Not to offend, but I have never been much of a fan of this series. Which is pretty ironic actually since I do like Ron Howard (mostly because of Opie and the great movies he directed) and Henry Winkler.

What I disliked:

1.) Anson Williams and Donny Most. Them and Ron Howard were supposed to be in High School, but it was fairly obvious that they were in their mid 20's. I never liked either actor, I thought that both were grating in different ways. Ralph Malph? Potsie?

2.) It became the Fonzie show and not a period piece as first intended. Actually, I liked the first season of Happy Days when it was on film and before Fonzie was the main character. It was a little bit like The Wonder Years. The whole turning attention to Fonzie just ruined it for me.

I dunno, was Fonzie cool? The Fonz was a short guy with a Napoleonic or even a God Complex, however he hung out in the bathroom and made it his "office". Instead of paying money for the jukebox, he just hit it to make it go, which is more or less robbing Al. He ended up renting a room over the Cunningham's garage. Never wore a helmet driving that big hog of his. Yet, he was a ladykiller?

3.) The show basically had two settings, the Cunningham home and Arnolds. Everything happened at Arnolds. Everything, weddings, funerals, bar mitvahs, when Joanie lost her virginity in the bathroom, I did love that wonderful pinball machine that they had though.

4.) The 1970's were creeping in, with especially hair styles. MASH is guilty of this too. Especially Scott Biao. Flybacks and big hair.

5.) The show died when Ron Howard left (taking Donny Most who immediately ventured into the outer darkness with Joyce Dewitt and the members of The Knack.) No Most and Howard left Anson Williams very lonely, sometimes playing gigs at Arnolds (no one told him that he was over 21 and that he can hang out in adult places and not at the malt shop). There was an actress who was playing the wife of the Richie character, with Ron Howard gone, she was an awkward presence. Hell, one awful episode, she and Richie were married via a radio (Richie and Ralph Malph joins the Army and I think they were in Alaska) with her wearing a white dress. I mean, couldn't they rap up Richie when Ron was still in the cast and whisk away that cast member since she was no longer needs or required?

So, to me, Fonzie took over the show (and this is no offense to Henry Winkler who I like very much), which changed the tone of the series, Anson Williams and Donny Most were grating and annoying (and too old), the style of the period was less observed over time. There were two sets (the house and Arnold's) and everything happened at Arnold's. And let's remember, the term "Jump the Shark" came from this series.

I never liked Laverne and Shirley either except for Betty Garett and the guy who played Laverne's father. He was a pizza baker (if I remember) and he looks like a guy who could make a mean pizza. The Lenny and Squiggy duo was obnoxious and horrible. The annoying Carmine guy. Then all of the sudden, everyone, including Lenny and Squiggy for some reason) pull up stakes and move to California. I think if this show were on today, these two would be lesbians. Maybe, maybe not, but they did act like a couple.

Then Shirley Williams (damn these Williams people) gets mad at the show and quits(for some reason, and making the show the Laverne show. Then Penny decides that she will be the female Ron Howard and make Ron Howard like movies. Good move because she is an awful annoying actress who became a wonderful film director.

I haven't seen an episode of L and H in decades. BUT, they had one of my favorite theme songs of all shows. I used to turn on the show just for the theme and after it was done, I would change to another channel.

But yeah, I think Happy Days was completely overrated.

to each their own - there are plenty of "classic" sitcoms that I can't stand, some I don't even understand how anyone could even watch them.

If you were a kid growing up in the 1970's then HD was the show to watch. Everybody wanted to be like the Fonz. I even imitated him. The show still holds up to me as one of the best sitcoms of that decade.

I have to agree with Yong Fang. There are a few 70's shows I like, but Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley are not among them. The majority of shows I like are from the 60's, I think the 60's was by far the best decade for TV. Some 50's shows are OK, but many 50's shows have become dated now and are not really all that watchable anymore.

Yeah, for a few years in the 70's I honestly didn't know anyone who didn't watch HD. It was just 'appointment' viewing for the whole country.

I doubt I'd laugh out loud at it today. I think if I watched it now I would mostly smile out of nostalgia, and in many ways, it was kind of show that appealed to young people more than adults. The Fonz really ended up being kind of a superhero, not very realistic but likeable. You can't really blame the creators for focusing on the Fonz when he became the most popular character. To do otherwise would probably have doomed the show.

