1980's Remake Named 33rd Worst Show - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

lukes42 · 07-16-2002, 11:50 AM

I all ready posted this over at the New Leave It To Beaver Board, but since that board is so quiet, I decided to post this information over here as well.

I just checked out TV Guide's 50 Worst Shows of all Time, and the New Leave It To Beaver/Still the Beaver made the list as the 33rd worst show.

I am a big fan of the original show, so I just cannot fathom the fact that the 80's version was terrible. I have never seen an episode from the New Leave It To Beaver, so is what TV Guide says true?

What are your thoughts about the New Leave It To Beaver being named the 33rd worst show of all time? Was it really that bad of a show (for those of you who have seen it)? I ask this, if the New Leave It To Beaver can make the list, then why can the new Munsters (another 80's remake) be left off?

UncleBilly · 07-16-2002, 04:53 PM

I remember watching the "New Leave it to Beaver" show in the 80's. I didnt see every episode but the ones I saw I really enjoyed. Mostly it was because I am such a fan of the original show that I loved seeing all the characters all grown up and having families of their own.
I especially remember when the tv movie Still the Beaver was on..........I had a 1 year old baby and before the movie came on that night I put him to bed and told my family that no one was to bother me and I wasnt moving away from the tv for anything LOL
I don't usually believe much about critics say concerning tv shows and movies. I have my own opinions about what I like and what I don't like. So it doesnt bother me in the least if TV guide rates The New Leave it to Beaver as 33rd worst show. I will enjoy it if and when it ever comes on in syndication.

BBF · 07-16-2002, 06:07 PM

I have never seen the New Leave it to Beaver show, but I had heard it was pretty bad. I can't imagine that. But when it comes to critics and their ideas of good shows, I agree with Uncle Billy. I don't pay much attention to what they say, if I like it I like it. I am such a huge fan of the original that the new series would have to have been pretty bad for ME not to enjoy it.

DarleneIllyria · 07-16-2002, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BeaversBiggestFan
I I can't imagine that. But when it comes to critics and their ideas of good shows, I agree with Uncle Billy. I don't pay much attention to what they say, if I like it I like it. I am such a huge fan of the original that the new series would have to have been pretty bad for ME not to enjoy it.

Ditto

I've never seen the New Leave it to Beaver, so I really can't answer the question on whether it was good or not.

HaskellGirl · 07-17-2002, 01:15 AM

I absolutely loved The New Leave it to Beaver. You have to take this "worst" show stuff with a grain of salt. It certainly wasn't The Cosby Show or Cheers in terms of writing, but it was very good in its own way.

Mijada · 07-22-2002, 07:27 PM

The new Leave it to Beaver wasn't that bad. I remember some of the episodes and enjoyed them. Like HaskellGirl said, It wasn't the Cosby Show or anything but there were alot worse shows on at the time.

Christina E · 07-22-2002, 10:23 PM

I remember watching the show when it was on, and I know I liked it. I was about the age of Kelly (Wally's son on the show) when it aired, and I related to much of what she went through.

It wasn't as good as the original, but I don't think it deserves to be on the worst list either. I can think of other shows that aren't on the list that should be.

Christina

Artfiore1 · 07-23-2002, 11:36 AM

Hi all,
"The New Leave It To Beaver" may not have been the greatest thing ever made, but I, personally, pay absolutely NO attention to the subhuman form of life known as the critic -- those talentless, soulless morons who, couldn't write or produce a better movie or TV show than the one they're so mercilessly ripping apart . . . if their lives depended on it!!

Why does TV Guide employ so many of these completely worthless individuals?

I don't know about any of you, but I have no use whatsoever for completely valueless idiots telling me what's good and what's bad.

Later,
Art

QueenOfTheGypsies · 07-23-2002, 04:21 PM

I vaguely remember watching The New Leave It To Beaver in the '80s when it was on TBS. I was just a kid at the time, though, so I don't really remember if it was a good show or not. I have a hard time believing it was really *that* bad, though.

