TV, of late, has become a bit of a bore. Instead of getting giddy whilst looking through the listings, I find myself aimlessly ambling up to the TV set, and then flicking for hours and hours without ever really watching anything. At first, I thought it was my job that had ruined it. I mean, you can't just watch a show and enjoy it. You have to analyse it and take mental notes. That said, I'd do that even if I didn't write for TVScoop. It's habit. It's what I do. So what is it? Has TV sunk into a lull? Has it all gone a bit crap?

Well, with the news that ITV1s Tycoon got a frankly terrible ratings low of 1.3 million viewers last night, as well as the other channels only faring slightly better (with Big Brother doing the best with a far from impressive 3.1 million viewers), it got me thinking. Maybe it's not just me...

Many shows at the moment are failing to capture the imagination of the public. The shows that I've found interesting have tended to be niche shows. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage Treatment is always good value for money, but not really something with a huge appeal. Same goes for the recent repeats of Soul Britannia and the excellent How Gay Sex Changed The World.

The fantastic My Name Is Earl, which is seemingly loved by all that have seen it, still feels like a niche interest show. However, I fear that ...Earl is being overlooked by Channel 4 in favour of home-made dross. Earl is perfect for the Friday night slot that lies between the two Big Brother shows, however, turgid nonsense like Fonejacker and Star Stories get the nod.

So why does Earl get overlooked? Is it because it's just too positive? Most broadcasters seem to thrive on negativity. The BBCs gloomy Eastenders, Big Brother 8s constant need for bickering and back stabbing, sarcastic comedy shows that have the cynicism, but not the heart and gritty depressing dramas all make for a dire viewing experience. Where's the joy?

It feels like all the programmers are holding onto their best shows until Big Brother pisses off. A real and terrible fear of losing out in the ratings has seen all the channels holding their cards very closely to their chests. However, if they listened to the public, they'd know that Big Brother is also failing to capture the attention of the people. Rumours abound that the show is rigged, and that, viewer input is now at an all-time low and thus, denying the viewers the very thing that drew them to the show in the first place.

Recent scandals involving You Say We Pay, Blue Peter and Brainteaser have left the nation feeling like the TV is not something to be trusted. Have we begun to vote with our feet? Or should I say, off buttons? The TV has always been an integral part to our evenings, but now, I've felt the draw of hiding away with books and records... even board games (which I NEVER play) in an attempt to escape the dross coming from the cathode.

Has our programming just hit a slight trough? Or is it just me who is sick of unoriginal and negative shows? Do you feel the same? Are things looking up? One thing is for sure; ratings are dropping and people are not watching as much TV as they used to. TV execs need to get their fingers out... and fast.