Are The Cleavers TV's "Funniest Family?"

[Brian Damage]

1. Ward, June, Wally, and Beaver (Theodore) Cleaver land as the funniest family ever to cross the air waves. "Leave It to Beaver" sits among the top of the all-time television classics. Between "the Beaver" and his problems with lying and being game for anything suggested by his friends, and Wally being led about by Eddie Haskel, this show hits high on the laugh meter. It continues to be a timeless source of family entertainment year after year.

http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/9263895-top-10-funniest-tv-families

http://www.tayloreason.com/corkscrew/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/cleaver-family-287x300.jpg

[retroTVfan4ever]

I don't think I would call them the funniest family, there are other family sitcoms that have more laugh out loud moments. But when you consider the overall consistency and quality of the writing over 6 seasons and 234 episodes, nothing tops Leave It To Beaver.

[The Flying Dutchmans]

Funny is only the opinion of an individual. I think LITB was a very funny show. But there were other families that were very funny too. My personal opinion is Mr. Belvedere was a very funny show. So was Happy days. The Cunninghams were a very funny family.

[Hughsgirl]

I agree it's just a matter of personal opinion, but I would say the Cleaver's are ONE of the funniest ones. The Nelsons were also quite funny and so many more.

[Cincy Guy]

Leave It To Beaver has what I call, subtle humor. Much of the laughter comes from almost basic conversational talk as opposed to someone falling down, etc. It should also be pointed out that each of the cast members share in getting lines that get laughs. Along with Beaver, it could be: Wally, Ward, June, Eddie, Lumpy, Fred, Larry, Mrs. Mondello, etc.

It's interesting to note that in the final seasons of the show, there are topical references to real persons of those times (for example: Tuesday Weld, Jack Paar, Broderick Crawford, even Cassius Clay). I still find them funny and a part of that may be hearing those names again. However, someone who could now be even in their 40's, for example, might not get the full measure of the meaning. Despite that, the series continues to win new fans and keep the ones who have seen every episode.

[Hughsgirl]

I would also like to point out that I believe Ward Cleaver got screwed over ranking only #28 on the chart as best sitcom dad ever. I know it's off topic and I'm sorry, but it got me thinking about that when we were discussing this one. Of course IMO, Ward was the best dad hands down! Just for the record....

[JudgeGarth]

I would also like to point out that I believe Ward Cleaver got screwed over ranking only #28 on the chart as best sitcom dad ever. I know it's off topic and I'm sorry, but it got me thinking about that when we were discussing this one. Of course IMO, Ward was the best dad hands down! Just for the record....
I agree. Those things are always stacked toward more recent shows.

[Torgo]

I would also like to point out that I believe Ward Cleaver got screwed over ranking only #28 on the chart as best sitcom dad ever. I know it's off topic and I'm sorry, but it got me thinking about that when we were discussing this one. Of course IMO, Ward was the best dad hands down! Just for the record....

Couldn't agree with you more.

[the_master68]

I don't think I would call them the funniest family, there are other family sitcoms that have more laugh out loud moments. But when you consider the overall consistency and quality of the writing over 6 seasons and 234 episodes, nothing tops Leave It To Beaver.

I beg to differ... More like 4 seasons.