Shows like “Cheers” and “Family Ties” were staples in my home.  I grew up with their characters. I formed opinions based on their messages.  I learned humor from their punch lines (which, I’m afraid, is still painfully obvious). Now, thanks to Netflix and channels like the Hub, it feels great to relive my early years with Alex P. Keaton, Norm, and that dumb airplane mechanic from Wings.

Recently, Netflix added yet another historic title to its list of instantly viewable titles, the 1998 series Sports Night. I should point out here that for this show the word “historic” means mid 20′s for me. Although I knew nothing about sports, I loved this show.  It’s pacing and its humor were very different than anything else.  It was way ahead of its time.  And I have to admit, I kind of had a thing for Felicity Huffman.  But that’s another post for another time . . . or not.

Sadly, the show ended when its writer Aaron Sorkin decided to concentrate on some other show that would probably never be a hit.  What was it? Oh, that’s right, “The West Wing”. Cable tried to pick up “Sports Night,” but all the deals included Sorkin as a writer, which he declined.

But now, thanks to those really nice people at Netflix (who are still promising to bring me instant Mad Men in July), I can now watch all the “Sports Night” I want.  And I will, thank you very much.