Would 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' Still Worked If It Was Set Someplace Else? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 05-08-2011, 10:17 PM

Was the setting of Minneapolis all that important to this show or could it have easily worked if it was set in New York, Chicago or LA?

SpunkiiMonkii7078 · 05-09-2011, 01:26 AM

I definitely think Minneapolis was key. If Mary lived in New York or Chicago there would be no way WJM would have someone like Ted or a news show that was doing so poorly. Also, Minneapolis has the advantage of being a city but also I think the fact that it is not a big, idolized city had it advantages. There were still things to do and showed Mary made it to the city, but also left enough room to make Mary seem normal like the rest of us by not living in glitz and still having to deal with the normal things we do.

Kristen · 05-09-2011, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpunkiiMonkii7078

I definitely think Minneapolis was key. If Mary lived in New York or Chicago there would be no way WJM would have someone like Ted or a news show that was doing so poorly. Also, Minneapolis has the advantage of being a city but also I think the fact that it is not a big, idolized city had it advantages. There were still things to do and showed Mary made it to the city, but also left enough room to make Mary seem normal like the rest of us by not living in glitz and still having to deal with the normal things we do.

You make some really good points. But I think the show could've worked anywhere, as long as it kept the "small town" feel. Meaning, I don't think it would've worked as well, say, in NYC. Plus you had the weather factor, like w/ the snow, which contributed to a few of the episodes. So I don't think it would've worked that well in CA, either. But anyplace else would have been fine, I think.

- Kristen

catlover79 · 05-09-2011, 05:50 PM

I don't know if it would've made a difference, but I like how Minneapolis was chosen. How many other shows were set there? As a Midwestern girl, I appreciate that.

Marvo301 · 05-09-2011, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

I don't know if it would've made a difference, but I like how Minneapolis was chosen. How many other shows were set there? As a Midwestern girl, I appreciate that.

I can only think of two other shows that were set in Minnesota. Little House on the Prairie and Coach.

old grouch · 05-10-2011, 09:48 AM

In 1970, having a sitcom set in a real midwestern town like Minneapolis was a pretty original idea. Before then, most sitcoms took place in fictional towns like Mayberry. And if they did take place in the city, it was usually New York ('Family Affair') or LA (the later seasons of 'My Three Sons').

OH Nuts! · 05-10-2011, 05:38 PM

Definitely not a BIG city like NYC, Chi or LA. - maybe a smaller one like Cinncinatti, Des Moines, something in the midwest. Its hard for me though to think of the show anyplace else but Minneapolis (although another midwestern medium-sized city would have worked.)

Marvo301 · 05-10-2011, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OH Nuts!

Definitely not a BIG city like NYC, Chi or LA. - maybe a smaller one like Cinncinatti, Des Moines, something in the midwest. Its hard for me though to think of the show anyplace else but Minneapolis (although another midwestern medium-sized city would have worked.)

It would have to be a cold weather city. Remember Rhoda told Mary that she moved to Minneapolis because the cold weather would preserve her and keep her young longer!

Rich3 · 05-20-2011, 07:04 AM

No. I've heard that Minneapolis is called the city of the lakes. That is one of the things featured in the opening that seems to fit Mary's personality. It is also known for it's unique downtown and shopping areas.

05-08-2011, 10:17 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	Would 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' Still Worked If It Was Set Someplace Else? Was the setting of Minneapolis all that important to this show or could it have easily worked if it was set in New York, Chicago or LA?
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05-09-2011, 01:26 AM	#2
SpunkiiMonkii7078 Member Forum Regular Join Date: Oct 20, 2004 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 784	I definitely think Minneapolis was key. If Mary lived in New York or Chicago there would be no way WJM would have someone like Ted or a news show that was doing so poorly. Also, Minneapolis has the advantage of being a city but also I think the fact that it is not a big, idolized city had it advantages. There were still things to do and showed Mary made it to the city, but also left enough room to make Mary seem normal like the rest of us by not living in glitz and still having to deal with the normal things we do.
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05-09-2011, 05:50 PM	#4
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	I don't know if it would've made a difference, but I like how Minneapolis was chosen. How many other shows were set there? As a Midwestern girl, I appreciate that.
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05-10-2011, 09:48 AM	#6
old grouch Member Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2010 Location: montana Posts: 1,877	In 1970, having a sitcom set in a real midwestern town like Minneapolis was a pretty original idea. Before then, most sitcoms took place in fictional towns like Mayberry. And if they did take place in the city, it was usually New York ('Family Affair') or LA (the later seasons of 'My Three Sons').

05-10-2011, 05:38 PM	#7
OH Nuts! Member Forum King Join Date: Feb 15, 2005 Posts: 133,383	Definitely not a BIG city like NYC, Chi or LA. - maybe a smaller one like Cinncinatti, Des Moines, something in the midwest. Its hard for me though to think of the show anyplace else but Minneapolis (although another midwestern medium-sized city would have worked.)

05-20-2011, 07:04 AM	#9
Rich3 Member Forum Regular Join Date: Oct 10, 2005 Posts: 695	No. I've heard that Minneapolis is called the city of the lakes. That is one of the things featured in the opening that seems to fit Mary's personality. It is also known for it's unique downtown and shopping areas.