• by Wayne Friedman , Staff Writer, November 8, 2011

"Why are you using that towel?," my father complained.

"Well, it was by the sink, Dad," I said. "I figured it was...."

"That's a 'show' towel!" he said angrily.

Show towel? For "show," I guessed, not for drying. 

Which now has me wondering: What if a TV network put on a show that wasn't exactly  made to be watched -- a show, in effect, that just filled space.

I imagine that years ago, when three networks ruled the land -- mostly in the 1970s -- there were probably just such "show" TV shows. Perhaps there was a variety show, a dramaor a sitcom (to use a now old expression) that wasn't really a top pick for network programmers -- but was needed to fill a hole.

That was the time when all networks made money and were crazily profitable. Even if a network was in third place. 

Could a show just take up some space? Some may now argue that, with hundreds of digital and cable networks, this is what actually goes on. 

Some shows are meant to be seen, not used or taken too seriously.  Other shows are meant to be seen and used. (Cooking shows, I'm guessing).

Perhaps we are just talking about fluff or "pure candy," as Paul Lee, president of ABC Entertainment, recently referred to shows such as "Charlie's Angels" (now canceled).

Dramas like this might then be termed 'show' TV shows -- meant to be seen, but not really "used."  Surely they don’t have the weight of "Mad Men," 'Breaking Bad" or "The Sopranos."

Some societies, like China, believe certain TV shows, considered vulgar or "overly entertaining" -- including dating, reality, talent, game, variety and talk shows -- aren't good enough, so they will be partially phased out. 

In the U.S., we are told TV is in its golden age, especially with dramas, and that comedies have made a comeback with the success of CBS' "2 Broke Girls" and Fox’s "New Girl." I'm guessing these are not 'show' comedies, but more to be ruminated by TV critics who know when to laugh, cry and write praising reviews.

Then again, perhaps I just need to look at my father's lavender-colored, floral designed towels a bit more closely. But if I can't find their real value -- show or otherwise -- I'll be rubbing my face in them real soon.