I agree that when Richie left, the show kind of lost its appeal, at least for me. And yes, the guys in their 20s and 30s playing teenagers was a stretch but that's been true of many shows, including most of them featuring teenage characters today.

Basically the show appealed to the 50's nostalgia of the time and was just a comfort food show. The characters weren't very complex, and there was a family feel to it that welcomed you right in. I think to over analyze it is probably to miss the point of it. It wasn't about complexity, it was about simplicity.

Not to offend, but I have never been much of a fan of this series. Which is pretty ironic actually since I do like Ron Howard (mostly because of Opie and the great movies he directed) and Henry Winkler.

What I disliked:

1.) Anson Williams and Donny Most. Them and Ron Howard were supposed to be in High School, but it was fairly obvious that they were in their mid 20's. I never liked either actor, I thought that both were grating in different ways. Ralph Malph? Potsie?

2.) It became the Fonzie show and not a period piece as first intended. Actually, I liked the first season of Happy Days when it was on film and before Fonzie was the main character. It was a little bit like The Wonder Years. The whole turning attention to Fonzie just ruined it for me.

I dunno, was Fonzie cool? The Fonz was a short guy with a Napoleonic or even a God Complex, however he hung out in the bathroom and made it his "office". Instead of paying money for the jukebox, he just hit it to make it go, which is more or less robbing Al. He ended up renting a room over the Cunningham's garage. Never wore a helmet driving that big hog of his. Yet, he was a ladykiller?

3.) The show basically had two settings, the Cunningham home and Arnolds. Everything happened at Arnolds. I did love that wonderful pinball machine that they had though.

4.) The 1970's were creeping in, with especially hair styles. MASH is guilty of this too. Especially Scott Biao. Flybacks and big hair.

5.) The show died when Ron Howard left (taking Donny Most who immediately ventured into the outer darkness with Joyce Dewitt and the members of The Knack.) No Most and Howard left Anson Williams very lonely, sometimes playing gigs at Arnolds (no one told him that he was over 21 and that he can hang out in adult places and not at the malt shop). There was an actress who was playing the wife of the Richie character, with Ron Howard gone, she was an awkward presence. Hell, one awful episode, she and Richie were married via a radio (Richie and Ralph Malph joins the Army and I think they were in Alaska) with her wearing a white dress. I mean, couldn't they rap up Richie when Ron was still in the cast and whisk away that cast member since she was no longer needs or required?

So, to me, Fonzie took over the show (and this is no offense to Henry Winkler), which changed the tone of the series, Anson Williams and Donny Most were grating and annoying (and too old), the style of the period was less observed over time. There were two sets (the house and Arnold's) and everything happened at Arnold's. And let's remember, the term "Jump the Shark" came from this series.

I never liked Laverne and Shirley either except for Betty Garett and the guy who played Laverne's father. He was a pizza baker (if I remember) and he looks like a guy who could make a mean pizza. The Lenny and Squiggy duo was obnoxious and horrible. The annoying Carmine guy. Then all of the sudden, everyone, including Lenny and Squggy for some reason) pull up stakes and move to California. I think if this show were on today, these two would be lesbians. Maybe, maybe not, but they did act like a couple.

Then Shirley Williams (damn these Williams people) gets mad at the show (for some reason, and entered that dark void where Donny Most is with Janet and the dudes from The Knack) making the show the Laverne show. Then Penny decides that she will be the female Ron Howard and make Ron Howard like movies (which were very good for the most part).

I haven't seen an episode of L and H in decades. BUT, they had one of my favorite theme songs of all shows. I used to turn on the show just for the theme and after it was done, I would change to another channel.

But yeah, I think Happy Days was completely overrated.


You coming to a show's message board to say what you don't like about it is considered trolling.

Since the question was asked I would agree with those that don't really like this show.

The idea is cute and the show is nostalgic but it's not really funny.

Since the question was asked I would agree with those that don't really like this show.

The idea is cute and the show is nostalgic but it's not really funny.

Happy Days is basically a 1970's parody of the 1950's, similar to That 70's Show being a 1990's parody of the 1970's. Neither show is effective in my opinion.

You coming to a show's message board to say what you don't like about it is considered trolling.

