Whatever happened to classic television? A typical teenager of today might raise their eyebrows in an unsuccessful attempt to determine what the word “classic” means while gorging himself -- or herself -- on 3,000 calorie per serving nachos.

No, classic doesn't automatically refer to a hairstyle, clothing line, or Grecian art. It doesn't necessarily mean it's old, either. (Even though in this case, it may very well be. But not in a bad way.)

The classic I'm referring to are the oodles and caboodles of television shows that graced the ancient world that was forced to survive on black and white non-digital entertainment. Oh, my, yes... and the television sets didn't come with remotes. You actually had to get up from the cozy couch and walk, or crawl, over to the set.

But that's beside the point. Television shows that are great is my definition of the word classic. How do you know if a show is “great?” Well, it has to last more than three seasons, be appropriate for the whole family, and most importantly, the reruns must be aired for decades.

“Whoa -- wait a minute!” you may be thinking. “'ER' had a whopping fourteen seasons and it could very well be aired for decades. Who knows?” True. But that doesn't mean it's appropriate for the whole family, nor is it, um, fun.

Enough of these shows that last one season, and years later no one remembers anything about it. Enough of the dramas that make you want to flinch, or the comedies that are more stupid then real good, wholesome, honest, hilarious funny. Or the reality shows -- oh, sure, those are great and more popular today than ever before -- but will they be remembered in four years? (Forty-six years if we're talking about the overly-successful “American Idol.”)

These aren't the shows that make their mark on the world, or that have actors that will be honored, admired, and posed as for generations. It's the legends, the people that teens and children today need to know about. (That way, if they ever go on “Jeopardy,” they'll breeze right through the category entitled “Classic Television” - and trust me, I've seen that category. Better brush up on your skills, teen champions.) It's these “classic” stars that kids today should be looking up to, not the celebrities of today that all seem to be going down the wrong path.

Do you want your children to remember classic television as a cheesy teen dating show that does no more than rot your brain, or as seasons of shows that featured some of the best stars the television world has ever seen? Hello people? Have you seen Lucille Ball? Buddy Ebsen? Don Knotts? Bill Cosby? It's not too late to turn this modern television world around.