Prior to the 90s, most sitcom episodes were self-contained with a story that began and ended within thirty minutes You might have a two part episode here and there and possibly a running subplot where a character is pregnant or running for mayor, etc, but most shows had a premise that was generally resolved in 30 minutes.

By serialized sitcom, I mean shows that have a story arc that plays out over a season. Each episode may have a self- contained "a" or "b" story, but the story arc is present in most, if not all episodes.

I want to say that Friends was the first serialized sitcom, but I remember Cheers as being the first sitcom that had a cliffhanger ending. And those 80s cliffhangers were inspired by then-popular shows like Dallas and Dynasty.

So, weigh in with your thoughts on what the first serialized sitcom was.

By serialized sitcom, I mean shows that have a story arc that plays out over a season. Each episode may have a self- contained "a" or "b" story, but the story arc is present in most, if not all episodes.

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Because of the pervasive "rescue" theme,...Gilligans Island?

The Pruitts of Southampton might be another candidate.(earlier than "Friends").

Because of the pervasive "rescue" theme,...Gilligans Island?

I would say the first season of GI did as it has the continuing theme of them getting things set up, building huts, etc

The obvious answer to this question is Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman or Soap, each episode is built on the episode before (the very definition of serialized).

I Love Lucy which was first in so many areas developed the running theme as a basis for season long plotlines. The trip to California, the trip to Europe and of course the pregnancy episodes.

I Love Lucy
The Beverly Hillbillies
Green Acres
Bewitched
Gilligan's Island (season 1)
I Dream of Jeannie
Here Come the Brides
The Mary Tyler Moore Show

--all have certain serial elements and story arcs and overall unfolding development of circumstance/plot/character development

I tend to think of dramas as more serialized. In general serialized takes me to Soap operas which have been around since Hector was a pup. 1920's??? in radio.

The obvious answer to this question is Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman or Soap, each episode is built on the episode before (the very definition of serialized).

Those were parodies of soap operas, so in my opinion, they don't qualify as traditional sitcoms.

Those were parodies of soap operas, so in my opinion, they don't qualify as traditional sitcoms.

This site lists both Soap and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman as sitcoms so there's that, it's definitely not a parody. But let's leave that on the side for a second, here is the title of the thread (your title):

What was the first Serialized Sitcom?

"First", how could you list Friends and Cheers when there were dozens of shows that had story arcs prior to those two. I Love Lucy's trip to Hollywood story arc lasted 30 episodes and that was in the early 50's. The series also featured 15 + episodes on a tour of Europe. You would have to find a show prior to I Love Lucy that matched your criteria.

I say Soap since it was a parody of soap opreas.

“Lucy” definitely pioneered the arcs: the pregnancy story; trips to Hollywood, Europe, and Florida; the move to Connecticut. It was impressive how the producers maximized themes by covering them over a number of episodes. It’s something that was sorely missed in Lucy’s later series. When “The Lucy Show” changed locales halfway through its run, it was addressed in a single episode. Had Lucille Ball’s original creative team been in charge, they would have gotten a 6-10 episodes out of that story.