Unfortunately, its provisions are dreadfully vague, allowing some broadcasters to meet the educational-value demands by citing shows like "G.I. Joe" and "Leave It to Beaver."

Even a study Mr. Herbert cites shows how poorly crafted minimum-wage increases are in assisting the poor.

The piece also pointed out that times have changed since the original left the air, citing other shows that were set in Hawaii which have come and gone.

While the evidence he cites shows that Y-cells may be capable of sustaining some form of pattern vision it does not show that they are responsible for it in the normal brain.

He cited shows like "Cheers" and "Hill Street Blues," which began slowly and took some time to develop audiences.

The F.C.C. said broadcasters should only cite shows that were designed primarily to educate.

Citing "shows like Grey's Anatomy and Ugly Betty" that "were pushing the envelope comedically in [sic] one-hour format," Smith saw the idea working for a younger set.

Instead, Mr. Albrecht cited shows like "Roseanne," "All in the Family" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."

The only specific evidence he cites shows that the pill led to a decline in shotgun marriages.

"It's their modus operandi," he said, citing other shows produced by Mr. Weissler.