Twitter, TV and Sullivan and Son

Television has been around in one form or another for close to a century. As with any invention, countless improvements, modifications, and accessories have substantially improved the TV experience. The biggest improvement since HD, in my opinion, is social media. Not simply a chance to interact with the stars, but to combine the two forms of media. Many shows and their stars, writers, and production personnel have been "Live Tweeting" during episodes for some time now. One of the best examples is Sullivan and Son, a sit-com airing on TBS. And yes, it is Very Funny. All principal actors have Twitter accounts, highly active accounts, and are as funny there as on the show. The live tweeting, which I first thought would be a distraction, actually enhances the experience. Think of it as DVD commentary, but live. What it was like to film, who struggled with certain scenes, or simply make fun of each other. And the interaction with the fans/followers is what amazes me. Valerie, Steve, Ahmed, Owen, Jodi, and the rest are incredible. And the best PR staff a show could ask for. The show alone is a must see, but the fact that you can talk directly to the individuals responsible for it only makes it that much better. I highly recommend the show, but even more so, the cast and crew. Great people putting out a great product, and putting themselves out there socially, while enhancing the television experience.

Celebrities and the social internet

We have all had, or have television stars, movie stars, singers, or models that we become fans of. When I was a teen, the most you could hope for was to tape a poster on your wall, maybe send for an autograph, or join a fan club. With the Internet, we get the chance for much more. On the negative side of the spectrum, we can get bombarded with information, rumors, and arrest records. However, and the part I love, we also get to see the person. The human being who simply chose a very public occupation.
  An attractive person will catch your eye. If there is talent, that will likely keep your attention. If the project is good, then you become a fan. At least that's the way it works with me. With Facebook, instagram, Twitter, and countless other outlets, we can actually get to know some of these people. Some more than others, but it's real. Not a role, or a song they sing. The person. And I love it. Not all celebs are interactive, or even handle their own accounts, but most are electronically approachable. I've built more than one friendship with TV personalities that would never have happened 20 years ago. In my opinion, that trumps a poster any day.