Should new characters be added to a sitcom that has been on the air for a while? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TVFactFan · 09-26-2002, 01:50 AM

I never thought that new characters should be added to a sitcomthat has been on the air for 4 years or more. I think the show should stick with the original characters and if one of them leaves, let the show revolved around the remaining characters-I just think new characters messes with the chemistry of the original characters. Here is a list of my favorite shows who added new faces and made it hard for me to adjust.

1.Good Times-Carl-Florida's new love
2.Cosby Show-Oliva-Denise stepdaughter
3.Married With Children-Jefferson-Marcy's new husband
4.Three's Company-Cindy, Terri-new roomates
5. Happy Days-Roger-
6. Fresh Prince-new vivian
7. Jeffersons-new lionel

Will and Grace Fanatic · 09-26-2002, 01:56 AM

I think it depends on the character that they plan to put on.

When the added Mark and David to the cast on Roseanne I thought it was great. It made the show even more funnier. Same for Elliot on Will and Grace. If they wouldn't have added him they would not have had that great episode where Elliot goes to the school dance. That was so funny.

TVFactFan · 09-26-2002, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Will and Grace Fanatic
I think it depends on the character that they plan to put on.

When the added Mark and David to the cast on Roseanne I thought it was great. It made the show even more funnier. Same for Elliot on Will and Grace. If they wouldn't have added him they would not have had that great episode where Elliot goes to the school dance. That was so funny.

Well some new characters may be necessary in some situations like in Three's Company when the Ropers moved-a new landlord was needed. But not a new roomate. Also on Different Strokes-when the maid left-they needed a new maid-So those are necessary replacements-Here is a example of a unnecessary replacement-Cousin Pam moving in with the Huxtables on the Cosby Show-What was the point of that.

James · 09-26-2002, 02:30 AM

For the most part, no. Here are some examples of additions I thought ruined their respective shows:

1. Rose, Serena, and Jeffrey Burton - last two seasons of The Waltons
2. Chuck Coleman and Jeff Billings - last two seasons of The Wonder Years
3. Olivia - The Cosby Show (after she was added I quit watching it)
4. Lily Lambert - the last couple seasons of Step By Step
5. Nicky and Alex - Full House

Oddly enough, I didn't think Cousin Oliver ruined The Brady Bunch at all!

TVFactFan · 09-26-2002, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by James
For the most part, no. Here are some examples of additions I thought ruined their respective shows:

1. Rose, Serena, and Jeffrey Burton - last two seasons of The Waltons
2. Chuck Coleman and Jeff Billings - last two seasons of The Wonder Years
3. Olivia - The Cosby Show (after she was added I quit watching it)
4. Lily Lambert - the last couple seasons of Step By Step
5. Nicky and Alex - Full House

Oddly enough, I didn't think Cousin Oliver ruined The Brady Bunch at all!

I used to watch step by step but going to college kind of ending my TV watching. I wanted to ask you what type of replacement was Lily Lambert? A relative?

TVJunkie101 · 09-26-2002, 11:22 AM

Lily Lambert was Frank and Carol's daughter together on Step By Step. She was rapidly aged from baby to like 6, to add a cuteness factor to the aging show, like most shows did (Cosby Show, Family Ties, Growing Pains, Facts of Life, etc.)

¤I Love Clay Aiken¤ · 09-26-2002, 12:40 PM

No no no no no!!!!!! New characters (especially annoying little brats) always seem to kill the show. There are only a few exceptions as to when the new characters didnt ruin the show. Like, the Wonder Years, thats because they didnt make the the stars of the show. If the producers dont make the new characters the stars and theyre just kind of in the background, its fine. Oh, I also watch Sabrina too, and theres been so many new kids on, but thats a little different seeing how she went from high school to middle school same as with Sister Sister, with shows like that its only natural to meet new people.

Chocoholic · 09-26-2002, 01:16 PM

I think new characters can inprove a show sometimes. I liked Cheers better when Rebecca joined, Taxi better when Reverend Jim joined, and Wings better when Antonio joined.

DarleneIllyria · 09-26-2002, 02:20 PM

Sometimes new characters have to be added when some characters leave. Case in point: All in the Family (Exit Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers- Enter Danielle Brisbois)

Even though I'm not all that fond of the Stephanie character, they had to throw something into the mix. We didn't have Archie fighting with Mike anymore and Gloria taking Michael's side. If Stephanie hadn't come into the show, it would've just been Archie and Edith. I think that would've zapped all the creation out of the show. Maybe the writers knew if they didn't get somebody in, and get somebody in fast- the show was gonna tank big time.

