Sitcoms

Sitcoms have been a major form of entertainment since the very early days of U.S. television. Jackie Gleason surprised many when he decided to stop his variety show in favor of a 30 minute version of The Honeymooners (1955), which had its origin as one of his regular skits. Working with regulars Art Carney and Audrey Meadows, they created 39 episodes of pure joy. 'Lucille Ball' and Desi Arnaz made history with I Love Lucy (1951) not only by making people laugh but by writing in Lucy's real-life pregnancy. In Make Room for Daddy (1953), Danny Thomas presented a believable family and as a producer, introduced Andy Griffith to a broader TV audience in The Andy Griffith Show (1960). The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961) show, also with Mary Tyler Moore, made use of the stars inestimable talents.