When Did The Learning Channel Become The Leering Channel?

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Remember when The Learning Channel was about...learning?

You could discover medical wonders, home improvement solutions, "Captain's Log with Captain Mark Gray." However, the network, owned by Discovery Communications, eventually shortened its name to TLC, a sign The Learning Channel learned that learning is boring.

Leering is better.

What other explanation is there for our fascination with a woman drowning in her own junk, or that Michelle Duggar is still able to walk after popping out 19 kids? Why else would there be shows about "Sister Wives", "Toddlers & Tiaras", or a woman who sleeps with her blow dryer?

Weirdness sells.

Still, in an effort to boost CNBC's ratings, I don't think you'll see a bull-bear debate on "I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant" anytime soon. Though, come to think of it, I'd watch that.

Watch this instead. TLC programming has moved so far away from its original mission that a Canadian comedy group called Mostly Water has created a new "commercial" for the network. The promotion highlights TLC's schedule of "programs", which includes "Uterus Cannon" and "Idiot Family". Watch the clip to see the full line-up.

I'd watch those, too, though you could argue that most reality shows on television qualify as "Idiot Family".

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