The appeal of the "Girl-Next-Door" type! - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

steevo · 01-12-2009, 10:46 PM

Through all of the TV (both sitcoms and dramas) that I have watched over the years, I have noticed a connection that I seem to have with the "girl-next-door" type. They seem more real, down to earth, and relatable to me, more so than the rich, glitzy, more exotic characters that they seem to always be paired up with.

Examples:

Mary Ann and Ginger (Gilligan's Island)- While Ginger was the glamorous, beautiful movie star, Mary Ann was more real and wholesome. You could relate to her more.

Bailey and Jennifer (WKRP in Cinncinati)- Again, Jennifer was the "sex symbol", but Bailey at the beginning was shy, but her character developed and got stronger. I can relate to her development of built confidence.

Janet and Chrissy (Three's Company)- Chrissy always was the one that guys would drool over, but Janet was the more sensible, relatable one here. It helps that Joyce Dewitt seems to be a nice person in real life (as is Dawn Wells, of course).

Betty and Veronica (Archie Comics)- OK, not a sitcom (although there were cartoons in the 70's

) but I think it applies here, too. Veronica is the rich girl who at times acts spoiled while Betty is more down to earth.

The bottom line is, the more down to earth characters are relatable, (and still hot, too, IMHO).

Thoughts?

Mikado · 01-12-2009, 11:51 PM

I agree, for example, I thought Justine Bateman was far more interesting as Mallory than say, a "Kelly Bundy" type would have been in the role

Another good example is Gabrielle Miller (as Lacey) on Corner Gas....beautiful, yet not busty or Hollywood's idea of "perfect", yet, everything a man could want in a woman

comedyfreak · 01-13-2009, 09:54 AM

Petticoat Junction-Betty Jo and Bobby Jo were down to earth more so than Billie Jo who was very forward and boy crazy.

Marvo301 · 01-13-2009, 06:28 PM

Marcia Brady and Jan Brady. Marcia was the one all the boys wanted to date. Jan was the girl next door.(I always thought Jan was groovy!)

janet42 · 01-13-2009, 08:30 PM

I always liked the girl next door.

Billie Jo Bradley (Jeanine Riley) always got the boys and was girl crazy and Bobbie Jo (Pat Woodel) was the quiet one and I always liked her better.

Chrissy was boy crazy also and Janet was the quiet one and always kept things organized at the apartment. I always liked Janet better.

Name: Janet Wood.jpg
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Name: Janet Wood.jpg
Views: 41
Size: 162.8 KB

Mikado · 01-13-2009, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvo301

Marcia Brady and Jan Brady. Marcia was the one all the boys wanted to date. Jan was the girl next door.(I always thought Jan was groovy!)

Personally, I always thought Marcia was FUGLY....I MUCH prefered the super-cute Jan!

steevo · 01-13-2009, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikado

Personally, I always thought Marcia was FUGLY....I MUCH prefered the super-cute Jan!

So did I. I especially liked her in season 5. She really came into her own in terms of beauty.

01-12-2009, 10:46 PM	#1
steevo It is Green Senior Member Join Date: Dec 28, 2008 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,476	The appeal of the "Girl-Next-Door" type! Through all of the TV (both sitcoms and dramas) that I have watched over the years, I have noticed a connection that I seem to have with the "girl-next-door" type. They seem more real, down to earth, and relatable to me, more so than the rich, glitzy, more exotic characters that they seem to always be paired up with. Examples: Mary Ann and Ginger (Gilligan's Island)- While Ginger was the glamorous, beautiful movie star, Mary Ann was more real and wholesome. You could relate to her more. Bailey and Jennifer (WKRP in Cinncinati)- Again, Jennifer was the "sex symbol", but Bailey at the beginning was shy, but her character developed and got stronger. I can relate to her development of built confidence. Janet and Chrissy (Three's Company)- Chrissy always was the one that guys would drool over, but Janet was the more sensible, relatable one here. It helps that Joyce Dewitt seems to be a nice person in real life (as is Dawn Wells, of course). Betty and Veronica (Archie Comics)- OK, not a sitcom (although there were cartoons in the 70's ) but I think it applies here, too. Veronica is the rich girl who at times acts spoiled while Betty is more down to earth. The bottom line is, the more down to earth characters are relatable, (and still hot, too, IMHO). Thoughts?
	__________________ "God be gracious to us and bless us..." Psalm 67:1

01-12-2009, 11:51 PM	#2
Mikado Main st bridge Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 06, 2005 Posts: 25,892	I agree, for example, I thought Justine Bateman was far more interesting as Mallory than say, a "Kelly Bundy" type would have been in the role Another good example is Gabrielle Miller (as Lacey) on Corner Gas....beautiful, yet not busty or Hollywood's idea of "perfect", yet, everything a man could want in a woman Attached Images

01-13-2009, 09:54 AM	#3
comedyfreak Cheers! Forum Fanatic Join Date: Dec 14, 2005 Location: Sunny California Posts: 11,061	Petticoat Junction-Betty Jo and Bobby Jo were down to earth more so than Billie Jo who was very forward and boy crazy.
	__________________ www.facebook.com/comedyfreak

01-13-2009, 06:28 PM	#4
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	Marcia Brady and Jan Brady. Marcia was the one all the boys wanted to date. Jan was the girl next door.(I always thought Jan was groovy!)
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

01-13-2009, 08:30 PM	#5
janet42 Three's Company Fan! Senior Member Join Date: Feb 22, 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,757	I always liked the girl next door. Billie Jo Bradley (Jeanine Riley) always got the boys and was girl crazy and Bobbie Jo (Pat Woodel) was the quiet one and I always liked her better. Chrissy was boy crazy also and Janet was the quiet one and always kept things organized at the apartment. I always liked Janet better. Attached Images
	Last edited by janet42; 01-13-2009 at 08:50 PM.