Sentence:  The opening vignette thus functions as a sophisticated postmodern "show within a show" rumination on television and its cultural impact within our lives. We know we are watching a <WSD>television show</WSD>, and the program is commenting on earlier programs, thereby distinguishing it from other shows that lack this self-consciousness. But instead of inviting us to question television in terms of our hindsight knowledge about earlier shows, this dialogue in effect draws us into the drama by having us identify precisely with the nostalgia of the characters for these earlier programs. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  A live or recorded broadcast or program, or series of broadcasts or programs, meant to be viewed on television.