My boys have been through a few different TV station phases over the years.  Not that they get to watch all that much of it mind you, what with school, sports and such.  But it does help to wind them down a bit in the evening before bedtime.

First it was the “Treehouse” channel with Caillou, Blues Clues, Dora, Max & Ruby and the others.  All very sweet and mildly educational in one way or another.

Then they progressed to the “Teletoon” channel with silliness like Bugs Bunny, Scooby Doo,  Sponge Bob, Sixteen and Total Drama Island.  I suppose it appealed to their sense of boy humour.

Then, as their innocent youth moved on, so did they.  To the “Family” channel.  Where they were educated by the likes of Zack & Cody, Hannah Montanna (yes, boys like it too – and honestly, so do middle aged Mothers), Zoey 101, Raven, Life with Derek and Wizards of Waverly Place.  Oh, and YTV’s iCarly.  Which I actually really like.  Those girls are cute, stylish, hip and funny.  And how about that big brother Spencer -  ha ha! (slaps hand on knee while shaking head)  Oh that Spencer!  He’s so crazy he’s kinda cute . . . or is just me?

But now the time has come for them to move on again.  They have found a new channel of affection.  The “Game Show Network”.  That’s right, folks!  My boys can’t get enough of their game shows.  “Deal or No Deal” is at the top of the list.  Followed closely by “Family Feud” then “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” and the others.  I mean, honestly.  Game Shows?  The station that used to be reserved for the day after New Year’s Eve when we would spend it up north at our friend’s cottage, laying on the couch all afternoon recuperating to mindless television?  Now I have Howie Mandel delivering the Banker’s offers in my Family Room every day while boys (both young and adult, I may add) sit on the edge of their seats each time a new briefcase is opened.

Seriously?  How long will this stage last?  What will come next – The Home Shopping Network?  Actually, I’m secretly hoping it’ll be “HGTV” but I know better than to dream that impossible dream.