So you see, sometimes a character has to be added to go on. To all those that dislike Stephanie, watch for this one simple clue:

Carroll isn't wearing a sweater in the opening credits~ Mike and Gloria episode

Carroll is wearing a gray sweater- it's a Stephanie episode

Brian Damage · 09-26-2002, 04:00 PM

I think it all depends on how the writers introduce these new characters. If they are well thought out and well written, I don't have a problem with new characters being introduced.

Impressions · 09-26-2002, 04:22 PM

There were many additions to the show The Facts of Life, there was atleast a new character added in just about every season, I think I can name all of them:

1. Andy Moffet- Season 6 of The Facts of Life

2. Beverly Ann- Season 9 of The Facts of Life

3. Pippa- Season 9 of The Facts of Life

4. Geoge Burnett- Season 7 of The Facts of Life

5. Jo Polniaczek- Season 2 of The Facts of Life

6. Kelly Affinado-Season 5 of The Facts of Life

7. Geri Warner/Tyler- Season 2 of The Facts of Life

ABC1 · 09-26-2002, 09:42 PM

When The Cosby Show added Olivia, I didn't like it much...
However, my least favorite additions, and I know I've said this many times before here, is the cast members that were added to The Love Boat during its last couple of seasons. I didn't like Ted McGinley and his character of ACE. Everytime he said "Flash those pearlies" I wanted to throw something at the TV--it was so repititous, and annoying. Ace was just a shallow character...who the show could have done without.
I also couldn't stand the mermaids, or the "fitness director" played by Michelle Johnson. I did however, really enjoy Michael Winslow when he was on.

TVFactFan · 09-26-2002, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ABC1
When The Cosby Show added Olivia, I didn't like it much...
However, my least favorite additions, and I know I've said this many times before here, is the cast members that were added to The Love Boat during its last couple of seasons. I didn't like Ted McGinley and his character of ACE. Everytime he said "Flash those pearlies" I wanted to throw something at the TV--it was so repititous, and annoying. Ace was just a shallow character...who the show could have done without.
I also couldn't stand the mermaids, or the "fitness director" played by Michelle Johnson. I did however, really enjoy Michael Winslow when he was on.

Yes i agree with you about the cosby show, All the huxtable children were older and they add a 3 year old-didn't make much sense to me. And what bout HIP-Hop cousin PAM? I don't know what they were trying to accomplish by adding her to the show. I watching a episode of the Cosby Show now and it's oliva's 4th birthday and Bill Cosby is doing the same thing he did when rudy was a little girl-Sitting in the living room with a bunch of children and having each of them entertain him in a different way. This is episode is too much like Rudy's slumber party

Sitcomwriter · 09-26-2002, 10:23 PM

Yes.I like it when "new blood" is added to the show.It helps even MORE if a show is starting to go downhill."Friends" really needs some new characters and Emma doesn't count unless they make her 6 before May

LOL!

dlemond · 09-27-2002, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SOLOMON
I never thought that new characters should be added to a sitcomthat has been on the air for 4 years or more. I think the show should stick with the original characters and if one of them leaves, let the show revolved around the remaining characters-I just think new characters messes with the chemistry of the original characters. Here is a list of my favorite shows who added new faces and made it hard for me to adjust.

1.Good Times-Carl-Florida's new love
2.Cosby Show-Oliva-Denise stepdaughter
3.Married With Children-Jefferson-Marcy's new husband
4.Three's Company-Cindy, Terri-new roomates
5. Happy Days-Roger-
6. Fresh Prince-new vivian
7. Jeffersons-new lionel

Funny, you mentioned 2 characters that Ted McGinley played.
Also, add his Love Boat character.

09-26-2002, 01:50 AM	#1
TVFactFan Member Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Posts: 99,035	Should new characters be added to a sitcom that has been on the air for a while? I never thought that new characters should be added to a sitcomthat has been on the air for 4 years or more. I think the show should stick with the original characters and if one of them leaves, let the show revolved around the remaining characters-I just think new characters messes with the chemistry of the original characters. Here is a list of my favorite shows who added new faces and made it hard for me to adjust. 1.Good Times-Carl-Florida's new love 2.Cosby Show-Oliva-Denise stepdaughter 3.Married With Children-Jefferson-Marcy's new husband 4.Three's Company-Cindy, Terri-new roomates 5. Happy Days-Roger- 6. Fresh Prince-new vivian 7. Jeffersons-new lionel

09-26-2002, 01:56 AM	#2
Will and Grace Fanatic be happy Senior Member Join Date: Feb 15, 2002 Location: seattle, washington Posts: 2,746	I think it depends on the character that they plan to put on. When the added Mark and David to the cast on Roseanne I thought it was great. It made the show even more funnier. Same for Elliot on Will and Grace. If they wouldn't have added him they would not have had that great episode where Elliot goes to the school dance. That was so funny.
	__________________ love is love