Actually, "trolling" is just dropping a hostile or inflammatory line or two and then stepping back and watching while others become apoplectic trying to change your mind. While many of my opinions differ from those of the OP, I do not consider him/her a troll. :wave:

Actually, "trolling" is just dropping a hostile or inflammatory line or two and then stepping back and watching while others become apoplectic trying to change your mind. While many of my opinions differ from those of the OP, I do not consider him/her a troll. :wave:


Oh ok, so I guess I can go to the Nanny Board and list tons of reasons why I don't like that show. I really thought that was against the rules

Not to offend, but I have never been much of a fan of this series. Which is pretty ironic actually since I do like Ron Howard (mostly because of Opie and the great movies he directed) and Henry Winkler.

What I disliked:

1.) Anson Williams and Donny Most. Them and Ron Howard were supposed to be in High School, but it was fairly obvious that they were in their mid 20's. I never liked either actor, I thought that both were grating in different ways. Ralph Malph? Potsie?

2.) It became the Fonzie show and not a period piece as first intended. Actually, I liked the first season of Happy Days when it was on film and before Fonzie was the main character. It was a little bit like The Wonder Years. The whole turning attention to Fonzie just ruined it for me.

I dunno, was Fonzie cool? The Fonz was a short guy with a Napoleonic or even a God Complex, however he hung out in the bathroom and made it his "office". Instead of paying money for the jukebox, he just hit it to make it go, which is more or less robbing Al. He ended up renting a room over the Cunningham's garage. Never wore a helmet driving that big hog of his. Yet, he was a ladykiller?

3.) The show basically had two settings, the Cunningham home and Arnolds. Everything happened at Arnolds. I did love that wonderful pinball machine that they had though.

4.) The 1970's were creeping in, with especially hair styles. MASH is guilty of this too. Especially Scott Biao. Flybacks and big hair.

5.) The show died when Ron Howard left (taking Donny Most who immediately ventured into the outer darkness with Joyce Dewitt and the members of The Knack.) No Most and Howard left Anson Williams very lonely, sometimes playing gigs at Arnolds (no one told him that he was over 21 and that he can hang out in adult places and not at the malt shop). There was an actress who was playing the wife of the Richie character, with Ron Howard gone, she was an awkward presence. Hell, one awful episode, she and Richie were married via a radio (Richie and Ralph Malph joins the Army and I think they were in Alaska) with her wearing a white dress. I mean, couldn't they rap up Richie when Ron was still in the cast and whisk away that cast member since she was no longer needs or required?

So, to me, Fonzie took over the show (and this is no offense to Henry Winkler), which changed the tone of the series, Anson Williams and Donny Most were grating and annoying (and too old), the style of the period was less observed over time. There were two sets (the house and Arnold's) and everything happened at Arnold's. And let's remember, the term "Jump the Shark" came from this series.

I never liked Laverne and Shirley either except for Betty Garett and the guy who played Laverne's father. He was a pizza baker (if I remember) and he looks like a guy who could make a mean pizza. The Lenny and Squiggy duo was obnoxious and horrible. The annoying Carmine guy. Then all of the sudden, everyone, including Lenny and Squggy for some reason) pull up stakes and move to California. I think if this show were on today, these two would be lesbians. Maybe, maybe not, but they did act like a couple.

Then Shirley Williams (damn these Williams people) gets mad at the show (for some reason, and entered that dark void where Donny Most is with Janet and the dudes from The Knack) making the show the Laverne show. Then Penny decides that she will be the female Ron Howard and make Ron Howard like movies (which were very good for the most part).

I haven't seen an episode of L and H in decades. BUT, they had one of my favorite theme songs of all shows. I used to turn on the show just for the theme and after it was done, I would change to another channel.

But yeah, I think Happy Days was completely overrated.

You make some interesting points. I don't agree with most of them, but I do agree that Happy Days died when Ron Howard left. They should have ended the show when he left. I've seen most of the post Ron Howard episodes and never cared about the new characters and didn't like the changes they made to The Fonz. Maybe it's just me, but I remember watching those eps and wondering where Anson Williams was. It didn't seem like he was on the show very much after Ron and Donny left. The one good thing about those seasons is they made Jenny Piccalo an onscreen character. Other than that, the show is hard to watch (for me) after season 7. I think it was starting to show signs of wear shortly after Richie, Ralph and Potsie graduated from high school, but it was still watchable.

