Many people all over the world watch television series based on the commercials, promotional media hype, interviews that the cast members, promoters and sponsors give and, of course, by word of mouth.  Another way that people are influenced into watching a particular show is through the television content rating systems.

  If you look up “TV Ratings” on the internet you’ll get a definition that says “television content rating systems give viewers an idea of the suitability of a television program for children or adults.” Each country has its own rating process and they differ based on local priorities. The one thing that remains consistent is that programs are rated by the actual people, organizations and broadcaster or by the content producers themselves.
  Based on that information, it brings to mind the question; just what makes a good T.V. rating?  If we determine what programs we watch on television based on the ratings of the people who are making money off of our watching them, how valuable is the assessment?
  A rating is usually set for each individual episode of a television series. The rating can change per episode, network, rerun and per country. This week the show that you love and can’t wait to see next week may have a “G” rating, which means anyone in your family, no matter the age, can watch the show. The next week, the rating may change to “A” and now not appropriate for your ten year old, who watched the first show with you.
  It appears that most of the shows on television during prime time hours should have T.V. ratings of “A” as thus far this year we have series that include powerful political figures who commit adultery, fraud, murder, infidelity, homosexuality and religiously immoral behavior.  Comedy sitcoms that include people who commit adultery, fraud, murder, infidelity, homosexuality and religiously immoral behavior. Live reality shows that include “roommates” who commit adultery, fraud, infidelity, homosexuality and religiously immoral behavior. We have sports entertainment that includes, athletes who commit adultery, fraud, infidelity, homosexuality and religiously immoral behavior. Soap Operas that show families that commit adultery, fraud, infidelity, homosexuality and religiously immoral behavior.
   Television shows are rated GA – suitable for general audiences; TW – suitable for teens ages 9 and up; T – suitable for teens ages 12 and up; A – suitable only for adults ages 18 and up. On the surface, it looks like it’s divided into what are appropriate age groups, however, the problem with the rating system is that it doesn’t really help us with “screening” what is appropriate to watch. Why? Because there is no longer a “set time” for the “A” group shows. Cable, internet and the smartphone have made it impossible to control what anyone will see on television.
  There’s a pattern and theme to what is considered “good television” by the people who rate them, therefore, you need to be the judge of what makes a good T.V. rating.