The Greatest Sitcoms of All Time


Book Description

Since the advent of network television, situation comedies have been a staple of prime-time programming. Classics of the genre have emerged in every decade, from The Honeymooners and Make Room for Daddy in the 1950sto 30 Rock, The Office, and Modern Family of the twenty-first century. Other shows that have left enduring impressions are The Andy Griffith Show, Get Smart, The Bob Newhart Show, Barney Miller, Cheers, The Cosby Show, The Golden Girls, Home Improvement, Will & Grace, and Everybody Loves Raymond. All of these shows are assured a place in history and would make almost anyone’s list of the most beloved comedies. In The Greatest Sitcoms of All Time, Martin Gitlin has assembled the top seventy sitcoms in television history. The rankings are based on such factors as longevity, ratings, awards, humor, impact, and legacy. Iconic programs such as I Love Lucy, The Dick Van Dyke Show,and Leave It to Beaver join contemporary shows The Simpsons, Arrested Development, and Family Guy on the list. Other programs include perennial favorites like All in the Family, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Seinfeld, as well as short-lived treasures that never found the audiences they deserved like Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. Each entry contains a comprehensive compilation of information, including: Cast members Character list Network Air dates Ratings history Time slots Series overview Notable episodes Awards Fun facts and quotes Appendixes list the top male and female sitcom characters of all time, the best sitcom spin-offs, and shows that just missed the cut. By ranking these programs, The Greatest Sitcoms of All Time is sure to inspire debate. Whether you agree with this list or whether your favorite show placed as high as you think it should have, this book will be an entertaining and informative read—not only for students and scholars of television history but for sitcom fans as well.




The Great TV Sitcom Book


Book Description




Classic Sitcoms


Book Description

What a lovely surprise. A critical guide to all those classic sitcoms; and to be included among them is a distinct honor. -- Carl Reiner




Caddyshack


Book Description

“More fun to read than the movie was to watch... a scene-stealing book.” — The Washington Post An Entertainment Weekly "Must List" selection Caddyshack is one of the most beloved comedies of all time, a classic snobs vs. slobs story of working class kids and the white collar buffoons that make them haul their golf bags in the hot summer sun. It has sex, drugs and one very memorable candy bar, but the movie we all know and love didn’t start out that way, and everyone who made it certainly didn’t have the word “classic” in mind as the cameras were rolling. In Caddyshack:The Making of a Hollywood Cinderella Story film critic for Entertainment Weekly Chris Nashawaty goes behind the scenes of the iconic film, chronicling the rise of comedy’s greatest deranged minds as they form The National Lampoon, turn the entertainment industry on its head, and ultimately blow up both a golf course and popular culture as we know it. Caddyshack is at once an eye-opening narrative about one of the most interesting, surreal, and dramatic film productions there’s ever been, and a rich portrait of the biggest, and most revolutionary names in Hollywood. So, it’s got that going for it...which is nice.




Seinfeld, Master of Its Domain


Book Description

After a slow and inauspicious beginning, Seinfeld broke through to become one of the most commercially successful sitcoms in the history of television. This fascinating book includes classic articles on the show by Geoffrey O'Brien and Bill Wyman (first published in the New York Review of Books and Salon.com respectively), and a selection of new and revised essays by some of the top television scholars in the US - looking at issues as wide-ranging as Seinfeld's Jewishness, alleged nihilism, food obsession, and long-running syndication. The book also includes a comprehensive episode guide, and Betty Lee's lexicon of Seinfeld language.