Oh ok, so I guess I can go to the Nanny Board and list tons of reasons why I don't like that show. I really thought that was against the rules
he was respectful and just stated his own personal opinions about what specifically he did not enjoy about the show - he didn't just come out and trash it or anything

Me personally, I liked the show very much, every single season and thought most of the cast was tops. Loved watching the show as a teen when it originally rolled and love it now. I can't think of anything I disliked about the show, except that it ended.

But we all have different tastes. Like for example, I never really got into Star Trek yet the show has millions of hard core fans and a cult following.

Me personally, I liked the show very much, every single season and thought most of the cast was tops. Loved watching the show as a teen when it originally rolled and love it now. I can't think of anything I disliked about the show, except that it ended.

But we all have different tastes. Like for example, I never really got into Star Trek yet the show has millions of hard core fans and a cult following.
That's pretty much how I feel. I still watch the show and love it. As for Star Trek, I used to love it as a kid but can't get into it now. I guess some shows you do grow out of. I still love Lost in Space though. lol

Happy Days is basically a 1970's parody of the 1950's, similar to That 70's Show being a 1990's parody of the 1970's. Neither show is effective in my opinion.

Right on! I've seen both of those shows and neither make me laugh although Happy Days is slightly better since they have Fonz and you may laugh once in a blue moon.

That Ashton Kutcher is such a dork in that 70s show. Can't believe that moron became such a star!

That's pretty much how I feel. I still watch the show and love it. As for Star Trek, I used to love it as a kid but can't get into it now. I guess some shows you do grow out of. I still love Lost in Space though. lol

But Trekkies are considered dorks and nerds! :lol:

But Trekkies are considered dorks and nerds! :lol:
Maybe I'm not a nerd anymore. :lol:

I have to agree with #2
That when it originally aired it really was a great 1950s period piece. Clothes hair, cars, music were great. And I liked that it was shot on film making it more artistic. Fonzie wasn't the main character and he was cool in a layed back way. Like The Wonder Years before there was a Wonder Years. Fonz was cool because he didn't have to jump sharks, or jump garbage cans. But all shows have to develop and grow so I dunno?

Although some shows you do grow out of. I used to LOVE I dream of Jeannie as a kid, I watch it now, and it is just AWFUL! I think, how did I like this show?

i liked is better when Ron Howard left the show i just never liked him at all he was like a snob

Although some shows you do grow out of. I used to LOVE I dream of Jeannie as a kid, I watch it now, and it is just AWFUL! I think, how did I like this show?

I know what you mean. I have a show like that but going the other way; one I really didn't care for much as a kid but adore as a adult. The show's That Girl. I used to think Ann and Don were the dippiest things on the planet. Now, when I watch, I find Ann's (sometime) naiveness endearing and that Don is one big major sweetie pie - the kind of b/f girls dream of having. Of course being a fan of Marlo and her dad, only adds points to the score. I'll never forget when I met Danny Thomas as a kid - he was the Nicest man alive.

Happy Days is an amazing show in my book, but what I WILL say is that I agree that things went downhill after Ron Howard left.

In terms of whether or not Fonzie was cool - I agree that there were some inherent contradictions in his personality (or inconsistent writing / changes in how he was characterized over the seasons), but I still personally think he is one of the most iconic, and yes, COOL, television characters of all times. I loved that he was a softie underneath it all - yeahhh, things got a little schmaltzy at times, but that's what makes Happy Days what it is.

This says it all: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kWR3YLUYB4

i liked is better when Ron Howard left the show i just never liked him at all he was like a snob

i got tired of him saying im in college now,and other things like he was better then everyone cause he is in college or a senior just my two cents

I loved Happy Days watched every Tuesday night without fail. Ralph and Potsie were perfect as Ritchie's friends.

jordan ? was hunting for toys in this old lady named shirley's house. and he found a fonzie doll,and jordan said,aayy ,shirley, i was laughing at it,tonight,:lol:

I watched it regularly til around 1979, but it was never one of my faves; just more or less a lead-in to L&S--which I liked better.

