With the looming suspense of “A” Day of Pretty Little Liars behind us, I’m going to take this opportunity to admit that I am obsessed with ABC Family shows, and I know I’m not the only one. However, we also need to admit that these shows are actually really, really bad. They are no comedic geniuses like the Office or Community. They don’t have the dramatic chops that Dexter has – okay, well they have a different, more girly kind of drama. The dialogue isn’t that good (I’m thinking Secret Life) and the plot lines are painfully obvious. But why have I seen every single episode of most of these shows, just like most of you? They are addicting.
Let’s think of some of their most popular series: Pretty Little Liars, The Lying Game and the Secret Life of the America Teenager. What do these shows all have in common? They are all revolved around a mystery and lying. This is something that most of us don’t experience in our everyday lives. I mean, lying isn’t abnormal, but we don’t lie to the extent that our four favorite liars do. We live vicariously through these characters. I’m not exaggerating when I think that the Secret Life is one of the worst shows on television, but as mentioned, I’ve seen every drama-filled episode. I just have to know what these crazy sex-obsessed teenagers are going to do next. What life-ruining mistake would they make? Who would hook up with whom?
According to a poll on Amplicate.com, 89 percent of voters love ABC Family. I believe a reason this number is so high is because the channel knows how to keep their viewers hooked. ABC Family is the master of suspense. They kept us all waiting on the edge of our seats for two season’s straight just to find out who “A” is. Last Monday, my friend and I had a good 2-hour strategy session on just who the hell “A” was and her theory was completely wrong, because they chose the most obvious character to reveal. After about 3 episodes into the series – it was clear that jealous and bitter Mona would have something to do with the drama. Despite the frustratingly simple plot lines, they keep the viewers, and that’s what it’s all about. The fashion is fun and daring, and the actors and actresses aren’t bad to look at either.
So, ABC Family won’t be winning any major awards, but the shows are still entertaining and help pass an hour or two. At least we can all count on 25 Days of Christmas or my personal favorite: Harry Potter weekends! ABC Family does play great movies… but don’t get me started on their original films.