New CW Network Series Features Newhouse Faculty and Alum
The CW Network’s 鈥,” a new documentary series exploring iconic American television shows, features Trustee Professor of Television and Popular Culture , in what marks his first appearance as a regular guest on a weekly prime-time entertainment network series.
The eight-episode series recently concluded on The CW. “TV We Love” examines such programs as 鈥淚 Love Lucy,鈥 鈥淭he Brady Bunch,鈥 鈥淭he Love Boat,鈥 鈥淭he Honeymooners,鈥 鈥淒ynasty,鈥 鈥淭ouched by an Angel鈥 and 鈥淗appy Days.鈥 Thompson, who teaches in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, filmed all eight episodes in a single day at the National Comedy Center’s Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum in Jamestown, New York.
As a nationally recognized authority on popular culture and the author of numerous books on television history, Thompson brings a scholarly tone to the program. During filming, he spent about 45 minutes discussing each show, drawing on decades of research into how television shaped American culture.
“It was fun to be sharing casting credits with people like Newhouse Alum Bob Costas 鈥74, H鈥15 and Captain Stubing from 鈥楾he Love Boat,鈥” Thompson says. “These shows were important to me as a young adult, and being part of their history, even retrospectively, is amusing.”
The prime-time network platform represents new territory for Thompson’s public scholarship. While he has contributed expertise to various television programs, from CNN documentaries to other network specials, this ongoing series offers a different kind of reach and visibility with entertainment audiences.
Thompson observes how documentary storytelling has evolved. Modern productions often feature cast members from the original shows alongside expert analysis, creating programming that’s both nostalgic and informative.
“You get that excitement of seeing what 鈥楾he Brady Bunch鈥 cast looks like now,” he says, while experts provide historical context. Thompson appreciates the series’ approach to its subject matter. Shows like 鈥淭he Love Boat鈥 and 鈥淗appy Days鈥 were designed as lighthearted entertainment. “It was masterpiece stupidity鈥攊t did what it did beautifully,” Thompson says.
His analysis also reveals deeper truths beneath the surface fun: “Shows like 鈥楳ister Ed,鈥 the talking horse, and 鈥楾he Flying Nun鈥 were absurdly ridiculous, but they still hold up. What they were doing was really brilliant.”
Thompson’s contributions help audiences understand why these shows remain significant in American cultural history. .
