Night Court (1984-1992): 'Night Court' was ruled by Judge Harry Stone (Harry Anderson), a magician who was as charming as he was goofy. And that made him the perfect foil for hookers and other hard-luck cases who passed through his court, not to mention womanizer D.A. Dan (John Larroquette).
The Jeffersons (1975-1985): Though Archie Bunker never moved on up to a dee-luxe apartment in the sky, George Jefferson was, in every other way, the black Bunker -- from his bigoted philosophies and sweet, sympathetic wife Weezie to his rebellious child and his ownership of the liquor-laden hangout Charlie's Bar, with his frienemy Willis.
Malcolm in the Middle (2000-2006): High-IQ Malcolm often made snarky asides to viewers about his wacky family's antics. But the middle-class family was more normal than they or their neighbors though. And Malcolm, despite feeling isolated, was a true Wilkinson at heart.
Green Acres (1965-1971): CBS had its own genre of rural sitcoms with 'The Beverly Hillbillies,' 'Petticoat Junction' and 'Acres,' a standout for surreal antics involving TV-watching pig Arnold, the Monroe brothers (one of whom was female) and leads Oliver and Lisa, who still wore their fancy city duds after moving to their Hooterville farm.
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.
Will & Grace (1998-2006): Sure, gay lawyer Will and his best friend/ex-girlfriend Grace were likable enough. But it was Will's self-obsessed, Cher-lovin' pal Jack and Grace's boozy, equally self-obsessed receptionist Karen who provided the laugh-out-loud scenes; fans even suggested renaming the series 'Jack & Karen.'
Maude (1972-1978): Edith Bunker's cousin (and Archie's nemesis) was a "compromisin', enterprisin', anything but tranquilizing" feminist who proved to be both hilarious and groundbreaking, as she and hubby Walter tackled alcoholism, nervous breakdowns, and, in the most controversial episode, abortion.
Hank Evans appreciates you taking the time to read this article. And, if you found it interesting, you can read more from Hank Evans at Watch NCIS Online and Watch Royal Pains Episodes Online.
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