A long time ago, I first read this blog entry (https://nostalgiarush.blogspot.com/2014/06/random-thoughts-other-diffrent-strokes.html) that argued that American sitcoms in the 1980s (https://www.reddit.com/r/sitcoms/comments/145w5xy/random_thoughts_why_did_so_many_early_80s_sitcoms/) got into a rut (https://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=146509) by playing things safe in terms of the format that it used. By format, this generally meant that characters are pretty bland, the kids are cute and the parents just reacted to their antics with a smile and a wave of their head, romances were very clean, major issues were discussed quietly, and all problems were resolved at the end with two (or more) characters talking out the issue and ending with a big hug or a laugh.

So in a nutshell, the basic formula went like this:

Problem comes up
Problem is discussed
Problem is resolved
Resolution is discussed, show ends with a hug or a laugh. And of course, nothing that happens in the episode will in any way affect the next episode.

Next week focus on a different character then Lather, rinse, repeat.


The episodes feel more like a stage play a bigger emphasis on speeches and less on character moments, all in front of a stilted studio audience.

One Day at a Time, which debuted about three years prior to Diff'rent Strokes, was cited as a progenitor to this type of sitcom. Other sitcoms that were listed as following or closely adhering to this formula were:

The Facts of Life, which is understandable given that it was a direct spin-off of Diff'rent Strokes.

Silver Spoons

Webster

Family Ties

Growing Pains

Mama's Family

Gimme A Break!


Admittedly, these were more often than not, family sitcoms.