The End of Oprah: 12 signs of the TV Apocalypse?

Oprah is leaving broadcast TV for cable. Movie stars are guesting on soap operas. Reality TV has become a mobius strip of self-perpetuating semi-fame. Surely, the TV end times are nigh.
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Don't get us wrong. We can get behind a show with the occasional "puke-a-thon." Yet when <a href="http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tv/family-guy/EP00296001">"Family Guy"</a> became the first animated series since "The Flintstones" to score a nomination in the Emmy comedy category, something was up. This was territory not even "The Simpsons" or "South Park" had breached -- two shows that more regularly offer social commentary. Note: We said social commentary, not a quick political joke and a cutaway to a kid in a "Star Wars" outfit.<br> <br> <i>-- Todd Martens, <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/">Pop & Hiss</a></i>

'Family Guy' makes history

(FOX)

Don't get us wrong. We can get behind a show with the occasional "puke-a-thon." Yet when "Family Guy" became the first animated series since "The Flintstones" to score a nomination in the Emmy comedy category, something was up. This was territory not even "The Simpsons" or "South Park" had breached -- two shows that more regularly offer social commentary. Note: We said social commentary, not a quick political joke and a cutaway to a kid in a "Star Wars" outfit.

-- Todd Martens, Pop & Hiss