's not a show, but a movie (and several years old at that), but would Mr Lipton also be shocked by conservatives liking "Little Miss Sunshine"?
Oct '10
Re: Shows We're Shocked Conservatives Like
Conservatives should make quality entertaining films or shows and not bother with political messages, period.
May '10
Re: Shows We're Shocked Conservatives Like
Your post reminds me of this conservative guy, oh I forget his name, that wrote and produced a wildly popular show on NBC. I'm not sure what he is up to now but I had heard he writes for some right-wing magazine and helped found some wing-nut website. It does seem odd because, and my memory is a bit fuzzy, but I seem to recall him being sort of a RINO squish.
Edited on Jun 7, 2011 at 11:02pmMar '11
Re: Shows We're Shocked Conservatives Like
Troy,
I think Modern Family is quite funny and entertaining. I think the show is well worth watching. I am not surprised that conservatives like it. Great point about quality, not politicized fan base.
Contrary to some, the only thing that irks me about the show has nothing to do with the gay couple. They are hysterical and in a long-term, stable, monogamous relationship. They provide what seems like a good, loving, supportive home for their daughter. That's social conservatism for the 21st century. God bless!
What rankles me is the portrayal of all the other men on the show. Phil strikes me as the quintessential child-man. His habits are quite boyish, and he's unable to discipline his children--he's nearly another child in Claire's household. Their son, Luke, is consistently portrayed as an idiot (though I am happy their younger daughter is portrayed as smart girl!). Jay (the only masculine character on the show) is a divorcee in a relationship with a woman half his age. Her son, Manny, is overweight and being raised by an overbearing mother.
Come to think of it: maybe this is an accurate portrayal of men today.....
Sep '10
Re: Shows We're Shocked Conservatives Like
Pat in Obamaland: Your post reminds me of this conservative guy, oh I forget his name, that wrote and produced a wildly popular show on NBC. I'm not sure what he is up to now but I had heard he writes for some right-wing magazine and helped found some wing-nut website. It does seem odd because, and my memory is a bit fuzzy, but I seem to recall him being sort of a RINO squish. · Jun 7 at 10:57pm
Edited on Jun 07 at 11:02 pm
I also seem to recall him saying that in addition to using a new RSS (which is the Latin abbreviation for RINO squish now available for Firefox, Chrome and Saber) reader -- which I'm hooked on -- he knows the producer(s) of that show quite well.
Based on Claire's Baltic melatonin high, I think they should introduce an albino python character to inject some more traditional 50's style masculinity back into the show.
Jun '10
Re: Shows We're Shocked Conservatives Like
My daughter attended the Actor's Studio taping and said it was the best one she's ever witnessed. Plenty of wonderful stuff had to be cut in the interest of time.
I am a huge Modern Family fan. Also a 30 Rock fan.
What both shows share is fast & perfectly delivered comedy. Funny, funny stuff. So yes, quality is the key.
I'd also point out that in both shows everyone is mocked. Gays, feminists & liberals are needled as much as the conservative and religious characters. Race is not tiptoed around at all. Watch the hysterical dynamic between Liz Lemon & Tracy and Dot.com. Every racial stereotype is played for laughs, because, let's face it, there is a bit of truth in those stereotypes, afterall. I'd say the same for the Alec Baldwin capitalist/conservative character.
Regarding Jay: His first wife left him......you can't blame a single guy for taking an interest in Gloria, can you? I love the fact that her son is played as a kid with a pre-determined disposition that even the influence of Jay, Gloria, and his bio dad can't change ---- that's real life!
Re: Shows We're Shocked Conservatives Like
Baby cheeses!
Nov '10
Re: Shows We're Shocked Conservatives Like
I've never seen the show, so I can't speak to it. I know you were all anxiously awaiting my pronouncement on the subject. But I think there is a pattern among liberals. Just taking the two points here: a) they don't understand why conservatives like the show and b) it mus be the sexist they like. I think that liberals are far too interesting in the political and social commentary in entertainment, and conservatives, though we find it irritating, come to accept it with a grain of salt. We are far more open minded and accepting than the left, which is just a ludicrous idea to them. Lipton's comments are just reminders of that fact.
Re: Shows We're Shocked Conservatives Like
StickerShock:
I am a huge Modern Family fan. Also a 30 Rock fan. ...
I'd also point out that in both shows everyone is mocked. Gays, feminists & liberals are needled as much as the conservative and religious characters.
Jun 8 at 4:10am
My husband was once personally mocked by 30 Rock and it remains my favorite show.
