Shows that changed their format? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Janice · 03-16-2003, 03:21 PM

Sometimes a show changes its format due to unforeseen circumstances.

I've read that The Dick Van Dyke Show was geared to focus primarily on Rob's work life with less emphasis on his home life. Viewers went wild for Laurie Petrie and her capri pants, so it became about 50/50 after that.

The opposite happened on Barney Miller. The show was originally about a police captain balancing his home life and his work life. However, his wife and kids were written out during the first season. Viewers responded more to the goings on at the 12th Precinct than to Barney's domestic life.

Family Ties was written as a couple of former hippies, so to speak, dealing with their modern kids. The Keaton couple were written as the main stars of the show. Michael J. Fox had that breakout role, and soon became the focus of the show much to the dismay of Meredith Baxter and Michael Gross.

I didn't watch Eight is Enough, but recently got its history from mstewart (thank you). Due to Diana Hyland's untimely death, the show change from a couple with kids to a widower with kids and eventually a new wife.

Chad22 · 03-16-2003, 03:33 PM

Happy Days was originally about growing up in the 50's, But during the 3rd season they focused more on the characters (Especially Fonzie) and started looking more 70'sIsh.

*PinkLady* · 03-16-2003, 05:48 PM

Good Times became more of the J.J. show instead of the family show that the stars originally wanted. (I don't know why. That guy isn't even funny, IMO.)

Cashodeen · 03-17-2003, 01:20 AM

Exellent examples given so far. The show that disappointed me the most for its drastic change was "Happy Days." The first two seasons were terrific, then it became, what I consider to be a real sell out.

"All in the Family - To me, it somewhat made a gradual transformation. As the years went on, it became more passive. Like when Mike and Gloria moved out of the house. The final season when they moved to CA, it definitely made a complete change.

Family Matters- this didn't last long in its original format. It's a shame too. It was TGIF fluff from the start, but it was all right. After the first season, they may as well have changed it to "Urkel Matters."

SBTB Geek · 03-17-2003, 01:35 AM

"Saved By The Bell" initially was supposed to be a about a teacher, and her relationship with her students ("Good Morning Miss Bliss")- then it turned to a show about a popular teenager dealing with high school and his friends.

Sitcomwriter · 03-17-2003, 01:59 AM

This is the classic example.When "Cursed" became "The Weber Show" the only thing that remained were the 4 regular castmembers with the only new addition being Katie (Paula Marshall).They dropped the whole "Guy is cursed by his blind date" premise and it became all about Jack romancing Katie.

Dude111 · 03-30-2025, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chad22
Happy Days was originally about growing up in the 50's, But during the 3rd season they focused more on the characters (Especially Fonzie) and started looking more 70'sIsh.

Ya that was stupid... Thats what made that show so good......... When they changed it,it wasnt as good...........

Bonniegirl · 03-30-2025, 11:22 PM

The Lucy show became way different . Early seasons in black and white taking place in Danville, NY , Lucy living with her two children, her friend Viv and Viv's Son.

Than later seasons , in color . Lucy moving to California. No more Viv or kids and Mr. Mooney coming on board.

Both versions to me were really good. I missed Viv , but I'm a big Mr. Mooney fan and it was fun seeing Lucy's vibrant red hair in color .

03-16-2003, 03:21 PM	#1
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Shows that changed their format? Sometimes a show changes its format due to unforeseen circumstances. I've read that The Dick Van Dyke Show was geared to focus primarily on Rob's work life with less emphasis on his home life. Viewers went wild for Laurie Petrie and her capri pants, so it became about 50/50 after that. The opposite happened on Barney Miller. The show was originally about a police captain balancing his home life and his work life. However, his wife and kids were written out during the first season. Viewers responded more to the goings on at the 12th Precinct than to Barney's domestic life. Family Ties was written as a couple of former hippies, so to speak, dealing with their modern kids. The Keaton couple were written as the main stars of the show. Michael J. Fox had that breakout role, and soon became the focus of the show much to the dismay of Meredith Baxter and Michael Gross. I didn't watch Eight is Enough, but recently got its history from mstewart (thank you). Due to Diana Hyland's untimely death, the show change from a couple with kids to a widower with kids and eventually a new wife.

03-16-2003, 03:33 PM	#2
Chad22 Captain Juke N Jive Moderator Forum Addict Join Date: Nov 23, 2002 Location: Caribou, Maine Posts: 71,661	Happy Days was originally about growing up in the 50's, But during the 3rd season they focused more on the characters (Especially Fonzie) and started looking more 70'sIsh.

03-16-2003, 05:48 PM	#3
PinkLady Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Jun 04, 2002 Posts: 7,457	Good Times became more of the J.J. show instead of the family show that the stars originally wanted. (I don't know why. That guy isn't even funny, IMO.)

03-17-2003, 01:20 AM	#4
Cashodeen Hi. Forum Star Join Date: Aug 30, 2001 Posts: 11,363	Exellent examples given so far. The show that disappointed me the most for its drastic change was "Happy Days." The first two seasons were terrific, then it became, what I consider to be a real sell out. "All in the Family - To me, it somewhat made a gradual transformation. As the years went on, it became more passive. Like when Mike and Gloria moved out of the house. The final season when they moved to CA, it definitely made a complete change. Family Matters- this didn't last long in its original format. It's a shame too. It was TGIF fluff from the start, but it was all right. After the first season, they may as well have changed it to "Urkel Matters."

03-17-2003, 01:35 AM	#5
SBTB Geek Smooth Moderator Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 21, 2002 Location: Southern California Posts: 6,004	"Saved By The Bell" initially was supposed to be a about a teacher, and her relationship with her students ("Good Morning Miss Bliss")- then it turned to a show about a popular teenager dealing with high school and his friends.

03-17-2003, 01:59 AM	#6
Sitcomwriter Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 27, 2001 Posts: 7,356	This is the classic example.When "Cursed" became "The Weber Show" the only thing that remained were the 4 regular castmembers with the only new addition being Katie (Paula Marshall).They dropped the whole "Guy is cursed by his blind date" premise and it became all about Jack romancing Katie.

03-30-2025, 11:22 PM	#8
Bonniegirl AKA Hazel Horvath Forum Addict Join Date: Jul 10, 2014 Posts: 65,947	The Lucy show became way different . Early seasons in black and white taking place in Danville, NY , Lucy living with her two children, her friend Viv and Viv's Son. Than later seasons , in color . Lucy moving to California. No more Viv or kids and Mr. Mooney coming on board. Both versions to me were really good. I missed Viv , but I'm a big Mr. Mooney fan and it was fun seeing Lucy's vibrant red hair in color .