I think there are many advantages of TV.
Information: The TV provides us with a multitude of information through news programmes and documentaries. Their are entire channels such as the History Channel, Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel dedicated to the showing of informative shows.
Entertainment: TV provides us with films, drama and comedy shows to keep us entertained, make us laugh, and stimulate the part of our brain which craves escapism and diversion from every day life.
Learning: Many children's TV shows provide invaluable learning scenarios, helping kids to learn about maths, science and other traditional learning topics, as well as social learning through interactivity.
The main disadvantage I see, is that it is a solitary activity, and is a passive activity.
We often have TV on "in the background" and are not actively engaged in what we are watching. Constant TV watching can also infringe on the time where a family may have traditionally spent time talking and communicating, eg. During dinner, the weekends.
