Cast Your Vote For Chicago Tribune's Top 25 Worst TV Shows Ever - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 10-30-2007, 05:04 AM

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This week, CBS canceled its bankrupt casino drama "Viva Laughlin," which some have called one of the worst TV shows ever. Which got us to thinking. Here, then, is our list of The 25 Worst TV Shows Ever. Let the debate begin.

"You're in the Picture" (1961). Jackie Gleason appeared in a prime time quiz show, but it was so bad the quiz format was dropped after one airing and it became instead a short-lived talk show. Even Gleason knew it was bad: "I've seen bombs in my day, but this one made the H-bomb look like a 2-inch salute."

"Petticoat Junction" (1963-'70). Some shows from that era hold up remarkably well -- either as sweet nostalgia or entertaining camp. Not this one, set in Hooterville.

"My Mother the Car" (1965-66). In it, Jerry Van Dyke's mother was reincarnated as a talking automobile, the voice supplied by Ann Sothern. Actually made it through one season.

"Turn-On" (1969). Illegitimate son of "Laugh-In." Lasted one episode.

"Ernest Angley Hour" (1973-present). Broadcast from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Angley's Southern rural lisp deliveries are syndicated worldwide. While he doesn't claim to be a faith healer, his trademark palm-of-the-hand to the forehead is accompanied by his high-pitched shout "Be heeeeaaaalllled!" as the healee drops to the floor, to be caught by an assistant.

"B.J. and the Bear" (1979-81). Comedy/adventure about an itinerant trucker who traveled the nation's highways with his pet chimpanzee.

"When Things Were Rotten" (1975). Created by Mel Brooks. Hoo boy. Lasted a half season. Brooks used the same Robin Hood theme in the 1993 movie "Men in Tights."

"Mr. T. and Tina" (1976). Starring Pat Morita (who also played Arnold on "Happy Days"). Canceled after five episodes.

"The Ropers" (1979-80). An entire show built around the landlords from the nearly as awful "Three's Company."

"Joanie Loves Chachi" (1982-83). Scott Baio's addition to "Happy Days" was a classic jump-the-shark moment; here the shark goes belly up and begins to smell.

"Mama's Family" (1983-90). The Vickie Lawrence skit was the weak link on "The Carol Burnett Show." So, naturally, it got a weekly half-hour.

"Manimal" (1983). NYU prof could change into any animal to help fight crimes. Show turned into a turkey.

"Mr. Belvedere" (1985-90). Starred Bob Uecker -- need we say more?

"Small Wonder" (1985-89): Robot scientist builds robot in the shape of a 10-year-old girl, then tries to hide her amid his family. Theme-song quote: "She's fantastic/Made of plastic."

"Life With Lucy" (1986). Lucille Ball's final, disastrous short-lived series. It lasted only a few months but still tarnished the TV icon's legacy.

"Beauty and the Beast" (1987-90). The pretty gal and ugly critter didn't just love each other; they solved crimes!

"Cop Rock" (1990). Steven Bochco, apparently bored with making legitimate cop series ("Hill Street Blues"), decided it would be fun to have cops sing, and it would be even more fun to have them performing legit, hard-core cop work while they did it.

"Pink Lady and Jeff" (1980): Quite possibly the most demented variety show of all time, this bizarre offering paired two Japanese pop singers who spoke almost no English with comedian Jeff Altman. Hilarity did not ensue

"The 100 Lives of Black Jack Savage" (1991). A 17th Century pirate trans-whatevered to modern times has to save a life for every one he's taken. Which, come to think of it, is the same plot as "My Name Is Earl."

"The Jerry Springer Show" (1991 to present). His aim is low.

"Barney & Friends" (1992-present). Yes, some little kids love it. But parents helped compile this list, and it annoys the heck out of us.

"Homeboys from Outer Space" (1996-97). The name was a tip-off.

"The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer" (1998). A black British gentleman run out of England for cheating takes a job as a butler to Abraham Lincoln. And it was a comedy. And it made fun of slavery.

XFL (2001). NBC and Pro wrestling decide football isn't entertaining enough the way it is. They are wrong.

"Cavemen" (2007): We'll take this insurance commercial, see, only we'll make it 30 times as long! No, not the one with the lizard.

comedyfreak · 10-30-2007, 07:55 AM

I disagree with their choice of Petticoat Junction, it lasted 7 seasons and did good in the ratings. They don't know what they're talking about!

