Through all of the TV (both sitcoms and dramas) that I have watched over the years, I have noticed a connection that I seem to have with the "girl-next-door" type. They seem more real, down to earth, and relatable to me, more so than the rich, glitzy, more exotic characters that they seem to always be paired up with.

Examples:

Mary Ann and Ginger (Gilligan's Island)- While Ginger was the glamorous, beautiful movie star, Mary Ann was more real and wholesome. You could relate to her more.

Bailey and Jennifer (WKRP in Cinncinati)- Again, Jennifer was the "sex symbol", but Bailey at the beginning was shy, but her character developed and got stronger. I can relate to her development of built confidence.

Janet and Chrissy (Three's Company)- Chrissy always was the one that guys would drool over, but Janet was the more sensible, relatable one here. It helps that Joyce Dewitt seems to be a nice person in real life (as is Dawn Wells, of course).

Betty and Veronica (Archie Comics)- OK, not a sitcom (although there were cartoons in the 70's ;) ) but I think it applies here, too. Veronica is the rich girl who at times acts spoiled while Betty is more down to earth.

The bottom line is, the more down to earth characters are relatable, (and still hot, too, IMHO).

Thoughts?

I agree, for example, I thought Justine Bateman was far more interesting as Mallory than say, a "Kelly Bundy" type would have been in the role

Another good example is Gabrielle Miller (as Lacey) on Corner Gas....beautiful, yet not busty or Hollywood's idea of "perfect", yet, everything a man could want in a woman

Petticoat Junction-Betty Jo and Bobby Jo were down to earth more so than Billie Jo who was very forward and boy crazy.

Marcia Brady and Jan Brady. Marcia was the one all the boys wanted to date. Jan was the girl next door.(I always thought Jan was groovy!)

I always liked the girl next door.

Billie Jo Bradley (Jeanine Riley) always got the boys and was girl crazy and Bobbie Jo (Pat Woodel) was the quiet one and I always liked her better.

Chrissy was boy crazy also and Janet was the quiet one and always kept things organized at the apartment. I always liked Janet better.

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Marcia Brady and Jan Brady. Marcia was the one all the boys wanted to date. Jan was the girl next door.(I always thought Jan was groovy!)
Personally, I always thought Marcia was FUGLY....I MUCH prefered the super-cute Jan!

Personally, I always thought Marcia was FUGLY....I MUCH prefered the super-cute Jan!

So did I. I especially liked her in season 5. She really came into her own in terms of beauty. :cool: