OK, TV viewers, it’s time to step it up a notch. Kick the bad habits. Watch better television.
Don’t worry, we’re not talking a steady diet of eat-your-broccoli documentaries. No one is suggesting you to dump “Project Runway” in favor of “World War II in HD” on the History Channel. But there are ways to quit watching bad TV and enjoy better TV, without abandoning the varieties you like.
Let’s take it genre by genre.
Joanne Ostrow
1. Medical drama
You like: Say, for example, you like “Grey’s Anatomy”
We get it: All those pretty people, the romantic suspense, even the medical melodrama. And gushing blood.
The problem: You know the stories can be insipid, manipulative and amount to really bad soap opera. “Clear!”
Flip over to: “House,” a medical drama with better acting, less silliness and more thoughtful medical intrigue. Antisocial behavior is the norm from the likable central character, and the tangle of relationships is about more than he loves her, he loves her not.
2. Procedural cop drama
You like: “Law & Order” but are burned out on the repetition? Or perhaps you like “NCIS” but haven’t clicked with “NCIS: Los Angeles” and, so, have an hour open for a better cop show?
We get it: Adrenaline, a puzzle, some tough talk and maybe a chase. A switcheroo, more tough talk, then, case closed.
The problem: There has to be more than cracking the case. How about personal chemistry?
Flip over to: “Bones,” a Fox cop mystery hidden inside a romantic sparring match with smart characters and less macho posturing. Emily Deschanel is understated but strong as the forensic anthropologist, Dr. “Bones” Brennan. David Boreanaz is winning as the cocky FBI agent Seeley Booth.
3. Cooking shows
You like: “Martha Stewart,” for a slice of life more carefully constructed and perfectly precious than your own.
We get it: Presentation counts. Her beautiful designs are admirable. Her tips are useful. The whole package is reliable, traditional, nice.
The problem: There’s a generational disconnect for anyone who has learned to cook since Martha went to prison.
Flip over to: “Ace of Cakes” on the Food Network for an up-and-coming group doing the hustling, with a younger and more artful version of designer baking. The kids at the Charm City Cakes Bakery in Baltimore are a most inventive group, long on personality. They strive for general “awesomeness.” Chef Duff Goldman is the fun-loving but exacting boss, making this less a reality show than a lesson in artistry. Currently airing in repeats; Season 8 is due Jan. 14.
4. So-called reality
You like: “The Biggest Loser,” a tug at the heartstrings with workout advice.
We get it: It’s appealing for viewers of any weight, a dose of aspirational programming that makes us feel good.
The problem: It lacks an intellectual challenge and can feel voyeuristic.
Flip over to: “The Amazing Race,” which has more scenic beauty, better travelogues and a healthier body-fat index. On tonight’s installment, the remaining teams hoof it from Estonia. Season 15 has its finale Dec. 6 when the contenders complete the final leg of the race, from the Czech Republic to Las Vegas.
5. Traditional sitcom
You like: Reruns of “Everybody Loves Raymond”
We get it: Those half-hours are reliably chuckle-worthy for their knowing look at family life and smart casting.
The problem: If, after all these years, you’re reciting the punchlines along with the Barones, you owe it to yourself to upgrade.
Flip over to: “The Middle,” part of ABC’s great Wednesday comedy lineup. Patricia Heaton (formerly of “Raymond”) stars as a harried housewife and used car saleswoman, doing a wry narration as she barely makes it through the day. The ratings have been middling but the show is a hoot.
6. Irreverent, cutting-edge cable sitcom
You like: “Entourage,” a fun boys club that zings the ideas of Hollywood celebrity, posse, agentry and more.
We get it: Vicarious thrills with the superficial kids can be fun and funny.
The problem: The boys are getting too old to remain cutely immature.
Flip over to: “Bored to Death,” a goofy sendup of a gumshoe novel on HBO. Brooklyn writer Jonathan Ames created the show about himself, a writer with an active fantasy life. Jason Schwartzman plays Ames onscreen. Jonathan imagines himself a private detective, solving crimes and drinking while suffering writers’ block. Omnipresent Zach Galifianakis is a terrific sidekick and Ted Danson seems to be having fun as the pot-seeking magazine editor.
7. Paranoia-inducing spy thriller
You like: “24,” the edge-of-your seat Fox drama that returns in January.
We get it: Keifer Sutherland, adorable; parallels today’s terrorist realities, unnerving.
The problem: Predictable cellphone dialogue as Jack races around in the product-placement vehicle of the season has gotten stale.
Flip over to: “MI-5,” the more demanding but rewarding British equivalent (known as “Spooks” in the UK). Richard Armitage makes you forget Keifer. You’ll have to rent or stream it for now. Six season are available on DVD; volume seven is due in January.
