For all of the TV downsides I find that children's TV, especially in a foreign country helps with the language. I find that topical channels such as the History Channel, Arts, Discovery, and foreign production are valuable to my education and to broadening my perspectives. I find that occassionaly watching either the news, top rated shows or sports helps me better relate to clients, the public at large and others in the interpersonal relations of the business world. Whether it be the Internet, an Internet community like OkCupid and my addiction to such, my business life, my family life, my individual life with the universe around me all need to be in proportionate balance. When one or more are out of balance all is out of balance. TV. the Internet (a TV substitute in my opinion), sports, news, sitcoms, work, sleep and eating in a world of gregarious human beings are all a part of the reality that rather than being denied need to be appropriately addressed by each individual based in their needs, resources, perspectives and desires. I cannot judge as good or bad, in my opinion it is both and what is good for one may be bad for another further complicating opinionated or judgemental commentary.