Popular (un)Culture(d)

The Best TV Show Only Some of You are Watching

A cross between an animal documentary and West Side Story, with Lord of the Rings commentary to boot, Meerkat Manor (Friday, 8pm on Animal Planet) is the best show on television only some of you are watching. Rife with drama and storylines, terrific camera work, top notch editing and several literary references (two of the many “characters” are named “Youssarian” and “Shakespeare”), the show follows a clan of Meerkats called “the Whiskers” as they fight for survival in the Kalihari Desert. In just 30 minutes, each episode manages to blend storytelling, learning, and sometimes even violence in a cute little ferret-like package. Narrated by Sean Astin, it also packs some celebrity to it for those that need further incentive to watch. Among the endless crap on television, this one’s a gem. Season two just wrapped so now’s a good time to catch up on old episodes (they’re running marathons). Do yourself a favor and Tivo Meerkat Manor. If you don’t have Tivo, do yourself a favor and buy Tivo.

You’re welcome.