ION Television: What's That?

As I cycled through the seventeen or so channels offered in my basic cable package, I finally stopped on an unfamiliar one. This was neither standard network nor foreign language station. I had stumbled upon ION television. It's one part Nick-at-Nite, one part TBS, and a dash of Lifetime (minus the Original movies). ION is the spawn of PAX, a Christian network better known as "that station with the doctor show starring Billy Ray Cyrus."

PAX later became i, and i soon morphed into ION. In the context of a premium cable plan, ION might not stand out as anything particularly flashy. But for those of us subsisting on basic cable, ION represents a welcome alternative from the old traditional networks. Yes, it would be more stimulating to read a book or do a puzzle; but sometimes an evening of mind-numbing entertainment is in order.

Those old standbys - ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX - have been banking on reality shows and game shows in recent years. While I don't mind either in limited doses, nothing's better than a funny sitcom or an engaging narrative. There are only so many times a person can watch models unlatch briefcases while a mysterious, silhouetted "banker" phones up Howie Mandel. Likewise, there are only so many times a person can watch B-list celebrities cut a rug before a panel of judges. Or catty young women vie for a bachelor's affection.

That brings us to ION. ION's format showcases a smattering of bygone sitcoms, martial arts competitions, and movies. For those of us who were confined to cribs when shows like Mama's Family and Alice were in their prime, these programs are new material- not always the greatest material, but new nonetheless. The network frequently rotates in different shows, though, so it's best not to become too attached.

A few weeks a go Mike Seaver was getting grounded for the umpteenth time on Growing Pains, but these days, it's all Kevin and Winnie on The Wonder Years. And don't forget Diagnosis Murder. ION also frequently replays NBC news reports - usually health-related - because the network is affiliated with NBC. As ION tries to establish more of an identity, the programming is still limited. Night owls will have to turn elsewhere unless they actually enjoy infomercials.

Syndication is a marvelous thing. When the current crop of television shows seems unfulfilling, it's nice to have the option of watching reruns of retired programs.