Norman Lear: Great TV Mind Or Great Ripoff Artist?!? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 12-08-2010, 11:29 PM

People for years have praised Lear with bringing the best shows of the 70's to TV. Controversial? Yes, but we all know 'All in the Family' was not an original idea. Good Times another gem, was an original script by Eric Monte (who by the way is now homeless)

Is Norman Lear a creative genius OR a glorified rip off artist???

TVFactFan · 12-12-2010, 01:53 PM

Only when it came to Good Times.

Brian Damage · 12-12-2010, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

Only when it came to Good Times.

Even though 'All in the Family' was originally a britcom?

TVFactFan · 12-12-2010, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

Even though 'All in the Family' was originally a britcom?

Well he was the first guy in the US to try it and it worked-lol

Brian Damage · 12-12-2010, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

Well he was the first guy in the US to try it and it worked-lol

I guess you do have a point

lucyandethel · 12-13-2010, 01:22 AM

Success in Hollywood is not about true originality, but how to make a copy original.

Marvo301 · 12-13-2010, 02:06 AM

Both. He was a ripoff artist in that he adopted other peoples ideas. But he was a great TV mind in that he choose very good ideas to adopt and in terms of britcoms was brilliant in how he adapted them for American television.

TMC · 01-26-2015, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvo301

Both. He was a ripoff artist in that he adopted other peoples ideas. But he was a great TV mind in that he choose very good ideas to adopt and in terms of britcoms was brilliant in how he adapted them for American television.

In hindsight, Norman Lear's shows arguably work better as a social commentary and a testimony of how pop culture addressed and tried to shape the societal changes than a genuinely laugh out, funny sitcom. Take for instance, Maude, in which the humor more than often, feels very forced and constructed around heavy-handed messages which feel very much of their time.

Marvo301 · 01-27-2015, 03:03 PM

It's hardly fair to pick on Norman Lear for the lack of originality of his shows. Many TV shows are based on prevoiusly produced material. Some are based on Movies. Others are based on books. And many are "spun off" from other TV shows. So Mr. Lear wasn't the first nor will he be the last to create a TV show based on someone else's work!

12-08-2010, 11:29 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Norman Lear: Great TV Mind Or Great Ripoff Artist?!? People for years have praised Lear with bringing the best shows of the 70's to TV. Controversial? Yes, but we all know 'All in the Family' was not an original idea. Good Times another gem, was an original script by Eric Monte (who by the way is now homeless) Is Norman Lear a creative genius OR a glorified rip off artist???
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

12-13-2010, 02:06 AM	#7
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	Both. He was a ripoff artist in that he adopted other peoples ideas. But he was a great TV mind in that he choose very good ideas to adopt and in terms of britcoms was brilliant in how he adapted them for American television.
	__________________ 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

12-12-2010, 01:53 PM	#2
TVFactFan Member Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Posts: 99,144	Only when it came to Good Times.

12-13-2010, 01:22 AM	#6
lucyandethel Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Dec 18, 2009 Location: Los Angeles CA Posts: 435	Success in Hollywood is not about true originality, but how to make a copy original.

01-27-2015, 03:03 PM	#9
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	It's hardly fair to pick on Norman Lear for the lack of originality of his shows. Many TV shows are based on prevoiusly produced material. Some are based on Movies. Others are based on books. And many are "spun off" from other TV shows. So Mr. Lear wasn't the first nor will he be the last to create a TV show based on someone else's work!