The Office


Book Description

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER The untold stories behind The Office, one of the most iconic television shows of the twenty-first century, told by its creators, writers, and actors When did you last hang out with Jim, Pam, Dwight, Michael, and the rest of Dunder Mifflin? It might have been back in 2013, when the series finale aired . . . or it might have been last night, when you watched three episodes in a row. But either way, long after the show first aired, it’s more popular than ever, and fans have only one problem—what to watch, or read, next. Fortunately, Rolling Stone writer Andy Greene has that answer. In his brand-new oral history, The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s, Greene will take readers behind the scenes of their favorite moments and characters. Greene gives us the true inside story behind the entire show, from its origins on the BBC through its impressive nine-season run in America, with in-depth research and exclusive interviews. Fans will get the inside scoop on key episodes from "The Dundies" to "Threat Level Midnight" and "Goodbye, Michael," including behind-the-scenes details like the battle to keep it on the air when NBC wanted to pull the plug after just six episodes and the failed attempt to bring in James Gandolfini as the new boss after Steve Carell left, spotlighting the incredible, genre-redefining show created by the family-like team, who together took a quirky British import with dicey prospects and turned it into a primetime giant with true historical and cultural significance. Hilarious, heartwarming, and revelatory, The Office gives fans and pop culture buffs a front-row seat to the phenomenal sequence of events that launched The Office into wild popularity, changing the face of television and how we all see our office lives for decades to come.




Writing Television Sitcoms


Book Description

Describes the writing method called premise-driven comedy, examines how comedy affects character development and story structure, discusses guidelines on script layouts, and offers advice on establishing a career




The 90 Greatest American Sitcoms of All Time


Book Description

Step into the world of laughter, love, and life lessons with "The 90 Greatest American Sitcoms of All Time." This definitive guide to the most beloved and influential sitcoms in American television history takes you on a journey through decades of hilarious and heartwarming storytelling. From the groundbreaking antics of I Love Lucy and the clever humor of Seinfeld to the modern-day charm of The Office and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, this book celebrates the sitcoms that have shaped our culture and left an indelible mark on television history. Each chapter delves into a different show, offering insight into its creation, impact, and the reasons why it continues to resonate with audiences today. This book is not just a trip down memory lane—it's a celebration of the characters, catchphrases, and moments that have made us laugh out loud, cry with joy, and reflect on the quirks of everyday life. Whether you're a TV aficionado or a casual viewer, this book is your ultimate companion to the shows that have brought us together and kept us entertained for generations. So grab your remote, settle in on the couch, and get ready to relive the greatest moments in sitcom history with "Laugh Tracks and Life Lessons." This is a must-read for anyone who loves to laugh and appreciates the art of great television.




Britcoms: The 90 Greatest British Sitcoms of All Time


Book Description

British sitcoms have long been celebrated for their wit, charm, and ability to capture the quirks of everyday life. In "Britcoms: The 90 Greatest British Sitcoms of All Time," you'll embark on a journey through the golden moments of British television comedy, exploring the shows that have made us laugh, think, and sometimes even cry. This book is a comprehensive guide to the finest British sitcoms, from the timeless hilarity of Fawlty Towers and the sharp satire of Yes, Minister to the quirky brilliance of The IT Crowd and the suburban antics of Gavin & Stacey. Each chapter is dedicated to a single sitcom, offering an in-depth look at its creation, cultural impact, and the memorable characters that have become beloved household names. Whether you grew up with the classic charm of Dad's Army, found yourself relating to the struggles of The Office, or were captivated by the irreverent humor of Blackadder, this book covers it all. It’s a must-have for fans of British comedy. With "Britcoms," you'll revisit the unforgettable moments and unforgettable lines that have made British sitcoms a treasured part of global entertainment. Perfect for both seasoned fans and those new to the genre, this book will have you laughing along as you rediscover the genius of British television comedy at its very best.




Honey, I'm Home!


Book Description

Gerard Jone's Honey, I'm Home! has been widely acclaimed as the premier primer on America's Morality Plays-the TV situation comedies that have chained us to our Barcaloungers ever since Lucy first bawled her way into our hearts. Recalling the best and worst the sitcoms have had to offer, Jones recreates their atmosphere and their times with wisdom and style; paralleling the memory-lane trip is his shrewd and provocative assessment of the sitcom's influence on modern society. From Farther Knows Best to Married...with Children, from the empty calories of The Brady Bunch to the social commentary of All in the Family, Honey, I'm Home! is a connoisseur's guide to the sitcom world-where everybody knows your name, and any problem can be solved in twenty-two minutes, plus commercials.