Military sitcoms - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Alan Brady's Hair · 03-06-2017, 08:55 PM

I'm trying to come up with a good list of a subset of workplace comedies, the military sitcom. This is what I have so far:

Broadside
CPO Sharkey
Ensign O'Toole
F Troop
Gomer Pyle
Hogan's Heroes
I Dream of Jeannie
Major Dad
MASH
Mchale's Navy
Phil Silvers Show
Private Benjamin

UK:
Blackadder Goes Forth
Dad's Army

Obviously, a lot of sitcoms touch the miltary at some point or other, but I'm looking for ones that mainly revolved around the military. I'd say Major Dad and I Dream of Jeannie are probably borderline, but included them because the main character is usually in uniform.

What are some others?

tlc38tlc38 · 03-06-2017, 09:20 PM

"Major Dad" is a great, very underrated show.

JamesG · 03-06-2017, 09:36 PM

"Enlisted" which was more recent.

Lee · 03-06-2017, 10:04 PM

M*A*S*H, of course, could sometimes be quite dramatic

broadmoor · 03-06-2017, 11:43 PM

I think one of the first must have been that live sitcom, "The Soldiers," from the summer of 1955, and starring Tom D'Andrea (from Life of Riley) and Hal March. It pre-dated even "Bilko," which didn't make it's debut until the fall of that year.

There were also some of those military sitcoms of the 1960s which were based on more successful feature films, like "Mr. Roberts" starring Roger Smith, and that hour-long adventure-comedy "Wackiest Ship in the Army.". Both were aired in that same 1965-66 season. Also, what about that tv-version of "No Time for Sergeants," starring Sammy Jackson? And "Hennesey" with Jackie Cooper was more successful than all of those, lasting a full three seasons (1959-62). That one really needs to be run again.

Edison · 03-07-2017, 02:03 AM

"Operation Petticoat" (1977 - 1979). First time I saw Jamie Lee Curtis.
Agree about "Hennesey".

biffbronson · 03-07-2017, 03:05 AM

The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis is worth a mention -- became a military sitcom when Dobie went into the army for a long stretch.

Edison · 03-09-2017, 10:37 PM

"McKeever & the Colonel" (1962 - 1963) at Westfield, a military academy.

03-06-2017, 08:55 PM	#1
Alan Brady's Hair Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 30, 2014 Posts: 1,822	Military sitcoms I'm trying to come up with a good list of a subset of workplace comedies, the military sitcom. This is what I have so far: Broadside CPO Sharkey Ensign O'Toole F Troop Gomer Pyle Hogan's Heroes I Dream of Jeannie Major Dad MASH Mchale's Navy Phil Silvers Show Private Benjamin UK: Blackadder Goes Forth Dad's Army Obviously, a lot of sitcoms touch the miltary at some point or other, but I'm looking for ones that mainly revolved around the military. I'd say Major Dad and I Dream of Jeannie are probably borderline, but included them because the main character is usually in uniform. What are some others?

03-06-2017, 09:20 PM	#2
tlc38tlc38 Every day’s a Dolly day! Forum Star Join Date: May 02, 2008 Location: I’m just travelin’ thru Posts: 19,254	"Major Dad" is a great, very underrated show.
	__________________ Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. Deuteronomy 15:10 In loving memory of my best friend, my Mama.

03-06-2017, 09:36 PM	#3
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 56,961	"Enlisted" which was more recent.

03-06-2017, 10:04 PM	#4
Lee veteran member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: May 23, 2001 Location: Pulaski, Tennessee Posts: 4,766	MAS*H, of course, could sometimes be quite dramatic

03-06-2017, 11:43 PM	#5
broadmoor Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jul 10, 2010 Location: texas Posts: 489	I think one of the first must have been that live sitcom, "The Soldiers," from the summer of 1955, and starring Tom D'Andrea (from Life of Riley) and Hal March. It pre-dated even "Bilko," which didn't make it's debut until the fall of that year. There were also some of those military sitcoms of the 1960s which were based on more successful feature films, like "Mr. Roberts" starring Roger Smith, and that hour-long adventure-comedy "Wackiest Ship in the Army.". Both were aired in that same 1965-66 season. Also, what about that tv-version of "No Time for Sergeants," starring Sammy Jackson? And "Hennesey" with Jackie Cooper was more successful than all of those, lasting a full three seasons (1959-62). That one really needs to be run again.

03-07-2017, 02:03 AM	#6
Edison Member Senior Member Join Date: Oct 01, 2006 Posts: 2,430	"Operation Petticoat" (1977 - 1979). First time I saw Jamie Lee Curtis. Agree about "Hennesey".

03-07-2017, 03:05 AM	#7
biffbronson Sentimental Fool Forum Star Join Date: Aug 22, 2009 Location: Near Notre Dame Posts: 10,281	The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis is worth a mention -- became a military sitcom when Dobie went into the army for a long stretch.

03-09-2017, 10:37 PM	#8
Edison Member Senior Member Join Date: Oct 01, 2006 Posts: 2,430	"McKeever & the Colonel" (1962 - 1963) at Westfield, a military academy.