Everybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005): Everybody loves put-upon Ray, who tries to please wife Debra, nosy 'rents Marie and Frank and jealous bro Robert. The Barones didn't always have happy days, but their dysfunctional family was one of the most realistic.
Family Guy (1999-present): The naughty and pop culture-obsessed 'Family Guy' is loaded with some of TV's best characters: offensive patriarch Peter, Brian the sauced dog and Peter Lorre-sound-a-like baby Stewie, whose botched matricidal missions are second in hilarity only to his perpetually thwarted plots for world domination.
Malcolm in the Middle (2000-2006): High-IQ Malcolm often made snarky asides to viewers about his wacky family's antics. But the middle-class family was more normal than they or their neighbors though. And Malcolm, despite feeling isolated, was a true Wilkinson at heart.
Gilligan's Island (1964-1967): For a three-hour tour, they sure had a lot of luggage. But hey, it's not like coconut radios were realistic, either. Nor was the stream of visitors who never helped the gang get rescued. In fact, it's Gilligan and company's haplessness that kept them on the island and viewers hooked on the show.
Arrested Development (2003-2006): Bluths, we hardly knew ye. Three seasons of dysfunctional family hilarity and banana-stand shenanigans weren't nearly enough. The show gave us GOB, Buster and Michael Cera -- and, at last, a forum for Jason Bateman to showcase his comedy chops.
The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966): One of the first shows about show biz revolved around a variety series writer. That meant tons of comic storylines, which, combined with Van Dyke's physical gags and Mary Tyler Moore's sassy humor, inspired many a future sitcom.
Welcome Back, Kotter (1975-1979): One of the best theme songs ever was followed by the Sweathogs' cornball quips and memorable catchphrases. The show also made a star of John Travolta, and if you don't think that's a good thing, well, up your nose with a rubber hose.
Mork & Mindy (1978-1982): 'Mork' was the perfect series to launch Robin Williams into superstardom, as his manic monologues and physical humor befitted an alien who was charged with studying Earthlings. Mork wasn't supposed to fall in love with roomie Mindy, but he did, then hatched (literally) giant baby Mearth. - 30542
Family Guy (1999-present): The naughty and pop culture-obsessed 'Family Guy' is loaded with some of TV's best characters: offensive patriarch Peter, Brian the sauced dog and Peter Lorre-sound-a-like baby Stewie, whose botched matricidal missions are second in hilarity only to his perpetually thwarted plots for world domination.
Malcolm in the Middle (2000-2006): High-IQ Malcolm often made snarky asides to viewers about his wacky family's antics. But the middle-class family was more normal than they or their neighbors though. And Malcolm, despite feeling isolated, was a true Wilkinson at heart.
Gilligan's Island (1964-1967): For a three-hour tour, they sure had a lot of luggage. But hey, it's not like coconut radios were realistic, either. Nor was the stream of visitors who never helped the gang get rescued. In fact, it's Gilligan and company's haplessness that kept them on the island and viewers hooked on the show.
Arrested Development (2003-2006): Bluths, we hardly knew ye. Three seasons of dysfunctional family hilarity and banana-stand shenanigans weren't nearly enough. The show gave us GOB, Buster and Michael Cera -- and, at last, a forum for Jason Bateman to showcase his comedy chops.
The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966): One of the first shows about show biz revolved around a variety series writer. That meant tons of comic storylines, which, combined with Van Dyke's physical gags and Mary Tyler Moore's sassy humor, inspired many a future sitcom.
Welcome Back, Kotter (1975-1979): One of the best theme songs ever was followed by the Sweathogs' cornball quips and memorable catchphrases. The show also made a star of John Travolta, and if you don't think that's a good thing, well, up your nose with a rubber hose.
Mork & Mindy (1978-1982): 'Mork' was the perfect series to launch Robin Williams into superstardom, as his manic monologues and physical humor befitted an alien who was charged with studying Earthlings. Mork wasn't supposed to fall in love with roomie Mindy, but he did, then hatched (literally) giant baby Mearth. - 30542
About the Author:
Hank Evans appreciates you taking the time to read this article. And, if you found it interesting, you can read more from Hank Evans at Watch NCIS Episodes Online and Watch Royal Pains Free.
