DOCUMENTARY "Suburban America: Problems &amp; Promise" 
 WHEN | WHERE Saturday night at 8 on <a href="/topics/WLIW">WLIW</a>/Ch. 21 
 REASON TO WATCH A look at the 'burbs, with a heavy emphasis on <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a>. 
 WHAT IT'S ABOUT From <a href="/topics/Greenlawn%2C_NY">Greenlawn</a>-based Rudaitis Media, and an assist from former Newsday columnist Lawrence C. Levy, now executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra, this documentary explores the challenges facing suburbs, which lie at the nexus of sweeping political, economic and demographic change. There is a heavy emphasis on Long Island, with much commentary from local politicos. Levy notes that myths endure about the homogeneity of the suburbs, "but the reality is just not so." Indeed. 
 MY SAY "Suburban America's" author Ron Rudaitis is a kitchen-sink producer, in the best sense of the phrase. He grabs his camera, hits the road and talks to everyone who has a thoughtful opinion about the subject. His 2007 documentary, "Farming the Future: Farm Life on Long Island," was outstanding, as his Emmy attests. 
 But viewers would have been better served had he confined this film to Long Island. Even then, the subject could barely be covered in an hour, so complicated are the challenges facing the public health, educational and economic infrastructure. Taxes are fleetingly mentioned here and schools are ignored. There's an upbeat endnote, but it's hard to see how a success story in Arlington, Va., has anything to do with <a href="/topics/Wyandanch%2C_NY">Wyandanch</a>. 
 BOTTOM LINE Thoughtful, but too sprawling. 
 GRADE B

DOCUMENTARY "Suburban America: Problems & Promise" WHEN | WHERE Saturday night at 8 on WLIW/Ch. 21 REASON TO WATCH A look at the 'burbs, with a heavy emphasis on Long Island. WHAT IT'S ABOUT From Greenlawn-based Rudaitis Media, and an assist from former Newsday columnist Lawrence C. Levy, now executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra, this documentary explores the challenges facing suburbs, which lie at the nexus of sweeping political, economic and demographic change. There is a heavy emphasis on Long Island, with much commentary from local politicos. Levy notes that myths endure about the homogeneity of the suburbs, "but the reality is just not so." Indeed. MY SAY "Suburban America's" author Ron Rudaitis is a kitchen-sink producer, in the best sense of the phrase. He grabs his camera, hits the road and talks to everyone who has a thoughtful opinion about the subject. His 2007 documentary, "Farming the Future: Farm Life on Long Island," was outstanding, as his Emmy attests. But viewers would have been better served had he confined this film to Long Island. Even then, the subject could barely be covered in an hour, so complicated are the challenges facing the public health, educational and economic infrastructure. Taxes are fleetingly mentioned here and schools are ignored. There's an upbeat endnote, but it's hard to see how a success story in Arlington, Va., has anything to do with Wyandanch. BOTTOM LINE Thoughtful, but too sprawling. GRADE B

Entertainment

ETBOT21.WEB

Review: 'Suburban America: Problems & Promise'

Newsday

p2SUBURBAN

Entertainment trending

Take our quizzes

34 must-see fall concerts

Fall theater preview

Too much 'Jeopardy'?

Most Popular

Entertainment Rail Module

A sampling of the Piano Man's collection of 70 bikes can be viewed ahead of a November auction.

Movin' out: Billy Joel's motorcycles on display at Christie's auction house

Billy Joel will be auctioning off more than 70 motorcycles at Gooding Christie's in Manhattan next month. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger got a sneak peek at three.

'It's a rider's collection'

The longtime WALK-FM weather forecaster will retire on Oct. 16.

Radio legend Pat Pagano gets ready to sign off

He was selected out of 700 submissions for the gig.

23-year-old LIer lands gig as Quiet Riot's new frontman

The Piano Man is selling most off his storied collection through Gooding Christie's, the automotive division of Christie's Auction House in Manhattan, in November.

Motorcycle man Billy Joel to auction more than 70 bikes

Recently fired Cinema Arts Centre co-director Dylan Skolnick will present his first pop-up event on Saturday at South Bay Cinema.

Former Cinema Arts Centre co-director hosting 'Cinema in Exile' series at other theaters

Sign up for Newsday's Entertainment newsletter

Entertainment newsletter widget

Emma Slater will perform and host this year's show, which will be Feb. 5.

