Hi WWW
Been thinking this for a few years and commented/posted about it so I'll just put this here too, but with exposition.
1950's : notable mention: Bilko.
Been thinking this for a few years and commented/posted about it so I'll just put this here too, but with exposition.
1950's : notable mention: Bilko.
1960's : notable mentions: MTM, Odd Couple.
1970's : Taxi .. defined what the idea was: Friends going through life.
Notable mention: Diff'rent Strokes. Happy Days.
1980's : Cheers
1970's : Taxi .. defined what the idea was: Friends going through life.
Notable mention: Diff'rent Strokes. Happy Days.
1980's : Cheers
Notable mentions: Roseanne, Simpsons.
Married..With Children much like HIMYM, fell in between generations, see below.
Married..With Children much like HIMYM, fell in between generations, see below.
1990's : Friends
Main Rival: Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
Notable mention: Seinfeld.
2000's : That 70's Show
Notable mentions: HIMYM, which really should have a place for itself on this list, however sadly it did not fit into a generation, it was the 'Friends resurgence' that was badly lacking from all TV Schedules, more of an evolution than a direct Friends clone.
HIMYM : 2005-2014
My Name is Earl.
2000's : That 70's Show
Notable mentions: HIMYM, which really should have a place for itself on this list, however sadly it did not fit into a generation, it was the 'Friends resurgence' that was badly lacking from all TV Schedules, more of an evolution than a direct Friends clone.
HIMYM : 2005-2014
My Name is Earl.
IT Crowd
2010 's : The Big Bang Theory.
Notable mention: Rick and Morty.
I can't watch Cheers these days, for some reason I find it claustrophobic. Cheers and Friends both had second shows, of Frasier and Joey. Taxi had Andy Kaufman, Christopher Lloyd (Doc Brown/BTTF) and Danny DeVito (Taxi, Twins/multi-talented Producer) and his wife Rhea Perlman (Cheers, Frasier). That 70s Show, Ashton Kutcher and Topher Grace, Ashton of MTV fame, Butterfly Effect and Dude Where's My Car?, and Topher of the Venom role in the 2007 Spiderman movie.
Hank Azaria (Simpsons- Apu,Moe,Chief Wiggum. Friends- David. Mad About You - Nat) Hank has been in two major shows on this list.. but also played two different characters set in the same universe- the Friends/MAU Universe.. Nat and David.
Judd Hirsch (of Taxi) has played Leonard's Father in TBBT.
Johnny Galecki happens to have also been in Roseanne.. besides this being impressive it also means :
Laurie Metcalf (of Roseanne) has played Sheldon's Mother in TBBT.
Sara Gilbert (of Roseanne) has played Leonard's ex girlfriend in TBBT.
Alyson Hannigan played main cast in both Buffy and HIMYM. wow. (also guest on That 70s Show.. 'Suzy Simpson')
Sarah Chalke (of Roseanne) has played as 'Beth Sanchez' Morty's Mother/Rick's Daughter in Rick and Morty and played as 'Stella Zinman' who dated Ted Mosby in HIMYM.
Katey Sagal (Peggy of Married.. with Children) also played Leela of Futurama, the Simpsons second show. Update: She has now also played as Penny's mother in TBBT.
Judd Hirsch (of Taxi,TBBT) and Katey Sagal (M..w/C, Futurama) star with the rest of the cast together in 'Superior Donuts'.. a cool little chilled out show, not well known, but recommended.
2010 's : The Big Bang Theory.
Notable mention: Rick and Morty.
I can't watch Cheers these days, for some reason I find it claustrophobic. Cheers and Friends both had second shows, of Frasier and Joey. Taxi had Andy Kaufman, Christopher Lloyd (Doc Brown/BTTF) and Danny DeVito (Taxi, Twins/multi-talented Producer) and his wife Rhea Perlman (Cheers, Frasier). That 70s Show, Ashton Kutcher and Topher Grace, Ashton of MTV fame, Butterfly Effect and Dude Where's My Car?, and Topher of the Venom role in the 2007 Spiderman movie.
Hank Azaria (Simpsons- Apu,Moe,Chief Wiggum. Friends- David. Mad About You - Nat) Hank has been in two major shows on this list.. but also played two different characters set in the same universe- the Friends/MAU Universe.. Nat and David.
Judd Hirsch (of Taxi) has played Leonard's Father in TBBT.
