It’s a busy week at the Clicker. Well, Cinema Blend is undergoing a server switch and a few other surprises that my editor won’t let me ***edited***! Also, my mind is on other things. Yes, I do more than watch TV. In a week, I head to Walt Disney World. It’s probably a surprise to most of my friends, but Walt’s dream is one of my most favorite places on Earth. The wife, the kids, and I will spend a week at the beautiful Wilderness Lodge and blowing all my savings. I hope I can afford cable tv after a week with the mouse. With that out of the way, let’s get on with it.
While watching TV with my oldest daughter the other day, my mind began to wander. She’s 7 and has a serious crush on John Stamos’s Uncle Jesse. In this episode, the gang was using one of the most overused TV show ploys, the vacation. The family was gone to Disney World. Taking a vacation was a big deal on old sitcoms. Who doesn’t remember the Brady Bunch episode in Hawaii? Allie commented that Full House was her favorite show. Then it happened. A spark flashed where one had not existed before. I had an idea for my next column. Yeah, a top ten list seems as original as adding another kid to your favorite show. That may be true but my mind is on riding Space Mountain one more time and it might help my dozens of readers to know what sitcoms helped forge the TV viewer I am today. That really doesn’t sound as profound as I hoped but what were expecting?
My list is not based on what critics will tell you are the best sitcoms. My list consists of my favorites that I watched during my 31 years on this planet. I have excluded all shows still on the air since new shows sometimes are skewed higher. Be warned, if I’m still writing columns in 5 years, Arrested Development, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and My Name is Earl will be on the list!
10. Diff’rent Strokes (1978-1986)--Sing it with me! “It takes Diff’rent Strokes to rule the World.. HMMMM!” Once I am an old filthy rich bachelor, it is my sole desire to adopt a couple of black kids. Yes, we all have dreams but only Phillip Drummond can live his. As a young kid, I watched it every week even when they added the wife and the annoying red head kid. Arnold and Willis moved in with their mom’s boss after she died. There was some weird fascination with mixed families during this time although they rarely dwelled on racial issues. It really doesn’t hold up well now, but during my early years, it was a can’t miss.
9. Growing Pains (1985-1992)--The Seavers were a typical family with a mom, dad, and three kids. The comedy wasn’t as blasé as other shows but they weren’t groundbreaking either. Mom and Dad , Alan Thicke and Joanna Kerns, were goofy just like my parents so I felt kind of at ease with them. I’ll admit to thinking that Kirk Cameron was the coolest guy ever as a kid. Most girls loved him. Most guys wish they could run their school like he did. Growing Pains was yet another show that added a kid as popularity waned. Ben Seaver is a prime example of why pre-pubescent kids should never be hired for shows. I could write a whole column on cute kids who grow up ugly. I’ll save that for season 3. Leo DiCaprio was a 2nd cast child actor added to the show and you can see early signs of his talent.
8. Married with Children (1987-1997)--I’m not sure if the show is actually that good or if it was so shocking at the time that everybody had to watch it. Al Bundy, the pitiful women’s shoe salesman, continues to be one of my favorite TV characters. During a time where wholesome family shows like the Cosby Show dominated the airwaves, Married with Children had an edge that kept the show strong for 8 out of its 10 seasons. Christina Applegate was the fantasy of many men. I’m pretty sure women didn’t feel the same about David Faustino. Another kid was added near the end but by that time, I was in college and the show had lost my interest. Why watch a show with provocative women when they are in your history class?
7. Night Court (1984-1992)--Would anybody under 35 even know who Mel Torme is if not for Night Court? Night Court rotated about 5 plot lines and just inserted new gags between Judge Harry Stone and the cast of characters who hung around the night court for 9 seasons. John Larroquette’s Dan Fielding stole the show usually with occasional sparks of brilliance from Bull, Mac, Roz, and the other misfits. It was good for laughs without being bogged down by complex storylines. No wonder I enjoyed it in my pre-teen years.
6. The Cosby Show(1984-1992)--At one time, I wanted my Dad to be Cliff Huxtable. I’m sure I would have had a slightly more difficult life in rural Georgia, but think of the sweaters I would have inherited! The Cosby’s were the first family of America with mom and dad being a lawyer and a doctor, respectively, and a brood full of kids: Sandra, Denise, Theo, Vanessa, and Rudy. Cosby was so good they even avoided the slump of adding a kid to the show. Olivia, who grew up to star in That’s So Raven, was the cutest kid on TV and the focal point of the last year or so after the other Cosby kids left the house. Bill Cosby is the rare comedic talent who is genuinely funny.
5. The Wonder Years(1988-1993)--Daniel Stern narrated the coming of age story of Kevin Arnold whose childhood coincided with the turbulent 60s. This show sometimes was more “situational” than comedy, but it was well made and frankly, didn’t last long enough. Kevin and Paul were about my age at the time and we shared many of the same dilemmas and good times. In five years, Kevin and I both made the change from middle school to high school and we both had first loves that went awry. At least I didn’t have an older brother Wayne to deal with.
