Lesson in TV Etiquettes: When to Talk or Keep Yaps Shut While Watching TV

Posted by Sandeep Kumar on June 26th, 2019

Maybe it’s too common a topic to discuss and most of the folks know the rules already but not all practice them. TV etiquettes is one such plot; everyone seemingly know the drill but when it comes to watching a TV show with someone; they just can’t keep their yaps shut.

Weird scenarios have happened with me with people around lacking TV etiquettes. For instance, asking ‘how are they going to nab the murderer now?’; as if the show is going to abruptly end before revealing the key plot. People commenting on what happened few seconds ago; I feel like saying shut up, I was right there besides you watching the show.

The incidents have boiled down to this that I have now started dreading watching television with privacy intruders now after being sick of answering their weird questions. Thankfully, now most Dish TV plans and set-top boxes come with recording feature so that one can catch up on the beat wherever missed.

This made me jot down a list of TV etiquettes on when to talk and when to shut up and turn to your phone to google the questions:

Drama Shows

The golden rule – just don’t talk. Watching a high-on drama TV show is like watching a movie in the packed theatre. If something is unclear or doesn’t make sense to you; stop yourself from asking and wait till your doubts are cleared itself by the end of the episode, else you can always record and watch again.

Comedy Shows

Deconstructing jokes, one liners and punch lines is a sin and I want to make this so loud and clear. If the joke didn’t seem to be funny earlier or you didn’t get it, probably it won’t be funny later too after someone breaks it down to explain.

Award Shows / Events

Talking during award shows is fine except for the moments when there is a standup comic performance, award acceptance speeches, or winner announcements.

Sports/Live Tournaments

Talking during sports or live game is fine but make sure that the commentary isn’t vague and adds some sort of value to the content.

Political Debates / Panel Discussions

The unspoken rule is never to talk while the panelists or leaders are expressing their opinions. Wait till the moderator takes on to talk what you need to share.

News Programs

Ask yourself these questions before urging to talk during the news: are you adding on to the facts or just stating what’s shown already? Will your question need a more than few words to answer? Can it wait for the news piece to get over?