Mar 10 2010

Funny Sitcoms For All Ages
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Murphy Brown (1988-1998): A modern-day Mary Richards (if Mary had done a stint at the Betty Ford clinic and been an unmarried mom), Murphy (Candice Bergen) was a tough TV reporter who loved, but was annoyed by, her colleagues … not to mention Dan Quayle, who infamously railed against Murphy’s single-mom status.

Sex and the City (1998-2004): Inspiring countless copycats of sex columnist Carrie’s fab designer lifestyle, ‘SATC’ ultimately owed its success to one of the best female ensembles in tube history, with Sarah Jessica Parker and pals just as adept at physical comedy as they were at dropping those naughty one-liners.

30 Rock (2006-present): We already knew Tina Fey was a brilliant comedy writer, and this ‘Saturday Night Live’ spoof also proves what a master of deadpan Alec Baldwin is. But it takes a true classic to mine with such deftness the humor of Kenneth the Page and wild comedian Tracy Morgan.

Frasier (1993-2004): Cliff and Norm seemed more obvious choices for ‘Cheers’ spin-offs, but it was Kelsey Grammer’s uptight shrink who got his own sharply written sitcom. The Crane fellas made for one competitive yet loving family, which helped the show become the most Emmy-winning series (with 37) in history.

The Office (2005-present): Some argue the original series is better, but for our Schrute Bucks, it’s the Dunder Mifflin gang that most hilariously captures the monotony of ‘Office’ life. Michael Scott over David Brent? Yep. Dwight over Gareth? Indeed. And not since Sam & Diane have we been treated to a sitcom couple as hot as Jim & Pam.

The Honeymooners (1955-1956): Before there was a ‘King of Queens,’ Jackie Gleason ruled Brooklyn as bus driver Ralph, whose feisty, hotter-than-him wife Alice kept the loud mouth in line. Despite his scheming, Ralph was a softie, and became one of TV’s first working class heroes.

M*A*S*H (1972-1983): From Hawkeye’s womanizing to Klinger’s obsession with getting a Section Eight, a constant barrage of wisecracks and juvenile pranks was just what the doctor ordered for these Korean War army surgeons, whose gallows humor was the only way they, and viewers, could deal with the traumas of war.

The Simpsons (1989-present): The longest-running comedy on TV holds that record for a reason — it is, quite simply, the best sitcom in history. The animated classic has spent 19 seasons mocking and celebrating pop culture, and giving us TV’s most beloved family and most delightfully ornery 10-year-old, Bartholomew J. Simpson.

Hank Evans appreciates you taking the time to read this article. If you enjoyed it, you are invited to visit Hank Evans at Watch NCIS Free and Watch Royal Pains Online.


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Mar 10 2010

Best Comedy Shows Of All Time
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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.

Hogan’s Heroes (1965-1971): You have to respect a sitcom that managed to wring laughs from a Nazi POW camp setting. Even more impressive: It was a one-note joke that kept viewers tuning in. What new ways would Col. Hogan and his clever crew find to trick bumbling Col. Klink and Schultz into giving up classified info to enemies?

Laverne & Shirley (1976-1983): Not since Lucy and Ethel wreaked havoc on the chocolate factory had two female buddies sparked so many chuckles. Lenny and Squiggy provided their share of wackiness, but the heart of the show was the bottle-cappin’ roomies’ friendship and pursuit of love, happiness and milk ‘n’ Pepsi.

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.

Sanford & Son (1972-1977): Father and son, junkyard partners: Both those relationships fueled the tug of war between Fred, who schemed to keep his son by his side, and Lamont, who strove to break free. Of course, it didn’t take a big dummy to see they really loved each other, though the scheming was often more fun.

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.

Happy Days (1974-1984): If not for ‘Happy Days,’ TV land wouldn’t have The Fonz, “jumping the shark,” ‘Laverne & Shirley’ or Jenny Piccolo. Okay, we forgive the show for that last one, but only because the retro sitcom was so filled with heart and humor that one little annoying character couldn’t bring it down. Aaaayy!

Hank Evans appreciates you taking the time to read this article. If you enjoyed it, you are invited to visit Hank Evans at Watch NCIS Episodes Online and Watch Royal Pains Free.


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