Johnny Galecki happens to have also been in Roseanne.. besides this being impressive it also means :
Laurie Metcalf (of Roseanne) has played Sheldon's Mother in TBBT.
Sara Gilbert (of Roseanne) has played Leonard's ex girlfriend in TBBT.
Alyson Hannigan played main cast in both Buffy and HIMYM. wow. (also guest on That 70s Show.. 'Suzy Simpson')
Sarah Chalke (of Roseanne) has played as 'Beth Sanchez' Morty's Mother/Rick's Daughter in Rick and Morty and played as 'Stella Zinman' who dated Ted Mosby in HIMYM.
Katey Sagal (Peggy of Married.. with Children) also played Leela of Futurama, the Simpsons second show. Update: She has now also played as Penny's mother in TBBT.
Judd Hirsch (of Taxi,TBBT) and Katey Sagal (M..w/C, Futurama) star with the rest of the cast together in 'Superior Donuts'.. a cool little chilled out show, not well known, but recommended.
Jerry O'Connell (of Sci-Fi 90's cult smash 'Sliders' and Star Trek: Lower Decks) plays Sheldon's brother, George Cooper Jr.
Christine Baranski (of cult Hollywood show; Cybill) has played Leonard's Mother in TBBT.
Buffy's spin off show was of course 'Angel' with David Boreanaz.
Glenn Quinn (of Roseanne) actually had a main cast role in Angel, the very popular Buffy second show.
As far as TBBT goes.. I would say it's a lot closer to That 70's Show in terms of format than 'Friends', and because of this, it's surprising they haven't had any 70's Show guest stars or recurring actors on.
Donna = Penny
Foreman = Leonard
Fez = Raj
I *could* try saying 'Wolowitz is an amalgam of Hyde and Kelso' or 'Bernadette is like Jackie' but that's not true and I would be just arguing a point I didn't believe myself. The above three is enough to be closer in format to '70s Show' than 'Friends'.
Laura Prepon (of That 70s Show) also has played Ted's ex-gf Karen in HIMYM (no last name given, sugg. Bronski for 'Sorry, Bro').
Note, Xander Harris of Buffy and Chandler Bing of Friends are pretty much an identical character. Before anyone says 'ripoff' or anything.. I really liked this and it made watching both shows more light hearted. While Buffy was designed to be a 'teen horror comedy-drama' and often leaned in to this genre, some episodes were an out and out sitcom.
Danny DeVito (of Taxi) also has played 'Roy Goodbody' a male stripper in Friends.
Christina Applegate (Kelly of M..w/C) also played Rachel's sister Amy in Friends.
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English
There is a noticeable lack of TV shows from England in this vein, Shows like 'Dad's Army' and the much more cerebral and often darker 'Shelly' had a go at being these things .. but no. Dad's Army while a feel good TV show in it's era, now just comes off as English pomp.
One show that DID make it was 'Last of the Summer Wine'.. a hit and miss per episode TV show about old English friends from the Yorkshire dales.
Another feel good English TV show was 'Only Fools and Horses'. Excellent TV.
Open All Hours.. another excellent English sitcom.
Christine Baranski (of cult Hollywood show; Cybill) has played Leonard's Mother in TBBT.
Buffy's spin off show was of course 'Angel' with David Boreanaz.
Glenn Quinn (of Roseanne) actually had a main cast role in Angel, the very popular Buffy second show.
As far as TBBT goes.. I would say it's a lot closer to That 70's Show in terms of format than 'Friends', and because of this, it's surprising they haven't had any 70's Show guest stars or recurring actors on.
Donna = Penny
Foreman = Leonard
Fez = Raj
I *could* try saying 'Wolowitz is an amalgam of Hyde and Kelso' or 'Bernadette is like Jackie' but that's not true and I would be just arguing a point I didn't believe myself. The above three is enough to be closer in format to '70s Show' than 'Friends'.
Laura Prepon (of That 70s Show) also has played Ted's ex-gf Karen in HIMYM (no last name given, sugg. Bronski for 'Sorry, Bro').
Note, Xander Harris of Buffy and Chandler Bing of Friends are pretty much an identical character. Before anyone says 'ripoff' or anything.. I really liked this and it made watching both shows more light hearted. While Buffy was designed to be a 'teen horror comedy-drama' and often leaned in to this genre, some episodes were an out and out sitcom.
