(Notes: for my purposes, 'of all time' means the period from the late 1980s to the early 2000s. Also, for purposes of this list, we will all assume that we live in a better universe where 'Friends' never existed. And in my youth I somehow completely missed both Cheers and MASH. Sorry.)
5)Cousin Ira, Mad About You. What happened to John Pankow? He appeared as Alexander Hamilton in a short I saw in college once, but must have moved to Burma or something. Our loss. When Cousin Ira appeared on screen, good things naturally followed.
4)Jimmy James, NewsRadio. Edges Bill McNeal in a tight race among a strong lineup, thanks to the episode with the mustache.
3)Mr Belvedere, Mr Belvedere. You know what? This doesn't need an argument.
2)Niles Crane, Frasier. David Hyde Pierce nailed the fine line between parody and fastidiousness, a line I just made up. Maybe the best acting job on television, with the possible exception of the below.
1)George Costanza, Seinfeld. Less a person than an embodiment of all things which make humanity unintentionally hilarious. I had an English professor once label George one of the great characters of the twentieth century. No kidding.
Strong cases that just didn't make the cut:
Vickie, Small Wonder Mostly for those moments when we realized, "You know, I'm watching a sitcom in which a child actress pretends to be a twelve year old robot, and I'm actually accepting the premise."
ALF, ALF. Gains points for the movie "Project: ALF." Also for the pogs. Loses points for the crappy animated version.
Bobby Hill; Mr Burns; Bender; Earl Sinclair from 'Dinosaurs.' No animated series, or they'd dominate the list. Sorry.
Zack Morris. Who didn't want to be Zack Morris? Not only do you get Kelly, you get to stop time.
Murphy Brown, Murphy Brown. Because if I left her off, Katie would kill me. Yes, that's right. Katie loves Murphy Brown.
Mr Cooper, Hangin' with Mr Cooper. Best sitcom title ever.
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
Sorry, Mr. Cooper totally lost points for being a fan of the Warriors. Seriously, the Warriors?
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
-Denise Huxtable (pre A Different World). Coolest wardrobe ever.
-Whitley Gilbert A Different World
-3-way tie: Alex P. Keaton, Mallory Keaton, Jennifer Keaton Family Ties
-Andy Richter Andy Richter Controls the Universe
-Turk Scrubs Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
quote: -3-way tie: Alex P. Keaton, Mallory Keaton, Jennifer Keaton Family Ties
There is no tie here. Alex wins hands-down.
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
I agree with the esteemed reptile from Florida. And I don't mean Jeb Bush.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Poor MAtt. So young, so tv-illiterate!
HERE are the top five sit-com characters of all time:
5) Klinger from M*A*S*H
4) Alice from "The Brady Bunch"
3) Barney Fife from "The Andy Taylor" Show
2)George's Parents on "Seinfeld" (they count as one)
1) And the number one sit com character of all time, the woman who is the measure which all comedians must measure themselves against:
Luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuucyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! from "I Love Lucy
Posted by Katarain (Member # 6659) on :
quote:Originally posted by MattB: Zack Morris. Who didn't want to be Zack Morris? Not only do you get Kelly, you get to stop time.
That's right! He could stop time! And he moved things around so that when it started again weird things happened.
I always saw those moments as simply "speaking to the camera" moments, where the reality of the show, such as it is, is merely suspended. But taken from another angle, maybe we should reclassify Saved by the Bell as a Science Fiction series. Zach had special powers!
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
If it really was of all time we were talking about here, Jack Benny, Gracie Allen, and Fibber McGee would all have to be mentioned.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
What do you mean by the "top" sitcom characters? Most watched? Most beloved? Most funny? Most tragic? Most despised? Most mostest?
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
quote:Most mostest?
This is my criteria for judging everything.
Posted by The Pixiest (Member # 1863) on :
How can you leave out Dan Fielding and Homer Simpson?
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
quote:tv-illiterate
*Hands Elizabeth a dictionary*
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
Fozzie Bear, Dan Fielding, Barney Fife, Rochester, Gracie Allen.
Those are the top five. Other arguments will be heard, but you folks are all wrong.
Posted by MattB (Member # 1116) on :
quote:What do you mean by the "top" sitcom characters? Most watched? Most beloved? Most funny? Most tragic? Most despised? Most mostest?
