I grew up watching 3 channels – seriously – 3 channels. We didn’t really have much of a choice. Well, we had 3 choices. We watched what was on. We didn’t record any shows – until we got our beta max vcr. We had our shows that we watched, and we didn’t get as bored as we do now. I think we were just stoked to be watching tv. Choice really made it much harder to be happy. (Barry Schwartz wrote about that). The saying “there’s nothing on on tv” actually meant something. In fact, do you remember the national anthem at 2 am. Yeah, the channel would end.
Today, kids have choice. Things get recorded, and even with 700 channels – they say “there’s nothing on on tv.” Can you believe that? 3 channels.
identitySPECIALIST 
We don’t have TV (well, we have a tube but not connection). So no, I can’t believe that “there’s nothing on” these days.
Oh yes-I remember staying up all night just to see when programming would start. At about 6:00 you’d get a screen with a flag flying in the background and various patriotic songs. Around 7 some early news show or a religious program might come on depending on the day of the week.