Danny DeVito (of Taxi) also has played 'Roy Goodbody' a male stripper in Friends.
Christina Applegate (Kelly of M..w/C) also played Rachel's sister Amy in Friends.
--------------------------------------------
English
There is a noticeable lack of TV shows from England in this vein, Shows like 'Dad's Army' and the much more cerebral and often darker 'Shelly' had a go at being these things .. but no. Dad's Army while a feel good TV show in it's era, now just comes off as English pomp.
One show that DID make it was 'Last of the Summer Wine'.. a hit and miss per episode TV show about old English friends from the Yorkshire dales.
Another feel good English TV show was 'Only Fools and Horses'. Excellent TV.
Open All Hours.. another excellent English sitcom.
The iconic Red Dwarf should also have a place on the American/Global list, but due to its low budget compared to the American shows I just couldn't do it, they make Red Dwarf cobbled together.. but if you ask me honestly in my heart of hearts.. is Red Dwarf better than half the shows on this list?.. yeah it is! <3
It's the astute writing, the casts portrayal of that writing.. that gives laugh out loud moments on a scifi show.
Watch Red Dwarf folks.. it's Star Trek gone wrong in a very loveable way.
Blackadder. A story of reincarnation through generations told from the view point of the same villain. wow.
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Scottish
'Absolutely' was the 90's Scottish Monty Python.. however new Tory management took over C4 and realized that:
1.80% 75% of the cast were Scots.
2. they were all comic geniuses.
After that Channel 4 quickly buried the show by moving the air day every week until people had given up.
This was done by blaming 'the Tennis' but the show still succeeded in pulling in adequate viewing figures as it was the hit C4 show of the time (Monty Python was wildly popular at this time also) however despite not having the excuse they were planning cancelled the show anyway.
I changed it.. should I have left it 90% Scots?.. Welsh are Celts.. idk hehe. but not 'Scots' but Welsh so Celts so extra 10%? idk. See here:
Peter Baikie (Scottish)
Jack Docherty (Scottish)
Moray Hunter (Scottish)
Gordon Kennedy (Scottish)
John Sparkes (Welsh)
Morwenna Banks (English/Cornish)
Technically, they are ALL Celts, Morwenna being Dumnonii (Kernow = Cornish/Devonian) but the English Tory management just hated Scots.. so that's why I phrased it the way I have.
'Absolutely' was the 90's Scottish Monty Python.. however new Tory management took over C4 and realized that:
1.
2. they were all comic geniuses.
After that Channel 4 quickly buried the show by moving the air day every week until people had given up.
This was done by blaming 'the Tennis' but the show still succeeded in pulling in adequate viewing figures as it was the hit C4 show of the time (Monty Python was wildly popular at this time also) however despite not having the excuse they were planning cancelled the show anyway.
I changed it.. should I have left it 90% Scots?.. Welsh are Celts.. idk hehe. but not 'Scots' but Welsh so Celts so extra 10%? idk. See here:
Peter Baikie (Scottish)
Jack Docherty (Scottish)
Moray Hunter (Scottish)
Gordon Kennedy (Scottish)
John Sparkes (Welsh)
Morwenna Banks (English/Cornish)
Technically, they are ALL Celts, Morwenna being Dumnonii (Kernow = Cornish/Devonian) but the English Tory management just hated Scots.. so that's why I phrased it the way I have.
Still Game
An outstanding sitcom of much legend in Scotland.. but not internationally, as they speak Scots.
An outstanding sitcom of much legend in Scotland.. but not internationally, as they speak Scots.
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Irish
Father Ted
A much beloved Irish sitcom. but didn't have as much success outside of the 'British Isles'.
IT Crowd (Irish + English)
Have you tried turning it off and on again? I need say no more.
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NOT a sitcom.
These are shows that were not essentially comedies but had an ensemble casts who bonded and defined a generation in their own right.
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NOT a sitcom.
These are shows that were not essentially comedies but had an ensemble casts who bonded and defined a generation in their own right.
Notable mention through 3 decades. 60s,70s, and 80s : Charlie Brown and Snoopy.
1960's
An English TV show called 'Doctor Who' is I feel the most worthy.
Main Rival: Star Trek.
notable mention: Batman TV series. Lost in Space. Twilight Zone
Batman was ridiculed and derided when it was released and it wasn't until much later it gained its status as the definitive cult tv show: Being the first TV show to gain and hold cult fan status.