The ones that please me the most.
Ooh. Good call on Dan Fielding and Alex P Keaton.
Unfortunately, the noted parameters force me to disregard those characters who appeared in black and white, in cartoon, or during the Nixon administration.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
quote:Originally posted by mr_porteiro_head:
quote:tv-illiterate
*Hands Elizabeth a dictionary*
HAnds Porter a sense of humor.
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
Dan Fielding, that's a good one.
I can think of several from Cheers that I would name - Cliff, Norm, Coach, Woody. I can't decide between them though.
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
quote:HAnds Porter a sense of humor.
Ooh! Burn!
Jimmy James is one of my all-time favorite sitcom characters, too. I think I'd have to take George Costanza off the list (he drives me insane) and make room for someone from Arrested Development.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
quote:HAnds Porter a sense of humor.
I don't get it.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Phew! I am glad!
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
I do love Murphy Brown. She was beautiful, funny, flawed, passionate, idealistic...This was no passing appreciation. I wanted to be her. Murphy Brown is responsible for more than one storming of my brother's room with a rubber band gun.
That reminds me - I wonder if the second season has come out yet.
From Arrested Development, I would say Tobias. He consistently makes me cringe and giggle simultaneously. Buster is also wonderful, but Tobias wins because of the Blue Man Group.
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
Hey, I liked Murphy Brown too. But I was partial to Elvin, the painter. He was the only one that was happy and supportive for Murphy when she became pregnant.
Posted by MandyM (Member # 8375) on :
I always wanted Murphy to hook up with Eldin (as listed on IMDB). My favorite sitcom characters are Michelle from Full House (kidding!) and Darlene from Roseanne (not kidding) and who can forget Jack from Three's Company?
[ June 01, 2006, 03:09 PM: Message edited by: MandyM ]
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Eldon.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Matt, unless I'm more off on history than I thought I was, Nixon was not president from 1982-1989.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
You're not off. He resigned in August 1974.
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
quote:Originally posted by katharina: From Arrested Development, I would say Tobias. He consistently makes me cringe and giggle simultaneously. Buster is also wonderful, but Tobias wins because of the Blue Man Group.
George Michael was also a brilliant character. I'm not sure if I could decide on just one of them.
Posted by Chris Bridges (Member # 1138) on :
Darlene and Dan Connor from Roseanne. BJ from M*A*S*H Everybody from Titus.
Posted by Jay (Member # 5786) on :
Cosmo Kramer - Seinfeld
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
Titus was great. I felt like I was the only person I knew that watched it. Probably why it's no longer on TV.
Posted by MattB (Member # 1116) on :
quote:Matt, unless I'm more off on history than I thought I was, Nixon was not president from 1982-1989.
This confused me deeply until I realized that the Nixon-referencing portion of my post seems to be referring to Family Ties. It was not intended so. My apologies.
Posted by MandyM (Member # 8375) on :
Oh and I agree about Cousin Ira from Mad About You. He hasn't really done much since either. linky
Actually I love all the characters from that show. They had such comedic timing. I wanted my marriage to be like that (because I was in a very lousy marriage at the time) since they were so cute together.
Posted by vonk (Member # 9027) on :
What the deuce? Has everyone forgotten about Mork?! Mork people! So funny, and so deep. Oh how he came to understand the fun and foibles that make us human... The portions at the end of the episodes when he made his reports... *tear*
Mrs.M, thank you very kindly for mentioning A Different World, but I don't think I would go with Whitley. Dwayne Wayne is far superior. I think that the changes that he makes over the course of the show go farther to develop him as a person than those of Whitley.
Come on people, not one mention of The Facts of Life? Not one? Tootie! What about Tootie! Guh, 'nough said.
Also, I'm gonna have to go with Cockroach from Growing Pains. I have no real reasons, he's just too cool for school.
And last, but certainly not least, the very best actor ever to grace the television genre; the one, the only.... MacGyver! I know it wasn't a sitcom, but that man is as close to god as we've seen in these here parts and all shall bow down before the awesome majesty that is the Phoenix Foundation's, nay the worlds, very best to offer.
