When "Home Improvement" hits Nick at Nite, it will be a battle between these three shows for the most time-slots (face it, "The Cosby Show" is basically done on Nick at Nite).

I think that "Home Improvement" will win just because "Roseanne" and "The Fresh Prince" have been on Nick at Nite longer.

Anyway, out of these shows which do you prefer?

Personally--

I use to watch "Home Improvement" all the time when I was younger and I'd catch an episode of "The Fresh Prince" every now and then, but I never got into it -- but in the past 2 years I've really gotten into "Roseanne".

I pick "Roseanne" just because it was a groundbreaking show that was one of the first sitcoms to show women being in control of their own lives, portrayed a reaslitc family -- dealing with reaslitic and controversial issues and it paved the way for gay characters on TV. Plus, the dialoge was witty, clever and well-written and the acting on "Roseanne" was phenomenal -- the best out of any television show, minus Becky #2 ;).

I don't care for any of them, but if I absolutely had to choose one I'd go with Roseanne. I find Home Improvement way too corny and I outgrew Fresh Prince quite a few years ago.

Aww, well, I guess to each their own. :)

I voted for Roseanne, of course. I love Home Improvement, I think Fresh Prince is OKAY, but Roseanne is the best of the 3.

I used to love Home Improvement, but I don't like it as much now. Not really a fan of the Fresh Prince, either. I still love Roseanne, though, so that's my choice.

I like Roseanne the best out of those choices.

Home Improvement

I pick "Roseanne" just because it was a groundbreaking show that was one of the first sitcoms to show women being in control of their own lives, portrayed a reaslitc family -- dealing with reaslitic and controversial issues and it paved the way for gay characters on TV. Plus, the dialoge was witty, clever and well-written and the acting on "Roseanne" was phenomenal -- the best out of any television show, minus Becky #2 ;).

WHOA! I couldn't have said it any better myself (minus that Becky #2 comment, LOL).

Roseanne is my pick as well. It`s just a WAY, WAY, WAY better show then the other 2.

What I'm curious about is "If" Home Improvement does become Nick at Nite`s next big hit, will Roseanne be what The Cosby Show is to them now? (The Cosby Show is playing 3rd fiddle to Roseanne and The Fresh Prince now, so will it be the new "3rd fiddle", while Home Improvement and The Fresh Prince take the spotlight?....Hhhhmmm.....)

Home Improvement - hands down.

Home Improvement is so funny and I just think it is the best show of the 3.
I never really got into Roseanne that much and The Fresh Prince of Belair is so overplayed that I'm not really into it anymore.

Roseanne! hands up!

Have you noticed what shows in the lead and what show hasn't gotten any votes at all? LOL

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x63/STEFFY_060/fresh_01.gif

Home Improvement.

Home Improvement

You can put any show with FP, and I will take ANY SHOW OVER FRESH PRINCE. IT SUCKS, SUCKS, SUCKS, AND IT IS RERUNNED TO THE GROUND.

Roseanne all the way.

Cosby show is not done on N&N. According to what?

I watched Home Improvement during its first run, but I can't get into it in syndication.

Cosby show is not done on N&N. According to what?
"The Cosby Show" is starting to be played on TV Land, right? And aren't both of those stations managed by the same company? And if so, it would seem "The Cosby Show" is moving to TV Land, so there can be more room for newer shows like "Home Improvement".

Plus, "The Cosby Show" has been on Nick at Nite longer than "Roseanne" and "The Fresh Prince" -- I'd say they are ready to drop "The Cosby Show" since it has been on their station for so long.

Eventually I believe you'll just see "The Cosby Show" on TV Land.

My hope is that N&N will keep Cosby, get rid of Fresh Prince (I doubt it though) and rather than have mini-marathons, etc. they can use those time slots to ADD NEW CLASSIC SHOWS.

My hope is that N&N will keep Cosby, get rid of Fresh Prince (I doubt it though) and rather than have mini-marathons, etc. they can use those time slots to ADD NEW CLASSIC SHOWS.
One can only hope. Haha. "The Fresh Prince" sucks.

One can only hope. Haha. "The Fresh Prince" sucks.
It certainly does. No argument there. :cheers:

BTW, WHO VOTED FOR FRESH PRINCE ON THIS POLL???? :crazy: :crazy: :crazy: :crazy:

When "Roseanne" was first on Nick at Nite it pulled in 33 million people on its first week-long marathon.

(NEW YORK, Oct. 1-- More than 33 million cumulative viewers tuned into Nick at Nite last week to watch the network's week-long marathon launch of Roseanne, one of the most talked about and popular sitcoms in television history. The marathon showcase, which pre-empted Nick at Nite's regularly scheduled...http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-3175231/Domestic-Goddess-Cleans-Up-on.html)

Lets see if "Home Improvement" can pull those numbers in its first week!

When "Roseanne" was first on Nick at Nite it pulled in 33 million people on its week-long marathon.

(NEW YORK, Oct. 1-- More than 33 million cumulative viewers tuned into Nick at Nite last week to watch the network's week-long marathon launch of Roseanne, one of the most talked about and popular sitcoms in television history. The marathon showcase, which pre-empted Nick at Nite's regularly scheduled...http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-3175231/Domestic-Goddess-Cleans-Up-on.html)

Lets see if "Home Improvement" can pull those numbers in its first week!
Wow, that is a lot of viewers. But then again, I am a huge Roseanne fan and her show has such a huge fanbase. There are many who can't see Roseanne on Oxygen which happens to air Roseanne in the daytime. So, people who want to watch it at night, do so with N@N. YOU GO ROSEANNE!!! I am one of those who will watch a mini-marathon or marathon of Roseanne. She is up there with I Love Lucy.

I imagine fans of Home Improvement are definitely ecstatic over N@N picking it up. I may, just for pleasure, start to watch it so I can engage in idle chat here on the board. :D

Wow, that is a lot of viewers. But then again, I am a huge Roseanne fan and her show has such a huge fanbase. There are many who can't see Roseanne on Oxygen which happens to air Roseanne in the daytime. So, people who want to watch it at night, do so with N@N. YOU GO ROSEANNE!!! I am one of those who will watch a mini-marathon or marathon of Roseanne. She is up there with I Love Lucy.

I imagine fans of Home Improvement are definitely ecstatic over N@N picking it up. I may, just for pleasure, start to watch it so I can engage in idle chat here on the board. :D
"Roseanne" was the Lucy of the 1990's. For 6 years "Roseanne" was in the Top 5 most-watched shows. Impressive.

I prefer watching Roseanne over HI and FP.