09-26-2002, 11:22 AM	#6
TVJunkie101 Member...you 'member? Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 2,838	Lily Lambert was Frank and Carol's daughter together on Step By Step. She was rapidly aged from baby to like 6, to add a cuteness factor to the aging show, like most shows did (Cosby Show, Family Ties, Growing Pains, Facts of Life, etc.)
	__________________ Shawn DVD Reviews \| My TV on DVD List \| Sitcoms Online NewsBlog

09-26-2002, 12:40 PM	#7
¤I Love Clay Aiken¤ MISS APRIL Forum Addict Join Date: Jul 19, 2001 Location: Parsonsfield ME Shaws - Screwing my way up the employment ladder! Posts: 68,780	No no no no no!!!!!! New characters (especially annoying little brats) always seem to kill the show. There are only a few exceptions as to when the new characters didnt ruin the show. Like, the Wonder Years, thats because they didnt make the the stars of the show. If the producers dont make the new characters the stars and theyre just kind of in the background, its fine. Oh, I also watch Sabrina too, and theres been so many new kids on, but thats a little different seeing how she went from high school to middle school same as with Sister Sister, with shows like that its only natural to meet new people.
	__________________ DAVID COOK FOR AMERICAN IDOL

09-26-2002, 04:00 PM	#10
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	I think it all depends on how the writers introduce these new characters. If they are well thought out and well written, I don't have a problem with new characters being introduced.
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

09-26-2002, 02:30 AM	#4
James Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Jan 07, 2001 Location: Dayton, Ohio, USA Posts: 6,370	For the most part, no. Here are some examples of additions I thought ruined their respective shows: 1. Rose, Serena, and Jeffrey Burton - last two seasons of The Waltons 2. Chuck Coleman and Jeff Billings - last two seasons of The Wonder Years 3. Olivia - The Cosby Show (after she was added I quit watching it) 4. Lily Lambert - the last couple seasons of Step By Step 5. Nicky and Alex - Full House Oddly enough, I didn't think Cousin Oliver ruined The Brady Bunch at all!

09-26-2002, 01:16 PM	#8
Chocoholic Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 01, 2000 Location: Between a rock and a hard place. Posts: 11,235	I think new characters can inprove a show sometimes. I liked Cheers better when Rebecca joined, Taxi better when Reverend Jim joined, and Wings better when Antonio joined.

09-26-2002, 02:20 PM	#9
DarleneIllyria Gone Forum Star Join Date: Oct 15, 2000 Posts: 19,086	Sometimes new characters have to be added when some characters leave. Case in point: All in the Family (Exit Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers- Enter Danielle Brisbois) Even though I'm not all that fond of the Stephanie character, they had to throw something into the mix. We didn't have Archie fighting with Mike anymore and Gloria taking Michael's side. If Stephanie hadn't come into the show, it would've just been Archie and Edith. I think that would've zapped all the creation out of the show. Maybe the writers knew if they didn't get somebody in, and get somebody in fast- the show was gonna tank big time. So you see, sometimes a character has to be added to go on. To all those that dislike Stephanie, watch for this one simple clue: Carroll isn't wearing a sweater in the opening credits~ Mike and Gloria episode Carroll is wearing a gray sweater- it's a Stephanie episode

09-26-2002, 04:22 PM	#11
Impressions She died the way she lived Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: May 08, 2002 Posts: 4,640	There were many additions to the show The Facts of Life, there was atleast a new character added in just about every season, I think I can name all of them: 1. Andy Moffet- Season 6 of The Facts of Life 2. Beverly Ann- Season 9 of The Facts of Life 3. Pippa- Season 9 of The Facts of Life 4. Geoge Burnett- Season 7 of The Facts of Life 5. Jo Polniaczek- Season 2 of The Facts of Life 6. Kelly Affinado-Season 5 of The Facts of Life 7. Geri Warner/Tyler- Season 2 of The Facts of Life
	Last edited by Impressions; 09-26-2002 at 04:25 PM.

09-26-2002, 09:42 PM	#12
ABC1 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Dec 04, 2001 Location: Champaign, Illinois Posts: 279	Adding characters When The Cosby Show added Olivia, I didn't like it much... However, my least favorite additions, and I know I've said this many times before here, is the cast members that were added to The Love Boat during its last couple of seasons. I didn't like Ted McGinley and his character of ACE. Everytime he said "Flash those pearlies" I wanted to throw something at the TV--it was so repititous, and annoying. Ace was just a shallow character...who the show could have done without. I also couldn't stand the mermaids, or the "fitness director" played by Michelle Johnson. I did however, really enjoy Michael Winslow when he was on.

09-26-2002, 10:23 PM	#14
Sitcomwriter Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 27, 2001 Posts: 7,356	Yes.I like it when "new blood" is added to the show.It helps even MORE if a show is starting to go downhill."Friends" really needs some new characters and Emma doesn't count unless they make her 6 before May LOL!