Posted by SC Carver (Member # 8173) on :
1. Homer Simpson 2. George Costanza 3. Chandler (I'll admit I watched Friends) 4. Niles Crane 5. Tie: Brian the dog or Stewie from Family Guy
Posted by SenojRetep (Member # 8614) on :
quote:Also, I'm gonna have to go with Cockroach from Growing Pains. I have no real reasons, he's just too cool for school.
Do you mean Richard "Boner" Stabone from Growing Pains (best friend of Mike Seaver) or Walter "Cockroach" Bradley from the Cosby show (best friend of Theo Huxtable)?
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
Bottom Five Sitcom Characters of All Time:
Peter Brady (The Brady Bunch)
Chachi (Happy Days)
Floyd the Barber (Andy Griffin Show)
Aunt Hagatha (Bewitched)
Mrs. Trumbull (I Love Lucy)
Posted by sweetbaboo (Member # 8845) on :
David and Maddie (Moonlighting)
Posted by SenojRetep (Member # 8614) on :
5. Doogie Howser from "Doogie Howser, M.D." (you may have wanted to be Zack, but I always wanted to be Doogie. I even kept, briefly, a daily diary on my computer). 4. Ed from "Ed" (but only when his manic-ness is tempered by Dr. Mike Burton's mellowness) 3. Benson from "Benson" (the satiric rogue) 2. Murphy Brown from "Murphy Brown" (I agree with Katie's asssessment. Except I never wanted to be her. At least, not that much).
and, my #1 ... Ed Chigliak from "Northern Exposure" for uttering what may be my favorite television line of all time: "I'm sorry; you probably want to be be alone with your manifestation."
Honorable Mention: Arvid Engen from "Head of the Class." He gives Ausbergers sufferers hope.
Posted by SC Carver (Member # 8173) on :
Northern Exposure was great, but was it a sitcom? If so I will have to add Chris to my list.
Posted by Chris Bridges (Member # 1138) on :
Let's not forget Soap...
Posted by vonk (Member # 9027) on :
quote:Originally posted by SenojRetep:
quote:Also, I'm gonna have to go with Cockroach from Growing Pains. I have no real reasons, he's just too cool for school.
Do you mean Richard "Boner" Stabone from Growing Pains (best friend of Mike Seaver) or Walter "Cockroach" Bradley from the Cosby show (best friend of Theo Huxtable)?
Gal'darnit! You got me. In my mind they are the same person. So I'm gonna go with both, Cockroach and Boner, but Boner was the one I was thinking of originally.
Posted by Baron Samedi (Member # 9175) on :
Edmund Blackadder Arnold Rimmer Basil Fawlty David Brent And, just so you know I've seen American television, Eric Cartman. Or maybe Bender, I can't decide.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
quote:Northern Exposure was great, but was it a sitcom? If so I will have to add Chris to my list.
I would say that no, it was not a sitcom.
Posted by Baron Samedi (Member # 9175) on :
If Northern Exposure is a sitcom, so is Freaks and Geeks. If that's the case, I've got my top five slots filled in several times over right there.
Posted by OSTY (Member # 1480) on :
quote:Originally posted by zgator: Dan Fielding, that's a good one.
I can think of several from Cheers that I would name - Cliff, Norm, Coach, Woody. I can't decide between them though.
Coach and Woody would basically count as one. The only reason that Woody was brought onto the show was to play the Coach character.
Posted by Evie3217 (Member # 5426) on :
quote:Originally posted by katharina: From Arrested Development, I would say Tobias. He consistently makes me cringe and giggle simultaneously. Buster is also wonderful, but Tobias wins because of the Blue Man Group.
It's so hard to pick from Arrested Development. I mean, you have Tobias, who is just awkward and goofy. And then you have Buster, who is awkward and goofy. Then you have George-Michael, who, need I say it, it awkward and goofy. It would have to be a tie between those three. But seriously, that show needs to come back.
I'll have to think about who would be my next few, however. There are so many good ones to choose from.
Posted by Kasie H (Member # 2120) on :
M*A*S*H, all the way. I'm torn between Hawkeye, Klinger and Radar.
And Barney Fife is the Andy Griffith Show, not the Andy Taylor show (says the young and TV literate )
Posted by vonk (Member # 9027) on :
Since the topic is TV characters, maybe this isn't too out of place:
Which of the M*A*S*H trade-out characters do you like the best?