"Roseanne" was the Lucy of the 1990's. For 6 years "Roseanne" was in the Top 5 most-watched shows. Impressive.

I like the show just as much as the next guy/girl but calling it the Lucy of the 90s is a bit of a stretch.....

Imo all three shows are a bit corny and dated....why cant they add something like iono......Frasier, Friends Seinfeld something like that.

I like the show just as much as the next guy/girl but calling it the Lucy of the 90s is a bit of a stretch.....

Imo all three shows are a bit corny and dated....why cant they add something like iono......Frasier, Friends Seinfeld something like that.
http://www.tvguide.com/magazine/covers/newimages/92010401.jpg

"Not since the '50s has one woman so dominated television" -TV Guide

Sure, TV Guide isn't always right...but they seemed to think "Roseanne" was the Lucy of the '90s.

Roseanne, as a woman, was everywhere in the media, as with Lucille Ball in the '50s. Roseanne had tons of backstage battles with producers, fights with her husband and had such a big personality, Roseanne was always in the media.

"Roseanne" was always highly rated on TV. Although not as successful on-air as "I Love Lucy"...it was still highly rated.

Sure, "Roseanne" isn't as popular or as successful as "I Love Lucy" -- but I do believe "Roseanne" is the closest thing we've had to a TV show like "I Love Lucy", seeing as how in both shows the main star was a WOMEN, both shows were groundbreaking for their time and both paved the way for future shows.

My pick was Home Improvement. Though I like all three shows, none of them enough to talk about them on their boards, lol.

"Roseanne" was the most groundbreaking of the three, however. But that's not a reason for me to watch it. I don't care if it's groundbreaking or not. In fact, I liked "Ellen" better before it turned groundbreaking. They had more Lucy/Laverne & Shirley/Seinfeld plots before the groundbreaking episode changed the show forever in the public's eye. That's why it's funny when I hear "Ellen" referred to as a groundbreaking show, because I think back at the earlier episodes. One where Ellen's hanging from a fence, one where Ellen accidentally tapes over Paige's sister giving birth for an episode of "Thirtysomething" and one where Ellen and friends drive around in a limo all night trying to find the birthday party for John Travolta.

I know, I know, I got talking too much about "Ellen" on a thread about HI, R, and FP. ;)

I like the show just as much as the next guy/girl but calling it the Lucy of the 90s is a bit of a stretch.....

Imo all three shows are a bit corny and dated....why cant they add something like iono......Frasier, Friends Seinfeld something like that.
Should I bother to respond?

Yes, Roseanne is the Lucy of the 90's. As Overdose proudly shows the tv guide that talked abt this in an article. I remember that article and I thought to myself, "Could anyone ever be really compared to I Love Lucy and actually DO WHAT I LOVE LUCY DID? In one word: YES! I would not ever so lightly say that a show was comparable to Lucy if I didn't think they were.

Roseanne is not out-dated. What part of the show gives that impression? Surely not the clothes, those kids were dressed AS NORMAL KIDS WOULD DRESS who had two parents working at jobs; the Conners didn't exactly match the families we normally saw on television at that time. We seen bratty kids, (not spoiled), we seen a not so beautiful home, we seen them have struggles and some hardships (as many normal American families do), more people can identify with the Roseanne characters than they can with the families that were portrayed in the 80's -90's. Roseanne was funny, hilarious, not all made up to look and dress perfect, her husband was obese, she was obese, etc. No fancy wardrobe or make-up in this show.

Overall, Roseanne made history with her show. The same feat that I Love Lucy achieved. Roseanne once hoped to have a little of what Lucy did for television. She actually did a lot more. When you look at television history and the role that women did for it, there are two names that will always be first: ROSEANNE AND LUCY.

Should I bother to respond?

Yes, Roseanne is the Lucy of the 90's. As Overdose proudly shows the tv guide that talked abt this in an article. I remember that article and I thought to myself, "Could anyone ever be really compared to I Love Lucy and actually DO WHAT I LOVE LUCY DID? In one word: YES! I would not ever so lightly say that a show was comparable to Lucy if I didn't think they were.

Roseanne is not out-dated. What part of the show gives that impression? Surely not the clothes, those kids were dressed AS NORMAL KIDS WOULD DRESS who had two parents working at jobs; the Conners didn't exactly match the families we normally saw on television at that time. We seen bratty kids, (not spoiled), we seen a not so beautiful home, we seen them have struggles and some hardships (as many normal American families do), more people can identify with the Roseanne characters than they can with the families that were portrayed in the 80's -90's. Roseanne was funny, hilarious, not all made up to look and dress perfect, her husband was obese, she was obese, etc. No fancy wardrobe or make-up in this show.

Overall, Roseanne made history with her show. The same feat that I Love Lucy achieved. Roseanne once hoped to have a little of what Lucy did for television. She actually did a lot more. When you look at television history and the role that women did for it, there are two names that will always be first: ROSEANNE AND LUCY.

How did Roseanne make history with her show? Oh wow, a woman as the lead character instead of the male lead, that is definitely different! Sure the show was probably aimed at a different fanbase but the sitcom was very similar to most of the other 80s sitcoms during this era. I mean comon the plots were just like any other plots during that era of television. Would the show ever have been conceived without the help of previous shows around the same era dealing with the whole "family-type issues". I don't think so, and that is why I don't think its groundbreaking.

I say the show doesn't hold well today because simply because of its reply value....at least in my opinion. Yes the scripts and writing are well thought out and very insightful, but the show itself just gets tired quickly. Ill watch one episode, laugh, but would never want to watch it again...since imo its comedy style isnt very multi layered at all.. (As oppose to say All in the Family, Seinfeld, Arrested Developement, ect..) Those shows I mentioned are groundbreaking programs because they added a whole different element to not only the plot of sitcoms, but they changed the landscape of television. Roseanne was basically a different approach to something that was already going on at the time it was created.

.....

And if my memory serves correct I think that issue was in 1992, before the show began to lose steam...so IMO theyre must of been a lot of hype put into that article
(Being a big show from about 88-94)...and is probably an irrelevant topic now.

I guess it is time for a debate...

Oh wow, a woman as the lead character instead of the male lead, that is definitely different!
It wasn't just a woman being the lead character; it was a woman running the household.

For years the perception was that the man ran the household, and it was thus portrayed that way on television. With "Roseanne" it marked a change in the family structure, not only in sitcoms, but in the American way of life. It was finally acceptable to acknowledge, on-air, that women can also be in control of the household.