1970's
The 70s were kinda dry..Monty Python*? Mork and Mindy? MASH?
Mork and Mindy was *meant* to be a sitcom.. but never really was, as the strange turn it took de-railed it from sitcom-hood.
Monty Python while, yes; comedy, is not a 'sitcom'.
1960's
An English TV show called 'Doctor Who' is I feel the most worthy.
Main Rival: Star Trek.
notable mention: Batman TV series. Lost in Space. Twilight Zone
Batman was ridiculed and derided when it was released and it wasn't until much later it gained its status as the definitive cult tv show: Being the first TV show to gain and hold cult fan status.
1970's
The 70s were kinda dry..Monty Python*? Mork and Mindy? MASH?
Mork and Mindy was *meant* to be a sitcom.. but never really was, as the strange turn it took de-railed it from sitcom-hood.
Monty Python while, yes; comedy, is not a 'sitcom'.
1980's
'Knight Rider'
Notable mentions:
A-Team, Magnum P.I. Moonlighting
(Animated : Garfield and Friends, Ghostbusters, TMNT.. but by far the best animated drama was Dungeons and Dragons TV Show. it was awesome! .. nothing to do with the crappy movies.)
1990's
'Frasier'
Notable mention: Baywatch. X-Files. Quantum Leap.
Frasier while designed as a sitcom and having funny moments, did not become what it was set out to be; a sitcom. but instead it became a comedic drama the laugh track becoming the extra cast member of the show. It was excellent at drama.. the whole cast could play drama in their sleep and so.. when those moments came.. the show shone.
The Niels Daphne dichotomy was enthralling, especially piqued by the superb acting of all the cast.
It was in many ways far superior to its forbearer Cheers.
One fault I will point out however with both shows.. which is probably a producer problem, sets were few and far between..giving a hemmed in atmosphere.. this was alleviated slightly in Frasier with the illusionary skyline of the home set.
2000s
'Lost'
Notable mention: Terminator:Sarah Connor Chronicles. The Sopranos. Heroes.
2010's
'Breaking Bad'
BB has its own spin off show in Better Call Saul, 'same high quality at low low prices!' haha
Main Rival: The Walking Dead
Notable mention: Game of Thrones. Man in the High Tower. The OA.
[there are many many shows I'd like to mention here.. Marvel's Defenders. Lillehammer. The Arrowverse shows. Black Mirror. The Americans. AHS.]
Scott Bakula (of Quantum Leap) also played Capt. Archer in the 2000's 'Star Trek Enterprise'.. The show itself was great TV but paid a huge penalty as fans HATED the intro music and slowly started abandoning the show due to the producers not listening to the audience. In reference to the music the words 'Universally hated by fans' is closely associated with this music and in definitive fashion. It was undoubtedly the 'Jar Jar Binks' of the Star Trek franchise. it was clown shoes on a super-model.
I feel, they changed the music to mark the passing of the great Gene Roddenberry, an 'admiral' sentiment but this was a huge mistake.. every Star Trek either had Space Rock + fanfare (TOS) or just had fanfare (TNG,DS9,VOY).. not everyone likes prog rock country music. ESPECIALLY for Star Trek.
Including me.. I hate country music! It's like : Rod Stewart does country.
I'm currently watching the show on Netflix as I gave up after the first season as the intro music was seriously lowering my morale of the show. As I write I'm in episode 18 of season 2.
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1990's
'Frasier'
Notable mention: Baywatch. X-Files. Quantum Leap.
Frasier while designed as a sitcom and having funny moments, did not become what it was set out to be; a sitcom. but instead it became a comedic drama the laugh track becoming the extra cast member of the show. It was excellent at drama.. the whole cast could play drama in their sleep and so.. when those moments came.. the show shone.
The Niels Daphne dichotomy was enthralling, especially piqued by the superb acting of all the cast.
It was in many ways far superior to its forbearer Cheers.
One fault I will point out however with both shows.. which is probably a producer problem, sets were few and far between..giving a hemmed in atmosphere.. this was alleviated slightly in Frasier with the illusionary skyline of the home set.
2000s
'Lost'
Notable mention: Terminator:Sarah Connor Chronicles. The Sopranos. Heroes.
2010's
'Breaking Bad'
BB has its own spin off show in Better Call Saul, 'same high quality at low low prices!' haha
Main Rival: The Walking Dead
Notable mention: Game of Thrones. Man in the High Tower. The OA.