JaneTVFan · 07-24-2002, 09:56 PM

I watched THE NEW LEAVE IT TO BEAVER a number of times when it was on in the '80's. Every time I saw it I was very disappointed. It was truly a dreadful show. The scripts were extremely boring, as were the actors playing Beaver and Wally's kids. There were no laughs to be found anywhere. I always loved the original show, but the new version was so contrived it was ridiculous. It had Beaver and Wally with their families back in the old house with their mother. GMAB! Beaver was still acting like he did when he was seven years old, though he was now a father. Because they didn't let his character grow up, Beaver just wasn't believable anymore. This show was so stupid, and such a rip-off of the original show. They should have left well enough alone, just done that first TV movie, and then let the LEAVE IT TO BEAVER legend rest in peace. The new show did nothing but tarnish the memory of the original.

HaskellGirl · 07-25-2002, 02:46 PM

I think it was MORE realistic because Beaver was still Beaver. If he had turned into a "grown-up" like Ward, that would have been unrealistic to me. Again, the show wasn't the best show ever made, but it was definately funny and some episodes were really good. The boys on the show were played by good actors, especially Kipp Marcus and Eric Osmond, who played Kip Cleaver and Freddie Haskell. Kaleena Kiff who played Kelly Cleaver wasn't the best actress, but she was cute. And the neat thing about The New Leave it to Beaver is that June smiled much more and laughed much more than in the original. That was refreshing to see.

JaneTVFan · 07-25-2002, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by HaskellGirl
I think it was MORE realistic because Beaver was still Beaver. If he had turned into a "grown-up" like Ward, that would have been unrealistic to me. Again, the show wasn't the best show ever made, but it was definately funny and some episodes were really good. The boys on the show were played by good actors, especially Kipp Marcus and Eric Osmond, who played Kip Cleaver and Freddie Haskell. Kaleena Kiff who played Kelly Cleaver wasn't the best actress, but she was cute. And the neat thing about The New Leave it to Beaver is that June smiled much more and laughed much more than in the original. That was refreshing to see.

I wouldn't expect Beaver to grow up and act like Ward, but I would expect him to act like an adult. My brother was very much like Beaver when he was a kid. But now he's an adult and acts like an adult. Sure, there are elements of his personality that are still the same, but he's clearly matured and changed as real people do. Listen, it's fine that you like this show. But I also saw it and hated it. I never found it funny or even interesting. And as for June smiling more on the new version, that seems kind of creepy. What was up with that? Ward is dead so she smiles more?

HaskellGirl · 07-25-2002, 09:27 PM

Um, just because someone's husband dies several years ago, doesn't mean you have to go around moping for the rest of your life. She smiles a lot more probably because she's surrounded by her grandkids. She also attended classes and became a city councilwoman. Getting out of the kitchen probably felt really good after all those years!

My enjoyment of the classic Leave it to Beaver is even greater because of the New Leave it to Beaver. Its fascinating to see how everyone grew up and how they dealt with their own children. For me, I grew up on the New Leave it to Beaver and then saw the classic episodes. But I can understand how if someone grew up watching the classic episodes, they have a different feeling about it, because its not nostalgic in the same way.

I'm a bit confused on why you don't think Beaver acted like an adult. He definately acted like an adult and was portrayed as a caring and mature father to his kids. But he still had his personality. The difference between Leave it to Beaver and The New Leave it to Beaver is that in Leave it to Beaver, we mostly saw the children's exploits and adventures. Ward and June and other adults were featured, but mostly were there as supplements. On the New Leave it to Beaver, we saw it from everyone's point of view. The show was about children, but it was about adults too.

I'm not saying you have to like the show, but I'm just pointing out that The New Leave it to Beaver definately had its merits. For me, its a very important piece of the story. I think its so awesome that they made the new series and I'm so grateful that they did. I know some people only like the first few seasons of Leave it to Beaver. After Larry left, they think it all went down hill, and no matter how much you explain that while the show is different and Beaver grows up, that there are different cool things about the show (like watching Wally, Eddie, and Lumpy go through their teen years) , they still don't like it. I think its the same thing with The New Leave it to Beaver. You either like it or you don't.

cablejockey · 07-25-2002, 09:57 PM

I used to watch the updated version of Beaver in the 80s and enjoyed it very much. Oh sure, it wasn't up there with "Archie Bunkers Place", or "flo", but I liked seeing how everything turned out for the Cleavers and their friends. It was nice seeing Beav and his kids living with June in their old boyhood home.

DarleneIllyria · 07-25-2002, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by HaskellGirl
Um, just because someone's husband dies several years ago, doesn't mean you have to go around moping for the rest of your life. She smiles a lot more probably because she's surrounded by her grandkids. She also attended classes and became a city councilwoman. Getting out of the kitchen probably felt really good after all those years!

