Give the Gift of Classic TV Comedy for Christmas

Christmas is upon us again.  If you’re having trouble deciding what to buy that TV fan on your list, then maybe some Classic TV Comedies will do the trick.  Here is a little guide as to what’s available this holiday season.  All of these sets are available in stores and through Amazon.com.

M*A*S*H  - The Complete Series

This sitcom, set during The Korean War, successfully balanced between comedy and drama, hilarity and tragedy, filled with one liners and gags and also intense set pieces which set the program apart as one of TV’s all time greats.   The series premiered in 1972 and ran for 11 seasons and 256 episodes.  The series finale, which aired February 28, 1983, was watched by more than 125 Million viewers and still remains the most watched episode of a TV series ever.  It was nominated for a staggering 109 Emmy Awards of its run.  Starring Alan Alda, Wayne Rogers, Harry Morgan, and Loretta Swit.  The set also includes the 1970 film that the series was based on.

Barney Miller – The Complete Series

Set in a New York City police station, this comedy series ran from 1975 to 1982 for 168 episodes, and featured the stories of the detectives of the 12^th Precinct and the day to day life in the squad room.  Over its 8 seasons, it was nominated for an Emmy award for Outstanding Comedy Series 7 times, finally winning in its final season.   Widely cited by police officers as the most realistic police series ever.  Starring Hal Linden, Max Gail, Jack Soo, Ron Glass, Abe Vigoda, and Steve Landesberg. 

Seinfeld – The Complete Series

Named by TV Guide as the greatest television series of all time. Created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, this series about nothing, followed the exploits of Jerry Seinfeld (as a fictional version of himself) and his 3 friends, Kramer, George, and Elaine.   It ran from 1989 to 1998, for 180 episodes.  Through the years of its original run and now in syndication, the show has become a cultural phenomenon.  Spawning catch phrases, merchandise, and many references to the series in popular culture.  Starring Jerry Seinfeld, Michael Richards, Jason Alexander, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

Everybody Loves Raymond – The Complete Series

Based on the stand up comedy of Ray Romano, this series ran from 1996 to 2005 for 210 episodes.  The show followed the life of sportswriter Ray Barone, and his family life with his wife and 3 kids, while living across the street from his parents.   It was nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series for 7 times over its run.  Starring Ray Romano, Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett, Peter Boyle, and Doris Roberts.

Cheers – The Complete Series

This classic sitcom followed the goings on at a popular Boston bar named Cheers.  It ran from 1982-1993 for 270 episodes.  It garnered a record 111 Emmy nominations during it’s time on the air, and won the Outstanding Comedy Series 4 times.  The show struggled in the ratings at first, but by the 3^rd season, it found its footing and remained in the top 10 from season 4, until it went off the air.  Starring Ted Danson, Shelly Long, Rhea Perlman, Woody Harrelson,  John Ratzenberger, George Wendt, Kelsey Grammer, and Kirstie Alley.

Friends – The Complete Series

This series revolved around a circle of friends living in New York City, and ran from 1994 to 2004 for 236 episodes.  It quickly became a critical favorite and commercial success, remaining in the Top 10 of the Nielsen ratings for its entire run.  Starring Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc, Courtney Cox, and David Schwimmer. 

Hope I gave you some good ideas for that TV lover on your Christmas list. 

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Survivor - Still The King Of Reality TV

Survivor premiered on May 31, 2000 on CBS, and quickly became a TV phenomenon.  It was the first show of its kind.  A competition between 16 Americans, stranded on a deserted island off the coast of Borneo. Together they would learn to live in a self made society, build shelter, ration food, all the while competing for a $1 Million dollar prize.

 

The rules were simple.  The groups were split into two “tribes,” each living in their own camp.  Each week the two tribes would compete against each other in challenges for either rewards or immunity.  Rewards would consist of things like fishing gear, flint to make fire, food, etc.  The immunity challenges determined which tribe would be safe for the week.  The losing tribe would need to visit tribal council and one member of their tribe would be voted out.   After 39 days, a winner would be crowned and awarded the million dollars.

The buzz for the show grew throughout the summer and ratings were surging.  51 million people tuned into the finale to see Richard Hatch crowned the Sole Survivor.  It is still the highest rated episode for any show of its kind. 

One of the keys to the shows continued success is that, over the years, the show has tweaked its format here and there, sometimes having 18 or 20 players, some of them returning players from past seasons. Redemption Island was added.  This was a place that players who were voted out could go and compete for a chance to return to the game after a period of time. 

Since its premiere, other reality competition shows have come and gone, often imitating Survivor’s formula.  Getting a number of contestants together and competing for a cash prize, eliminating one player per week.  But Survivor has endured. 

Another of the keys to the show’s success has been its ability to cast very popular and interesting players.  Rob Mariano, known as Boston Rob to Survivor Fans, has become one of the most popular Survivor players of all time.  He met his wife Amber Brkich on the show, she was a competing player.  They teamed up and she won the $1 million dollar prize on the shows “All Star” edition.  Mariano returned in a later edition to win as well.

A big reason for the show's popularity is its host, Jeff Probst.  Probst is more than just a host, he is part of Survivor.  He has won multiple Emmy’s for his hosting duties.  He is incredibly popular with the fan base.  So much so, that fans could never imagine the show being hosted by someone else.    

It's 27th edition, Blood vs. Water, has just completed and in this edition the show has once again reinvented itself adding yet another twist to its formula.  This time, pitting a tribe of returning players against a tribe consisting of their loved ones.   The show has proven that it can continue to evolve and make changes to keep fans intrigued and interested. 

Survivor shows no signs of slowing down.  It has been renewed for 2 more seasons.  It is a staple of CBS programming and still draws consistent ratings.  Still drawing 10 million viewers per week to a very strong and loyal fan base.  My guess is that the show will continue as long as creator Mark Burnett wants it to.  It is the undisputed King of Reality Competition TV.