Howard Stern on America's Got Talent

A few years ago, I would race home on Tuesday nights to watch American Idol. The kids would be waiting for me, already having finished both their homework and dinner and we'd sit down and watch it together. Slightly hokey, yes, but it was definitely fun family time that we looked forward to.

Flash forward to the post Simon Cowell years and we still might have American Idol on, but it essentially serves as background noise. We might watch the occasional performer but we are not riveted to our chair like year's past. A lot of that has to do with the impact that Simon Cowell had on that show; the other part is that it's simply worn a little thin (not to mention, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler are mediocre judges at best).

But there's a new sheriff in town, and it's made for some fun Summer nights in the Solomon household; America's Got Talent.

Part of this is due, of course, to Howard Stern, who you all know is a bit of a hero to me. Regardless of your feelings about him, he translates really well into this new medium, in my opinion; he's funny but fair and has shown himself to be a pretty good judge of talent.

Some of it has to do with the show itself though; it's absolutely zany, doesn't take itself too seriously and most importantly - it's fun as hell. Everyone connected with the show from the judges to the host to the talent, seems to be having a blast - and that translates to enjoyable TV.

So, if you haven't been watching and are looking for something to pass away the Summer nights when broadcasting is not at its finest, I'd suggest you give it a shot. I don't think you will regret it.