In this fast-paced world we live in, it's nice to see something that stands the test of time.
An enduring part of our lives, something that is comfortable, reassuring even and, of course, entertaining as well.
One such thing is Coronation St, a series which resonates strongly with New Zealanders.Its 50th anniversary episode screens tomorrow night. And if the build-up is to believed, it looks set to be a jaw-dropper.
Of course it's not that rare for a television series to have a long run. A quick check online shows several series that started years earlier that are still going now; many have more episodes than Coronation St.
But here, we Kiwis have taken to the show, so much so that attempts to change its scheduled screening times have resulted in protests.
So what is it about the show that has seen it endure and capture such a place in many New Zealanders' hearts, a familiar favourite on screens for years?
Is it the glimpse of home it offered? The characters? Plotlines?
Did it fill a need for escapism that these days is met by moribund reality television shows and their vacuous stars, people like the irritating Kardashians who contribute little or nothing to society?
If the latter is the case, you have to wonder how Coronation St has managed to stay relevant. Is it a case of gauging the mood of its audience and adapting, retaining its links to the past and the heritage while also moving forward with new ideas and reflecting the changing times?
In many ways, the Coro case study could be a model for change in newspapers - there are similarities although the characters are far more outrageous in media!
It must be said though that Coronation St is not for everyone. There are those who wouldn't miss an episode but others who couldn't think of a bigger waste of time. I probably fit somewhere in the middle ground.
Having watched it intermittently for years, I haven't paid much attention of late. Mostly I don't watch it and I am not too bothered by that. Somehow I still seem abreast of the major storylines and characters.
Perhaps that is another reason for its success. Whatever, one thing's for sure. Across the country last night and again tomorrow night thousands will tune in to see what becomes of "Our" Ashley, Rita and the rest.
Oddly, it all seems so much more real than anything offered up by the Kardashian generation.
