One of the worst sitcoms of the 1960's - Page 2 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

OH Nuts! · 11-29-2011, 06:00 PM

I really like Eve Arden and Kaye Ballard but the show was kinda silly. Not the actors fault - crappy writing and directing imo.

Considering some of the putrid stuff that's been created I don't think I'd vote it the worst - but I wouldn't give it any prizes either.

I'd watch the show if it came my way for free; I wouldn't spend any $$ to see it.

Much rather see Eve & Kaye in other venues that did them justice.

um · 10-29-2016, 01:02 AM

I remember watching The Mothers In Law but it was strictly in reruns at the time.
I never particularly liked it except for an episode here or there or a funny scene here or there.

PhoenixAcres · 10-29-2016, 12:27 PM

It was far from the worst '60s sitcom but not one of my favorites. It was obvious from the start that they were trying to bring an "I Love Lucy" sort of energy to the show (no coincidence given the writing/directing credits) but a lot of times their attempts at humor strayed too far into silly and even stupid territory. When Decades ran their two-day marathon a few months ago I got to take a deeper look at the show and I found that the plots got a bit wild and unrealistic (even in-universe) many times, leading you not to laugh but to wonder what on earth is happening.

That's not to say there weren't hilarious moments here and there. Kaye Ballard especially was consistently funny in her acting/delivery and come to think of it, the four leads (both before and after the Roger recast) were fantastic actors and the driving force in making a boring scene genuinely funny and entertaining.

There were a ton of sitcoms made in the '60s. If you take all of them into account I'd probably rank Mothers-in-Law in the upper half actually. It is what it is. Not an awful show but not brilliant either.

Bonniegirl · 10-29-2016, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McGillicuddy

I disagree! I love Eve and Kaye, and their antics.

Me too! I get a kick out of this show!

Bonniegirl · 10-29-2016, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retroTVfan4ever

I will admit it's not the greatest show, but it has special meaning for me as I have fond memories of it from my childhood days. The first season with Roger Carmel is better than the second season with Richard Deacon.

Yes! I have fond memories of it too!

PhoenixAcres · 10-29-2016, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan Brady's Hair

I've only seen a few reruns of this since it was in first run. My memory is that the daughter/son really didn't add much comedically, is that right?

For the most part, yes. IMO they were easily outperformed by the legendary four leads and sort of faded into the background.

I'd like to add that even though I don't rank the show among my favorites, I have nothing against it really and I think it's a fun and enjoyable show to watch.

Bonniegirl · 10-29-2016, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoenixAcres16

For the most part, yes. IMO they were easily outperformed by the legendary four leads and sort of faded into the background.

I'd like to add that even though I don't rank the show among my favorites, I have nothing against it really and I think it's a fun and enjoyable show to watch.

Yeah totally!

The focus WAS on the parents!

The show wasn't really about the kids anyway, per se' ! It was about the parents , particularly the Mothers. Hence the show title "Mothers in law"! It wasn't called the "Newlyweds" !

11-29-2011, 06:00 PM	#16
OH Nuts! Member Forum King Join Date: Feb 15, 2005 Posts: 133,383	I really like Eve Arden and Kaye Ballard but the show was kinda silly. Not the actors fault - crappy writing and directing imo. Considering some of the putrid stuff that's been created I don't think I'd vote it the worst - but I wouldn't give it any prizes either. I'd watch the show if it came my way for free; I wouldn't spend any $$ to see it. Much rather see Eve & Kaye in other venues that did them justice.

10-29-2016, 01:02 AM	#17
um Member Forum Regular Join Date: Oct 26, 2015 Posts: 906	I remember watching The Mothers In Law but it was strictly in reruns at the time. I never particularly liked it except for an episode here or there or a funny scene here or there.

10-29-2016, 12:27 PM	#18
PhoenixAcres Member Moderator Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 26, 2016 Location: United States Posts: 6,824	It was far from the worst '60s sitcom but not one of my favorites. It was obvious from the start that they were trying to bring an "I Love Lucy" sort of energy to the show (no coincidence given the writing/directing credits) but a lot of times their attempts at humor strayed too far into silly and even stupid territory. When Decades ran their two-day marathon a few months ago I got to take a deeper look at the show and I found that the plots got a bit wild and unrealistic (even in-universe) many times, leading you not to laugh but to wonder what on earth is happening. That's not to say there weren't hilarious moments here and there. Kaye Ballard especially was consistently funny in her acting/delivery and come to think of it, the four leads (both before and after the Roger recast) were fantastic actors and the driving force in making a boring scene genuinely funny and entertaining. There were a ton of sitcoms made in the '60s. If you take all of them into account I'd probably rank Mothers-in-Law in the upper half actually. It is what it is. Not an awful show but not brilliant either.