Jun '10
Re: Shows We're Shocked Conservatives Like
Religious people should view sinners like breweries view grain. It's the only raw material available for the task. Grain is beautiful. All grain is a gift, until the grain tries to turn the finished beer back into grain. That's where the problem starts.
Jun '10
Re: Shows We're Shocked Conservatives Like
You just blew my mind. Does that make you yeast, buddy?.... and are you added post mash process.... Can I be hops - bitter but at times flowery and delicate?
Jun '10
Re: Shows We're Shocked Conservatives Like
Mollie Hemingway, Ed.
My husband was once personally mocked by 30 Rock and it remains my favorite show. · Jun 8 at 6:01am
30 Rock often gets in some very conservative messages (although in a mocking way, I'm sure...). I'm surprised Alec Baldwin can keep a stern face...
My particular favorite is when Jack says he is "Reaganing" when he is having a perfect day. When he fails to "Reagan" and commits an error, he sees a jar of jelly beans and apologizes to them, as they were so close a friend to the Gipper.
There's also this... from 30 rock.
Sep '10
Re: Shows We're Shocked Conservatives Like
As Katie Couric might say, "its the gay version of the Cosby Show".
Jul '10
Re: Shows We're Shocked Conservatives Like
This follows the Hollywood Script to a T.
The only stable couple is the homosexual one. Check.
Phil strikes me as the quintessential child-man....he's nearly another child in Claire's household which Indicates dysfunctional heterosexual relationship where the wife is the mommy. Check.
Their son, Luke, is consistently portrayed as an idiot. Boys = stupid. Check.
Their younger daughter is portrayed as smart girl! See above. Check.
Jay (the only masculine character on the show) is a divorcee in a relationship with a woman half his age. Heterosexual unions = bad because the "masculine" guy will leave a woman for, literally, a chiquita. Check.
Her son, Manny, is overweight and being raised by an overbearing mother. Heterosexual child rearing is bad. Check.
If the show were funny I think I might watch it...nah.
As an aside, I heard there's going to be an American version of The Inbetweeners. It should go as well as the American version of Top Gear.
I would say "Why can't Americans write funny shows?"
Mar '11
Re: Shows We're Shocked Conservatives Like
The Liptons of the world are often surprised at what conservative viewers like because they don’t know many and because those they do know don’t wear their political and social philosophies on their sleeves.
Jun '10
Re: Shows We're Shocked Conservatives Like
Michael, you are getting the wrong story about the show. All three couples are very stable and very devoted to one another. Phil is no more dysfunctional than his wife, Claire. The gay couple go through all the same relationship challenges as the straight couples. More, in fact, as they exhibit more jealousy and uncertainty about the commitment they have for one another than the hetero couples.
Jay is not a divorcee in a relationship --- he is married to the younger woman. His first wife left him! The overbearing relationship between Gloria and her son is used as a way to poke a bit of fun at her Colombian culture, complete with superstitions. When Jay gets to know his son's gay friend network, it's revealed that he is more open minded than the son gave him credit for.
Luke, the clueless younger son, is the sweetest & most considerate child of the three. The smart sis is a social reject and her older sis is.....ummm......quite a wild thing, and dumb as a stump.
Americans absolutely can and do write funny shows --- like American Family.
Re: Shows We're Shocked Conservatives Like
The random acts of sociology in this thread are killing me.
The show is hysterical. Laugh a little.
Re: Shows We're Shocked Conservatives Like
Pat in Obamaland: Your post reminds me of this conservative guy, oh I forget his name, that wrote and produced a wildly popular show on NBC. I'm not sure what he is up to now but I had heard he writes for some right-wing magazine and helped found some wing-nut website. It does seem odd because, and my memory is a bit fuzzy, but I seem to recall him being sort of a RINO squish. · Jun 7 at 10:57pm
Edited on Jun 07 at 11:02 pm
Hah! I am a squish, of course, but I've found that successful comedy and political messages don't really mix.
Apr '11
Re: Shows We're Shocked Conservatives Like
There are a lot of shows that slide in liberal messages, but this isn't one of them, unless you believe that portraying a gay character as decent, but fallible (like everyone else) is a liberal message. It's just a well-written, funny show. It's one of the few shows I've watched where the kids actually have personalities.
Apr '11
Re: Shows We're Shocked Conservatives Like
I'm going to have to put a word in for South Park... I've known about it for years, of course, but just started watching it yesterday. The Mohammed cartoon episode? Brilliant.