“Mary Tyler Moore”

A rock-solid half-hour of comedy, and the kickoff to one of the best shows of the 1970s. Mary Tyler Moore hits the right balance between strength and insecurity, and she’s likable in every scene. The pilot also features the “I hate spunk!” exchange with Mary and Lou Grant, a classic from the moment it aired.

http://www.pajiba.com/seriously_random_lists/the-best-comedy-pilots-of-all-time.php

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I can agree with that. Most pilots are a little shaky, you really can't tell what the characters are like. TMTMS one is one that you can watch over again though and still like it, where to me, for most once is enough.

A lot of shows have "bugs" to work out in their pilots. Even shows that I LOVE such as The Golden Girls and Designing Women don't have the best pilots, IMO. But TMTMS' was brilliant. All the characters are right there from the start. Plus you have that whole "independent woman" thing, which hadn't really been seen on TV much before that. I can't say I loved the entire first season, but the pilot is one of the best eps. of the series.

I can't say I loved the entire first season, but the pilot is one of the best eps. of the series.

Well put.

I'm not sure if I'd call it one of the best pilots ever, but it does more than most pilots which is give a clear backstory for the whole show and set the comedic tone. I guess you have to include it simply because it contains the "you've got spunk" line - one of the most famous bits in the history of sitcoms. I still maintain the Frasier pilot is the best of all time.