JulieSomoski · 10-30-2007, 04:16 PM

yeah, Petticoat Junction should definitely not be up there. As much as I hate mama's Family, I don't think it should be up there either, since it was actually reincarnated in syndication. Same for The Ropers. Even though it lasted a season and 6 episodes, it wasn't nearly as bad as Three's a Crowd.

dawsongirl · 10-30-2007, 08:55 PM

Agreed with all posters about Petticoat Junction. Wasn't the greatest show ever, but far from the worst.

I do agree with Life with Lucy. God...half the cast couldn't even act. That blond who played her daughter was the worst. Small Wonder was pretty badly acted as well. I've seen better HS plays.

eltonfan80 · 10-30-2007, 09:09 PM

what about homes and yo yos

Ireneparalegal · 10-30-2007, 09:12 PM

How can they say The Ropers and then say "nearly as awful as Three's Company"? Three's Company was a hit and a great show. It was the original FRIENDS.

Mama's Family was a hit and lasted a great deal of time on the air for a reason: it was funny.

Mr. Belvedere I thoroughly enjoyed.

Petticoat Junction is right up there with Green Acres and Andy Griffith. What the hell is wrong with these people????

The rest of the list is what belongs in that other thread YOUR 25 WORST SHOWS OF ALL TIME.

Zoneboy · 10-30-2007, 09:23 PM

One thing they failed to mention was that even though When Things were Rotten only lasted half a season, It was loved by most critics. This was one show that I looked forward each week to watching when I was a kid. Comedy Central aired reruns several years ago and they were just as enjoyable as I remembered them so along with the others already mentioned, This one has no business being on the list.

Mikado · 10-30-2007, 09:25 PM

I liked when things were rotten also!

OH Nuts! · 10-30-2007, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roseanne88-97

yeah, Petticoat Junction should definitely not be up there. As much as I hate mama's Family, I don't think it should be up there either, since it was actually reincarnated in syndication. Same for The Ropers. Even though it lasted a season and 6 episodes, it wasn't nearly as bad as Three's a Crowd.

Well the Tribune has a right to their opinion but I think they're way off about Petticoat Junction. Bea Benederet was a great actress and voice over artist, and to me, Kate Bradley was an endearing character. I also liked Mama's Family thought nowhere's near as much as Petticoat Junction.

And why wasn't the Pruitts of Southampton on the list????

HugeTVFan · 10-30-2007, 11:00 PM

I saw the top 10/15 or so in the actual paper. It's funny that everyone says Barney is bad and Jerry Springer. Yes, Jerry Springer is trailer-trash but it's number one on everybody's list. And Petticoat Junction? Wow. And Three's Company is awful? Mama's Family? Who wrote this list? Some of these shows are popular....they probably just should've made it a list of the worst one-year wonders.

bencasey · 10-30-2007, 11:44 PM

The Munsters Today was the worst show I've ever seen in my life. Other shows that should be on the list:

Ugliest Girl in Town
It's About Time
Me and the Chimp
Grindl
Tammy Grimes Show

All of those are far worse than My Mother the Car. Petticoat Junction does not belong on the list. Gilligan's Island is a much worse show than PJ is.

Dean Winchester · 10-31-2007, 12:12 AM

go Pink Lady!!! worst show ever, I have the DVD too

catlover79 · 10-31-2007, 12:24 AM

^ I've seen Pink Lady, too, and it IS a clunker. I borrowed the DVDs from my then-boss, who at the time had a side gig hosting a pop-culture radio show.

I can't BELIEVE they did not include My Big Fat Greek Life...EASILY the worst show I've ever seen!!

They should've just left the movie alone!!

As a kid, I LOVED Mr. Belvedere - although I haven't seen it in years. Why isn't THAT show on DVD???

I enjoyed Mama's Family as well.

I am quite familiar with Ernest Angley - his show is taped about an hour south of where I live. I've caught bits and pieces of it flipping past various channels. He is a REALLY creepy guy, imo. *shudders*

I've never seen Manimal, but I'd love to.

XFL...

JT · 10-31-2007, 06:30 PM

The Chicago Tribune is welcome to their opinion. But I don't see why they think *their* opinion needs to be printed for millions to see. What would be the difference between them printing theirs and me printing mine?

friendsfan77 · 10-31-2007, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

As a kid, I LOVED Mr. Belvedere - although I haven't seen it in years. Why isn't THAT show on DVD???

