By Brianna Spause
Special Features Editor

Media portrayal plays an incredibly strong role in affecting the opinions and actions of its viewers. Instead of encouraging violence and other bad behaviors, TBS and CBS have teamed up to take a new spin on entertainment – drawing a positive light into the world of intelligence, and essentially making it cool to carry the title of a ‘nerd’.

2013 has changed the face of the common ‘nerd’, with new episodes of shows such as “The Big Bang Theory” and “King of the Nerds” every week. The media attention brought towards these groups of highly intelligent characters has shed a positive light on a previously mocked culture of intelligence.

The “Big Bang Theory” follows a socially awkward group of scientists and their female counterparts through their day-to-day routine. The hour long sitcom, unlike any other comedy out currently has proved to be a huge hit, rolling into their sixth season and has reached the landmark of 20 million viewers for the first time on Jan. 10.

“King of the Nerds” is an up-and-coming game show that aired on Jan. 17. “Revenge of the Nerd’s” stars Robert Carradine and Curtis Armstrong developed an unscripted competition in which eleven contestants will compete in “Nerd-offs” – to determined who will leave, and who will continue on in “Nerdvana.”

Closely related to the impact “Revenge of the Nerds” had upon its release in 1984, the combination of these two shows have lifted the negative stigma closely associated with being a ‘nerd’. This can be related to the comedy element these shows bring.

“It completely alters the original stereotype of being a nerd and replaces it with a familiar and more entertaining twist on the nerdy personality,” Junior James Tuttle said.

The entertainment value found through iconic movie references and hard facts adds a humanistic quality once missing from the portrayal of intelligence. Today’s ‘nerds’ are more relatable to mass audiences as opposed to their portrayal in the past. Times have shifted from “Family Matters’s” Steve Erkel, clad in bow tie and suspenders, to a more socially adapted group. Audiences loved Erkel, but no one wanted to be Erkel.
“The Big Bang Theory” portrays successful, intelligent men and women, who still find the time to socialize. According to the cover of the 5th season box set, “Smart is the new sexy.”

“King of the Nerds” contestants, quirky as they may be, also have an air of establishment about them. Jobs range from Planetary Protection Engineer to professional gamer, and many others in between. The addition of women to these programs also helps to deviate from the pre-established stereotype. The opening cast of the Nerds was an equal distribution of both men and women in order to create a fair opportunity for both sexes.

“The Big Bang Theory” sheds a positive light on intelligence. In the past, kids have been bullied for trying in school, but the new type of ‘nerd’ has made it acceptable to care about grades and friends without being confined to the old stereotype,” Sophomore Carly Curran said.

In an academic world, intelligence has always been an extremely important quality. In the social world however, now is the prime time to be a ‘nerd’.

“King of the Nerds” takes a gentle approach to the traditional reality show setting. Contestants are urged to reveal themselves to the camera, while avoiding the cattiness typically associated with the nature of the show.

The tides have changed, and 2013 has brought about the shift from a culture that cuts down intelligence to one that accepts, and utilizes their strengths. It is a great accomplishment to shift the ideals and agendas of a critical society, but thanks to shows like these outrageously funny shows – it has become cool to be a ‘nerd’.