Colonel Herny Braymore Blake or Colonel Sherman T. Potter?
John Francis Xavier McIntyre (aka Trapper) or BJ Hunnicut?
Me, I have a hard time deciding. I think I like BJ better, just becaus his sarcasm jives with mine a little better. I guess it just comes of as a little more good natured. And definitely Henry is far better a colonel. That guy just didn't give a hoot and wanted to be home at least as much as the rest of them.
Posted by rollainm (Member # 8318) on :
Thought I'd throw some modern notables out there:
House from House, Earl from My Name is Earl, and both Michael and Dwight from NBC's The Office. In no particular order.
Posted by Kasie H (Member # 2120) on :
I can never pick between Henry & Potter; on the second one it's BJ all the way.
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
I'm pretty sure that House is a drama, not a sitcom.
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
Ms. Piggy (not a cartoon) Baldric (Black Adder--I have a cunning plan) Benson (From Soap, so much better than on his own show--though I loved him in Sports Night even better) Lucy Mrs. Roper
Posted by docmagik (Member # 1131) on :
First, I for one did not want to be Zack Morris. I wanted to be Parker Lewis. There is a tremendous difference. Parker Lewis was anti-establishment. From where I sat, Zack Morris was the freaking establishment.
Oh, wait, we're supposed to make lists.
Keep in mind some of these are based on my affection for the characters at the time I watched the show.
Okay, here you go.
5. Uncle Albert from Bewitched.
4. Balki from Perfect Strangers.
3. Sledge Hammer from Sledge Hammer!.
2. Reverend Jim and Latka from Taxi.
1. The entire freaking cast of the Dick Van Dyke show. There will never be a show on TV this genuine, funny, and entertaining again, period.
I know, I know. I claim to be anti-establishment, and then pick this as my favorite. Sorry. It's just that darn good.
Posted by beatnix19 (Member # 5836) on :
no one has mentioned Brian or Stewie from family Guy yet. Two of the most genious charatcers ever created.
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
I think they were both mentioned by the same person on the first page, beatnix.
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
Special "All Old Ladies" list. Posted by rollainm (Member # 8318) on :
quote:Originally posted by Jon Boy: I'm pretty sure that House is a drama, not a sitcom.
Yeah I know. But he's so damn cool! I just had to mention him.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
It actually says something disturbing about me that I gave this list some thought, then realized I couldn't narrow it down. Despite the fact that most sitcoms are terrible. Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
1. Chandler from Friends
2. Carlton from Fresh Prince
3. Niles from Frasier
4. Screech from SbtB
5. Mr. Pheeney from Boy Meets World
If nothing else from that list survives, Pheeney should at least make the cut. Or Corey, or someone from that show.
Posted by Enigmatic (Member # 7785) on :
quote: First, I for one did not want to be Zack Morris. I wanted to be Parker Lewis.
I wanted to be Jerry. Does this say something about my social expectations as a child? Seriously though, before The Matrix, before The Crow, Jerry made trenchcoats cool!
--Enigmatic
Posted by Celaeno (Member # 8562) on :
In no particular order (because I can't make up my mind): -Chandler from Friends -The janitor in Scrubs -Eric from Boy Meets World -Jack from Will & Grace -Principal Belding from Saved By The Bell
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Ooooh, I like that list. I second that list.
Posted by Lalo (Member # 3772) on :
Gob from Arrested Development and Zapp Brannigan from Futurama. My personal gods.
Posted by andi330 (Member # 8572) on :
quote:Originally posted by vonk: Since the topic is TV characters, maybe this isn't too out of place:
Which of the M*A*S*H trade-out characters do you like the best?
Colonel Herny Braymore Blake or Colonel Sherman T. Potter?
John Francis Xavier McIntyre (aka Trapper) or BJ Hunnicut?
Me, I have a hard time deciding. I think I like BJ better, just becaus his sarcasm jives with mine a little better. I guess it just comes of as a little more good natured. And definitely Henry is far better a colonel. That guy just didn't give a hoot and wanted to be home at least as much as the rest of them.