Sure the show was probably aimed at a different fanbase but the sitcom was very similar to most of the other 80s sitcoms during this era. I mean comon the plots were just like any other plots during that era of television. Would the show ever have been conceived without the help of previous shows around the same era dealing with the whole "family-type issues". I don't think so, and that is why I don't think its groundbreaking.
What was groundbreaking about “Roseanne” was the brutal honesty used when discussing these issues. Honestly, the way “Roseanne” dealt with these issues wasn’t the typical way a family sitcom was supposed to deal with them. Sometimes there wasn’t a solution to these issues and sometimes the kids didn’t learn their lesson -- and other times the parents were at fault, not the kids.

Also, no family sitcom brought up as many realistic and controversial issues as “Roseanne” did -- such as underage drinking and drug-use, physical and mental abuse, masturbation, loosing your virginity, having your first period, being poor, loosing your job and homosexuality.

I say the show doesn't hold well today because simply because of its reply value....at least in my opinion. Yes the scripts and writing are well thought out and very insightful, but the show itself just gets tired quickly. Ill watch one episode, laugh, but would never want to watch it again...since imo its comedy style isnt very multi layered at all.. (As oppose to say All in the Family, Seinfeld, Arrested Developement, ect..) Those shows I mentioned are groundbreaking programs because they added a whole different element to not only the plot of sitcoms, but they changed the landscape of television. Roseanne was basically a different approach to something that was already going on at the time it was created.
“Roseanne” has tons of replay value because it brought a realistic, modern and female approach to issues that had been previously discussed on television. It also gave these issues modern-day solutions and a relatable and realistic insight into how people feel and deal with these issues.

EDIT:

And if my memory serves correct I think that issue was in 1992, before the show began to lose steam...so IMO theyre must of been a lot of hype put into that article
(Being a big show from about 88-94)...and is probably an irrelevant topic now.
Lets see, "I Love Lucy" has 6 seasons, correct?

And if "Roseanne" was really popular from 1988 to 1994 (6 seasons), that equals the amount of really popular seasons for "I Love Lucy", right?

Just because "Roseanne" had a few lower rated seasons towards the end of its run, does not mean it doesn't have the same number of successful seasons as "I Love Lucy".

In all seriousness really, its all a subjective opinion, I clearly don't like it as much as you do, and we have different opinions . I just don't think it was as groundbreaking as other shows during its period, and could make a strong case for other shows...even though Ive stated that the shows did bring in different ideas to television, it wasn't TOTALLY different than anything else at the time like other shows. If it wasn't for other shows of the same nature breaking through on television beforehand, I don't think the idea behind the show would have been mentioned.

What may be an exciting show with great replay value to you is not the same for me....and I'm sure others feel the same. I mean I cant watch the show over and over like other shows, because imo sometimes the drama gets in the way of the comedy.(and it is a sitCOM.)

http://www.tvguide.com/magazine/covers/newimages/92010401.jpg

"Not since the '50s has one woman so dominated television" -TV Guide

Sure, TV Guide isn't always right...but they seemed to think "Roseanne" was the Lucy of the '90s.

Roseanne, as a woman, was everywhere in the media, as with Lucille Ball in the '50s. Roseanne had tons of backstage battles with producers, fights with her husband and had such a big personality, Roseanne was always in the media.

"Roseanne" was always highly rated on TV. Although not as successful on-air as "I Love Lucy"...it was still highly rated.

Sure, "Roseanne" isn't as popular or as successful as "I Love Lucy" -- but I do believe "Roseanne" is the closest thing we've had to a TV show like "I Love Lucy", seeing as how in both shows the main star was a WOMEN, both shows were groundbreaking for their time and both paved the way for future shows.

not forgetting also the mary tyler moore show, even though it was a totally different type of sitcom, it was the first to showcase a female character in mary as a successful career woman

Roseanne was popular because people WATCHED it. It's a good, classic, funny show, that only happened to be groundbreaking at the same time. Chracters like Roseanne and Dan Conner were never seen on telelvision up to that point. They were middle-class Americana, trying to raise a family of 3 with mediocre jobs. Where else could you watch that on TV then and today? The show was good, handsdown.

That also makes me wonder why Fresh Prince is so popular. The show was only in the top 20 for 2 of its 6 seasons, only managing to rank #16 each season, and then it went downhill from there. The show was really not groundbreakin gor that popular in it's original run, yet it's beating out the shows that were popular, like Roseanne.

Have you noticed what shows in the lead and what show hasn't gotten any votes at all? LOL
Uuuuh...the really great show is in the lead, and the really crap show has the least amount of votes?

I just don't think it was as groundbreaking as other shows during its period, and could make a strong case for other shows...

Can we here of 5 sitcoms that you consider more groundbreaking than Roseanne, during the time her show was on?

Can we here of 5 sitcoms that you consider more groundbreaking than Roseanne, during the time her show was on?

I know I'm not the guy you're asking. But I've thought of a couple..

Married... with Children
Seinfeld
and maybe "Murphy Brown", I mean it even got the attention of the White House, lol.

It's true (to me anyways) that "Roseanne" was a very groundbreaking show in the 1990s. And maybe those shows aren't MORE groundbreaking, but they're all up there.

I know I'm not the guy you're asking. But I've thought of a couple..

Married... with Children
Seinfeld
and maybe "Murphy Brown", I mean it even got the attention of the White House, lol.

It's true (to me anyways) that "Roseanne" was a very groundbreaking show in the 1990s. And maybe those shows aren't MORE groundbreaking, but they're all up there.

I think the 2 shows that are up there with Roseanne, that were on around the same time, are Married . . . with Children and Murphy Brown. Married, because it was like nothing ever seen on TV before, and Murphy Brown, because it was about a very liberal, activist-type womanized journalist, whoa lways got her way. Almost like Roseanne in a way.

That also makes me wonder why Fresh Prince is so popular.
I'm thinking because Will Smith has becamse such a household name and people really like him, that they want to watch him in his early years on re-runs.

Can we here of 5 sitcoms that you consider more groundbreaking than Roseanne, during the time her show was on?

you asked for it.

Seinfeld
Frasier
Married With Children
Simpsons (Its written in a sitcom style and even though its a cartoon...I dont think it should be treated as Such).

Thats just off the top of my head...

others include

The Larry Sanders Show
NewsRadio
Cheers (It WAS around at the same time, and it was a huge influence on the single type sitcoms, being one of the first and the writing was excellent.)

