My last S.O. insisted on having the TV on, CONSTANTLY. Ever since I kicked him out, I can hardly stand to have it on. A shame, sorta, because I used to enjoy TV once in awhile (though I really can't stomach reality TV--no moralizing here, it just grates on me). I even downgraded to "basic" cable because I finally decided it was a waste of money when I so seldom watch it.
The one show I have liked, though, is Intervention. I was all set to hate it as exploitation--pandering of people's suffering for entertainment--but it is less entertaining than it is educational. I don't necessarily agree that interventions are a good idea in many cases, but the show does shed some light on the interactions between the addict/alcoholic and the families.