LITTLE ROCK, AR – Arkansas Public Television announced its ambitious new slate of original programming this week, promising viewers an unprecedented dive into the nuanced, slow-burn realities of life in the Natural State. Headlining the rollout is "Still Sitting Here," a groundbreaking documentary series chronicling individuals engaged in the act of simply existing in various static locations.
“For too long, television has shied away from the raw, unfiltered drama of prolonged inactivity,” stated APT President and CEO Brenda Mae Thistle, at a press conference held outside a newly painted barn. “Our flagship series, 'Still Sitting Here,' will feature 30-minute, unedited segments of Arkansans doing just that: sitting on porches, staring at cornfields, contemplating the meaning of a bird on a wire. We believe it's the future of prestige television.”
Other marquee productions include “Is That Just Trash Or Is It Art Now?”, a deep-dive investigative series following local residents who collect mysterious roadside objects and ponder their aesthetic and resale value. Another anticipated entry is “The Great Mosquito Hunt,” a thrilling reality competition where contestants race to swat the most mosquitoes in a given hour, with bonus points for identifying species. Viewers can also look forward to “Barn Talk,” a panel show discussing the structural integrity of various agricultural outbuildings, and “Did Someone Leave That There on Purpose?”, which aims to solve the pressing question of forgotten items in public spaces.
“This isn't just television; it’s a mirror held up to the very soul of Arkansas,” added Thistle, gesturing vaguely towards a distant cow. “We’re giving voice to the quiet observations, the unspoken thoughts, and the profound lack of anything else to do that defines so much of our unique culture. Forget your fast-paced city dramas; here, the tension builds when a cloud slowly obscures the sun.”
Critics are already calling the lineup “brave” and “remarkably inexpensive to produce.” The network expects “Still Sitting Here” to garner significant attention, especially during commercial breaks when viewers might finally get up and do something. The show's first episode reportedly features a man staring at a wall for 28 minutes, prompting one early reviewer to question, “Is he alright? Or is this, like, a metaphor?” The answer, according to Thistle, is both, and deeply profound.
