Here is my bold statement for tonight: ChiveTV is one of the best things to ever hit bars, restaurants, and gyms.

ChiveTV is pretty rad.

Why is this such a “bold” statement from your favorite blogger? It is because I have gone on record before writing about how much I deplore America’s Funniest Home Videos.

But not so fast, let me educate my readers on what ChiveTV is for those who don’t know (although I am pretty sure most everyone will be familiar with it after my explanation). ChiveTV is part of Atmosphere TV, a service that offers businesses “audio optional” content. Atmosphere TV is delivered via a device that bars and other establishments purchase and then set it to a channel for their customers to enjoy.

ChiveTV is by far the channel you see most Atmosphere devices set to. Heralded as offering “the best original, jaw-dropping viral videos from around the world” the content is pretty addicting and entertaining.

Basically, it is everything that AFV is not.

I was pretty specific about my dislike for AFV. I didn’t care for the slapstick and staged nature of the videos. I felt insulted by the laugh tracks. I couldn’t stand the hosts. To me, it was extremely painful to watch.

On the other hand, ChiveTV is fresh and hip. The content encompasses the best viral videos—not necessarily the funniest. Instead of watching someone slip or run into something, I get to see someone attempt a daring feat or test an innovative invention. Instead of watching a ladder fall on someone, I get to watch someone use a ladder in a creative way I never thought of. Instead of watching someone accidentally drop a cake, I get to watch someone bake a cake with no hands.

Even better, the content is silent so the viewer gets to make their own judgments and conclusions. No unbearable narrations or dopey sound effects.

The video quality is crisper, the antics are more relevant, and the variety more diverse.

But perhaps I am missing the mark by even comparing ChiveTV to AFV. The fact of the matter is that ChiveTV is a fantastic watch regardless of the past failings of AFV.

Perhaps the environment of where you can watch ChiveTV adds to the enjoyment. Bars? Watching people do cool things is even cooler with a beer in front of you. Gyms? It is easier to appreciate something when the endorphins are flowing. Pools? Viral videos are a trip when you watch them chest deep in refreshing waters with the glorious sun sending rays your way.

I love it that ChiveTV is always on in my gym.

Wait. ChiveTV is shown at pools?

You bet! When we were on our cruise, the Freedom of the Seas gigantic poolside video board was tuned to ChiveTV during the day. What fun we had splashing around while watching engaging video after engaging video. Everyone at the pool laughed and reacted together for hours on end.

ChiveTV is so much more than just the modern day AFV. It is a genius concept that provides endless entertainment, genuine camaraderie, and clever content. Where is your favorite place to watch it? Don’t Blink.