At first, I really wasn't sure what to make of this news that Lisa Kudrow and NBC are teaming up for a show tracing the family histories of celebrities. So, since the show (called Who Do You Think You Are) is based on a BBC series, I turned to my gal PopUK to get her take. And, not only did she have mostly great things to say about the show, but she also mentioned that it created a big buzz about genealogy in the UK: It's even spawned a magazine about family histories!
I'm not sure if I can imagine US television viewers rushing out to research their great-great-great-uncles after watching a B-list celebrity's family tree get traced — but maybe I'm wrong. After all, it's not like I've never been inspired to take up a new hobby (or even consider a career) because of television. I thought about law school because of Ally McBeal, enrolled in dance classes for the first time in years thanks to So You Think You Can Dance, and became a more crotchety person courtesy of House. OK, just kidding about that last one.
Seriously, though. Did any of you turn to medical professions because of ER or Grey's? Start sewing thanks to Project Runway? Buy a lie detector for a little at-home Moment of Truth action?
Dancing photo copyright 2008 ABC, Inc.
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I guess TV did inspire my career, but not in the way that you mean.... I work in TELEVISION, but that's only because I love television itself.
1I was probably a bit influenced to learn how to sew by Project Runway. I always have thought that it was a pretty valuable skill, you save money at the tailors and, if your as picky as me, make your own pillows, etc... But Project Runway and the huge craft resurgence certainly helped sewing's reputation and made me want to learn more.
2No to this for me, but the picture made me miss Ally McBeal cira seasons 1 and 2.
3I was kind of inspired by carrie on sex and the city
4Some TV can inspire me to learn more about a particular subject, but I wouldn't say my career or hobbies were formed by TV. I'm a crafter - a DIYer - so I love to watch the home improvement shows to get new ideas.
5The show Ally McBeal did start me thinking about being a lawyer and I'm going to law school next year, but I probably would have anyway if it weren't for the show. But, it was where I was first introduced to the idea.
6Designing Women got me interested in design. I was probably all of 8 or 9 years old, but I loved it and actively pursued it once I went to college!
7Nope, if anything TV has misrepresented my future profession - social work. Judging Amy is the only program I can think of with a social worker as a main character, and she works for CPS and from the episodes I've seen is unethical as all get out. I think the media portrays us as professional baby-snatchers and that's not a good thing.
8Watching Dick Tracy and Who Framed Roger Rabbit when I was younger made me want to be a private detective, and wear trench coats with trilby hats.
9Yeah, Project Runway inspired me to design and learn how to sew.
10Sort of. . .I was really into the X-Files in late junior high into high school, and felt that it introduced me to the perfect career for me: the FBI. I chose my academic path based on what they looked for, and stayed committed to the idea for many years. I still occasionally entertain the thought of applying (it's so weird to me that I'm now old enough now!!), but I probably won't because it would force me to completely relocate, and I love where I live too much. I do actually work for the government now, but in law-making, rather than law-enforcing
11my roommates and i are always inspired to bake pies after watching pushing daisies
12Not TV - but movies made me start thinking about what is now my profession.
13no, not at all!
14in canada, we have this show already. it focuses on the lives of comedians, actors and some important people and follows their geneology. its actually a pretty good show, interesting because we follow them traveling the world to find out their personal history. i think its interest may also have to be due in part to show's choice to follow people with diverse backgrounds and how they came together in canada
15I don't know if tv has inspired me to do anything (except recipes that I keep seeing and trying). However I do think House has made YumJimmy more crotchety.
16it encouraged me not to take up those professions
really... but it encouraged my
opened sexuality, and now i have a healthy view on it thanks to growing up with sex and the city.
17Numb3rs makes me wish I was good at math, because I love crimesolving shows but I can barely add and subtract. Don't suppose that counts?
18not me, but I'm reminded of my fried Nicole in high school. When she was really into CSI she wanted to be a forensic scientist. Then Grey's came out and she switched to wanting to be a surgeon. I think she's in PR now (we're in college now), and I feel like it's because of Samantha Jones.
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