Why am I not surprised? I should have known this was just around
the corner when Animal Planet became a big hit.
Why am I not surprised? I should have known this was just around the corner when Animal Planet became a big hit. Animals have always been a big part of books, movies and television. This attests to the special feelings many humans have toward animals. For many of us, our animals become an extended part of our family. First, there were shows with animals in them. Before long, animals became the stars of the shows. Eventually, there were so many animal-based shows, Animal Planet was born. If this wasn’t enough, there is now a new show on the Oxygen channel called Meow TV.
The year of the cat has arrived. Felines now have their own 30-minute television show. This show is geared not toward cat lovers, but the cats themselves. Meow TV is hosted by a black feline named Stinky, and her human pet actress Annabell Gurwitch. Short video segments are seen throughout the show including one called “Squirrel Alert.” Then there are the news reports such as a story regarding rehabilitation for catnip addicts. Meow TV is a brand new show so it’s too soon to see how felines respond.
If Meow TV proves to be a trendsetter, it’s only a matter of time before other television shows geared exclusively for animals hit the airwaves. Woof TV is bound to follow. I can’t help but wonder how dogs are feeling right about now. After all, they’re known to be man’s best friend. Yet, in spite of years of loyalty, cats are the first ones to have their own exclusive television show. No car tire will be safe as dogs take out their frustration on the human population.
Woof TV could be based in part on dog shows. The difference would be that, this time, the dogs would walk their owners around the ring, make their humans jump through hoops, etc. Judges would then be required to eliminate humans that don’t fit the general guidelines for that particular breed.
A lot of people own birds. Perhaps Chirp TV has the potential for another hit. There are such a number of different bird species out there, it would be impossible to have a show that catered to them all. It might be best to stick with birds humans tend to invite in their homes, such as parakeets, finches, parrots, canaries, etc. When wild birds are found peeking in the windows, trying to get a glimpse of Chirp TV, producers will know it’s a hit.
Hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, ferrets, rats, mice and other rodents might enjoy a show that gives them good tips on how to avoid becoming prey. Rodent TV might be a great way to fill those late night slots. Hamsters could spin on their wheels while watching Rodent TV. This might be the type of show that encourages renegade rodents to sneak in to watch. Outside rodents could always use new ways to hide their burrows and they would benefit by learning to look both ways before crossing the street. A major increase in the rodent population might be an unwanted (for humans anyway) side effect of Rodent TV.
TV for animals should not only be geared toward domestic, indoor animals. Soon, every barn yard might boast a television or two. This wouldn’t be for the rancher, but the barn yard animals. Porker TV for pigs, could be followed by Won’t you be my neighbor for horses. Cows might be happy to simply watch the California Cheese Cows strutting their stuff on Milk TV. Sheep might enjoy a show called “Here’s looking at Ewe.” Cluck TV would be a must for all the chickens in the barnyard.
With the introduction of Meow TV, the door has opened to the animal world. Only time will tell how popular these shows are to their target audience. After all, these shows will be written and produced by humans – at least they will initially. But there may come a time when animal shows are written, produced and star the animals themselves. And cats will always be able to say that felines led the way.
Cindy Brown is a Free Lance correspondent. Her column appears every Monday.
