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Join Date: Jan 09, 2001
Posts: 124,387
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Originally Posted by TMC
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That Quora answer you quoted is actually a pretty sharp summation of why Growing Pains rarely gets discussed today — and why its legacy is oddly muted despite being a big hit in its time.
Let’s break down those points and expand them into a fuller picture:
🧩 1. The Show Was Popular — But Never Exceptional
When Growing Pains debuted in 1985, it was a solid, middle-of-the-road family sitcom. It filled the same space as Family Ties, Who’s the Boss?, and The Cosby Show — middle-class suburban families, moral lessons, gentle humor.
It was good in that sense: warm, likable, and comforting. But it wasn’t innovative, particularly funny, or emotionally groundbreaking. There were no defining characters or catchphrases that entered the cultural bloodstream.
In other words: it succeeded as comfort TV, but not as art or comedy that stuck in memory.
😐 2. It Was Bland and Formulaic
Even fans will admit that Growing Pains was one of the most “average” sitcoms of the 1980s.
Episodes tended to follow the same template:
- Jason (Alan Thicke) dispenses fatherly wisdom.
- Maggie (Joanna Kerns) balances work and home life.
- Mike (Kirk Cameron) gets into mild teen trouble.
- Carol (Tracey Gold) moralizes or worries.
- Ben (Jeremy Miller) cracks a few lines.
There was rarely any edge, social commentary, or absurd humor — nothing like All in the Family, Roseanne, or The Simpsons.
It was safe and sweet — but forgettable.
That’s why, as commentator says, people struggle to remember specific episodes. The show never had a “classic” moment that defined its era.
💥 3. The Off-Screen Reputations Hurt Its Legacy
This part is key to why Growing Pains doesn’t get the same nostalgic glow as Full House or The Wonder Years.
Alan Thicke’s reputation
Thicke was talented — a competent actor, composer, and talk-show host — but he had a reputation in Hollywood as smug and abrasive. Some former co-workers and fans described him as egotistical or self-important.
He was a recognizable face but not especially beloved in the way Bob Saget or Michael Gross were. After Growing Pains, he mostly hosted second-tier talk shows and did guest spots, never achieving a full career renaissance.
Kirk Cameron’s religious conversion
Cameron’s sudden, public born-again Christian transformation around Season 4 drastically changed the show’s tone and behind-the-scenes dynamic.
He refused certain scripts, opposed suggestive storylines, and alienated castmates. His later activism — including outspoken opposition to LGBTQ+ rights and evolution — further tarnished his public image.
Because Growing Pains is so associated with Cameron, modern audiences who Google the show quickly hit his controversies. That makes it harder for the series to enjoy a carefree nostalgic revival.
🧃 4. A Show That Aged Poorly
Unlike Full House or The Wonder Years, Growing Pains doesn’t feel timeless. Its humor, fashion, pacing, and family dynamics are steeped in the late-1980s suburban ideal — one that feels artificial now.
- The writing is preachy and safe.
- The production values are flat.
- The characters rarely evolve.
Even the “message” moments feel stiff today. Modern audiences want sharper wit (The Office), social commentary (Black-ish), or heartfelt realism (Parenthood). Growing Pains offers none of that — just nostalgia for a very sanitized version of the American family.
🌟 5. Even Leo Couldn’t Save It
When Leonardo DiCaprio joined as Luke Brower in Season 7 (1991–92), the show was already declining. The producers clearly hoped he’d bring fresh energy and appeal to younger viewers, the same way The Brady Bunch added Cousin Oliver or Diff’rent Strokes added Sam.
But the audience saw through it — ratings tanked, and ABC canceled the show shortly afterward. Leo was gone before the finale, and Growing Pains ended with barely a ripple.
⚰️ 6. The Verdict: Not a “Bad” Show — Just a Forgotten One
Growing Pains wasn’t terrible. It was competently made, well-acted, and warmly remembered by many who grew up with it.