I would love to see the show just from HaskellGirl's description. The New Beaver is just such a rare show, that I have my doubts that it will ever be picked up. That sucks. If Tvland is starting to pick up shows that only have a few episodes, why can't they show The New Beaver? Maybe they will if they drop LITB from the schedule.

07-16-2002, 11:50 AM	#1
lukes42 I've got nothing... Frequent Poster Join Date: Jan 31, 2001 Location: Marquette, MI Posts: 416	1980's Remake Named 33rd Worst Show I all ready posted this over at the New Leave It To Beaver Board, but since that board is so quiet, I decided to post this information over here as well. I just checked out TV Guide's 50 Worst Shows of all Time, and the New Leave It To Beaver/Still the Beaver made the list as the 33rd worst show. I am a big fan of the original show, so I just cannot fathom the fact that the 80's version was terrible. I have never seen an episode from the New Leave It To Beaver, so is what TV Guide says true? What are your thoughts about the New Leave It To Beaver being named the 33rd worst show of all time? Was it really that bad of a show (for those of you who have seen it)? I ask this, if the New Leave It To Beaver can make the list, then why can the new Munsters (another 80's remake) be left off?
	__________________ Animatoons - My Animation/Cartoon message board. Luke's All Grown Up Fansite

07-16-2002, 06:07 PM	#3
BBF Workin' those Scrubs Senior Member Join Date: Jun 12, 2002 Location: The "Natural" State Posts: 2,014	I have never seen the New Leave it to Beaver show, but I had heard it was pretty bad. I can't imagine that. But when it comes to critics and their ideas of good shows, I agree with Uncle Billy. I don't pay much attention to what they say, if I like it I like it. I am such a huge fan of the original that the new series would have to have been pretty bad for ME not to enjoy it.
	__________________ BBF (Beavers Biggest Fan) GILMORE GIRLS FANATIC!!! ~~Future Registered Nurse!!! May 2008~~

07-23-2002, 04:21 PM	#9
QueenOfTheGypsies Crazy redhead Frequent Poster Join Date: Aug 23, 2001 Posts: 358	I vaguely remember watching The New Leave It To Beaver in the '80s when it was on TBS. I was just a kid at the time, though, so I don't really remember if it was a good show or not. I have a hard time believing it was really that bad, though.
	__________________ <img src="http://www.classicphotos.com/celebs/lucy/st-319.jpg"></image> The other Fab Four.

07-16-2002, 04:53 PM	#2
UncleBilly Member Frequent Poster Join Date: May 08, 2002 Posts: 107	I remember watching the "New Leave it to Beaver" show in the 80's. I didnt see every episode but the ones I saw I really enjoyed. Mostly it was because I am such a fan of the original show that I loved seeing all the characters all grown up and having families of their own. I especially remember when the tv movie Still the Beaver was on..........I had a 1 year old baby and before the movie came on that night I put him to bed and told my family that no one was to bother me and I wasnt moving away from the tv for anything LOL I don't usually believe much about critics say concerning tv shows and movies. I have my own opinions about what I like and what I don't like. So it doesnt bother me in the least if TV guide rates The New Leave it to Beaver as 33rd worst show. I will enjoy it if and when it ever comes on in syndication.

07-17-2002, 01:15 AM	#5
HaskellGirl Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jul 15, 2002 Posts: 590	I absolutely loved The New Leave it to Beaver. You have to take this "worst" show stuff with a grain of salt. It certainly wasn't The Cosby Show or Cheers in terms of writing, but it was very good in its own way.

07-22-2002, 07:27 PM	#6
Mijada Spencers mom Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 02, 2001 Location: eastern US Posts: 4,093	The new Leave it to Beaver wasn't that bad. I remember some of the episodes and enjoyed them. Like HaskellGirl said, It wasn't the Cosby Show or anything but there were alot worse shows on at the time.

