No sitcom in history dropped in quality as dramatically as Happy Days.
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iamthehorseface — 9 years ago(June 18, 2016 02:48 AM)
That's what happens when people lose their passion and just worry about the big paychecks. I still watched it because it was my favorite show even when Joanie and Chachi left it was probably one of the worst shows on television but I still liked it because it was Happy Days.
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bingoboss — 9 years ago(September 10, 2016 11:31 PM)
Yeah, the first season was like TV's version of "American Graffiti" - a nice mix of nostalgia and humor, with a serious attempt to capture a retro 1950's look and vibe.
Once the show became a hit, it all went to crap. It became all about Fonzie sticking up his thumbs and saying "Eeyyy," and a lot of dumb jokes and stupid situations, playing to the live studio audience. I remember it was the same time that "Welcome Back, Kotter" became a big hit - I think they changed the tone of Happy Days to reach the same big, dumb crowd. -
InherentlyYours — 9 years ago(October 02, 2016 04:39 PM)
Once the show became a hit, it all went to crap. It became all about Fonzie sticking up his thumbs and saying "Eeyyy," and a lot of dumb jokes and stupid situations, playing to the live studio audience. I remember it was the same time that "Welcome Back, Kotter" became a big hit - I think they changed the tone of Happy Days to reach the same big, dumb crowd.
True. Some people liked that and it fulfilled them. I don't think the fans were necessarily dumb, but a certain type. There was no wit or inspired writing, or "funny" actors. Even Three's Company was funnier. -
ItsEddieHaskellBeyotch — 9 years ago(October 01, 2016 04:51 PM)
Lack of quality or not, it stayed on 11 seasons and became an American institution and generally one of the most popular shows in television history; had it stayed on just those first couple years and gotten cancelled we wouldn't be speaking much of it now.
When there's no more room in Hollywood, remakes shall walk the Earth. -
hyperjet — 9 years ago(October 03, 2016 12:43 PM)
Sure we would. Look at Gilligan's Island, The Musters, Star Trek. They all lasted around three seasons and have become iconic. I would have rather seen three or four seasons of the well made original Happy Days than the long running circus it became.
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crypticanomaly73 — 9 years ago(October 14, 2016 04:35 AM)
The first couple of seasons were quite dark, the guys talked about scoring with women not just making out with them. The Fonz really did come across as a hood rather than a wuss with an underprivileged background.
I also agree that Laverne and Shirley was never a great show, nothing ever actually happens in the episodes and when they finish you have already forgotten what it was about.
Sometimes a movie or tv show plot is so stupid that only the stupid can understand it. -
rhs6358 — 9 years ago(November 15, 2016 06:37 AM)
Five words: "Filmed Before A Live Audience"
If you remember, the early episodes were on film, not videotape, were not filmed in front of an audience and you got a higher quality result. They dumbed it down to appeal to a "target audience". It became The Fonzie Show. The feel of the 1950's were not only lost, they didn't even care. They would, once in a while, make references to President Kennedy or The Beach Boys or whatever, but it was a 1978 show. The long hair, the styles, etc.
And, yes, it would still be popular had they stopped after 3 seasons. It's 61 years since The Honeymooners ran ONE season and it's still a much-beloved show, selling tons of DVD's. -
pioneergrrrl — 9 years ago(February 04, 2017 07:14 PM)
Okay not a sitcombut I want to nominate Buffy the Vampire Slayer as runner up
First seasonswhen it was about teen girl in high school fighting evil (both of supernatural and growing up) it was cool. Then when they moved her to collegeand especially real world, it tanked
They needed to have ended the series after the high school graduation
And third place Beverly Hills 90210which was supposed to be about the Walsh family adjusting to life in Beverly Hills. Somebody decided to STILL continue the series w/out zero Walshes around?? Not cool. Cancel the series!1 -
wordsatplaytoday — 9 years ago(November 21, 2016 08:37 AM)
I agree.
It jumped the shark before it jumped the shark.
I think it was better when it was a dramady and before The Fonz became this unrealistic superman type of character.
Let me know if I'm on your ignore list.
Thanx!
] — 4 years ago(February 07, 2022 10:00 PM)