But it never transcended its moment, and its two biggest stars became controversial or unlikable in ways that dimmed nostalgia.
So when people ask, “Why doesn’t anybody talk about it?”, the answer is:
- It didn’t break new ground.
- Its tone feels dated.
- Its stars complicated its legacy.
- And nothing about it demands rediscovery.
In short: it was fine — and fine rarely gets remembered.
Would you like me to compare Growing Pains directly with Family Ties or Full House to show why those two did survive in pop culture while Growing Pains didn’t? That comparison makes the contrast really clear.
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Perplexity:
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That Quora answer sums up a big part of why Growing Pains rarely comes up in pop culture discussions today—but there are also broader cultural and industrial reasons behind its relatively faded legacy.
1. It Was a Very “Middle-of-the-Road” Sitcom
Growing Pains (1985–1992) was never groundbreaking. It followed the familiar Reagan-era sitcom blueprint—an upper-middle-class suburban family, light generational humor, moral-of-the-week endings, and clean, safe storylines. In the 1980s TV landscape, that formula worked for a while but hasn’t aged with the same cultural bite or distinctiveness as The Cosby Show, Family Ties, or Roseanne.
- It didn’t pioneer a new format or comedic style.
- Its tone was consistently mild, with few standout comedic or dramatic moments.
- It lacked the writer-director creativity or risk-taking found in contemporary hits like Cheers or The Golden Girls.
2. Weak Syndication and Cultural Footprint
Unlike other 1980s hits, Growing Pains had a short shelf life in reruns. It didn’t resonate strongly with later generations—especially millennials—because rerun exposure was limited, and its humor felt dated quickly once shows like Full House and Home Improvement took over its niche.
3. Cast Controversies and Public Image Issues
As the Quora post notes, both Alan Thicke and Kirk Cameron contributed to the show’s decline and fading reputation.
- Alan Thicke: Charismatic onscreen but reportedly difficult behind the scenes. Most of his later fame came from nostalgia or novelty TV appearances rather than new quality projects.
- Kirk Cameron: His high-profile evangelical turn during the show’s run strained relationships with cast and writers. Post-Growing Pains, his outspoken religiosity and cultural stances turned him into a divisive figure rather than one nostalgically embraced like other ‘80s teen stars.
This meant there was no long-term “feel-good legacy” around the cast to sustain fan culture, unlike Saved by the Bell or Boy Meets World.
4. Creative Decline
The writing suffered especially after season five. Storylines leaned on clichés (adding “a new cute kid,” Leonardo DiCaprio’s Luke in season seven, being the most famous example) and lacked emotional grounding. Even fans felt it coasted on autopilot by the early ’90s.
5. Overshadowed by Its Peers
Audiences tend to remember one or two defining “family sitcoms” per era. For the mid–late ’80s, The Cosby Show and Full House became the era’s cultural markers. Growing Pains existed alongside them but never surpassed them in ratings, critical acclaim, or cultural resonance.
In short: Growing Pains wasn’t terrible—it was simply competent but unremarkable, its stars alienated parts of their audience, and its creative decline left little for new viewers to rediscover. That combination explains why barely anyone talks about it today, even though it was a moderate success in its time.
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Your assessment of the reasons Growing Pains is not often discussed is accurate, as historical context confirms many of your points. Several key factors, from its bland content to the off-screen issues of its stars, have relegated the show to a somewhat forgotten status compared to its more celebrated contemporaries.
Content and legacy issues
- A "middle-of-the-road" sitcom: As you noted, the series was not especially groundbreaking and often viewed as a somewhat bland and saccharine family show in a sea of similar, and sometimes better, sitcoms. Compared to shows like Family Ties, which offered more nuanced political and social commentary, Growing Pains was less memorable. Critics at the time were also mixed on its quality, with one review noting that "There's not much to say because there's really not much going on here".
