Why did Larry and Louise Tate wait 16 years to start a family on 'Bewitched'? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TMC · 03-23-2025, 05:28 PM

Weren't they considered old to have children at their age, back in the mid-1960s? And why was Jonathan Tate only seen / mentioned in three episodes? Why didn't the Tates ever bring him to the Stephens' house when the visited, so he could play with Tabitha?

tcr1701 · 04-27-2025, 10:30 AM

It seemed (to me) to be suggested that it just never happened and the Tates thought they could not have kids. When Samantha asked her about it she said "yes finally" like they had tried to start a family unsuccessfully for years.

biffbronson · 04-27-2025, 08:25 PM

That's a very well-reasoned answer tcr1701.

From a series practicality standpoint as well, when it was needed for the Tates to have a child for a storyline, they had one. Later writers would find that of no use or concern, presuming they even knew the infant/toddler had ever been introduced earlier in the series...!

merlinjones · 05-11-2025, 02:27 AM

Larry "Cotton Top'' seemed to have a roving eye "you sonofagun".

biffbronson · 05-11-2025, 07:06 AM

I always found it hilarious when Serena would come-on to or flirt with Larry. I can't imagine in real life having Liz Montgomery acting like that toward me, I would probably pass out.

stevea · 05-11-2025, 07:10 AM

I think EM really got into the Serena character.

As Barbara Eden did the same with Jeannie's sister.

03-23-2025, 05:28 PM	#1
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 124,542	Why did Larry and Louise Tate wait 16 years to start a family on 'Bewitched'? Weren't they considered old to have children at their age, back in the mid-1960s? And why was Jonathan Tate only seen / mentioned in three episodes? Why didn't the Tates ever bring him to the Stephens' house when the visited, so he could play with Tabitha?

04-27-2025, 10:30 AM	#2
tcr1701 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 22, 2012 Posts: 461	It seemed (to me) to be suggested that it just never happened and the Tates thought they could not have kids. When Samantha asked her about it she said "yes finally" like they had tried to start a family unsuccessfully for years.

04-27-2025, 08:25 PM	#3
biffbronson Sentimental Fool Forum Star Join Date: Aug 22, 2009 Location: Near Notre Dame Posts: 10,281	That's a very well-reasoned answer tcr1701. From a series practicality standpoint as well, when it was needed for the Tates to have a child for a storyline, they had one. Later writers would find that of no use or concern, presuming they even knew the infant/toddler had ever been introduced earlier in the series...!

05-11-2025, 02:27 AM	#4
merlinjones Member Forum Regular Join Date: Dec 30, 2019 Location: los ángeles Posts: 931	Larry "Cotton Top'' seemed to have a roving eye "you sonofagun".

05-11-2025, 07:06 AM	#5
biffbronson Sentimental Fool Forum Star Join Date: Aug 22, 2009 Location: Near Notre Dame Posts: 10,281	I always found it hilarious when Serena would come-on to or flirt with Larry. I can't imagine in real life having Liz Montgomery acting like that toward me, I would probably pass out.

05-11-2025, 07:10 AM	#6
stevea 22 Years On Sitcoms Moderator Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 13, 2003 Location: Indy Posts: 44,205	I think EM really got into the Serena character. As Barbara Eden did the same with Jeannie's sister.