Was 'The Bob Newhart Show' Groundbreaking TV Or Just A Classic Sitcom? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 01-02-2011, 09:31 PM

It would not be until the 1970s and the Bob Newhart Show that he achieved superstar status, however. That show joined such others as All in the Family, the Mary Tyler Moore Show and MASH in changing the landscape of sitcoms in the 1970s.

The movement was away from tired and recycled plots and outrageous adventures and toward a more mature focus on the reality of life for adults in the wake of the social upheaval of the 1960s and the opening up of
previous taboo subjects. Of course, as always, Bob Newhart's style of comedy was far gentler than some of these other shows. In addition, there was always a strain of zaniness to be found in the best of Newhart's shows.

Marvo301 · 01-02-2011, 10:32 PM

I think this show was groundbreaking as it dealt with a psychologist and his patients and did it in a humorous way. I don't think any show prior to this ever tried to find the humor in mental health issues. The Bob Newhart show did and it did so with very funny results.

catlover79 · 01-02-2011, 11:17 PM

BOTH!!!

Retro4Life · 01-03-2011, 12:20 AM

It wasn't as groundbreaking as say, AITF, but in it's own quiet way, yes it delved into new territory. Marv's point about mental health issues is part of it, but beyond that it showed two adults who were really equals in a marriage, which was a rarity in 1972, and it showcased a very subtle type of humor that was also rare in those days, and I daresay, is STILL rare.

catlover79 · 01-03-2011, 10:23 AM

In this PC day and age, who would dare make a show that poked fun (albeit good-natured fun) at mental patients? Another nice thing was that Bob and Emily truly loved each other - although they had their disagreements and habits that got on each other's nerves - but they didn't tear each other down, they built each other up.

01-02-2011, 09:31 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	Was 'The Bob Newhart Show' Groundbreaking TV Or Just A Classic Sitcom? It would not be until the 1970s and the Bob Newhart Show that he achieved superstar status, however. That show joined such others as All in the Family, the Mary Tyler Moore Show and MASH in changing the landscape of sitcoms in the 1970s. The movement was away from tired and recycled plots and outrageous adventures and toward a more mature focus on the reality of life for adults in the wake of the social upheaval of the 1960s and the opening up of previous taboo subjects. Of course, as always, Bob Newhart's style of comedy was far gentler than some of these other shows. In addition, there was always a strain of zaniness to be found in the best of Newhart's shows.
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

01-02-2011, 10:32 PM	#2
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,461	I think this show was groundbreaking as it dealt with a psychologist and his patients and did it in a humorous way. I don't think any show prior to this ever tried to find the humor in mental health issues. The Bob Newhart show did and it did so with very funny results.
	__________________ 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

01-02-2011, 11:17 PM	#3
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	BOTH!!!
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01-03-2011, 12:20 AM	#4
Retro4Life Accept No Substitutes Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 04, 2009 Location: IL Posts: 6,708	It wasn't as groundbreaking as say, AITF, but in it's own quiet way, yes it delved into new territory. Marv's point about mental health issues is part of it, but beyond that it showed two adults who were really equals in a marriage, which was a rarity in 1972, and it showcased a very subtle type of humor that was also rare in those days, and I daresay, is STILL rare.
	__________________ Alex Reiger :[Trying to convince Louie not to antagonize Bobby] "It's not hard to make people feel bad about their lives. What's hard is making people feel good about their lives."

01-03-2011, 10:23 AM	#5
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	In this PC day and age, who would dare make a show that poked fun (albeit good-natured fun) at mental patients? Another nice thing was that Bob and Emily truly loved each other - although they had their disagreements and habits that got on each other's nerves - but they didn't tear each other down, they built each other up.