🤣TV Comedy Unit 7 – TV Comedy Evolution: 1970s-1980s

Key Shows and Creators

• The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-1977) created by James L. Brooks and Allan Burns revolutionized the sitcom genre with its focus on a single working woman (Mary Richards) and her friendships
  • Ensemble cast included Ed Asner, Valerie Harper, Cloris Leachman, and Betty White
  • Won 29 Emmy Awards during its seven-season run
• All in the Family (1971-1979) created by Norman Lear tackled controversial social and political issues through the lens of a working-class family
  • Starred Carroll O'Connor as Archie Bunker, a bigoted yet beloved character
  • Spin-offs included Maude (1972-1978) and The Jeffersons (1975-1985)
• MAS*H (1972-1983) created by Larry Gelbart blended comedy and drama in its portrayal of a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War
  • Starred Alan Alda as Hawkeye Pierce and featured an ensemble cast
  • Finale episode "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen" remains one of the most-watched television episodes in history
• Saturday Night Live (1975-present) created by Lorne Michaels introduced a new format of sketch comedy and launched the careers of numerous comedians
  • Original cast included Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, and Gilda Radner
• Taxi (1978-1983) created by James L. Brooks, Stan Daniels, David Davis, and Ed Weinberger followed the lives of New York City taxi drivers
  • Ensemble cast included Judd Hirsch, Danny DeVito, Marilu Henner, and Christopher Lloyd
• Cheers (1982-1993) created by James Burrows, Glen Charles, and Les Charles revolved around the patrons and staff of a Boston bar
  • Starred Ted Danson as Sam Malone and Shelley Long as Diane Chambers
  • Spin-off Frasier (1993-2004) followed the character of Frasier Crane, played by Kelsey Grammer

Shifting Themes and Topics

• Sitcoms began addressing more controversial and socially relevant issues (racism, sexism, politics) compared to the idealized family life portrayed in earlier decades
  • All in the Family confronted prejudice and bigotry through the character of Archie Bunker
  • Maude tackled abortion in the groundbreaking two-part episode "Maude's Dilemma" (1972)
• Women's roles in society and the workplace became a central focus
  • The Mary Tyler Moore Show depicted a single, career-oriented woman (Mary Richards) as its lead character
  • Laverne & Shirley (1976-1983) and Alice (1976-1985) featured working-class women protagonists
• Sitcoms explored diverse settings and character backgrounds
  • Sanford and Son (1972-1977) and Good Times (1974-1979) featured African American families
  • Chico and the Man (1974-1978) centered on a Mexican American and his employer
• Social commentary and satire became more prevalent
  • MAS*H used the Korean War setting to comment on the Vietnam War and other contemporary issues
  • Saturday Night Live's sketches parodied politics, pop culture, and current events
• Workplace comedies gained popularity, focusing on the relationships between coworkers
  • The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, and WKRP in Cincinnati (1978-1982) exemplified this trend

Character Development Trends

• Characters became more complex, flawed, and relatable
  • Archie Bunker (All in the Family) was a bigot but also had redeeming qualities
  • Hawkeye Pierce (MAS*H) used humor to cope with the horrors of war
• Ensemble casts allowed for diverse character interactions and storylines
  • The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, and Cheers featured well-developed supporting characters
• Character growth and development over multiple seasons became more common
  • Diane Chambers (Cheers) evolved from a pretentious academic to a more grounded character
  • Latka Gravas (Taxi) explored his cultural background and personal life
• Strong female characters emerged, challenging traditional gender roles
  • Maude Findlay (Maude) was an outspoken feminist
  • Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney (Laverne & Shirley) were independent, working-class women
• Recurring guest stars added depth to the show's universe
  • Reverend Jim Ignatowski (Christopher Lloyd) became a regular on Taxi
  • Lilith Sternin (Bebe Neuwirth) appeared in multiple episodes of Cheers before joining the spin-off Frasier

Production and Format Changes

• Multi-camera setup with a live studio audience became the standard for sitcoms
  • Allowed for immediate audience feedback and laughter
  • Required actors to perform scenes in sequence and in full
• Videotape replaced film as the primary recording medium
  • Cheaper and faster than film production
  • Enabled shows to be edited more efficiently
• Episode runtimes standardized to 30 minutes (including commercials)
  • Allowed for a consistent programming schedule
  • Forced writers to create concise storylines and dialogue
• Seasons typically consisted of 22-24 episodes
  • Allowed for character and story arcs to develop over the course of a season
  • Provided a steady income for actors and crew members
• Spin-offs and crossovers became more common
  • The Jeffersons and Maude spun off from All in the Family
  • Characters from Cheers appeared on other NBC shows (St. Elsewhere, Wings)
• Theme songs and opening credits became more elaborate and memorable
  • The Mary Tyler Moore Show, All in the Family, and Cheers had iconic theme songs
  • Opening credits often featured the main cast members and set the tone for the show

