Do we want to be offended?

This week, the stars of 2 Broke Girls are hosting the People’s Choice Awards – a show that embraces viewers’ favourite everything from music to movies to television. 

Ironically, this high is matched by a new low – so to speak.  The CBS comedy racked up more FCC viewer complaints than any other show, referencing its language, sexual references and similarity to soft porn.

So having its two stars holding court on a viewer-centred award show seems counter-intuitive. 

Except for one problem.

Despite complaints, the show, in its third season, is a bona fide hit for the network.

So what is going on? 

There’s always been a distinct line drawn regarding what you can say and do on “regular” TV. 

And for most of us, including the networks, that was good. 

It created a safety net for families.  A Big Brother to watch out for little sister. 

Unfortunately, the line was much fainter for the cable channels, which started airing no holds barred, anything goes, and to hell with the norm television. 

And today, the network shows rarely get an Emmy nod. 

Of course, the explanation is simple: the cable shows are becoming more creative, more cutting-edge, more diverse. 

And viewers are eating it up. 

Which tells me that despite the safety that comes from the extra-regulated “regular” television, we like it when it colours a little outside the lines … when it’s a little bit naughty. 

We watch Mike and Molly, Two and a Half Men, and yes, 2 Broke Girls to see how far they’ll go. 

Then giggle privately to ourselves, thinking somebody just got away with something.  A vicarious childlike thrill of being bad.
Of course, cable shows get called to the mat occasionally, too. 

A&E’s Duck Dynasty seems benign, but no amount of camouflage could hide the trouble with its head waterfowl. 

Family patriarch Phil Robertson did an interview with GQ Magazine in which he discussed his religious beliefs regarding homosexuality.
Naturally, A&E promptly announced that Robertson had been suspended from the show for his “anti-gay” remarks. 

This lasted a few weeks while the media and Robertson’s family debated free speech, personal beliefs and the difference between a lame and sitting duck.

Once the furor calmed down, A&E announced that the show was about more than just Robertson and he would be allowed back for filming with the family in the spring. 

What they did not say was that most of the new season had already been shot before Phil’s so-called suspension and that production wasn’t even scheduled to begin again until the spring.

But now, new viewers will tune in to see what had everyone so peckish. 

Previous viewers will watch Phil either to catch his forked tongue or cheer him on. 

And A&E will lap up the ratings boom.

So despite the angry protests, it appears that we want, on occasion, to be a little offended. 

It gives us something to argue. It boosts ratings. It’s fun.

And personally, it makes me feel a little tingly.