Classic Sitcom Book Review - Brady Brady Brady

From time to time, I will post a review of book pertaining to classic sitcoms. Today's review is of Brady Brady Brady, written by Sherwood and Lloyd Schwartz. It is a nice look back at the creation of The Brady Bunch and its cultural impact. My only probelem with this book is Lloyd's self-congratulatory attitude. He states that he helped Maureen McCormick off cocaine. He may have, but there is no need for him to be conceited about the fact. His father, on the other hand, writes a charming tale about the creation of the show and also breaks down the way that he write the pilot. As an amateur screenwriter, his method helped me immensely. See for yourself. Pick up a copy of Brady Brady Brady.

The Case for Soap

Soap is wonderful hidden gem in the sitcom world. It received recognition in it early days due to its controversial characters and stories, but since its original airing (1977-1981) ikt has faded from the public eye. I think that anyone who is a fan of classic sitcoms should watch Soap. Billy Crystal got off to a great start in his career by starring on this show as the homosexual Jodie Dallas. Robert Mulligan is phenomenal as Burt Campbell and Jay Johnson as Chuck/Bob. Cathryn Damon and Katherine Helmond play Mary Campbell and Jessica Tate respectively. Robert Guillaume..well...enough said.

The great thing about the show is that it doesn't parody specific soap operas, thus allowing anyone to be able to watch it and understand it. The show sadly jumps the shark, in my opinion, in the last season, but still has some funny moments. The show was canceled before the plot was resolved; therefore, the series finale contains many cliffhangers.

I implore everyone to rent or buy the DVDs and watch this amazingly hilarious show.

The First Post

I wanted to start out by introducing myself to the first readers of The Classic Sitcom Blog. I am Orion Anderson. I am quite a fan of classic situation comedies and I want to share my thoughts and opinions with others via Blogger. This being the first post, I would like to post my top 10 favorite classic American sitcoms. Feel free to comment and say your own top 10 list.

10. The Cosby Show

9. The Bob Newhart Show

8. The Mary Tyler Moore Show

7. Cheers

6. Taxi

5. Home Improvement

4. Seinfeld

3. Soap

2. The Simpsons

1. Frasier

Here are my top 10 favorite British sitcoms:

10. Keeping Up Appearances

9. The New Statesman

8. Father Ted

7. The Young Ones

6. Coupling

5. The Thin Blue Line

4. Open All Hours

3. Allo Allo

2. Fawlty Towers

1. Blackadder