The purpose of this investigation was to gain an understanding of the role that television plays in the daily lives of a number of elderly male individuals who are partially confined and socially restricted in a long care facility. An inductive, qualitative study was conducted over a three-month period in western Canada in order to obtain an in-depth description of the television experience of these residents. Pertinent questions about viewing patterns, program preferences, level of involvement, and significance of television in their daily lives were asked of receptive male television viewers who were able to lend insight and depth to the presentation and expression of ideas, thoughts, and experiences of their use of television. The participants were grouped as orientation, entertainment, educational, and escapist viewers, and the motivations, genre preferences, and characteristic behaviors of these groups were compared. The study established that: (1) confined elderly watch a great deal of television; (2) social isolation exists; and (3) television may be a contributing factor to this isolation. It is suggested that educational and awareness building may help to educate viewers about the role of television in their lives. (94 references) (CGD)