IMO i still think these mentioned shows added something more to television than Roseanne...during the same exact time...(I hardly even see the show in syndication besides Nick at Nite, and the show finished in freaking 1997)

IMO i still think these mentioned shows added something more to television than Roseanne...during the same exact time...(I hardly even see the show in syndication besides Nick at Nite, and the show finished in freaking 1997)
I firmly believe that "Roseanne" had more of an impact than any of those other shows you mentioned, and I actually listed my reasons why. But I guess to each their own.

Anyway, "Roseanne" is played on the Oxygen Channel, usually daily, all thorughout the day. And "Roseanne" is on Nick at Nite, and is one of the top rated shows for that network. As I said earlier, when "Roseanne" first hit Nick at Nite it drew in 33 million viewers for its week-long marathon. People still love the show! :)

I also think Roseanne was much more groundbreaking htanany of these shows. Cheers and Frasier were highly rated shows, but netierh were groundbreaking in any way.

you asked for it.

Seinfeld
Frasier
Married With Children
Simpsons (Its written in a sitcom style and even though its a cartoon...I dont think it should be treated as Such).

Thats just off the top of my head...

others include

The Larry Sanders Show
NewsRadio
Cheers (It WAS around at the same time, and it was a huge influence on the single type sitcoms, being one of the first and the writing was excellent.)

I can "kind of" see Cheers as being groundbreaking.....And Married...With Children (which is awesome) certainly was groundbreaking. I can't say anything about that.....BUT how was Seinfeld groundbreaking? I love Frasier, but I didn't see anything there that wasn't done before, or after. It never made my jaw drop, like Roseanne did (neither has The Simpsons).

I don't know about Larry Sanders and Newsradio. I've never sat through an entire episode of Newsradio, and I've never seen The Larry Sanders Show.

Anyway, "Roseanne" is played on the Oxygen Channel, usually daily, all thorughout the day. And "Roseanne" is on Nick at Nite, and is one of the top rated shows for that network. As I said earlier, when "Roseanne" first hit Nick at Nite it drew in 33 million viewers for its week-long marathon. People still love the show! :)
Exactly!

I don't know what the other poster was talking about....Roseane has had a GREAT run in syndication. I remember back in the mid 1990`s, it was being played on local channels in my area, 3 or 4x a day! (2 at 6pm and then an episode or 2 late at night). I wasn't too into the show when I was little, but a lot of my family was, and they used to tape the late night airings, and watch them the next evening.....Roseanne was also on TBS for several years. It did well on that network. It was on back to back, during the 7pm hour, for years....Then it was moved to 3:30pm, where it aired 3 episodes straight, every weekday.

In 2003, it was moved to Nick at Nite, where it has become a contender for their one of their most over played shows ever....And not to mention that the DVD sales are GREAT (9 seasons released in a little over 2 years!)...And Nick at Nite STILL airs the show a lot, and has week long Roseanne marathons. That's pretty good for a show that's been on their network for 4 years....Roseanne remains to be hit in syndication, 10 years after the show ended.

I'm thinking because Will Smith has becamse such a household name and people really like him, that they want to watch him in his early years on re-runs.
THAT, and I'm sure Roseanne being on the network for a year longer than The Fresh Prince, is part of the reason it has become their top show...I wonder what would have happened if they both debuted at the same time....

I like the show just as much as the next guy/girl but calling it the Lucy of the 90s is a bit of a stretch.....

Imo all three shows are a bit corny and dated....why cant they add something like iono......Frasier, Friends Seinfeld something like that.
Yes, I think that calling it the Lucy of the 90s is going a bit to far. Roseanne is way different from I Love Lucy.

I would watch Home Improvement of Fresh Prince anyday. Roseanne is a good show and I know that it was VERY popular, but its not my favorite.

Friends, Fraiser and Seinfeld are already on other networks. Friends is played alot too. I don't really think it is the type of show to be on N@N.

It wasn't just a woman being the lead character; it was a woman running the household.

For years the perception was that the man ran the household, and it was thus portrayed that way on television. With "Roseanne" it marked a change in the family structure, not only in sitcoms, but in the American way of life. It was finally acceptable to acknowledge, on-air, that women can also be in control of the household. In tv shows woman have always been the housewives. It changed television when men started doing the housework and stuff like with Who's the Boss, Charles in Charge, Mr. Belvedere. I mean they pretty much ran the household. Usually the men work and the women stay home and do the housework. That is the typical American way of life. Isn't that how it is on Roseanne too?

Also, no family sitcom brought up as many realistic and controversial issues as “Roseanne” did -- such as underage drinking and drug-use, physical and mental abuse, masturbation, loosing your virginity, having your first period, being poor, loosing your job and homosexuality.

Other shows brought up issues like having your first period, loosing your job, being poor and homosexuality. It wasn't just Roseanne.

In tv shows woman have always been the housewives. It changed television when men started doing the housework and stuff like with Who's the Boss, Charles in Charge, Mr. Belvedere. I mean they pretty much ran the household. Usually the men work and the women stay home and do the housework. That is the typical American way of life. Isn't that how it is on Roseanne too?
"Roseanne" did for women, what those shows did for men.

Honestly, no show before "Roseanne" showed a women being as loud and in-charge with regards to the household as Roseanne Conner was. Plain and simple.

Other shows brought up issues like having your first period, loosing your job, being poor and homosexuality. It wasn't just Roseanne.
Sure, they were brought up in other shows, but were all of these issues brought up in a family sitcom? I don't think so. And were these issues as realistically portrayed in other shows as they were in "Roseanne"? I personally don't think so.

Also, "Roseanne" was one of, if not the first show to have re-occurring gay characters. :)

PS: I think "Roseanne" was the Lucy of the '90s. I guess it is a difference of opinion, but TV Guide seems to agree that "Roseanne" was the Lucy of the '90s.

Some of those issues were brought up in family sitcoms. Like Good Times and All in the Family.

Some of those issues were brought up in family sitcoms. Like Good Times and All in the Family.
But "Roseanne" was the first to give an exteme female and mother-dominated approach to these issues.

"Roseanne" was also one of the first to bring a gay perspective to these issues and brought homosexuality in the living rooms of many Americans.

I'd also argue that "Roseanne" dealt with these issues in a more realistic way than most any other show. Sure, "All In The Family" was realistic and groundbreaking, but it wasn't a family sitcom in the sense that they had children and teenagers dealing with big and controversial issues.

I do agree with you about the show. It was groundbreaking and everything, but I just never really got into it that much. Its much better than Fresh Prince of Belair though.

Good Times did have children and teenagers dealing with those issues though. It might not have had homosexuality, but it dealt with being poor, physical abuse and alot of other controversial issues. I think that Good Times and The Mary Tyler Moore Show were the most groundbreaking shows of the 70s.

