1 / 6
1. East Side/West Side
Now, this one was serious business. George C. Scott, even back then, wasn't one for fluff. It was a black-and-white affair, mostly, and it didn't shy away from the tough stuff — poverty, prejudice, you name it. A real groundbreaking drama for its time, pulling no punches. And it felt *real*, you know? Not some glossy Hollywood fantasy or a variety show sketch. The kind of show that made you think about your neighbors.
2 / 6
2. The Richard Boone Show
Ah, Richard Boone. He was a force, that man. This was an anthology, see? A different story every week, and he'd be in most of 'em, playing a different character. It was a grand experiment for its time, letting a big star really stretch his legs. Some weeks it was a drama, others a comedy. You never quite knew what you were getting, but you knew Boone would deliver a performance. Quality stuff, usually.
3 / 6
3. When Things Were Rotten
Well, Mel Brooks, he was always a wild card. This one was a bit of a lark, a medieval sitcom parodying Robin Hood, you see? All very silly, but with that Brooks touch, you know? Fast-paced gags, broad characters, and a lot of slapstick. It was a short run, but it certainly had its moments. Not everyone's cup of tea, maybe, but if you liked that kind of rapid-fire, almost vaudeville-style comedy, it was a hoot.
4 / 6
4. Lou Grant
Now, this was interesting. Taking a beloved character from a sitcom, Lou Grant, and putting him in a serious drama. And it worked! Ed Asner, just phenomenal. It was about the newspaper business, the grind, the ethics. Not glamorous, but honest. It explored real issues without being preachy, just showing you the job. A smart show, for grown-ups, and a brave move to make a dramatic spin-off work so well.
5 / 6
5. The Associates
This was a sharp little workplace comedy, set in a law firm. You had a young Martin Short, and a good ensemble cast, all trying to make sense of the legal world. It had that early sitcom rhythm, you know, setup-punchline, but with a bit more bite to it. James L. Brooks had a hand in it, and you could feel that smart writing. Didn't last long, but it was a clever look at young professionals trying to get by.
6 / 6
6. Centennial
Now, *this* was an event. "Centennial" was a big deal, a miniseries, see? Back then, stretching a story out like that, over many nights, was a bold move. It told the whole history of a fictional Colorado town, spanning centuries. Epic in scope, with a huge cast and a real sense of sweeping drama. It captivated the nation, really. The kind of show you'd gather 'round the set for, night after night.