Have no desire to ever see it again. I do own some of the L&S DVDs but even those I can only take in limited doses now. The writing just seems so juvenile, on par with Sherwood Schwartz shows--funny when you're 10 years old but not so much as seen through adult eyes.

Then again, Maude is my favorite 70s sitcom and I know plenty of people on here who can't stand it because she's so loud. To each his own.

Actually, "trolling" is just dropping a hostile or inflammatory line or two and then stepping back and watching while others become apoplectic trying to change your mind. While many of my opinions differ from those of the OP, I do not consider him/her a troll. :wave:

I agree. The OP didn't say anything inflammatory, and even though I have always been a fan, he did make some legitimate points. I have been a member of several tv show forums over the years, and people often wonder why someone drops in to say they don't like a show, but if it's done in good taste, I see nothing wrong with it.

As an adult, I have often thought about the "cool" aspect of Fonzie too. In addition to everything the OP mentioned, he didn't want a hair out of place. Even thought the show was popular in the 70s, I must say that anyone in my school at the time who was that particular with their hair would have been made fun of to no end.

Today, if they wanted to make a show about teenage nostalgia, it would have to be set in the 90's and there was nothing funny about the 90's.

I think Happy Days was mostly a "merchandise-driven" show. When the show took off was when the Fonz became a culture pop icon phenomenon. What use to drive me crazy was hearing the studio audience go bananas every time he walked in and out of a scene. I think there were some good episodes, but I think it was much ado about nothing. I only noticed this years later when I tried to watch in reruns and couldn't get into it.

But I think when Ron Howard left, the show most certainly died.

I loved Happy Days watched every Tuesday night without fail. Ralph and Potsie were perfect as Ritchie's friends.


Me too, and my siblings and friends too, We all loved it! :) But watching it now (or in my case not watching it). I'm not too into it in reruns. :confused: It isn't nearly as good IMO as I thought it was back than. :confused: The very early episodes when it WAS about the 50's are OK, even enjoyable, or I will watch later epps just to see Chachi! Scott Baio was HOT!!!!! :happyface But other than that, I can't say I really enjoy Happy Days anymore the way I like lots of other old sitcoms!

I always watched back then and had a crush on Erin Moran.

When I watch now, of course I'm much more critical. For example, when LoriBeth and Richie have their wedding (with Fonzie standing in), why is there no mention of Father Delvecchio (Al Molinaro) as to why he can't be there to perform the ceremony?

Another example, Jenny Piccalo has been Joanie's best friend for years, yet until the Phil Silvers -guesting episode, we're to believe that Joanie's never even met Jenny's father...???

I still enjoy watching, but you get the idea.

As a kid in the 80's I'd watch the syndicated reruns and yeah like all kids we found it funny but after revisiting it due to The Hub network airing it, it just doesn't hold up just like other Garry Marshall produced sitcoms Laverne & Shirley, Mock & Mindy.

Me too, and my siblings and friends too, We all loved it! :) But watching it now (or in my case not watching it). I'm not too into it in reruns. :confused: It isn't nearly as good IMO as I thought it was back than. :confused: The very early episodes when it WAS about the 50's are OK, even enjoyable, or I will watch later epps just to see Chachi! Scott Baio was HOT!!!!! :happyface But other than that, I can't say I really enjoy Happy Days anymore the way I like lots of other old sitcoms!
Same here not just with this show, there are other shows I like better in reruns.

I hated it when Flip and KC joined but I was glad when they left

Me too, and my siblings and friends too, We all loved it! :) But watching it now (or in my case not watching it). I'm not too into it in reruns. :confused: It isn't nearly as good IMO as I thought it was back than. :confused: The very early episodes when it WAS about the 50's are OK, even enjoyable, or I will watch later epps just to see Chachi! Scott Baio was HOT!!!!! :happyface But other than that, I can't say I really enjoy Happy Days anymore the way I like lots of other old sitcoms!

Me too. I've been watching it on MeTV lately. They're showing the later seasons, and it's really bad. I can't stand Jenny Piccolo or the guy who replaced Richie. Joanie and Chachi have a band and they're are not good at all. The music doesn't even sound like it's from the 60s and the clothes and hair are not consistent with that era. It's just really really awkward. They should have wrapped it up before these late seasons. It's a bummer. I used to love the show when I was young.