Cultural Impact and Audience Reception

• Sitcoms reflected and influenced societal changes
  • All in the Family and Maude sparked national conversations about racism, sexism, and politics
  • The Mary Tyler Moore Show inspired women to pursue careers and independence
• Catchphrases and memorable moments entered popular culture
  • "Sock it to me" (Laugh-In), "Dy-no-mite!" (Good Times), and "Norm!" (Cheers) became widely recognized
  • The MAS*H finale, "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen," was watched by a record-breaking 105.9 million viewers
• Sitcoms tackled controversial issues, pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable on television
  • Maude's decision to have an abortion in "Maude's Dilemma" generated both praise and criticism
  • All in the Family's frank discussions of racism and bigotry challenged viewers' preconceptions
• Ensemble casts and relatable characters fostered a sense of community among viewers
  • Cheers and Taxi created the feeling of a "home away from home" for audiences
  • The Mary Tyler Moore Show's portrayal of friendship resonated with viewers
• Sitcoms provided an escape from the tumultuous events of the 1970s and 1980s
  • Economic recession, political scandals, and the Cold War created a need for lighthearted entertainment
  • MAS*H and Barney Miller (1975-1982) offered a respite from the grim realities of the Vietnam War and urban crime

Technical Innovations

• Videotape editing techniques improved, allowing for smoother cuts and transitions
  • Electronic editing systems (CMX Systems) replaced manual splicing of tape
  • Multiple camera angles could be seamlessly combined in post-production
• Advancements in sound recording and mixing enhanced audio quality
  • Boom microphones and wireless lavalier microphones captured clearer dialogue
  • Laugh tracks could be added or sweetened in post-production
• Lighting techniques became more sophisticated, creating a more polished look
  • Three-point lighting (key, fill, and back lights) became standard practice
  • Lighting could be adjusted to create specific moods or highlight certain characters
• Set design and construction methods evolved to accommodate multi-camera setups
  • Modular sets allowed for quick scene changes and multiple angles
  • Detailed, realistic sets (Cheers' bar, Taxi's garage) immersed viewers in the show's world
• Costume design played a crucial role in defining characters and reflecting the era
  • The Mary Tyler Moore Show's fashion-forward outfits showcased Mary Richards' independence
  • MAS*H's military uniforms and Laverne & Shirley's working-class attire added authenticity

Influential Comedy Styles

• Situation-based humor relied on the interactions between characters and their environment
  • All in the Family and The Jeffersons found humor in the clash of personalities and beliefs
  • Cheers and Taxi mined comedy from the relationships between coworkers and patrons
• Character-driven comedy focused on the quirks, flaws, and growth of individual characters
  • MAS*H's Hawkeye Pierce used wit and sarcasm to cope with the horrors of war
  • Barney Miller's ensemble cast showcased the unique personalities of the precinct's detectives
• Physical comedy and slapstick remained popular, often combined with verbal humor
  • Laverne & Shirley and Three's Company (1977-1984) featured pratfalls and exaggerated reactions
  • Robin Williams' manic energy on Mork & Mindy (1978-1982) blended physical and verbal comedy
• Satire and parody became more prevalent, particularly on sketch comedy shows
  • Saturday Night Live's "Weekend Update" segment parodied news broadcasts
  • SCTV (1976-1984) satirized television programming and pop culture trends
• Topical humor addressed current events and social issues
  • All in the Family and Maude tackled controversial topics like racism, sexism, and politics
  • Saturday Night Live's sketches often commented on the week's news and cultural events

Legacy and Future Influence

• 1970s and 1980s sitcoms set the stage for future generations of comedy television
  • Seinfeld (1989-1998) and Friends (1994-2004) built upon the ensemble cast and character-driven humor of Taxi and Cheers
  • The Simpsons (1989-present) and Married... with Children (1987-1997) pushed the boundaries of family sitcoms established by All in the Family
• Spin-offs and reboots continued to be popular in the following decades
  • Frasier (1993-2004) and The Jeffersons (1975-1985) demonstrated the potential for successful spin-offs
  • Reboots of All in the Family (Live in Front of a Studio Audience, 2019) and One Day at a Time (2017-2020) updated classic sitcoms for new audiences
• The influence of 1970s and 1980s sitcoms can be seen in contemporary comedy series
  • The Office (2005-2013) and Parks and Recreation (2009-2015) drew inspiration from the workplace comedies of the era
  • Modern Family (2009-2020) and Black-ish (2014-2022) continued the tradition of family sitcoms addressing social issues
• Streaming platforms have allowed for the rediscovery and appreciation of classic sitcoms
  • Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video have made shows like Cheers, MAS*H, and All in the Family accessible to new generations of viewers
  • The enduring popularity of these sitcoms has led to increased interest in their creators, stars, and behind-the-scenes stories
• The legacy of 1970s and 1980s sitcoms continues to shape the television comedy landscape
  • The emphasis on ensemble casts, character development, and socially relevant themes remains a hallmark of successful sitcoms
  • The innovations in production techniques and formats pioneered during this era have become industry standards
  • The impact of these groundbreaking shows on popular culture and societal attitudes continues to be felt decades later