As Seen On TV

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!

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