Most Influential Comedies In Television History example essay topic

At the end of World War II, a new toy swept the houses of many Americans. This new invention was known as the television set. In a nation once marked by strong regional differences, network television programming helped create a national popular culture. Perhaps no phenomenon shaped American life in the 1950's more then television. With this advance, it is only natural to be built upon. Thus, programs viewed on the network became more diversified and many sitcoms were produced.

These new sitcoms brought new stories into families' living rooms and changed the overall mood of America. "I Love Lucy" was the first situation comedy. It was born out of a desire for a show with more narrative continuity and was responsible for the shift from the variety show to the situation comedy. The basis of the show was a standard family of the fifties including a hard-working husband, a house keeping wife and their two best friends. So what gave the show its special twist?

Perhaps the credit could be given to Lucille Ball who was the highlight of the show. Lucy revolutionized the proper modern-day housewife by portraying an angelic and fun-loving character. "She lies shamelessly, but like a child, she does It with chocolate all over Her face". She had a cry like a siren that couldn't be ignored and a voice that would scrape the paint off a wall. With these unique traits, Lucy gets herself into mischief, irritating he husband, but with her innocent gestures she gets herself out. Through each episode, the audience finds themselves anticipating the trouble she will cause.

The directors of the "I Love Lucy" show were the first to broadcast in front of a live studio audience with a laugh track and other techniques. These new elements of television production would be used in years to come in many other influential sitcoms. There are classic shows, and there are groundbreaking shows. "All in the Family" shares a taste of both. Debuting on January 12, 1971, it became one of the most influential comedies in television history and had an immediate impact with the media. The show consists of a middle class family with a mother, father, and their daughter Gloria.

Archie Bunker, played by Carrol O'Connor, is a fully devoted American citizen and a blue-collar worker. He easily spoke his racial and political views to anyone of a foreign stereotype and made it into comedy. His wife Edith, who Archie refers to as "dingbat", is ditzy and naive but her sweetness and kind heart balance out the harsh character of Archie. Gloria Bunker, their daughter, and her husband Michael (more commonly known as "meathead") also live in the household. Some of the greatest comical moments came from the clashing views of Archie and "meathead" since he was thoughtful and liberal whereas Mr. Bunker was narrow-minded. Though the views may have been offensive to some, the overall population enjoyed it rather than criticized it.

In a recent study of a random 758 people were asked if the ethnic slurs portrayed on the show were wrong. According to the study, seventy-six percent of viewers did not believe the views were immoral and only eleven percent took offense. (Edward Taylor. market analyst. 1999 web) To compare recent points of view, a study was also conducted in 1974 by Milton Rok each asking perceptions of "Archie Bunker's Bigotry". According to this survey, thirty-five percent didn't feel the ideas to be wrong, thirty-three did, and thirty-two percent of the viewers believed the opinions on the show were very wrong.

These prove that "All in the Family" had a great impact on society. Nevertheless the show will always be a legacy in American history (winning an Emmy in May of 1971 for outstanding comedy series and seven more in may of 1972) but even more types of shows had an effect of America. The 1950's were the start of the space age which was a new world of exploration and that reflected in the television industry. While the 1960's were a unique period in television history, "I Dream of Jeannie" was conjuring up humor all its own. The show was as mysterious as magic itself, you might say. It was a feel-good show where you could watch people escape from everyday problems.

"I Dream of Jeannie" was a sitcom about a beautiful Jeannie with the ability to relieve her "master" (Major Anthony Nelson) from the problems she would cause in each episode. This show connected supernatural topics such as Martians, witches, genies, talking animals, ghosts, and robots that were introduced to the world of television in the sixties and caught the eye of viewers. From the beginning of comedy with "I Love Lucy" to the radical views of "All In the Family's" Archie Bunker and the supernatural twist to "I Dream of Jeannie" one can conclude that early sitcoms greatly changed the mood of America. These three shows in particular moved away from the "perfect" household where all problems were solved in a half an hour and opened the door to creativity, point of views, and comedy.