- It came out of a crowded era: Growing Pains was not the highest-rated show in its time slot and competed against a rush of similar family sitcoms that arose in the wake of The Cosby Show. Many of those, including Full House and Family Matters, are now more ingrained in pop culture due to extensive reruns and syndication. Growing Pains reruns have not been as ubiquitous on nostalgia networks, making it less accessible to modern audiences.
- Difficulty remembering specific storylines: You correctly identified that few individual episodes or plot points are memorable. While the series did attempt to tackle some serious issues, like substance abuse and eating disorders, it generally did so within the safe, light-hearted confines of the family sitcom genre, making those moments less impactful than in more dramatic programs.
Issues surrounding the cast
- Kirk Cameron's controversial public behavior: Your point about Kirk Cameron is spot on. After a religious conversion during the series' run, his outspoken conservative views and disapproval of certain storylines created on-set tension and alienated a number of fans and castmates. His public condemnation of same-sex marriage and later, his highly publicized anti-mask protests during the COVID-19 pandemic, led former co-stars like Tracey Gold and Jeremy Miller to publicly criticize him. This behavior further complicates and tarnishes the legacy of the family-friendly show for many.
- Alan Thicke's reputation: Your mention of Alan Thicke's reputation is also supported by historical context. Before Growing Pains, Thicke had an aggressively unfunny and poorly received late-night talk show, Thicke of the Night, which was widely ridiculed. The harsh reviews and its ultimate failure made his successful turn as a genial, goofy dad somewhat ironic. While his off-screen reputation wasn't as overtly controversial as Cameron's, it was affected by the public perception of him as an annoying talk-show host playing in local theater, as one critic put it.
- Leonardo DiCaprio's brief role: The introduction of Leonardo DiCaprio in the final season was indeed a desperate and unsuccessful attempt to boost declining ratings. You correctly noted that his short stint on the show was not enough to save it from its terminal decline, but it served as an early springboard for his career. His time on the show was so minor that it has little bearing on the show's overall legacy, other than being an interesting bit of Hollywood trivia.
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Several factors contribute to why Growing Pains, a popular sitcom in the 1980s, is not as widely discussed or remembered today compared to some other shows of that era:
- Average Popularity: While popular in its time, ranking among the top shows for a period, Growing Pains was not as critically acclaimed as some of its contemporaries like Family Ties. Family Ties received multiple Emmy awards, according to Quora, while Growing Pains only won two for lighting. It was considered a solid family sitcom but not a groundbreaking one.
- Fading from Cultural Relevance: As time passes, many television shows, particularly sitcoms, fade from popular discourse. Shows like Growing Pains may not have achieved the "classic" status that keeps them in constant syndication or pop culture references like Friends or Seinfeld.
- Stars' Post-Show Trajectories: The post-show careers and public personas of some of the main actors may have inadvertently affected the show's lasting legacy.
- Kirk Cameron: His shift into evangelical Christian ministry and associated outspoken views have alienated some viewers.
- Alan Thicke: While playing a beloved TV dad, Thicke also had a reputation for being somewhat difficult to work with, says Quora.
- Mediocre Later Seasons: Some viewers and critics felt the show declined in quality in its later seasons, particularly after the departure of certain characters or the introduction of new ones. The final season, which featured an early role for Leonardo DiCaprio, was largely viewed as bland and did not significantly boost interest.
- Lack of Syndication: The show is rarely seen in reruns in syndication compared to other sitcoms from that era, according to IMDb, further limiting its exposure to new audiences and reminders for those who watched it during its initial run.