07-22-2002, 10:23 PM	#7
Christina E God Bless America Frequent Poster Join Date: Apr 10, 2001 Location: 148 Bonnie Meadow Road Posts: 265	I remember watching the show when it was on, and I know I liked it. I was about the age of Kelly (Wally's son on the show) when it aired, and I related to much of what she went through. It wasn't as good as the original, but I don't think it deserves to be on the worst list either. I can think of other shows that aren't on the list that should be. Christina

07-23-2002, 11:36 AM	#8
Artfiore1 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Mar 28, 2001 Location: East Brunswick, NJ, USA Posts: 457	Hi all, "The New Leave It To Beaver" may not have been the greatest thing ever made, but I, personally, pay absolutely NO attention to the subhuman form of life known as the critic -- those talentless, soulless morons who, couldn't write or produce a better movie or TV show than the one they're so mercilessly ripping apart . . . if their lives depended on it!! Why does TV Guide employ so many of these completely worthless individuals? I don't know about any of you, but I have no use whatsoever for completely valueless idiots telling me what's good and what's bad. Later, Art

07-24-2002, 09:56 PM	#10
JaneTVFan Member Forum Regular Join Date: Nov 06, 2001 Posts: 641	I watched THE NEW LEAVE IT TO BEAVER a number of times when it was on in the '80's. Every time I saw it I was very disappointed. It was truly a dreadful show. The scripts were extremely boring, as were the actors playing Beaver and Wally's kids. There were no laughs to be found anywhere. I always loved the original show, but the new version was so contrived it was ridiculous. It had Beaver and Wally with their families back in the old house with their mother. GMAB! Beaver was still acting like he did when he was seven years old, though he was now a father. Because they didn't let his character grow up, Beaver just wasn't believable anymore. This show was so stupid, and such a rip-off of the original show. They should have left well enough alone, just done that first TV movie, and then let the LEAVE IT TO BEAVER legend rest in peace. The new show did nothing but tarnish the memory of the original.

07-25-2002, 02:46 PM	#11
HaskellGirl Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jul 15, 2002 Posts: 590	I think it was MORE realistic because Beaver was still Beaver. If he had turned into a "grown-up" like Ward, that would have been unrealistic to me. Again, the show wasn't the best show ever made, but it was definately funny and some episodes were really good. The boys on the show were played by good actors, especially Kipp Marcus and Eric Osmond, who played Kip Cleaver and Freddie Haskell. Kaleena Kiff who played Kelly Cleaver wasn't the best actress, but she was cute. And the neat thing about The New Leave it to Beaver is that June smiled much more and laughed much more than in the original. That was refreshing to see.

07-25-2002, 09:27 PM	#13
HaskellGirl Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jul 15, 2002 Posts: 590	Um, just because someone's husband dies several years ago, doesn't mean you have to go around moping for the rest of your life. She smiles a lot more probably because she's surrounded by her grandkids. She also attended classes and became a city councilwoman. Getting out of the kitchen probably felt really good after all those years! My enjoyment of the classic Leave it to Beaver is even greater because of the New Leave it to Beaver. Its fascinating to see how everyone grew up and how they dealt with their own children. For me, I grew up on the New Leave it to Beaver and then saw the classic episodes. But I can understand how if someone grew up watching the classic episodes, they have a different feeling about it, because its not nostalgic in the same way. I'm a bit confused on why you don't think Beaver acted like an adult. He definately acted like an adult and was portrayed as a caring and mature father to his kids. But he still had his personality. The difference between Leave it to Beaver and The New Leave it to Beaver is that in Leave it to Beaver, we mostly saw the children's exploits and adventures. Ward and June and other adults were featured, but mostly were there as supplements. On the New Leave it to Beaver, we saw it from everyone's point of view. The show was about children, but it was about adults too. I'm not saying you have to like the show, but I'm just pointing out that The New Leave it to Beaver definately had its merits. For me, its a very important piece of the story. I think its so awesome that they made the new series and I'm so grateful that they did. I know some people only like the first few seasons of Leave it to Beaver. After Larry left, they think it all went down hill, and no matter how much you explain that while the show is different and Beaver grows up, that there are different cool things about the show (like watching Wally, Eddie, and Lumpy go through their teen years) , they still don't like it. I think its the same thing with The New Leave it to Beaver. You either like it or you don't.

07-25-2002, 09:57 PM	#14
cablejockey Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: ontario canada Posts: 478	I used to watch the updated version of Beaver in the 80s and enjoyed it very much. Oh sure, it wasn't up there with "Archie Bunkers Place", or "flo", but I liked seeing how everything turned out for the Cleavers and their friends. It was nice seeing Beav and his kids living with June in their old boyhood home.