We watch True Blood as a family. Is that weird?

Most families gather ’round the tube and catch up on some Disney Channel fare or maybe a good family drama — perhaps Parenthood or the new The Fosters. Even then, some may go for a wholesome multicam sitcom.

My family chooses True Blood.

As the sole person in my family (extended, to boot) who really even watches television — let alone, be a fan of some shows — there aren’t many series that we all make appointment TV together. In a way, it’s kind of nice and warming. In a totally different way, it’s completely awkward.

It all began during my senior year … of high school (yes, folks). Everyone and their mother was talking about True Blood at that time, including a friend of mine who I’ll call James. James went on and on about it until the end of time, so I figured it was time to watch what all the noise was about. I bought the DVD and watched the first four episodes by myself.

And what four episodes those were! It’s one-third into the season, but after the credits roll on that fourth episode, it’s hard not to be hooked. So, naturally, I showed my mom and my sister the season. It turned out that they, too, had friends that were telling them to watch True Blood. Later, we showed my father. By that time, season 2 was already on DVD, so we bought it. And watched it almost instantaneously.

When season 3 premiered, we were glued in front of the television watching. And it continued like that throughout the summer. And just like that, True Blood was the show that my family chose to watch as a family. Every family has their one show, but ours is just a little bit more porno-y. And, yes, if you were wondering: it’s hella uncomfortable!

I don’t know what would possess me to watch something of the True Blood variety with my parental units in tow, but somehow I’m suckered in week after week into doing so. Is that moaning? I’ll just close my eyes and look away. Oh is that some actresses’s bare chest? I’ll just squint so it appears as if my eyes are closed; is this working? It’s okay, because my mom has those little ticks too during those scenes. I appreciate her effort.

We once watched half a season of The Voice together, but apparently any more than 12 episodes is too much for anyone in my family to continue watching. Over the years, my mom and dad haven’t really planted their behinds to watch, but they’re still rather interested. In fact, somehow it had escaped my mind that tonight was the True Blood season six premiere; when my sister, who was told by me, informed my mom, she was excited, despite the fact that she didn’t completely watch season five.

It’s going down. Oh is that an oral sex scene? I’ll just grit my teeth as I stare at the ceiling.

You probably won’t find me reviewing True Blood this season (someone else around here will be, however). I find that thinking about it makes me not enjoy it as much. And I’m ready to escape into Bon Temps.