I normally loathe the direction that network TV (or almost all TV, for that matter) has headed. For the most part it is a smorgasboard of glorified tools and promiscuity, neatly packaged in a way that aims to create self-hatred in every population segment. However, there is one ray of light in the proverbial shithole.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

The show takes deserving families who need a little help and gives them a brand-new house and not only help them but help their community, as well. Every episode I've watched has brought me to happy tears. You can argue that the good is ultimately done for ratings, but if a network chooses to campaign for ratings by helping those who truly need a new start instead of showing just how stupid the average person can be, then more power to them.

As an example, the episode I watched last night showed a family who took in other families (that were formerly homeless) to give them a new start while they got on their feet. Their own house was cramped and falling apart, and they couldn't afford to make the necessary repairs. Extreme Makeover built them a new home next door to their old home, and renovated their old home into a community living center. The community living center was done beautifully because, as they said on the show;

"Where you live reflects how you feel about yourself. Putting these families that are trying to rebuild their lives into a nice place shows them that they are worth something, and that they can do anything."

Bravo, NBC.