I think the three most important elements of a great sitcom are: interesting, likeable characters, origional, funny writing, and great acting and chemistry. I think Wings excelled in all three.

I like shows with characters that are likeable and interesting, people I feel like I can relate to and stuff like that. I find that most of the shows I really can't stand have a lot of characters I don't like. I've also noticed that many characters that I don't like (like the Friends characters) reflect on people in real life that I can't stand.
Everybody Loves Raymond is a show where I like the writing and acting, but the characters just aren't likeable people. In fact, the only reason I've been watching these past two seasons is for the older brother, Robert. He's a riot :lol: I hope he gets his own show.

Funny, origional writing is inportant too. Who wants to watch a show where they rehash the same old plots and jokes over and over again? It gets really predictable after awhile. Another reason why I've been getting sick of Everybody Loves Raymond.

I think good acting and chemistry between the cast members is important too.

Now let's take a show like "Cheers".....

I really like and enjoy the show...It's very well-written, extremely funny and the actors are great performers....

...but I just don't feel that "friendliness" that I feel with the people on "Wings" (even though "Cheers" takes place in a "friendly" bar).
When I watch shows like "Cheers", "Frasier" and others, I truly appreciate the high quality of writing and acting, but I don't personally LIKE the characters as much as I like the "Wings" gang.

I know that it sounds crazy, but that's the way that it is with me!

The things I like best about Wings would be a combination of all three choices, but narrowed down where good characters and writing meet. I really enjoy the characters on Wings. The only ones I think could have been left off the show were Alex, Casey and Lowell's replacement. Not that Any Yasbeck isn't a good actress. I just feel her character was annoying in a bad way. I think Helen should have kicked her out and told her to move someplace else, sister or no. Antonio was a GREAT addition to the original cast. I'm glad they're back to playing the older eps now, altho there's unfortunately no Antonio. I was sad to have missed again "Sports and Leisure". I practically cried the last time I saw that one I was laughing so hard at the Trivial Pursuit game. :)

Anne