“Grey’s Anatomy” sweeps campus A cell phone rings, evil glares are cast and an embarrassed young woman sneaks out of the room to chastise her caller. This scene is neither a classroom nor a movie theater, it is the living room of a home where 15 people are avidly watching “Grey’s Anatomy,” is the latest television craze sweeping the nation. Students across Tech’s campus flock together on Thursday nights in order to watch this drama unfold. Although many students claim not to have time to watch television, others schedule their days such that they can view their favorite shows. Amy Mertes, a fourth-year computer science student, said, “I sometimes go out of my way to watch (“Grey’s Anatomy”). I try to finish my homework before it begins.” When faced with an unavoidable time conflict, some students break out the Ti-Vos and VCRs to record their favorite shows. “I usually get homework done early, don’t plan meetings that time, or make arrangements to tape it (“Grey’s Anatomy”),” said Lauren Bendes, fourth-year civil engineering student. “Grey’s Anatomy” is only the most recent in a long line of television shows to have a cult-like following. Other shows that have held their audiences captive include “The X-Files,” “Friends,” and “M.A.S.H.” People watch these shows for a variety of reasons, including comic relief and escape from the routine of daily life. “I watch “Laguna Beach” because their lives are so different from mine,” said Katie Harris, a fourth-year psychology student. There are certain components of a show that makes it become widely popular; one of these traits is character development. When characters are developed well, viewers are more apt to be drawn in. When asked about why she liked “Grey’s Anatomy,” Bendes said, “They do a good job at developing more than two main characters so they can pack the show with the happenings of everyone’s lives not just one character.” Another characteristic of a show that draws viewers is making viewers think. Mike Hoekstra, a third-year systems networking student said that he enjoyed the “intellectual stimulus” of the show “Scrubs.” Beth Molnar, a fourth-year information system student, also enjoys the thinking aspects of shows. “It’s always got you thinking of what the problem is,” Molnar said of the show “House.” It is because of huge fan bases that television shows are able to survive. In some cases, shows that have even been canceled are put back into production because viewers so desperately wanted new episodes. This was the case for “Family Guy” and the FOX Network. “Family Guy” was originally cancelled after two seasons, but after 40,000 signatures were gathered to bring the show back, FOX reintroduced the show in May of 2005. It is shows such as this that display the real power behind a large fan base. With “Grey’s Anatomy’s” fan base continuing to grow during it third season it appears as though this show will be around for a while. To learn about what is going on in “Grey’s Anatomy” or to watch this season’s episodes go to www.abc.com. For more information about cult television shows visit www.cult.tv .