Anatomy Of A Hit: 'Yes, Dear' - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Family Ties Forever! · 03-10-2005, 11:59 PM

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr..._id=1000834662

Anatomy of a hit: 'Yes, Dear'
Despite its low network profile and lack of critical support, the CBS sitcom has been the little comedy that could.

By Ray Richmond
Anatomy of a hit: "Yes,' Dear"

Family matters: The creators of 'Yes, Dear' discuss their inspiration.
That the CBS comedy "Yes, Dear" would see a 100th episode (airing tonight at 9:30 EST/PST) is something akin to the 50-1 long shot winning at the racetrack. Classic shows such as "Moonlighting" and "thirtysomething" never made it. And in "Dear," we have a largely traditional family sitcom airing in an age where the quirky is king and on a network that has bestowed far more promotion and marketing might to the likes of "Everybody Loves Raymond" and "The King of Queens."

Then there were the critics. They never much liked "Dear" and weren't shy about saying so. Many predicted that it would be the first series to be canceled in the 2000-2001 primetime season. But here it is, 4-1/2 years later, rolling through a fifth season that was delayed until Feb. 16 but whose 13 episodes are slated to run through early May. The 109th episode might or might not prove to be the series finale, as "Dear" could conceivably return in the fall or next spring for a sixth go-round.

"We've always felt as if we were the little show that could -- and we have," says "Dear" co-creator/executive producer Alan Kirschenbaum. "I've also been associated with a few big shows that can't, too, so I know the difference. But I think the year that CBS first put us on, we were the only new family comedy on any network. We looked like the very formula, old-fashioned choice. But appearances can be deceiving. This show has always had a lot more going on than people gave us credit for."

At its core, "Dear" surrounds the conflict between neurotic, yuppie parents Greg and Kim Warner (Anthony Clark and Jean Louisa Kelly) and their working-class relatives, the Hughes clan (Mike O'Malley and Liza Snyder). None of the four regulars has become a breakout star, which has limited the show's exposure, as has its longtime positioning on Monday nights, operating at 8:30 between -- and in the shadow of -- "King" and "Raymond."

Notes one industry observer who requested anonymity: "I think CBS kind of took 'Yes, Dear' for granted, and that based on the strength of its Monday night schedule, it didn't need to promote the show meaningfully. I think that sends a subconscious message to viewers about the way a network feels about its show."

03-10-2005, 11:59 PM	#1
Family Ties Forever! Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Apr 16, 2002 Location: Keaton residence Posts: 10,214	Anatomy Of A Hit: 'Yes, Dear' http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr..._id=1000834662 Anatomy of a hit: 'Yes, Dear' Despite its low network profile and lack of critical support, the CBS sitcom has been the little comedy that could. By Ray Richmond Anatomy of a hit: "Yes,' Dear" Family matters: The creators of 'Yes, Dear' discuss their inspiration. That the CBS comedy "Yes, Dear" would see a 100th episode (airing tonight at 9:30 EST/PST) is something akin to the 50-1 long shot winning at the racetrack. Classic shows such as "Moonlighting" and "thirtysomething" never made it. And in "Dear," we have a largely traditional family sitcom airing in an age where the quirky is king and on a network that has bestowed far more promotion and marketing might to the likes of "Everybody Loves Raymond" and "The King of Queens." Then there were the critics. They never much liked "Dear" and weren't shy about saying so. Many predicted that it would be the first series to be canceled in the 2000-2001 primetime season. But here it is, 4-1/2 years later, rolling through a fifth season that was delayed until Feb. 16 but whose 13 episodes are slated to run through early May. The 109th episode might or might not prove to be the series finale, as "Dear" could conceivably return in the fall or next spring for a sixth go-round. "We've always felt as if we were the little show that could -- and we have," says "Dear" co-creator/executive producer Alan Kirschenbaum. "I've also been associated with a few big shows that can't, too, so I know the difference. But I think the year that CBS first put us on, we were the only new family comedy on any network. We looked like the very formula, old-fashioned choice. But appearances can be deceiving. This show has always had a lot more going on than people gave us credit for." At its core, "Dear" surrounds the conflict between neurotic, yuppie parents Greg and Kim Warner (Anthony Clark and Jean Louisa Kelly) and their working-class relatives, the Hughes clan (Mike O'Malley and Liza Snyder). None of the four regulars has become a breakout star, which has limited the show's exposure, as has its longtime positioning on Monday nights, operating at 8:30 between -- and in the shadow of -- "King" and "Raymond." Notes one industry observer who requested anonymity: "I think CBS kind of took 'Yes, Dear' for granted, and that based on the strength of its Monday night schedule, it didn't need to promote the show meaningfully. I think that sends a subconscious message to viewers about the way a network feels about its show."