Good Times did have children and teenagers dealing with those issues though. It might not have had homosexuality, but it dealt with being poor, physical abuse and alot of other controversial issues.
I dunno, everytime I've seen "Good Times" it just doesn't seem to be nearly as realistic in the way they deal with the issues as "Roseanne" was.

But the thing about "Roseanne" was that she took a female and mother-dominated approach to those controversial issues...whereas "Good Times" didn't do that. "Roseane" was the first to be so female-oriented.

I also don't know if "Good Times" brought up as many controversial issues as "Roseanne" did.

I guess my point is that sure, the issues were talked about before in other shows, but were they as realistic? In my opinion, no, "Roseanne" was the most realistic. And the other thing is that "Roseanne" brought a female and mother approach to everything, which had never been done before, or at least not to the extent "Roseanne" took it.

PS: I love discussions about "Roseanne" and TV shows. I'm not trying to be mean. :)

EDIT:
"Good Times" was a black family. "Roseanne" was the first to show a white family (with children) going through all these issues. I guess one could say "Married... with Children" did that first, but that show wasn't nearly as realistic and didn't tackle nearly the amount of issues "Roseanne" did.

I can "kind of" see Cheers as being groundbreaking.....And Married...With Children (which is awesome) certainly was groundbreaking. I can't say anything about that.....BUT how was Seinfeld groundbreaking? I love Frasier, but I didn't see anything there that wasn't done before, or after. It never made my jaw drop, like Roseanne did (neither has The Simpsons).

I don't know about Larry Sanders and Newsradio. I've never sat through an entire episode of Newsradio, and I've never seen The Larry Sanders Show.

Are you out of your mind? Seinfeld is probably THE most groundbreaking shows to ever air on television. The scripts were totally original and thought out, and is probably one of the only sitcoms that have absolutely no cheese factor about it. It was a straight up comedy and genius. Its still one of the top syndicated shows on tv and if it was shown in a prime time slot, it would still probably be a highly rated tv show.(The idea of different stories interweaving in a comedic fashion was not done before EVER, for MAIN stories in one show every show.) Yes, Seinfeld is more groundbreaking than Roseanne, don't be a fanboy/girl.

Yeah, alot of other shows brought up controversial issues, but didn't deal with them the way Roseanne did because they were whole family issues and stuff like that. Good Times still had alot of those though.

I know your not trying to be mean. I like talking about TV shows too.
That's what were here for, right?

"Roseanne" did for women, what those shows did for men.

Honestly, no show before "Roseanne" showed a women being as loud and in-charge with regards to the household as Roseanne Conner was. Plain and simple.


Sure, they were brought up in other shows, but were all of these issues brought up in a family sitcom? I don't think so. And were these issues as realistically portrayed in other shows as they were in "Roseanne"? I personally don't think so.

Also, "Roseanne" was one of, if not the first show to have re-occurring gay characters. :)

PS: I think "Roseanne" was the Lucy of the '90s. I guess it is a difference of opinion, but TV Guide seems to agree that "Roseanne" was the Lucy of the '90s.

Alot of shows have firsts, but its the writing thats most important ...and in my humble opinion the writing on Roseanne was good, but not GREAT. You can have the most interesting and different plot about a show, but if the writing isn't that great, then whats the point?

In other words, I just feel the show gets very preachy like most other sitcoms during that period of time, which is why I don't think it holds up well today.

I don't think that Roseanne or Senifeld are the most groundbreaking shows.
Roseanne is too crude in dealing with the issues. Seinfeld they are trying to have Stand Up Comedy be the theme of the sitcom. You can't do that. Stand Up Comedy is separate from a sitcom. It is just based on jokes and stuff. All the characters have to be funny. Married With Children is not as bad as Roseanne. Yes, Roseanne may be the most realistic at dealing with the issues, but I don't think its groundbreaking. I mean Roseanne isn't a very good role model. I mean Lucy and Roseanne were in the media alot, but Lucy was in it for good things and Roseanne didn't do very good things. Alot of shows have controversial issues and they throw it in your face and you don't want to talk about it, but you do and that is what makes it interesting and watchable.

You said can you name 5 other shows as groundbreaking as Roseanne? I can name more than 5.

I Love Lucy - It was just so funny. Pure genius. Lucille Ball was the Queen of Comedy

The Dick Van Dyke Show - One of the first shows to focus on a writer coming up with sketches for The Alan Brady Show. Very realistic and groundbreaking
The Mary Tyler Moore Show - Similar to That Girl, it shows a woman being independent and living on her own. Very groundbreaking.
All in the Family - Brought alot of controversial issues for that time to the TV.
Who's the Boss? - Has a male being the housekeeper and that is groundbreaking for the time.
The Cosby Show - One of the first black shows to be funny and still true to life. I mean they disciplined their kids and it was just a great family show. Bill Cosby is a great comedian.
Friends - It is probably the most groundbreaking show of the 90s. It is about 6 friends that help each other through some of life's toughest moments, always being there for each other. It is very realistic.


I know that you might not agree with me, but that is my opinion.

I agree with the list of choices but Friends would have never seen the light of day if Seinfeld wasn't conceived. The show is basically making fun of situations, so i don't know why it wouldn't be a sitcom. I don't get the whole "Stand Up comedy" being the theme of the show either...cause it wasn't even about the stand up.

The other choices I agree with though( Especially All in the Family, simply amazing show).

Just stating my 2 cents.

It's funny how a thread about Home Improvement, Roseanne and Fresh Prince has started such a debate, but I like it, lol.

The number one groundbreaking show, in my opinion, is "All in the Family." Everything comes after that. "I Love Lucy" was groundbreaking. It had the first interracial marriage on TV. It was the first show to have three cameras and a live audience (Thanks to Desi, who doesn't get enough credit). It was probably the first show (though I may be totally wrong on this) to have all those celebrity guests, something that "Will & Grace" was known for in the recent decade.

And as much as I love "NewsRadio" (it's my all-time favorite show), I don't consider it groundbreaking. It was funny. Funnier (I have to say this... "In my opinion" lol) than most sitcoms of the 1990s. But not really groundbreaking. That's one of the things I love about it. It doesn't preach anything. It's just got smart, sharp writing and a very talented cast doing a show purely to make the world laugh.

And I agree that Friends wouldn't be on without Seinfeld. I've always considered "Friends" to be "Seinfeld" with a heart (and a more attractive cast, lol).

I guess that's true. I have never actually seen Seinfeld, but I was talking to my dad and he was saying that he didn't get much out of it and everyone is different, but I think that the other shows that I mentioned were VERY groundbreaking.