I agree. Mr. Belvedere was awesome.

10-30-2007, 05:04 AM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,359	Cast Your Vote For Chicago Tribune's Top 25 Worst TV Shows Ever Link This week, CBS canceled its bankrupt casino drama "Viva Laughlin," which some have called one of the worst TV shows ever. Which got us to thinking. Here, then, is our list of The 25 Worst TV Shows Ever. Let the debate begin. "You're in the Picture" (1961). Jackie Gleason appeared in a prime time quiz show, but it was so bad the quiz format was dropped after one airing and it became instead a short-lived talk show. Even Gleason knew it was bad: "I've seen bombs in my day, but this one made the H-bomb look like a 2-inch salute." "Petticoat Junction" (1963-'70). Some shows from that era hold up remarkably well -- either as sweet nostalgia or entertaining camp. Not this one, set in Hooterville. "My Mother the Car" (1965-66). In it, Jerry Van Dyke's mother was reincarnated as a talking automobile, the voice supplied by Ann Sothern. Actually made it through one season. "Turn-On" (1969). Illegitimate son of "Laugh-In." Lasted one episode. "Ernest Angley Hour" (1973-present). Broadcast from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Angley's Southern rural lisp deliveries are syndicated worldwide. While he doesn't claim to be a faith healer, his trademark palm-of-the-hand to the forehead is accompanied by his high-pitched shout "Be heeeeaaaalllled!" as the healee drops to the floor, to be caught by an assistant. "B.J. and the Bear" (1979-81). Comedy/adventure about an itinerant trucker who traveled the nation's highways with his pet chimpanzee. "When Things Were Rotten" (1975). Created by Mel Brooks. Hoo boy. Lasted a half season. Brooks used the same Robin Hood theme in the 1993 movie "Men in Tights." "Mr. T. and Tina" (1976). Starring Pat Morita (who also played Arnold on "Happy Days"). Canceled after five episodes. "The Ropers" (1979-80). An entire show built around the landlords from the nearly as awful "Three's Company." "Joanie Loves Chachi" (1982-83). Scott Baio's addition to "Happy Days" was a classic jump-the-shark moment; here the shark goes belly up and begins to smell. "Mama's Family" (1983-90). The Vickie Lawrence skit was the weak link on "The Carol Burnett Show." So, naturally, it got a weekly half-hour. "Manimal" (1983). NYU prof could change into any animal to help fight crimes. Show turned into a turkey. "Mr. Belvedere" (1985-90). Starred Bob Uecker -- need we say more? "Small Wonder" (1985-89): Robot scientist builds robot in the shape of a 10-year-old girl, then tries to hide her amid his family. Theme-song quote: "She's fantastic/Made of plastic." "Life With Lucy" (1986). Lucille Ball's final, disastrous short-lived series. It lasted only a few months but still tarnished the TV icon's legacy. "Beauty and the Beast" (1987-90). The pretty gal and ugly critter didn't just love each other; they solved crimes! "Cop Rock" (1990). Steven Bochco, apparently bored with making legitimate cop series ("Hill Street Blues"), decided it would be fun to have cops sing, and it would be even more fun to have them performing legit, hard-core cop work while they did it. "Pink Lady and Jeff" (1980): Quite possibly the most demented variety show of all time, this bizarre offering paired two Japanese pop singers who spoke almost no English with comedian Jeff Altman. Hilarity did not ensue "The 100 Lives of Black Jack Savage" (1991). A 17th Century pirate trans-whatevered to modern times has to save a life for every one he's taken. Which, come to think of it, is the same plot as "My Name Is Earl." "The Jerry Springer Show" (1991 to present). His aim is low. "Barney & Friends" (1992-present). Yes, some little kids love it. But parents helped compile this list, and it annoys the heck out of us. "Homeboys from Outer Space" (1996-97). The name was a tip-off. "The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer" (1998). A black British gentleman run out of England for cheating takes a job as a butler to Abraham Lincoln. And it was a comedy. And it made fun of slavery. XFL (2001). NBC and Pro wrestling decide football isn't entertaining enough the way it is. They are wrong. "Cavemen" (2007): We'll take this insurance commercial, see, only we'll make it 30 times as long! No, not the one with the lizard.
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10-30-2007, 07:55 AM	#2
comedyfreak Cheers! Forum Fanatic Join Date: Dec 14, 2005 Location: Sunny California Posts: 11,059	I disagree with their choice of Petticoat Junction, it lasted 7 seasons and did good in the ratings. They don't know what they're talking about!
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10-30-2007, 04:16 PM	#3
JulieSomoski Roseanne Reboot - March 27! Forum Veteran Join Date: Nov 06, 2004 Location: Michigan Posts: 7,558	yeah, Petticoat Junction should definitely not be up there. As much as I hate mama's Family, I don't think it should be up there either, since it was actually reincarnated in syndication. Same for The Ropers. Even though it lasted a season and 6 episodes, it wasn't nearly as bad as Three's a Crowd.
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10-30-2007, 09:09 PM	#5
eltonfan80 RIP MJ I'LL MISS YOU FOREVER Forum Regular Join Date: Jan 11, 2005 Location: in a cloud above the sky Posts: 847	what about homes and yo yos
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10-30-2007, 09:12 PM	#6
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	How can they say The Ropers and then say "nearly as awful as Three's Company"? Three's Company was a hit and a great show. It was the original FRIENDS. Mama's Family was a hit and lasted a great deal of time on the air for a reason: it was funny. Mr. Belvedere I thoroughly enjoyed. Petticoat Junction is right up there with Green Acres and Andy Griffith. What the hell is wrong with these people???? The rest of the list is what belongs in that other thread YOUR 25 WORST SHOWS OF ALL TIME.
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10-30-2007, 08:55 PM	#4
dawsongirl Member Forum Icon Join Date: Jan 04, 2001 Posts: 53,128	Agreed with all posters about Petticoat Junction. Wasn't the greatest show ever, but far from the worst. I do agree with Life with Lucy. God...half the cast couldn't even act. That blond who played her daughter was the worst. Small Wonder was pretty badly acted as well. I've seen better HS plays.

