Was "Father Knows Best" more of a melancholy show than comedy - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TMC · 08-25-2024, 06:09 PM

It isn't just the life lessons, this seemingly extended to how dark the Andersons' house was from the living room to the decor.

MichaelMartinD · 03-06-2025, 01:56 PM

You are right--FKB had a particular atmosphere, which was darker than that of LITB or TAGS, for example. There was more of a dramatic "edge" to many of the plots, and the look of the house had almost a film noir quality. FKB was unique among sitcoms of the period.

stevea · 03-06-2025, 02:51 PM

In his new book on 50s Sitcoms, Jackson Upperco says the show is "dreck." Among many other epithets. While he drools over some other shows nobody ever heard of and had no staying power.

In any case, I had never thought about FKB as a dramedy. Food for thought.

MichaelMartinD · 03-06-2025, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevea

In his new book on 50s Sitcoms, Jackson Upperco says the show is "dreck." Among many other epithets. While he drools over some other shows nobody ever heard of and had no staying power.

In any case, I had never thought about FKB as a dramedy. Food for thought.

Yet another book I'll be sure not to read. Thanks for the tip-off, as otherwise I might have unwittingly bought it based on the subject matter. Come to think of it, I may someday write my own book about my favorite vintage TV. There's so much ignorance about the classic family shows, it's incredible.

stevea · 03-06-2025, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelMartinD

Yet another book I'll be sure not to read. Thanks for the tip-off, as otherwise I might have unwittingly bought it based on the subject matter. Come to think of it, I may someday write my own book about my favorite vintage TV. There's so much ignorance about the classic family shows, it's incredible.

He goes on extensively about Lucy; his accolades are well-deserved, there. I haven't gotten very far into the book yet. I wouldn't have minded it if he had just said he wasn't a fan of FKB, or simply that he hadn't reviewed it, and let it go at that. But to go to great lengths to trash the show? Probably not a good idea.

He has a website, and he's also a member (under his last name) here.

08-25-2024, 06:09 PM	#1
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 124,743	Was "Father Knows Best" more of a melancholy show than comedy It isn't just the life lessons, this seemingly extended to how dark the Andersons' house was from the living room to the decor.

03-06-2025, 01:56 PM	#2
MichaelMartinD Member Forum Regular Join Date: Dec 23, 2013 Posts: 574	You are right--FKB had a particular atmosphere, which was darker than that of LITB or TAGS, for example. There was more of a dramatic "edge" to many of the plots, and the look of the house had almost a film noir quality. FKB was unique among sitcoms of the period.

03-06-2025, 02:51 PM	#3
stevea 22 Years On Sitcoms Moderator Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 13, 2003 Location: Indy Posts: 44,268	In his new book on 50s Sitcoms, Jackson Upperco says the show is "dreck." Among many other epithets. While he drools over some other shows nobody ever heard of and had no staying power. In any case, I had never thought about FKB as a dramedy. Food for thought.