4. Newhart (1982-1990)--How many guys my age truly appreciate the genius that is Bob Newhart? He can garner more laughs with a serious expression than Chris Rock with a “fart or dick” joke. Most would say the “Bob Newhart Show” was his best show, but not me. Give me Dick Laudon and his little Vermont Inn any day. Other stars were Peter Scolari, Julia Duffy, Tom Poston and Mary Fran. However, my favorite characters were Larry, Darryl and Darryl, three brothers with the two non-speaking ones sharing the same names. The series finale’s genius can be debated, but not by me. It was a refreshing surprise that didn’t ruin my image of the characters I thoroughly enjoyed for 9 seasons. I cannot fathom why this show isn’t on television or DVD.
3. WKRP in Cincinnati (1978-1982)--I’m not sure enough people know about the best show of the 70s and 80s. Okay, maybe I’m the only one who feels this way but who cares. WKRP, a struggling radio station, is given a second chance at success when new program director, Andy Travis, changes the format to rock. Whenever I get around to making a top 100 TV characters list, WKRP could easily have 6 on the list. Station owner Arthur “Big Guy” Carlson, Jennifer Marlowe, Les Nessman, Venus Flytrap, Herb Tarlek, and Johnny “Dr. Fever” Caravella would easily make that list. While the show didn’t last long, it had one of the top 5 greatest shows ever in “Bombs Away” which was about a live turkey giveaway. The delivery method? Dropping the turkeys from a helicopter. It’s hilarious. Trust me. The final episode ever ranked number 7 for the week. What was CBS thinking when they cancelled it? Sadly, reruns of the show are never the same since all the music had to be edited out and replaced with crappy generic fluff in order to save money.
2. Seinfeld(1990-1998)--Many people have this show high on the list so it’s no surprise that I do too. I watched the show since its first season and it was refreshing. All sitcom norms were thrown out the window and a show about “nothing” ruled the 90s. Created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, the show ran from 90-98 and up to the last year, nothing on TV was better. I’m not a big fan of the finale but there is a nice touch in it. The last conversation about a button mirrors the first ever conversation George and Jerry have in the first episode. Of the 170+ episodes, my favorite episode is The Contest. I’m out!
1. Cheers (1982-1993)--In this day and age, Cheers would have been cancelled in its first season where it was the lowest ranked show of the year. Sam Malone, a former Boston Red Sox pitcher, opens a bar as a way of coping with his drinking problem that cost him his career. With a cast of characters that included Norm, Cliff, Carla, Coach, Woody, Dr. Frasier Crane, Diane, and Rebecca, Cheers survived and flourished despite several major cast changes. The theme song talked about a place where everybody knew your name and the place became like a family for the characters and viewers alike.
There you have it. My top 10 sitcoms. My wife just called my list the dumbest thing she’s ever read since I didn’t include Friends. If I left out your favorite show, feel free to do the same. If my wife’s comments don’t hurt my feelings, I doubt some fan of Coach could do it. Give it your best shot, though!
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What to Watch (2/12 to 2/25)
With the Winter Olympics in full force, many networks are not airing many new episodes. You’ll still see the breakout hit shows because the Olympics are no match for Jack Bauer or Jack Sheppard. Since I get bored with the snow, expect some recommendations that are different from weeks past.
Sunday February 12
Extreme Makeover-Home Edition (ABC) 8:00pm
Crawford-Smith Family- Ty Pennington makes families cry but at least rewards them with a kick-ass house. This show is pretty forumulaic, but I still find myself watching it from time to time. Hey, it’s Sunday evening. Enjoy looking at houses you could never afford and people’s lives being changed for the better.
50 Best Chick Flicks: Sex, Cries, and Videotape (E!) 8:00pm
2 hour special- Unemployment agencies are a wonderful thing. For example, they got Molly Ringwald and Ally Sheedy jobs hosting this insipid countdown of romantic comedies that my wife will undoubtedly make me watch.
Monday February 13
24 (FOX) 9:00pm
Day 5, 2:00pm-3:00pm- Does it matter what is supposed to happen? Does it matter that the show repeats the same twists each year? Of course not. Just watch Jack Bauer torture somebody. You know you love it.
Inside the Actor’s Studio (BRAVO) 9:00pm
Dave Chappelle- Get the Tivo ready and watch this after 24. A 2 hour interview that will chronicle Chapelle’s hit show, movies, and his turn to the nutty side while blaming it on white people laughing at him.
Tuesday February 14
It’s Valentine’s Day. You are in serious danger of sleeping on the couch if you don’t have plans out tonight. Well, if you are already on the couch, how about watching…
Charlie Brown Valentine (ABC) 8:00pm
Watch the only guy with less skillz with the ladies than you. C’mon, it’s Valentine’s Day and you are watching cartoons. I’m ashamed and appalled….that I’ll be watching this with my two daughters and the wife.