I was just stating my 2 cents too.

It's funny how a thread about Home Improvement, Roseanne and Fresh Prince has started such a debate, but I like it, lol.

The number one groundbreaking show, in my opinion, is "All in the Family." Everything comes after that. "I Love Lucy" was groundbreaking. It had the first interracial marriage on TV. It was the first show to have three cameras and a live audience (Thanks to Desi, who doesn't get enough credit). It was probably the first show (though I may be totally wrong on this) to have all those celebrity guests, something that "Will & Grace" was known for in the recent decade.

And as much as I love "NewsRadio" (it's my all-time favorite show), I don't consider it groundbreaking. It was funny. Funnier (I have to say this... "In my opinion" lol) than most sitcoms of the 1990s. But not really groundbreaking. That's one of the things I love about it. It doesn't preach anything. It's just got smart, sharp writing and a very talented cast doing a show purely to make the world laugh.

And I agree that Friends wouldn't be on without Seinfeld. I've always considered "Friends" to be "Seinfeld" with a heart (and a more attractive cast, lol).
I agree with you about All In the Family and I Love Lucy. Desi doesn't get enough credit. They didn't even want to use him in the show, but Lucy said if you don't use him, you don't get me, so they used him. All in the Family is a great show.

I haven't actually seen Seinfeld, but I don't think I would like it that much. Friends I like, but am starting to get away from it.(I used to be obsessed with it) I'm not anymore.

I guess that's true. I have never actually seen Seinfeld, but I was talking to my dad and he was saying that he didn't get much out of it and everyone is different, but I think that the other shows that I mentioned were VERY groundbreaking.

I was just stating my 2 cents too.

OH man are you missing out...watch it. (It may take a couple of episodes, but its damn good)

And yea I do think Friends was basically a more marketable Seinfeld....which is funny since Seinfeld was the more popular show when it was on the air.

OH man are you missing out...watch it. (It may take a couple of episodes, but its damn good)

And yea I do think Friends was basically a more marketable Seinfeld....which is funny since Seinfeld was the more popular show when it was on the air.

i never gotinto Seinfeld either. As many times it airs each day, you'd think i would, but I always found it be a dull show.

your prolly watching the wrong episodes (1 and 2 season) I was just like you I thought the show was boring and pretentious but I was wrong.

I don't really think that I would like Seinfeld though. I've heard its not that funny.

I don't really think that I would like Seinfeld though. I've heard its not that funny.

:confused: Not that funny? http://imdb.com/title/tt0098904/

Its the highest and most reviewed sitcom on IMDB. Not that funny? I don't think so...this board highly underrated the show when almost every other board claims it as the best EVER. ( IMO even most of the old shows like I Love Lucy don't hold up well today but the nostalgic factor is what keeps people as fans of the show.) I mean, even freaking TV Guide Called it the best SHOW ever in 2002, way after it finished. I don't know who told you it wasn't funny, since you don't get much funnier than that.

No offense to the Roseanne lovers, but TV Guide cover or not, Roseanne is not going down in history the way Lucy has. No way, no how, never gonna happen. If it was going to, it would have happened already. Roseanne was a fantastic show about the struggles of a working class family, but Lucy is Lucy.

If you were to take a survey on who compares with Lucy, you'd get some Roseanne lovers to name her. Others would probably just pass and say that you can't put anyone in the same league as Lucy. It's the way it is, for people who are not super Roseanne fans. Nobody's in the same league as John Wayne, Elvis, Marilyn, etc. You're talking about a legend here.

'I Love Lucy' is legendary. 'Roseanne' (the show) is not. Lucille Ball is a legend. Roseanne is not.

No offense to the Roseanne lovers, but TV Guide cover or not, Roseanne is not going down in history the way Lucy has. No way, no how, never gonna happen. If it was going to, it would have happened already. Roseanne was a fantastic show about the struggles of a working class family, but Lucy is Lucy.

If you were to take a survey on who compares with Lucy, you'd get some Roseanne lovers to name her. Others would probably just pass and say that you can't put anyone in the same league as Lucy. It's the way it is, for people who are not super Roseanne fans. Nobody's in the same league as John Wayne, Elvis, Marilyn, etc. You're talking about a legend here.

'I Love Lucy' is legendary. 'Roseanne' (the show) is not. Lucille Ball is a legend. Roseanne is not.
I have to agree with you there Janice and I am a Roseanne fan. I watched it for all but the last 2 years. I Love Lucy was groundbreaking in every way. It was the first show to film its episodes instead of having it done live so people could enjoy reruns for all time and the first to be filmed in front of a studio audience which I still say is the best way to watch a sitcom. Lucy just started a lot of things and it has been a constant hit with viewers since the 1950's, Roseanne's only been off tv for about a decade. It's to early to see if it will have the same lasting appeal as Lucy. As far as other groundbreaking shows I don't think it comes close to All In The Family which IMO changed TV Comedy forever. If it wasn't for that show or the other Norman Lear shows then Roseanne and even more current shows like Friends and Seinfeld couldn't deal with the topics they delt with. :)

I agree with you all the way Janice. Lucy is a legend and no show can take its place. It was one of the best shows ever on television. It was one of the first shows on television. Comparing Lucy to Roseanne is just stupid. Lucy will always be the Queen of Comedy.

like2throw ( IMO even most of the old shows like I Love Lucy don't hold up well today but the nostalgic factor is what keeps people as fans of the show.) Lucy doesn't hold up well today?? Are you kidding me? I Love Lucy is shown all around the world in different languages. Practically everyone has seen that show. Not everyone has seen Seinfeld. I'm sure that Seinfeld is funny, but I don't really care to see it.

I agree with you all the way Janice. Lucy is a legend and no show can take its place. It was one of the best shows ever on television. It was one of the first shows on television. Comparing Lucy to Roseanne is just stupid. Lucy will always be the Queen of Comedy.

Lucy doesn't hold up well today?? Are you kidding me? I Love Lucy is shown all around the world in different languages. Practically everyone has seen that show. Not everyone has seen Seinfeld. I'm sure that Seinfeld is funny, but I don't really care to see it.
and I do like Seinfeld but it's not even in the same atmosphere as I Love Lucy.

I agree with you all the way Janice. Lucy is a legend and no show can take its place. It was one of the best shows ever on television. It was one of the first shows on television. Comparing Lucy to Roseanne is just stupid. Lucy will always be the Queen of Comedy.

Lucy doesn't hold up well today?? Are you kidding me? I Love Lucy is shown all around the world in different languages. Practically everyone has seen that show. Not everyone has seen Seinfeld. I'm sure that Seinfeld is funny, but I don't really care to see it.