Feet accomplished: MSG to host 'Dancing With the Stars'

More Entertainment

Entertainment Article Bottom Module

"The Good Wife" creators should have a hit with this series starring Mike Colter.

The verdict for legal drama 'Cupertino': Guilty of being terrific

Before "Abbott Elementary," there was "Our Miss Brooks" and more shows with smart TV teachers.

Remember these classy TV teachers?

The city of New York plays a big role in this "NCIS" spinoff.

Does 'NCIS: New York' make the grade with its locations?

The sitcom star and the executive producer of "Everybody Loves Raymond" will be inducted on Nov. 5.

Ray Romano to be inducted into LI hall of fame

Florence Pugh stars in Netflix's remake of John Steinbeck's classic, which is too long and too tedious.

'East of Eden' review: A tale of several deadly sins

NEWSDAY TV SHORTS

Vertical videos

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano has your look at what to know ahead of the 2026 Oyster Festival.

What to expect at this year's Oyster Fest

A sneak peek of Billy Joel's motorcycles going to auction next month

Marine life experts said two juvenile humpback whales became stuck due to sandbars created in last month's nor'easter. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa has more.

2 whales stranded on LI

The firefighter says her free speech rights were violated. The case demonstrates the depths of the divisiveness of politics in America today. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

LI fire department removes volunteer after Facebook comment about ICE

The Mineola High School marching band and wind ensemble have been invited to perform at London's New Year's Parade in 2028. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie has more.

LI High School marching band to perform in London New Year’s Parade

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed heads to Seven Ponds Orchard in Water Mill where you can pick crisp apples, gather garden-fresh veggies, and let the kids burn off some energy at one of the island's largest playgrounds.

Out East: Seven Ponds Orchard

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano visits Das Biergarten in Long Beach.

It's Oktoberfest every day at this Long Beach restaurant

Stuart Cameron, now the chief of the Old Westbury Police Department, said "The Long Watch" began as an attempt to share his experiences during 40-plus years in law enforcement with his children and grandchildren.

Chief Stuart Cameron talks new book 'The Long Watch' and Gilgo investigation

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa visits Bisqo in Hicksville to try the Miso Overload, a Dubai-inspired creation which combines a frappe with a slice of tiramisu.

 Trendy Bites: Have your frappe with a slice of tiramisu on top

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano tries a crafty coffee at The Caffeinated Bunny in Melville.

Coffee cart opens at Melville flower shop

Sitewide Video Playlist

New court filings show the girl was allegedly isolated in her room and told not to leave the bed or speak with anyone for a full day while her appointed caretaker, Emily Kelly, visited the girl's father in prison. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

New court documents in Jor'Dynn Duncan case

Nearly $1.2 billion in unclaimed funds is available across more than 5 million accounts on Long Island, according to the state comptroller's office. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

$1.2B available across 5 million accounts on LI

The parking shortage at Jake's 58 Casino Hotel has been a common complaint. Now, the site is set to get an additional 800 parking spaces. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'When it gets late, you can't find a spot'

'Only the best of the best get invited'

'You're watching out over the citizens that live in the area you're responsible for'

'Kinda caught me off guard'

Starting in January, all SUNY and CUNY Reconnect programs will be open to adults ages 25 to 55, even if they already have college degrees. Newsday education reporter Maura McDermott explains.

'Things change in life'

Long Island is seeing an uptick in trade school enrollment amid growing concern from young adults about job insecurity, financial prospects and the impacts of artificial intelligence on the job market. NewsdayTV's Izzy Mignardi reports.

'You're gonna have consistency'

The cost to educate students on Long Island has hit a record high, with districts projected to spend almost $42,000 per student this year. Newsday education reporter Maura McDermott has more.

'It's excessive'

The complaint said alterations made to the video are part of a broader cover-up by Farmingville Fire officials to shield the unidentified driver of the SUV, believed to be a high-ranking fire official, from accountability. Newsday reporter Michael O'Keeffe has more.

Estate of LI woman sues fire department

Santos Banegas Reyes, a 42-year-old ICE detainee, died in Nassau County Jail last year after staff provided "inadequate medical care," a federal report found. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'My reaction to the report is outrage'

App Nativo Ad Unit Slot

TV - megaslot

Newsday TV critic Verne Gay reviews new TV shows and series from Netflix, Max, Hulu and more. Plus, what Long Island actors are working on and Long Island filming locations.

Review: 'Suburban America: Problems & Promise'

Most Popular

Top Stories

Stay logged in.