[edelweiss]

I don't watch very much television at all, I find most of TV land boring. But when I do feel like seeing something I wait until a series/season is complete and then I rent the whole thing. That way I can read reviews and get feedback from friends before I commit time to watching a show. I prefer slightly gritty shows if that's what you mean by realism, I don't like too much fluff, romance or comedy (unless it's Arrested Development).

I like quite a few shows that have come out in the last few years. Right now the only continuing shows that I'm keeping up with are True Blood and Dexter. I have a pretty low tolerance for "Reality Shows" and only watch Project Runway faithfully. I have been know to enjoy an episode of RuPaul's Drag Race now and again. >_>

I think if you find yourself deeply bored with TV, it's best to shut it off. I took a ten year break from TV and it was good.