Is it high ratings that makes a show a classic. Or is it the quality of the show. Like it's a really funny show, but the ratings are very low (case in point, NewsRadio sucked in the ratings, yet I consider it a classic.)

So what do you think, is it High Ratings or Quality of the show that makes it a classic?

That term "Classic TV" seems to get thrown around too much. So I'm curious to find out what everyone here thinks about it.

By the way, my vote goes for Quality.:)

I think it's the quality of the show. NewsRadio and Wings didn't get high ratings or win awards, but I think they're a heck of a lot funnier and more enjoyable to watch than I Love Lucy, Seinfeld, Friends, and some other shows that are considered classics. To each his own :)

I'd have to say quality too. But I think a lot of people generalize classics by how old they are, and what impact they made. Such as I Love Lucy. That's aired all over the place. Honeymooners too. But Donna Reed is rarely given airplay, yes, it had 9 years on N@N, but it's barely given the recognition.

So, instead of struggling to make a point, lol, to be considered a classic, I just tend to go with how old, and mainly the quality.

Notice how so many shows are in the spotlight
Three's Company
All in the Family
I Love Lucy
The Cosby Show

to name a few. All were high rated, well-regarded sitcoms, and general high quality. I like them all, but am sick of Cosby.

I really can't decide what could be considered a classic. It's just what YOU think is a classic, I guess. I think N@N/TV Land has it right separating Classic TV Hits, from Modern Classics. It's a good type of generalizing.

Sorry to go on and on, lol, but i can't really determine what to be considered a classic.

How it stands the test of time. If it is still popular 20 years after it left the air and enjoyed by a whole new generation, it's a classic.

Originally posted by dawsongirl
How it stands the test of time. If it is still popular 20 years after it left the air and enjoyed by a whole new generation, it's a classic.

Yeah. Sounds good to me. LOL.

I think it's a classic if the humor or situations aren't dated and can still be understood by younger viewers 20 years later or so, or if original viewers of the show still find that humor funny.

So then pretty much, everyone agrees the term "Classic" has to go to older shows, right?

It's like "Gilligan's Island" is a classic sitcom. Yet, I can't stand it. I was picturing everyone saying how it was in the eye of the beholder. If you like a show, to you it's a classic.

I don't know, figuring out what is and is not a classic show is not a big deal, I just wanted to hear from everyone (or at least a few) here. I respect many opinions on the messageboards.

Even those who hate "NewsRadio", I still respect their opinions.:D

I think one thing about classics is chemistry. Regardless of any personal opinions of shows such as I Love Lucy or Mary Tyler Moore Show, there is great chemistry on those shows. And of course the same can be said about my favorite shows: NewsRadio & Get Smart with Max and 99's strong, sexual energy and NewsRadio with its *adequate* ensemble cast. Despite a couple of good episodes, the show just fell apart after Phil Hartman's death. You could see in the writing & the acting that the show just didn't gell like it did so brilliantly in the past.

*NR fans know what I mean by that

I think they are many factors that make a classic, one of the reason why a show can be considered a classic is by what the show did to effect the face of TV. For example it could have been dealt with controversial issues nobody would have thought of thinking of putting on TV before, that influence drugs, racial issues, suicide, death, pregnancy, abortion etc, just to name a few. Many shows who use these issues are considered groundbreaking and innovative, shows who have used these techniques have paved the way for the future of TV.

I think it needs to stand the test of time, and if it catches onto new generations of fans and if the show has a moral and chemistry between the characters or sentimental value which teaches it definately has made a difference and has touched the viewers.

Originally posted by dawsongirl
How it stands the test of time. If it is still popular 20 years after it left the air and enjoyed by a whole new generation, it's a classic.

Well said, Dawsongirl! Like The Mary Tyler Moore Show, where people who weren't even born yet when it went off the air are now major fans. Of course, there are lots more examples, but that's just the one that I'm most familiar with. ;)

Kristen