[there are many many shows I'd like to mention here.. Marvel's Defenders. Lillehammer. The Arrowverse shows. Black Mirror. The Americans. AHS.]
Scott Bakula (of Quantum Leap) also played Capt. Archer in the 2000's 'Star Trek Enterprise'.. The show itself was great TV but paid a huge penalty as fans HATED the intro music and slowly started abandoning the show due to the producers not listening to the audience. In reference to the music the words 'Universally hated by fans' is closely associated with this music and in definitive fashion. It was undoubtedly the 'Jar Jar Binks' of the Star Trek franchise. it was clown shoes on a super-model.
I feel, they changed the music to mark the passing of the great Gene Roddenberry, an 'admiral' sentiment but this was a huge mistake.. every Star Trek either had Space Rock + fanfare (TOS) or just had fanfare (TNG,DS9,VOY).. not everyone likes prog rock country music. ESPECIALLY for Star Trek.
Including me.. I hate country music! It's like : Rod Stewart does country.
I'm currently watching the show on Netflix as I gave up after the first season as the intro music was seriously lowering my morale of the show. As I write I'm in episode 18 of season 2.
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update.. 14/Nov/2023. Cleaned this section up.
Both sections:
Katey Sagal:
Ms. Katey has an impressive career!..
Married w/ Children (Peggy Bundy), Futurama (Leela Turanga) , Lost (Helen Norwood John Locke's GF ) That 70's Show (Hyde's Mother Edna) and TBBT (Penny's Mother Susan Teller)
Married w/ Children (Peggy Bundy), Futurama (Leela Turanga) , Lost (Helen Norwood John Locke's GF ) That 70's Show (Hyde's Mother Edna) and TBBT (Penny's Mother Susan Teller)
Bryan Cranston;
Baywatch, Seinfeld, X-Files, HIMYM, Breaking Bad ( + BCS).
Kurtwood Smith;
While Smith's acting creds are impressively extensive, most notably in this case; Red Foreman (That 70s/90s Show) and Star Trek, many roles, however he was the main Bad Guy 'Annorax' in Star Trek: Voyager. In which episode he was feature starred.
Bob Odenkirk: Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, HIMYM.
Frances Conroy: AHS (Main Ensemble cast) HIMYM (Barney's mother)
Kathy Bates : Misery (movie) TBBT (Amy's mother) AHS (Main Ensemble cast)
Cristine Rose : Heroes, Friends (Mother of Mike), HIMYM (Mother of Ted).
Tom Selleck ;
Magnum PI who was also in Friends as Monica's BF 'Richard'.
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Australia
Prisoner Cell Block H, Neighbours.
Notable mention: Round the Twist (Twilight Zone for kids).
New Zealand
While I wish there were more Kiwi shows.. sadly there were none, neither comedy or drama, that defined a generation. Honestly.. I'm Scottish and Kiwis are family.. it's true that Kiwis have an amazing movie industry (for set location).. 100% Kiwi original TV work is slim to non existent.
Canada
Trailer Park Boys.
Notable mentions: Kids in the Hall, Just for Laughs. Being Erica. Continuum. Due South.
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updated for succinctness:
--
(Note: Katey Sagal is the only one in both sections, having played Helen Norwood in Lost, John Locke's GF, except Tom Selleck (Magnum PI) who was also in Friends as Monica's BF.. But I'm giving the edge to Ms. Sagal ..coz Ms. Katey has an impressive career!.. Married w/ Children, Futurama, Lost and TBBT.. and after looking at her wiki page.. she was also in 70's Show.. wow)
Update Oct. 2023: Kurtwood Smith is also in both sections, while his acting creds are impressively extensive, most notably in this case; Red Foreman (That 70s/90s Show) and Star Trek, many roles, however he was the main Bad Guy 'Annorax' in Star Trek: Voyager.
Update Nov 2023: Bryan Cranston; Baywatch, Seinfeld, X-Files, HIMYM, Breaking Bad.
My Name is Earl
Star studded with A list guests.. easily a 2000s legendary programme that was cut too short. Due to the writers strike and the recession, this show was cancelled even though its was one of the top shows of the decade.
With Disney buying Fox and ownership passing to Disney.. I hope we can get either an additional 6 seasons.. or a final 5th season + movie.
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