The Gossip Dinosaur
When Entertainment Tonight launched in 1981, it was a revolution. Before the internet, this was the only way to see what was happening on a Hollywood set or get a glimpse of a movie star outside of a scripted role. It held a monopoly on the 'inside scoop.' Fast forward to today, and that monopoly is long gone. The stars now post their own behind-the-scenes content directly to fans, making ET feel like a relic of a bygone era of broadcast dominance.
Why it's a 'Skip'
For a modern kid, the pacing of ET is bizarre. It’s a series of high-energy 'teases' followed by segments that often don't deliver much substance. The show lives in a world of hyperbole—everyone is 'stunning,' every movie is 'the event of the year,' and every breakup is 'shocking.' This constant state of manufactured excitement is exhausting and, frankly, a bit dishonest.
If your kid is genuinely interested in filmmaking or the industry, there are much better ways to engage that curiosity. Look for actual 'making-of' documentaries on Disney+ or Max, or YouTube channels like Every Frame a Painting that actually teach the craft. ET isn't about the craft; it's about the shine.
The 'Safe' Trap
Because it's usually rated TV-G or TV-PG, parents often assume it's fine for the room. While there's no 'bad' content in the traditional sense, it’s worth considering the quiet impact of the tabloid lens. It normalizes the idea that people's personal tragedies are entertainment. If you do have it on, use it as a chance to talk about how the media builds people up just to watch them fall—a lesson that's more relevant than ever in the age of social media dogpiling.
