"Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" is one of those shows Dilf and I watch every week even though we hate it. It seems we're not alone in our dislike; while the show started out with critical acclaim, it has since lost its luster.This article does a good job breaking down the show's downward trajectory, but I have a more general observation to make as well.

Consider this clip (don't worry; it's very brief):



Here's what I think. In today's technology, news, culture and trends are disseminated globally in an instant. People in Ohio (or Iowa, Alabama or Oklahoma for that matter) are able to hear a new song or jump on a bandwagon or adopt a fad as quickly as people in Los Angeles are.

This has lead to a backlash in some more traditional areas of our country, where some want to preserve their simple or "country" ways. I believe it has also lead to a backlash of sorts in Hollywood. Just as the social conservatives want to preserve their traditions, I think Hollywood elitists want to preserve their "tradition" as the "cool kids."

Well, the world has changed. People in Ohio are not the one-dimensional stereotypes portrayed on this show. Nor are Christians. Nor are law enforcement officials in small western towns. If people in the "flyover" states are not as savvy or sophisticated as their coastal counterparts, it is by choice, not lack of opportunity.

So, the "insider," "more-hip-than-thou" vibe given off by this show was not just insulting to most of the United States -- it also rang false. It seemed as desperate to hold onto its hiptitude as the sadly sagging baby boomer generation.

Also, I can't find a show using the old "door locked behind us" gag innovative. I can remember it being used on "The Odd Couple," "All in the Family" and "The Bob Newhart Show," just to name a few. If you're going to congratulate yourself on the freshness of your ideas, you might want to be sure you have some first.