So if I love Lucy was a new sitcom today, with the same scripts in hand, it wouldn't seem at least a TAD bit dated to you?

Dude this goes for everything, movies music and tv.

Yeah, it isn't in the same atmosphere as I Love Lucy so I don't see why people are comparing her to Roseanne and saying shows like Seinfeld are funnier.

Yeah, it isn't in the same atmosphere as I Love Lucy so I don't see why people are comparing her to Roseanne and saying shows like Seinfeld are funnier.

Ive watched both shows, and I believe Seinfeld will hold up better than I Love Lucy. Why does everyone keep thinking this is a stupid post, do you realize the influence it has attained in America?( I know in Europe its not that popular but whatever.) You haven't seen Seinfeld so I don't know what you're basing your argument off of.

damn this discussion has changed since the first page lmao

I'm not saying that Seinfeld isn't funny and I realize that its a very popular show, but i'm not that interested in it. I Love Lucy is a great show and always will be. Everyone that has seen I Love Lucy that I have talked to, likes it except one person.

I'm not saying that Seinfeld isn't funny and I realize that its a very popular show, but i'm not that interested in it. I Love Lucy is a great show and always will be. Everyone that has seen I Love Lucy that I have talked to, likes it except one person.

Hey, I like the show :) (If you were implying that about me)

I didn't mean you. I have a friend that doesn't like it. She thinks that Lucy isn't funny and the show is stupid. I'm glad that you like the show.

Okay...Just Okay...I have nothing else to say about this...What I would have said, basically already was said....If someone can honestly think Roseanne`s writing wasn't well done, that show wasn't groundbreaking, or that the show didn't leave an impact, well I`m just at a loss for words.

BTW, where the hell is Irene for this debate??? :)

I'm not saying that Roseanne didn't leave an impact. It was very popular and it was a good show, but I just don't care for it that much. I don't think its groundbreaking, but its an okay show.

I'm not saying that Roseanne didn't leave an impact. It was very popular and it was a good show, but I just don't care for it that much. I don't think its groundbreaking, but its an okay show.
I wasn't talking directly to you...Not everyone loves "All In The Family" or "Maude", but those 2 shows clearly pushed the envelope, and people knew it!...I'm just trying to make a point that you don't have to like a show, to know that it`s left an impact.

Okay, I just didn't know who you were talking to. I agree with you. You don't have to like a show for it to leave an impact. There are alot of shows that have impacts and I don't like all of them.

Okay, I just didn't know who you were talking to. I agree with you. You don't have to like a show for it to leave an impact. There are alot of shows that have impacts and I don't like all of them.
That's nice to know...You sound cool, and you actually get what`s been being said here, for the last 4 pages, LMAO.

BTW, this topic has shifted so far away from the original question, it`s kind of messed up. So sorry to the original poster.... It`s official: we've "jumped the shark!"

The bottom line is, Roseanne has the most votes (so far). :)

Thanks. I am cool.:) Yeah, I know this thread has gone so far off topic and it has "jumped the shark" lol. Home Improvement is in second place. Woo!
The point is. Everyone likes different shows and has their own opinions. We like sitcoms that is why we are all here. We might not like all the same ones for different reasons, but we all have one thing in common and that is liking sitcoms.:)

The point is. Everyone likes different shows and has their own opinions. We like sitcoms that is why we are all here. We might not like all the same ones for different reasons, but we all have one thing in common and that is liking sitcoms.:)
Well said Classicshowsgurl, I agree with you.

I don't think anyone believes "Roseanne" will be just as respected and legendary as "I Love Lucy". But what some people believe is that not since the 1950s had a show which centered around a single women been so popular and groundbreaking.

"Roseanne" dared to be what no white family had ever been on television -- a realistic family that dealt with realistic problems, that had a women in charge. "Married... With Children" hardly compares in terms of realism and pushing the envelope.

"I Love Lucy" will always be on top, I'm not denying that. But if there was ever a show that compares on many levels to "I Love Lucy"...it would have to be "Roseanne". :)

Thanks. I am cool.:) Yeah, I know this thread has gone so far off topic and it has "jumped the shark" lol. Home Improvement is in second place. Woo!
The point is. Everyone likes different shows and has their own opinions. We like sitcoms that is why we are all here. We might not like all the same ones for different reasons, but we all have one thing in common and that is liking sitcoms.:)
Oh don't flatter yourself!

And.....*raises hands like Oprah*, THANK YOU! You've made such a great comment....You know what, go ahead, flatter yourself. You deserve it. :)

And yes, your Home Improvement is in 2nd place...What REALLY matters is that The Fresh Prince is at the bottom of the list. Ha!

White trash obese losers. There's Roseanne for you. She was nothing but a bigmouth whiner, just like The Nanny. Talk about fingernails on a chalkboard. Just great how they had their kid's boyfriends shacking up in their home too. There's family values for you. Just hilarious how everyone and their mother ended up being gay in the end, or so I heard. In fact, didn't the whiner's mother actually end up gay too? Too funny. Groundbreaking my foot. That didn't show didn't tackle a single issue that wasn't already done back in the 70s. Kinda desperate when you have to say the first WHITE family. Roseanne is to I Love Lucy like the L.A. Clippers are to the L.A. Lakers!

:rofl:
TROLL.

Oh don't flatter yourself!

And.....*raises hands like Oprah*, THANK YOU! You've made such a great comment....You know what, go ahead, flatter yourself. You deserve it. :)

And yes, your Home Improvement is in 2nd place...What REALLY matters is that The Fresh Prince is at the bottom of the list. Ha!

Your welcome.:) I will flatter myself. I do deserve it don't I?
Yes, Fresh Prince is on the bottom of the list. I'm glad.

Your welcome.:) I will flatter myself. I do deserve it don't I?
Yes, Fresh Prince is on the bottom of the list. I'm glad.

Now HI has taken over first place. Looks like it's gonna be a big hit for NAN.

Now HI has taken over first place. Looks like it's gonna be a big hit for NAN.
Oh hell! :(

Oh hell! :(

I know!

TROLL.
This post was...RANDOM! LOL

This post was...RANDOM! LOL

I like bacon.

Actually Home Improvement shows on WGN and TBS, does anyone watch it on those two channels?

I watch it on tbs RARELY...but its on at like 3 so thats usually an unconvienant time (I can understand though).

Home Improvement will be leaving WGN in Sepotember

I like bacon.
LMAO!....Has this turned into the RANDOM thread???

