Are The Cleavers TV's "Funniest Family?" - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 06-25-2011, 05:50 PM

1. Ward, June, Wally, and Beaver (Theodore) Cleaver land as the funniest family ever to cross the air waves. "Leave It to Beaver" sits among the top of the all-time television classics. Between "the Beaver" and his problems with lying and being game for anything suggested by his friends, and Wally being led about by Eddie Haskel, this show hits high on the laugh meter. It continues to be a timeless source of family entertainment year after year.

http://www.allvoices.com/contributed...st-tv-families

1960'sTVfan · 06-25-2011, 06:01 PM

I don't think I would call them the funniest family, there are other family sitcoms that have more laugh out loud moments. But when you consider the overall consistency and quality of the writing over 6 seasons and 234 episodes, nothing tops Leave It To Beaver.

The Flying Dutchmans · 06-25-2011, 08:12 PM

Funny is only the opinion of an individual. I think LITB was a very funny show. But there were other families that were very funny too. My personal opinion is Mr. Belvedere was a very funny show. So was Happy days. The Cunninghams were a very funny family.

Hughsgirl · 06-26-2011, 08:49 AM

I agree it's just a matter of personal opinion, but I would say the Cleaver's are ONE of the funniest ones. The Nelsons were also quite funny and so many more.

Cincy Guy · 06-26-2011, 12:38 PM

Leave It To Beaver has what I call, subtle humor. Much of the laughter comes from almost basic conversational talk as opposed to someone falling down, etc. It should also be pointed out that each of the cast members share in getting lines that get laughs. Along with Beaver, it could be: Wally, Ward, June, Eddie, Lumpy, Fred, Larry, Mrs. Mondello, etc.

It's interesting to note that in the final seasons of the show, there are topical references to real persons of those times (for example: Tuesday Weld, Jack Paar, Broderick Crawford, even Cassius Clay). I still find them funny and a part of that may be hearing those names again. However, someone who could now be even in their 40's, for example, might not get the full measure of the meaning. Despite that, the series continues to win new fans and keep the ones who have seen every episode.

Hughsgirl · 06-27-2011, 08:34 AM

I would also like to point out that I believe Ward Cleaver got screwed over ranking only #28 on the chart as best sitcom dad ever. I know it's off topic and I'm sorry, but it got me thinking about that when we were discussing this one. Of course IMO, Ward was the best dad hands down! Just for the record....

JudgeGarth · 06-27-2011, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hughsgirl

I would also like to point out that I believe Ward Cleaver got screwed over ranking only #28 on the chart as best sitcom dad ever. I know it's off topic and I'm sorry, but it got me thinking about that when we were discussing this one. Of course IMO, Ward was the best dad hands down! Just for the record....

I agree. Those things are always stacked toward more recent shows.

Torgo · 06-27-2011, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hughsgirl

I would also like to point out that I believe Ward Cleaver got screwed over ranking only #28 on the chart as best sitcom dad ever. I know it's off topic and I'm sorry, but it got me thinking about that when we were discussing this one. Of course IMO, Ward was the best dad hands down! Just for the record....

Couldn't agree with you more.

the_master68 · 09-30-2011, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retroTVfan4ever

I don't think I would call them the funniest family, there are other family sitcoms that have more laugh out loud moments. But when you consider the overall consistency and quality of the writing over 6 seasons and 234 episodes, nothing tops Leave It To Beaver.

I beg to differ... More like 4 seasons.

06-25-2011, 05:50 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	Are The Cleavers TV's "Funniest Family?" 1. Ward, June, Wally, and Beaver (Theodore) Cleaver land as the funniest family ever to cross the air waves. "Leave It to Beaver" sits among the top of the all-time television classics. Between "the Beaver" and his problems with lying and being game for anything suggested by his friends, and Wally being led about by Eddie Haskel, this show hits high on the laugh meter. It continues to be a timeless source of family entertainment year after year. http://www.allvoices.com/contributed...st-tv-families
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

06-25-2011, 08:12 PM	#3
The Flying Dutchmans Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 30, 2006 Location: New York Posts: 1,017	Funny is only the opinion of an individual. I think LITB was a very funny show. But there were other families that were very funny too. My personal opinion is Mr. Belvedere was a very funny show. So was Happy days. The Cunninghams were a very funny family.
	__________________ A strange red light as of a phantom ship all aglow, in the midst of which light the mast, spars and sails of a brig 200 yards distant stood out in strong relief." The Flying Dutchman

06-25-2011, 06:01 PM	#2
1960'sTVfan Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 30, 2009 Posts: 6,123	I don't think I would call them the funniest family, there are other family sitcoms that have more laugh out loud moments. But when you consider the overall consistency and quality of the writing over 6 seasons and 234 episodes, nothing tops Leave It To Beaver.

06-26-2011, 08:49 AM	#4
Hughsgirl Member Forum Regular Join Date: Sep 22, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 804	I agree it's just a matter of personal opinion, but I would say the Cleaver's are ONE of the funniest ones. The Nelsons were also quite funny and so many more.

06-26-2011, 12:38 PM	#5
Cincy Guy Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jul 20, 2003 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 230	Leave It To Beaver has what I call, subtle humor. Much of the laughter comes from almost basic conversational talk as opposed to someone falling down, etc. It should also be pointed out that each of the cast members share in getting lines that get laughs. Along with Beaver, it could be: Wally, Ward, June, Eddie, Lumpy, Fred, Larry, Mrs. Mondello, etc. It's interesting to note that in the final seasons of the show, there are topical references to real persons of those times (for example: Tuesday Weld, Jack Paar, Broderick Crawford, even Cassius Clay). I still find them funny and a part of that may be hearing those names again. However, someone who could now be even in their 40's, for example, might not get the full measure of the meaning. Despite that, the series continues to win new fans and keep the ones who have seen every episode.

06-27-2011, 08:34 AM	#6
Hughsgirl Member Forum Regular Join Date: Sep 22, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 804	I would also like to point out that I believe Ward Cleaver got screwed over ranking only #28 on the chart as best sitcom dad ever. I know it's off topic and I'm sorry, but it got me thinking about that when we were discussing this one. Of course IMO, Ward was the best dad hands down! Just for the record....