It isn't just the life lessons, this seemingly extended to how dark the Andersons' house was from the living room to the decor.

You are right--FKB had a particular atmosphere, which was darker than that of LITB or TAGS, for example. There was more of a dramatic "edge" to many of the plots, and the look of the house had almost a film noir quality. FKB was unique among sitcoms of the period.

In his new book on 50s Sitcoms, Jackson Upperco says the show is "dreck." Among many other epithets. While he drools over some other shows nobody ever heard of and had no staying power.

In any case, I had never thought about FKB as a dramedy. Food for thought.

In his new book on 50s Sitcoms, Jackson Upperco says the show is "dreck." Among many other epithets. While he drools over some other shows nobody ever heard of and had no staying power.

In any case, I had never thought about FKB as a dramedy. Food for thought.

Yet another book I'll be sure not to read. Thanks for the tip-off, as otherwise I might have unwittingly bought it based on the subject matter. Come to think of it, I may someday write my own book about my favorite vintage TV. There's so much ignorance about the classic family shows, it's incredible.

Yet another book I'll be sure not to read. Thanks for the tip-off, as otherwise I might have unwittingly bought it based on the subject matter. Come to think of it, I may someday write my own book about my favorite vintage TV. There's so much ignorance about the classic family shows, it's incredible.

He goes on extensively about Lucy; his accolades are well-deserved, there. I haven't gotten very far into the book yet. I wouldn't have minded it if he had just said he wasn't a fan of FKB, or simply that he hadn't reviewed it, and let it go at that. But to go to great lengths to trash the show? Probably not a good idea.

He has a website, and he's also a member (under his last name) here.