I prefer both Potter and BJ. In fact I much prefer the latter half of the series (after the introduction of Charles). While I realize that some of the earlier episodes were more true to the movie that the show was based on, I think the later episodes have more balance to the characters.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
"And Barney Fife is the Andy Griffith Show, not the Andy Taylor show (says the young and TV literate"
ha ha!
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
"Despite the fact that most sitcoms are terrible."
Why? Are they terrible because you don't like the genre(or whatever "correct" way one refers to tv shows), or because sitcoms don't measure up to some sort of sitcom standard?
I know some people who just cannot stomach them at all. (My mother-in-law is one) They give her the willies.
I always end up being a bit surprised when I care about sitcom characters.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
I like BJ better than Trapper.
But choosing between Blake and Potter is tough. Blake cracked me up, but Potter had a much more rounded and stronger character overall.
I love the episode when Blake is conducting while Radar is playing the drums, Margaret is singing, and Hawkeye is playing the "Bass."
That scene cracks me up everytime. "One more time!"
Posted by MrSquicky (Member # 1802) on :
My non-American list
Jeff Murdock René Artois Queen Bess as played by Miranda Richardson Arnold Rimmer Red Green
Posted by T_Smith (Member # 3734) on :
Red Foreman - That 70's Show Barney Fife - Andy Griffith Show Lucy - I Love Lucy Carla Tortelli - Cheers Kramer - Seinfield
If the Andy Griffith Show doesn't count, then Tim Taylor from Home Improvement.
Posted by Humean316 (Member # 8175) on :
Gotta go with Henry Blake and Honeycutt. Who, btw, may have one of the best entrances ever on a sitcom.
"What say ya ferret face!"--The funniest line I have ever heard on Mash, and that is saying something.
Here are my top 5
1. Homer Simpson-The Simpsons 2. Chandler Bing-Friends 3. Hawkeye-MASH 4. Jeremy Goodwin-Sports Night 5. Dr. Cox-Scrubs
Of course, of all time characters in drama or sitcoms.
1. Buffy Anne Summers-Buffy The Vampire Slayer 2. Ed-Ed 3. Homer Simpson-The Simpsons 4. Josh-The West Wing 5. President Bartlett-THe West Wing
Posted by Irami Osei-Frimpong (Member # 2229) on :
Hawkeye
Edit: And Parker Lewis.
Posted by Euripides (Member # 9315) on :
Niles and Frasier Crane get my vote.
Posted by neo-dragon (Member # 7168) on :
I can't believe that no one has mentioned Al Bundy.
Posted by Baron Samedi (Member # 9175) on :
quote:Originally posted by Humean316: Of course, of all time characters in drama or sitcoms.
1. Buffy Anne Summers-Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Really? Buffy was always my least favorite recurring character in her eponymous series.
Posted by punwit (Member # 6388) on :
Delurking to point out some notable omissions. Surely Archie Bunker should receive some attention in this list? No one has mentioned any character from Barney Miller, which I find almost criminal. My personal fav from that show was Dietrich. I'm also surprised that Jim Ignatowski, Louie De Palma, and Latka Gravas from Taxi aren't garnering any mention.
Posted by docmagik (Member # 1131) on :
Yeah, somebody should have mentioned Taxi.
Posted by vonk (Member # 9027) on :
quote:2. Reverend Jim and Latka from Taxi
Written by docmagik about 23 posts up.
Edit: Oh, haha, your docmagik, I'm an idiot. Sarcasm flies straight over my head sometimes. I guess I just don't pay too much attention to who's saying what sometimes.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
quote:Zapp Brannigan from Futurama.
I agree. I would pay a lot of money to see a series, episode, or even a scene featuring the following characters: Zapp Brannigan, Dr. Cox, and George Costanza.
Posted by The Pixiest (Member # 1863) on :
Willow was the best Buffy character, followed by Xander. Forget Buffy, Angel, and Spike.
As far as sitcoms go, no one's mentioned Arnold Judas Rimmer either.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
I liked nerd willow. I was sad when she became cool.
Posted by SenojRetep (Member # 8614) on :
quote:Originally posted by The Pixiest: As far as sitcoms go, no one's mentioned Arnold Judas Rimmer either.
Except, uhh, Baron Samedi about 40 posts ago.
Although, I'm not sure why he deserves a mention. I have no love for Rimmer. Holly, though, now there was a character. Male Holly, not female Holly.
