Hello There

Welcome to JASON CREATES! As it states on the homepage, this website is my new online home. My aims are to showcase my work and writing and contribute to ongoing cultural conversations happening in America. I have many interests. They include, but are not limited to, TV, movies, media, sports, politics, policy, and LGBTQ representation in all of those things.

Yes, it’s another Monday (I think) during a global pandemic. But I have some time on my hands. When I’m not applying for jobs, I’m watching stuff on almost every platform out there, reading newsletters, listening to podcasts, hiking or spending time with my parents, siblings and niblings. And working on this website. It all has been energizing, cosideraing the terrible state of things.

Some things to know about JASON CREATES and me:

I was born in New Jersey but have spent most of my life in Georgia. I’ve been lucky in life but not without ups and downs. I quit alcohol for good in 2010. Some of my local heros are Jimmy Carter, John Lewis and Ted Turner. I would love to meet Billie Jean King, Janet Mock, Padma Lakshmi, Kelly Clarkson, Sonia Sotomayor, Ryan Murphy and Jason Collins.

I’m gay and progressive and a lover of democracy. What a moment we’re in. I try to be fair and stay in touch with reality, steering away from conspiracy theories. I think healthcare should be for al and untethered from employment. I know love is love and was on the marriage equality train long before the Supreme Court legalized it nationwide. I understand and back Black Lives Matter. Trans Lives Matter, too. I’ll tell you human rights and voting rights aren’t political footballs or fun thought experiments. I want D.C. (where I lived for 5+ years) and Puerto Rico to become states. I think public school districts and teachers deserve more money. I support freedom of speech as well as the consequences of that speech. I abhor discrimination and meanness. I get the importance of representation (whether it’s in media, entertainment, government or other sectors).

I consume a ton of TV and movies. I’ve probably seen every episode of about 400 programs (a conservative estimate) since the late 1990s. Some lasted less than a year, and some are closing in on their 17th season (Thank you, Meredith Grey!), Since my teenage years, I used VHS tapes, TiVo, DVRs and streamers to watch my favorites. At the beginning of this journey, think American Idol, Survivor, The West Wing, Lost, Sports Night, Queer As Folk and The O.C. If I started a religion, we’d all worship Greg Berlanti and Shonda Rhimes. Whether it’s comedy, drama, game shows, talk shows, sports or live events, TV is an amazing place that touches nearly everyone and moves society in immeasurable ways. Movies and music do that, too, but I’m not as knowledgeable in those areas. (I’m working on it!).

I’m an awards show fanatic. They’re so much fun, especially the Emmys, the Oscars and the Golden Globes. Emmy campaign season is heating up right now. Nominations will be announced on July 28, and the show will air in some form on Sept. 20. Check out this blog and my Twitter feed (@jasondlangbehn) for my opinions, predictions and analysis. By the way, I’m an ardent fan of Gold Derby.

I haven’t been watching as much sports lately. That’s mostly because of the pandemic and a lack of options, but it’s also because I have developed a larger interest in TV, movies and screenwriting (more on that to come). I’ve followed Atlanta teams (Braves, Falcons, Hawks, United, RIP Thrashers) and college sports — I’m a proud UGA graduate and remain a huge supporter — since I was young. The Braves won the World Series in 1995, but let’s be honest, the past 25 years have been brutal. There has been so much heartbreak for my guys in the Peach State. I’ll never stop rooting for them, though. I also like watching big events like the golf and tennis majors, Triple Crown horseracing and the Olympics (swimming and figure skating are the best).

I enjoy making lists. It’s getting a bit ridiculous, so I decided to dedicate a JASON CREATES page to that. You’ll be able to see what I’m binging, reading, listening to and more. It will be updated throughout the year.

Building this website has been a fun endeavor. It remains a work in progress, and I’m really loving the creative aspect of it. There will be changes and adjustments over the next few months. One major project: establishing the JASON CREATES TV Hall of Fame (more info is on the way). And in honor of my love for awards, I’ll introdude The Jays toward the end of 2020 (my personal picks in TV, film, sports and culure). Thanks for reading. Stay safe and wear a mask!