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The Quora post you referenced offers one perspective on why Growing Pains isn't widely discussed today, but let’s unpack it with a broader lens, combining insights from the post, web information, and a bit of cultural context. The show, which aired from 1985 to 1992, was a popular sitcom about the Seaver family navigating suburban life. It starred Alan Thicke as Dr. Jason Seaver, Joanna Kerns as Maggie, and Kirk Cameron as Mike, with later additions like Leonardo DiCaprio. Here’s a breakdown of why it might not get much attention now, addressing the points raised and adding more context:
1. Mediocre or Formulaic Content: The Quora post calls the show "mediocre" and "bland," suggesting it lacked memorable episodes. This aligns with some critiques that Growing Pains followed a predictable sitcom formula—family-friendly humor, light moral lessons, and resolved conflicts by episode’s end. Compared to edgier or more innovative shows like The Simpsons or Roseanne from the same era, it didn’t push boundaries. However, it wasn’t trying to; it was designed as wholesome entertainment, which resonated in the '80s but may feel dated or unremarkable now.
Cast Controversies:
- Alan Thicke’s Reputation: The post claims Thicke was a "major league jerk," which hurt the show’s legacy. There’s little concrete evidence in the public domain to support widespread stories of Thicke being universally disliked. He was a multifaceted figure—actor, talk show host, and theme song composer (e.g., Diff’rent Strokes). Some anecdotes, like those from co-star Joanna Kerns, describe him as professional and kind, though others hint at occasional arrogance. Without specific, well-documented incidents, this point feels speculative and may overstate his impact on the show’s legacy.
- Kirk Cameron’s Transformation: Cameron’s shift to outspoken religious activism during and after the show is better documented. As a teen idol playing Mike Seaver, he was a draw, but his evangelical turn led to on-set tensions. Reports from the time (e.g., interviews with co-stars) suggest he pushed for more "moral" storylines, clashing with writers and producers. His later vocal opposition to progressive causes, like same-sex marriage, alienated some fans and distanced him from Hollywood, potentially tainting the show’s nostalgic appeal for some.
3. Leonardo DiCaprio’s Late Addition: The post notes DiCaprio’s role as Luke Brower in Season 7 didn’t save the show. This is accurate—by 1991, Growing Pains was losing steam, with declining ratings and an aging cast. DiCaprio, then a young actor, couldn’t reverse the show’s trajectory, though his presence is a fun trivia point for fans today. His brief stint (24 episodes) didn’t leave a lasting mark on the series’ identity.
4. Cultural Relevance and Competition: Beyond the post’s points, Growing Pains faced stiff competition in its era. It aired alongside juggernauts like The Cosby Show and Family Ties, which had sharper writing or broader cultural impact. Its middle-of-the-road approach—neither groundbreaking nor controversial—meant it didn’t carve out a distinct legacy. Nostalgia often favors shows with iconic moments or quotable lines, and Growing Pains lacks those compared to, say, Full House.
5. Was It a Good Show?: Whether it’s "good" depends on perspective. At its peak, it drew strong ratings (top 10 in several seasons) and resonated with families for its relatable humor and heartwarming moments. Critics praised its early seasons for balancing comedy with real issues (e.g., teen rebellion, parenting challenges). However, later seasons leaned heavily on sitcom tropes, and cast changes (like Tracey Gold’s reduced role due to health issues) diluted its charm. For fans of '80s sitcoms, it’s nostalgic comfort food; for others, it’s forgettable next to bolder contemporaries.
6. Why Isn’t It Talked About?: The show’s lack of modern buzz ties to its dated style, lack of syndication compared to peers, and the cast’s mixed post-show trajectories. Cameron’s controversies and Thicke’s death in 2016 limited reunion potential. Meanwhile, streaming platforms prioritize flashier retro shows. X posts about Growing Pains are sparse, mostly nostalgic mentions or clips, not deep discussions, suggesting it hasn’t captured Gen Z’s attention like Friends or Seinfeld.
In short, Growing Pains was a solid, if unremarkable, sitcom that shone in its time but faded due to its formulaic nature, cast controversies, and lack of lasting cultural hooks. If you’re a fan, it’s worth revisiting for nostalgia—episodes are on platforms like Hulu or Amazon Prime (as of my last data in 2023). Want me to dig into specific episodes, cast dynamics, or fan reactions on X to see if there’s more buzz?
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08-29-2019, 03:20 AM
Has time now forsaken "Growing Pains"