10-30-2007, 09:23 PM	#7
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,359	One thing they failed to mention was that even though When Things were Rotten only lasted half a season, It was loved by most critics. This was one show that I looked forward each week to watching when I was a kid. Comedy Central aired reruns several years ago and they were just as enjoyable as I remembered them so along with the others already mentioned, This one has no business being on the list.

10-30-2007, 09:25 PM	#8
Mikado Main st bridge Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 06, 2005 Posts: 25,880	I liked when things were rotten also!

10-30-2007, 11:00 PM	#10
HugeTVFan Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jan 04, 2007 Location: Chicago, Illinois Posts: 326	I saw the top 10/15 or so in the actual paper. It's funny that everyone says Barney is bad and Jerry Springer. Yes, Jerry Springer is trailer-trash but it's number one on everybody's list. And Petticoat Junction? Wow. And Three's Company is awful? Mama's Family? Who wrote this list? Some of these shows are popular....they probably just should've made it a list of the worst one-year wonders.

10-30-2007, 11:44 PM	#11
bencasey Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: Long Beach Posts: 1,692	The Munsters Today was the worst show I've ever seen in my life. Other shows that should be on the list: Ugliest Girl in Town It's About Time Me and the Chimp Grindl Tammy Grimes Show All of those are far worse than My Mother the Car. Petticoat Junction does not belong on the list. Gilligan's Island is a much worse show than PJ is.

10-31-2007, 12:12 AM	#12
Dean Winchester Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 28, 2003 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 14,803	go Pink Lady!!! worst show ever, I have the DVD too

10-31-2007, 12:24 AM	#13
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	^ I've seen Pink Lady, too, and it IS a clunker. I borrowed the DVDs from my then-boss, who at the time had a side gig hosting a pop-culture radio show. I can't BELIEVE they did not include My Big Fat Greek Life...EASILY the worst show I've ever seen!! They should've just left the movie alone!! As a kid, I LOVED Mr. Belvedere - although I haven't seen it in years. Why isn't THAT show on DVD??? I enjoyed Mama's Family as well. I am quite familiar with Ernest Angley - his show is taped about an hour south of where I live. I've caught bits and pieces of it flipping past various channels. He is a REALLY creepy guy, imo. shudders I've never seen Manimal, but I'd love to. XFL...
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10-31-2007, 06:30 PM	#14
JT Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 29, 2001 Location: USA Posts: 7,223	The Chicago Tribune is welcome to their opinion. But I don't see why they think their opinion needs to be printed for millions to see. What would be the difference between them printing theirs and me printing mine?
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