AND, your just a trouble maker...:)

Nick could make more money airing infomercials at night instead of showing the same stuff over and over again. Would you rather see Fresh Prince or infomercials every night on Nick@Nite.

That also makes me wonder why Fresh Prince is so popular. The show was only in the top 20 for 2 of its 6 seasons, only managing to rank #16 each season, and then it went downhill from there. The show was really not groundbreakin gor that popular in it's original run, yet it's beating out the shows that were popular, like Roseanne.

Because Will Smith is more famous now than then?

fresh prince. even if it's overplayed, it's still a lot funnier then the cheesy Home Improvement and the stupid Roseanne.

Yea did you guys stop and think as to WHY fresh prince is played so much. Alot of people like it. That many people wouldn't watch a stupid show....well....besides reality shows but thats a whole 'nother topic altogether.

White trash obese losers. There's Roseanne for you. She was nothing but a bigmouth whiner, just like The Nanny. Talk about fingernails on a chalkboard. Just great how they had their kid's boyfriends shacking up in their home too. There's family values for you. Just hilarious how everyone and their mother ended up being gay in the end, or so I heard. In fact, didn't the whiner's mother actually end up gay too? Too funny. Groundbreaking my foot. That didn't show didn't tackle a single issue that wasn't already done back in the 70s. Kinda desperate when you have to say the first WHITE family. Roseanne is to I Love Lucy like the L.A. Clippers are to the L.A. Lakers!

:rofl:

Hey the LA clippers aren't doing too bad now.

I dunno, I was a teen/pre-teen when Home Improvement was on it's orignal run and I loved it then. Now as a 26 year old I find it hard to watch, while I still love Fresh Prince and Roseanne.

Roseanne was groundbreaking for it's time, and still is relevant to this day. I think one of the problems with Roseanne is that the show wasn't top notch it's entire run. The best seasons are the middle seasons (seasons 3-6) where the show was not only controversial, but very funny and real.

And if "Roseanne" was really popular from 1988 to 1994 (6 seasons), that equals the amount of really popular seasons for "I Love Lucy", right?

Just because "Roseanne" had a few lower rated seasons towards the end of its run, does not mean it doesn't have the same number of successful seasons as "I Love Lucy".

To add to that, when I Love Lucy was in it's original run television was still a relatively new thing. There wasn't a lot of competition back in those days, so Lucy dominated the ratings because it was so ahead of it's time in quality, writing, and technology. Roseanne had to compete with The Cosby Show, Murphy Brown, Seinfeld, and a hose of other huge comedy hits during the late 80's early 90's and Roseanne was able to hold it's own.

Roseanne was popular because people WATCHED it. It's a good, classic, funny show, that only happened to be groundbreaking at the same time. Chracters like Roseanne and Dan Conner were never seen on telelvision up to that point. They were middle-class Americana, trying to raise a family of 3 with mediocre jobs. Where else could you watch that on TV then and today? The show was good, handsdown.


I wouldn't say NEVER seen on television, because you can't count out other blue collar television characters like Archie Bunker, Florida Evans, etc;



That also makes me wonder why Fresh Prince is so popular. The show was only in the top 20 for 2 of its 6 seasons, only managing to rank #16 each season, and then it went downhill from there. The show was really not groundbreakin gor that popular in it's original run, yet it's beating out the shows that were popular, like Roseanne.

Since when is a show ranked in the top 20 not considered popular? :confused: Even so, just because a TV show isn't ranked in the top 10 during it's initial run doesn't mean that it can't be more popular than a former top 10 show in syndication. Take Giligan's Island for example. The show was never a MONSTER hit like Andy Griffith, the Beverly Hillbillies, or the Lucy Show the shows that were huge hits at the time when the show was in it's initial run. But ask anyone on the street if they know Gilligan's Island and I bet you most will know who Gilligan is before they know who Lucy Carmicheal, Andy Griffith, or Jed Clampett is.

I think one of the problems with Roseanne is that the show wasn't top notch it's entire run.
That's true. Personally, I feel the first 2 seasons were good, but you are right when you say seasons 3-6 were the best. If "Roseanne" had ended at the 8th season I think people would look back on the show more fondly. Regardless, "Roseanne" was very successful for 6 seasons, and that's good for any sitcom.

I've often felt that the show "Roseanne" was very dysfunctional, just like the family it portrayed. The show went through many ups and downs, and not all of it was top-notch. But that's another reason why I love it so much, it prides itself on not being perfect.

Roseanne is the best show out of the three. No contest whatsoever.

While you're mentioning TV Guide, they recently named Roseanne as "The most realistic TV mom ever." If you care about that sorta thing...

It's funny how a thread about Home Improvement, Roseanne and Fresh Prince has started such a debate, but I like it, lol.

The number one groundbreaking show, in my opinion, is "All in the Family." Everything comes after that. "I Love Lucy" was groundbreaking. It had the first interracial marriage on TV. It was the first show to have three cameras and a live audience (Thanks to Desi, who doesn't get enough credit). It was probably the first show (though I may be totally wrong on this) to have all those celebrity guests, something that "Will & Grace" was known for in the recent decade.

And as much as I love "NewsRadio" (it's my all-time favorite show), I don't consider it groundbreaking. It was funny. Funnier (I have to say this... "In my opinion" lol) than most sitcoms of the 1990s. But not really groundbreaking. That's one of the things I love about it. It doesn't preach anything. It's just got smart, sharp writing and a very talented cast doing a show purely to make the world laugh.

And I agree that Friends wouldn't be on without Seinfeld. I've always considered "Friends" to be "Seinfeld" with a heart (and a more attractive cast, lol).
Actually,The Jeffersons Had The First Interacial Marriage On Television Which Is 1 Reason Why The Jeffersons Were Considered Groundbreaking And Got More Credit For Showing The First Interacial Marriage On Television.
The Other Reason It Was Groundbreaking In A Different Way Was That It Showed The First Well To Do Successful African American Family That Were Poor At First But Made It Big And Became Rich.

Looks like Home Improvement is still in the lead. Good to see Fresh Prince is still way behind. I'd still like to see who actually voted for FP at THESE boards-LOL

Actually,The Jeffersons Had The First Interacial Marriage On Television Which Is 1 Reason Why The Jeffersons Were Considered Groundbreaking And Got More Credit For Showing The First Interacial Marriage On Television.
The Other Reason It Was Groundbreaking In A Different Way Was That It Showed The First Well To Do Successful African American Family That Were Poor At First But Made It Big And Became Rich.

But I Love Lucy showed Lucy married to Desi, who was a Cuban. And technically, that is an interracial marriage.