We all know TMTMS worked as a great sitcom, but could the show still be viable as a drama or dramedy? Ed Asner turned his Lou Grant character from sitcom foil to dramatic actor. What about the rest of the cast. Could it have been pulled off?

http://a.onionstatic.com/images/articles/article/33070/Mary-Tyler-Moore-Show_jpg_627x325_crop_upscale_q85.jpg

I guess not LOL

I don't think so. Maybe one or two episodes it could work out, but lest face it, it just wouldn't work for most characters. Mary it might, Rhoda could, Phyllis, Lou, Georgia.... but idk about Ted, Murry and Sue Anne. I just don't think they could.

It always struck me as a dramedy. Just my take of course. But the show just seemed to know how to combine both well. (I'll never forget the joy I would experience looking forward to Saturday night to see the show). The humor was so nuanced and well done.

I don't think so. Maybe one or two episodes it could work out, but lest face it, it just wouldn't work for most characters. Mary it might, Rhoda could, Phyllis, Lou, Georgia.... but idk about Ted, Murry and Sue Anne. I just don't think they could.
One way to consider or look at this, could you see these characters on a show like Dynasty, a nighttime serial/drama? I could see Phyllis or SueAnn as an "Alexis" type character, but the character of Ted Baxter only would work on a sit-com or comedy/variety show.

Lou Grant showed that this character worked in a drama, and the Mary & Rhoda movie gave us an idea of the characters of Mary Richards and Rhoda Morganstern being more serious.

No - I'm glad TMTMS ended up in the format it did. :cool: :D