Posted by Humean316 (Member # 8175) on :
quote:Really? Buffy was always my least favorite recurring character in her eponymous series.
Well, Xander is my favorite character, but she is probably the greatest character in drama. Her development as a character was undeniably complicated and interesting. Willow may have undergone the most change (BTW, I cant stand Willow) but Buffy's story is the most complicated and greatest. And even though I like Xander just a little more, she is still pretty cool in my book.
Posted by The Pixiest (Member # 1863) on :
Senoj: My bad. But Arnold Rimmer was hilarious. Much better than Holly.
Posted by vonk (Member # 9027) on :
quote:Her development as a character was undeniably ... interesting.
Um... ahem. I don't know if your gonna want to be throwing around the word "undeniably" all willy-nilly like that, 'cause, well, I'm gonna go ahead and deny it. Buffy may well be incredibly complicated, and I've watched my fair share of TV (including this particular show), but her character and it's development, were, in my most humble opinion, most defenitely not interesting.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
I never liked the character Buffy. I didn't like her at the start, and none of her changes helped.
Posted by punwit (Member # 6388) on :
quote:Originally posted by docmagik: Yeah, somebody should have mentioned Taxi.
Yeah, somebody should pay closer attention to those that post ahead of them. Posted by Nathan2006 (Member # 9387) on :
Karen - Will and Grace Rose - The Golden Girls/ The Golden Palace Ms. Piggy - Numerous Cliff Huckstable - The Cosby Show Denny Crane - Boston Legal (Not a sitcom character, but funny in his own right)
Posted by Humean316 (Member # 8175) on :
quote: Um... ahem. I don't know if your gonna want to be throwing around the word "undeniably" all willy-nilly like that, 'cause, well, I'm gonna go ahead and deny it. Buffy may well be incredibly complicated, and I've watched my fair share of TV (including this particular show), but her character and it's development, were, in my most humble opinion, most defenitely not interesting.
Uh does it help that I meant undeniably complicated, and then interesting separate from that? I have no doubt that there are some who dont believe she was an interesting character, as evidenced above. I dont know what it is, but I enjoy characters that are tormented--Batman, Buffy, and Anakin Skywalker are just a few. In a way, when they overcome that torment to become heroes, it becomes even more powerful.
Posted by vonk (Member # 9027) on :
Ah, I gotcha. I assumed that"undeniably" qualified both adjectives, but I was wrong. You go witcha bad self. Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
quote:Originally posted by punwit: Delurking to point out some notable omissions. Surely Archie Bunker should receive some attention in this list? No one has mentioned any character from Barney Miller, which I find almost criminal. My personal fav from that show was Dietrich. I'm also surprised that Jim Ignatowski, Louie De Palma, and Latka Gravas from Taxi aren't garnering any mention.
Ah, Punwit, a fellow parameter-ignorer! Archie Bunker, for sure! And the Taxi crew.
Posted by punwit (Member # 6388) on :
________________________________________ Ah, Punwit, a fellow parameter-ignorer! ________________________________________
And a not-very-observant poster as well. It's a wee bit embarrasing to call folks out for missing the obvious while doing the same.
Hi Elizabeth! I hope you are having a stellar summer!
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Hi Punwit, Two more weeks, and the summer will be stellar. It is lunar, so far.
I feel so at home, knowing someone else had the same Friday night line-up that I did: Brady's, Nanny and the Professor, The Partridge Family.
We have to stick together!
Posted by Baron Samedi (Member # 9175) on :
quote:Originally posted by Humean316: ...I enjoy characters that are tormented--Batman, Buffy, and Anakin Skywalker are just a few. In a way, when they overcome that torment to become heroes, it becomes even more powerful.
Buffy and Anakin? You're not helping your case here. Posted by rollainm (Member # 8318) on :
I always felt like the Buffy writers were grasping at straws. I realize this is untrue. Much of the series was actually planned years in advance. But it just felt that way. I still watched every now and then. Spike was amusing, and I had this thing for Alyson Hannigan for awhile. Never was a Geller fan.
Posted by Bella Bee (Member # 7027) on :
Bender - Futurama Arnold Rimer - Red Dwarf Baldrick - Blackadder Victor Meldrew - One Foot in the Grave Del Boy Trotter - Only Fools and Horses
Yeah, I'm British. Sue me. Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
quote:Originally posted by Elizabeth: "Despite the fact that most sitcoms are terrible."
Why? Are they terrible because you don't like the genre(or whatever "correct" way one refers to tv shows), or because sitcoms don't measure up to some sort of sitcom standard?
When I was in the sixth grade, my friends and I adored all the sitcoms. By the time we were in high school, the sitcoms had become so stupid. I remember talking to my best friend about how TV had gotten so dumb, when it was so clever just a few years ago. Her answer explained it all. "The shows were just as dumb then, you just thought they were clever because they are all aimed at a sixth grade level."
I still feel that way, and rarely tune in to any of them. The last sitcom I made a point to catch was "Seinfeld". Now, I hardly watch TV at all.
Posted by the_Somalian (Member # 6688) on :
David Brent David Brent David Brent David Brent David Brent
The only tv character whose antics compelled me to cover my ears while yelling "OMG HE'S NOT DOING THIS!!!""
Posted by Nathan2006 (Member # 9387) on :
Change that... I replace Ms. Piggy with
Blooregard Kuzoo - Foster's home of imaginary friends.
The funniest show on television, certianly qualifying as a sitcom.
Posted by Humean316 (Member # 8175) on :
quote: Buffy and Anakin? You're not helping your case here. [Wink]
LOL, yeah ok maybe not Anakin...
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
quote:Originally posted by Tante Shvester:
quote:Originally posted by Elizabeth: "Despite the fact that most sitcoms are terrible."
Why? Are they terrible because you don't like the genre(or whatever "correct" way one refers to tv shows), or because sitcoms don't measure up to some sort of sitcom standard?
When I was in the sixth grade, my friends and I adored all the sitcoms. By the time we were in high school, the sitcoms had become so stupid. I remember talking to my best friend about how TV had gotten so dumb, when it was so clever just a few years ago. Her answer explained it all. "The shows were just as dumb then, you just thought they were clever because they are all aimed at a sixth grade level."
I still feel that way, and rarely tune in to any of them. The last sitcom I made a point to catch was "Seinfeld". Now, I hardly watch TV at all.
I know how this goes. So many shows are so dippy, so mundane, so boring and corny and dumb with irratating stereotypical characters. They are just the lowest form of entertainment Except for shows like Bernie Mac and Everybody Hates Chris. Now that's good stuff. Very funny, great characters too.
Posted by Swampjedi (Member # 7374) on :
Bernie Mac is hilarious. I'm a big fan of the laughs on Yes, Dear too.
I've gone from watching no TV to watching one show regularly. The End Has Come!
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
I have no trouble admitting to having a sixth grade sense of humor.
Well, more like fifth grade, actually. They are still into potty humor.
It is much easier to teach children when your sense of humor matches theirs.
Posted by Uprooted (Member # 8353) on :
quote:Originally posted by Elizabeth: I feel so at home, knowing someone else had the same Friday night line-up that I did: Brady's, Nanny and the Professor, The Partridge Family.
Oh my goodness . . . you mean I'm not the only old person here? My best friend and I alternated houses for Friday night sleepovers, but the entertainment was always the same! (and don't forget Love American Style . . .)
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
I did not watch that one, Uprooted.
But, did you have a Libby's frozen dinner at the sleepover?
What kids these days are missing, I tell you.
Posted by Nathan2006 (Member # 9387) on :
Yes dear is funny... The King of Queens is funny. Then again, I'm in to the irreverant, politically-incorrect since of humor.
Everybody Loves Raymond was funny...A lot of the strength was in its characters.
And, although It only lasted for about 2 seasons, I loved Bonnie Hunt's show. She wrote, produced, directed, and starred into it, writing characters that would fit her actor friends, of course. It got pulled because, although I found the improv refreshing, ABC didn't... And she didn't want to replace her friends as the actors in the show. Too bad, I thought is was funny. Definently different than the other sitcoms.
And the characters are extremely stereotypical and zany, and the show is Corny, but I really like 'Less than Perfect'
I'm 16, so I guess I'm at a crossroads in my sitcom tastes.
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(says the young and TV literate ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)