View Full Version : Times shows broke the fourth wall and talked directly to you
I have 2:
Marlo Thomas on That Girl, at the end of the episode (courtesy of Alan Brady's Hair)
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https://youtu.be/mmVKrM_OtBg?si=JvWPya-H97fpusrJ
Growing Pains stopping to lecture on drugs
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https://youtu.be/I3VKlXc3_ns?si=9kyCy7I1dtWsoaYM
VTO6685 01-16-2026, 09:15 PM On the final filmed episode of "Happy Days" ("Passages"), Tom Bosley (Howard) thanked the viewers for their loyal support of the show throughout its long run, acknowledging them as "part of the family".
On the final filmed episode of "Happy Days" ("Passages"), Tom Bosley (Howard) thanked the viewers for their loyal support of the show throughout its long run, acknowledging them as "part of the family".
The Conners did something similar at the end of the final episode, with Dan looking into the camera and saying “Goodnight”
We can also include Mr. Roper’s laughs into the camera
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https://youtu.be/XOy8ksMISj4?si=6AMLsEXYvQ9FS8BA
stevea 01-17-2026, 12:24 AM On "Very Special Episodes" of Diff'rent Strokes, Conrad Bain gave intros. One example would be the chilling Bicycle Man episodes. Probably not a good example, since he's really not in-character.
On The Honeymooners Christmas episode, Ralph speaks to the audience and brings the cast out for a curtain-call.
On Father Knows Best, there are two specific instances where the characters speak to the camera. In one episode, Margaret (the female lead character) is having a tough day, and eventually gives a young mother who's having issues, an overview of the good things about family life. Then toward the end of the episode, the son spills something and she orders the kids upstairs. And, she turns slightly toward the camera, and says, "This is one of the bad days."
In another instance, Kathy, the younger daughter, explains she had seen a TV program before.
George talked to us directly a lot on Burns and Allen
howilu 01-17-2026, 10:21 AM Garry Shandling frequently broke the fourth wall on It's Garry Shandling's Show.
Foggy 01-17-2026, 11:10 AM One of my favorite:
The Carol Burnett Show
Foggy 01-17-2026, 11:27 AM Not sure if you would want to count these,
but they did talk directly to the audience.
Almost everyone's favorite:
HERE"S JOHNNY ~~~ THE TONIGHT SHOW
and we got a really "BIG SHOW TONIGHT"
The Ed Sullivan Show
Foggy 01-17-2026, 11:45 AM SAVED BY THE BELL
"Saved by the Bell" featured its main character, Zack Morris,
breaking the fourth wall and talking directly to the audience
during its original run from 1989 to 1993.
This technique was a distinctive element of the show,
allowing Zack to share his thoughts and schemes with viewers.
I remember one where he talked with Nancy Reagan on "WAR ON DRUGS"
and another one he talked about "Drinking and Driving"
Both episodes were about that topic
ThisLittlePiggy 01-17-2026, 06:41 PM Not sure if this should count, but Skipper would look right into the camera and sort of shake his head after Gilligan pulled one of his stunts. Do you know what I mean?
stevea 01-17-2026, 09:05 PM Not sure if this should count, but Skipper would look right into the camera and sort of shake his head after Gilligan pulled one of his stunts. Do you know what I mean?
Yep!
DJM77 01-17-2026, 09:41 PM Scott and Jason both frequently did this on Malibu, CA.
brtcmfn 01-17-2026, 10:29 PM The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show
The Jack Benny Show
I'ts Gary Shandling show
Dobie Gillis
Miranda from the UK
A Flintstones episode I saw yesterday had Barney do a quick talk to the audience bit.
Merry24 01-24-2026, 06:26 PM Laugh-In and The Monkees
ThisLittlePiggy 01-24-2026, 08:56 PM Duckman sometimes broke the fourth wall and spoke directly to the audience.
merlinjones 01-25-2026, 06:03 AM Gidget - every episode.
My World and Welcome to It.
Superman/Clark Kent winking at us.
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