House (FOX) 9:00pm
Distractions- I’m just getting in to watching this. I didn’t catch it much the first year. Unlike other medical shows, I really could care less about the patients. I just enjoy hearing House insult folks on the way from curing them. This week, a 16 year old is burned in a wreck, has heart and brain trouble, and has a seizure all at the same time. I’m most excited about House trying to exact revenge on a colleague who turning him in for cheating during med school 20 years ago.
Wednesday February 15
Lost (ABC) 8:00pm (63 minutes)
One of Them- Last week’s episode was one of the best ever. I love Sawyer returning to his natural element of conniving and scheming. This week, Rousseau returns and takes Sayid to a mysterious captive. Where is he from? Sawyer finds out Hurley has done something potentially devastating. Sawyer blackmails Hurley into helping him track a mysterious island creature. What, the boar? What? Oh and what nicknames could Sawyer give Hurley this week? We’ve heard Jabba this year. I’m leaning toward “Aretha”.
Thursday February 16
Damn Olympics! No My Name is Earl or Office this week. Survivor: Exile Island (CBS) 8:00pm
Crazy Fights, Snake Dinners- The show is becoming stale but I still watch it. I’m tired of gimmicks like four tribes when they merge at the beginning of episode two. What Survivor seems to be struggling with lately is picking GOOD contestants. Why even bother casting Melinda? There was no way she would have ever one. What about the girl who doesn’t like leaves? When horrible castaways like her survive, the whole show suffers. Spend more time interviewing potential castmembers and less time worrying about the clever names for the tribes.
Thursday Night Raw (USA) 8:00pm
Well, I USE to watch wrestling but those days are long gone. However, a reader wrote into me asking for me to give it a shot again. Since it airs on a special night this week (normally on Mondays), why don’t you give it a shot?
Friday February 17
Battlestar Galactica (Sci-Fi) 10:00pm EST
The Captain’s Hand-The new Pegasus Commander (John Heard) and his interim XO, Lee Adama butt heads over missing Vipers. The Presidential campaign heats up over “pro-life” vs “pro-choice” debates. Great, sounds like fun for all. Maybe next week we can debate the death penalty. Let’s focus less on real world issues and more on Baltar nailing a toaster.
Saturday February 18
To be truthful to the Clicker nation, I’m leaving this day to spend a week at Walt Disney World. So, thankfully, I won’t be missing much on the tube.
NBA All-Star Saturday Night: Slam Dunk Contest, Three Point Contest (TNT) 8:30pm
This might be the only time of the year I watch the NBA if I wasn’t enjoying the beautiful Wilderness Lodge. Besides the overrated Slam Dunk contest and the underrated three point shootout, you’ll get to see a skills contest and a Shooting Stars contest. Expect to get your yearly rap music quota in this 2 ½ hour broadcast.
Sunday February 19
NBA All-Star Game (TNT) 8:30pm
Live from Houston, TX- The over-under on shootings at the All Star game is currently at 3. Hopefully, I’ll be safely aboard Star Tours at MGM
Monday February 20
House (FOX) 8:00pm
Skin Deep- Dr. House insults as many people as possible while saving a young model from certain death. Tivo will be working all night for me.
24 (FOX) 9:00pm
Day 5, 3:00pm-4:00pm- Jack is ordered back to CTU when he disobeys instructions from Sean Astin. Shocking no one, Jack disobeys these orders. Hopefully by now, Jack’s uber-hot daughter Kim will be back.
Tuesday February 21
Winter Olympics (NBC) 8:00pm
With “My Name is Earl” moving to Thursdays, Tuesday is officially my catch up on my DVDs night. I can pretty much miss anything here and I’ll be OK. If you need to watch something, catch the bobsledding events. Where do they invent these sports?
Wednesday February 22
LOST (ABC) 9:00pm
Pilot episode If you want to know how a show should debut, watch the 2 hour debut of Lost. There has never been a better debut, ever. Frankly, if you have never watched the show, watch this one.
Monty Python’s Personal Best (PBS) 10:00pm
Eric Idle’s Personal Best- The first of a six-part series featuring cast members’ favorite moments from the show. Check local listings for times in your area so you can see such favorite skits as The 27th Silly Olympiad, the International Hairdressers Expedition to Mount Everest, and the Lumberjack Song.
Thursday February 23
Survivor: Exile Island (CBS) 8:00pm
Starvation and Lunacy- Another person gets voted off the island. I think we’re up to four now. Probst will mumble about fire meaning life for the 383rd time.
Friday February 24
<Battlestar Galactica (Sci-Fi) 10:00 EST
Downloaded-Back on Caprica, Starbuck’s man toy prepares to launch an attack on the Cylons. Also, Xena Warrior Cylon is back as a Cylon leader and she rewards Six and Sharon for being the biggest robot whores since George Jetson’s Rosie. Oh you know you wanted it.
Saturday February 25
Forrest Gump (ABC) 8:00pm
I’m not a smart man but I know there isn’t crap on TV besides the sucky Olympics. Watch this movie with renewed appreciation. And please stop trying to make Gump-isms. It’s a really cheap way to get laughs. Ahem.
Well, no lights. Maybe italics. If the show is really good, maybe bold! Yeah!
