Hyperfictional Television

   Sometimes even non-post-modern television doesn't exist, inside of itself. I mean, even that's all fictional, even within the world it takes place in. Even more fictional than just something that would exist as nonfictional fiction within the universe. You know what, this would be easier to illustrate than to explain. Observe:

1. Tommy Westphall from St. Elsewhere himself visits St. Elsewhere on several occasions, starting with the 1983 episode "All About Eve." He is thus himself a figment of his own imagination. Which is alright, because Tommy Westphall was imagining stuff before he was even born, so it makes sense.
2. The show "Knots Landing," a spinoff from Dallas, takes place in Pam's head. I mean, when Bobby died but it was just a dream, from then on out, at least. Knots Landing acts like Bobby did die, so it's just her little dream world.
3. The entirety of the series "I Dream of Jeannie" was a dream of the character Howard Borden, dreaming he was Major Healey (also played by Bill Daily.) The Bob Newhart show was itself the dream of Bob Newhart, and Bob Newhart is himself a figment of Tommy Westphall's imagination.
4. Speaking of dreams within dreams, I have a pet theory where Dom Cobb from Inception is just Cobb from Nolan's Following, except as a dream version where he's played by Leonardo DiCaprio. "And the top's spinning and spinning, and just when it's about to topple... I wake up."
5. In-universe, the PBS children's television show Arthur was created by Matt Damon, but based on the adventures of the real Arthur after Arthur sent in a video entry of his life as part of a contest Matt Damon was doing. Matt Damon, played by himself, liked it so much, he turned it into a show. Let that sink in for a sec. Yeah, you got it. Also, Neil Gaiman, also played by himself, is sometimes imaginary and made out of falafel. Just sayin'.

   Now... shoot, I'm even more confused than before. Never mind.