Classic TV shows are still loved and appreciated by the masses today.
We all have specific go-to favorites we have seen many times over but never seem to get sick of watching.
Certain technological advancements didn't exist when classic TV shows were produced, such as the ability to pause, rewind, or record episodes.
Those advancements have since changed how we can view our favorite classic shows.
While binge-watching is not always great for enjoying modern programs, it is another advancement that can offer new insights into classic shows that are fun to explore.
The Attraction of Classic TV
Whether it's a 1950s show like Lassie or a 1980s show like The Facts of Life, there is something inherently special about a classic TV show.
Watching one is like eating comfort food.
Experts say classic shows are so attractive because humans are social creatures. We want to form connections with other people.
We all have specific go-to favorites we have seen many times over but never seem to get sick of watching.
Certain technological advancements didn't exist when classic TV shows were produced, such as the ability to pause, rewind, or record episodes.
Those advancements have since changed how we can view our favorite classic shows.
While binge-watching is not always great for enjoying modern programs, it is another advancement that can offer new insights into classic shows that are fun to explore.
The Attraction of Classic TV
Whether it's a 1950s show like Lassie or a 1980s show like The Facts of Life, there is something inherently special about a classic TV show.
Watching one is like eating comfort food.
Experts say classic shows are so attractive because humans are social creatures. We want to form connections with other people.
- 5/15/2024
- by Jessica Kosinski
- TVfanatic
Television shows seem well-organized and choreographed. Yet, not everything about them always goes according to plan.
For example, an incidental character sometimes steals a scene and creates memorable television history.
Then, there are the characters who take things a step further by stealing scenes repeatedly until they become the stars themselves.
Particular characters, such as Dr. Gregory House on House, are often created to be standouts. Yet, occasionally, those main protagonists are entirely overshadowed.
In rare instances, characters who were supposed to be incidental became regulars and took over entire shows.
The Fonz on Happy Days (1974-1984)
Happy Days underwent several changes, including the recasting and eventual disappearance of Chuck Cunningham's character, but Arthur (The Fonz) Fonzarelli's addition most dramatically altered the show's trajectory.
Initially, Happy Days focused on the Cunningham family, especially teenager Richie (Ron Howard). The Fonz (Henry Winkler) was a side character. However, the motorcycle-riding, leather jacket-wearing greaser soon took over.
For example, an incidental character sometimes steals a scene and creates memorable television history.
Then, there are the characters who take things a step further by stealing scenes repeatedly until they become the stars themselves.
Particular characters, such as Dr. Gregory House on House, are often created to be standouts. Yet, occasionally, those main protagonists are entirely overshadowed.
In rare instances, characters who were supposed to be incidental became regulars and took over entire shows.
The Fonz on Happy Days (1974-1984)
Happy Days underwent several changes, including the recasting and eventual disappearance of Chuck Cunningham's character, but Arthur (The Fonz) Fonzarelli's addition most dramatically altered the show's trajectory.
Initially, Happy Days focused on the Cunningham family, especially teenager Richie (Ron Howard). The Fonz (Henry Winkler) was a side character. However, the motorcycle-riding, leather jacket-wearing greaser soon took over.
- 4/29/2024
- by Jessica Kosinski
- TVfanatic
What began as a single segment titled “Love and the Television Set” on the anthology series “Love, American Style,” grew to become a top ten sitcom that lasted 11 seasons and defined “cool” for a generation. Set in 1950s Milwaukee, “Happy Days” debuted on January 15, 1974, and, although it was only a moderate success initially, became one of the most iconic TV series of its time.
Ron Howard was already a well-known TV star from his days as Opie Taylor on “The Andy Griffith Show,” so it’s not surprising this series centered around his all-American teenage character Richie Cunningham and his middle-class family. In fact, Howard’s appearance in the “Love, American Style” episode led to his casting by George Lucas in the equally nostalgic “American Graffiti” in 1973 — the success of which prompted ABC to pick up “Happy Days.” But it was the character of greaser Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli (Henry Winkler...
Ron Howard was already a well-known TV star from his days as Opie Taylor on “The Andy Griffith Show,” so it’s not surprising this series centered around his all-American teenage character Richie Cunningham and his middle-class family. In fact, Howard’s appearance in the “Love, American Style” episode led to his casting by George Lucas in the equally nostalgic “American Graffiti” in 1973 — the success of which prompted ABC to pick up “Happy Days.” But it was the character of greaser Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli (Henry Winkler...
- 1/15/2024
- by Susan Pennington and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
What began as a single segment titled “Love and the Television Set” on the anthology series “Love, American Style,” grew to become a top ten sitcom that lasted 11 seasons and defined “cool” for a generation. Set in 1950s Milwaukee, “Happy Days” debuted on January 15, 1974, and, although it was only a moderate success initially, became one of the most iconic TV series of its time.
Ron Howard was already a well-known TV star from his days as Opie Taylor on “The Andy Griffith Show,” so it’s not surprising this series centered around his all-American teenage character Richie Cunningham and his middle-class family. In fact, Howard’s appearance in the “Love, American Style” episode led to his casting by George Lucas in the equally nostalgic “American Graffiti” in 1973 — the success of which prompted ABC to pick up “Happy Days.” But it was the character of greaser Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli (Henry Winkler...
Ron Howard was already a well-known TV star from his days as Opie Taylor on “The Andy Griffith Show,” so it’s not surprising this series centered around his all-American teenage character Richie Cunningham and his middle-class family. In fact, Howard’s appearance in the “Love, American Style” episode led to his casting by George Lucas in the equally nostalgic “American Graffiti” in 1973 — the success of which prompted ABC to pick up “Happy Days.” But it was the character of greaser Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli (Henry Winkler...
- 1/14/2024
- by Susan Pennington, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Gavan O’Herlihy, the Irish actor who played Chuck Cunningham, the big brother on Happy Days who famously disappeared from the show without explanation, has died. He was 70.
O’Herlihy died Sept. 15 in Bath, England, his brother Cormac O’Herlihy told The Hollywood Reporter. His family is choosing not to specify the cause of death, but his brother said it was not related to Covid-19.
In his big-screen debut, O’Herlihy portrayed the ex of the bride (Amy Stryker) in Robert Altman’s A Wedding (1978).
He also played the Spectre bad guy Jack Petachi in Irvin Kershner’s Bond ...
O’Herlihy died Sept. 15 in Bath, England, his brother Cormac O’Herlihy told The Hollywood Reporter. His family is choosing not to specify the cause of death, but his brother said it was not related to Covid-19.
In his big-screen debut, O’Herlihy portrayed the ex of the bride (Amy Stryker) in Robert Altman’s A Wedding (1978).
He also played the Spectre bad guy Jack Petachi in Irvin Kershner’s Bond ...
- 11/12/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gavan O’Herlihy, the Irish actor who played Chuck Cunningham, the big brother on Happy Days who famously disappeared from the show without explanation, has died. He was 70.
O’Herlihy died Sept. 15 in Bath, England, his brother Cormac O’Herlihy told The Hollywood Reporter. His family is choosing not to specify the cause of death, but his brother said it was not related to Covid-19.
In his big-screen debut, O’Herlihy portrayed the ex of the bride (Amy Stryker) in Robert Altman’s A Wedding (1978).
He also played the Spectre bad guy Jack Petachi in Irvin Kershner’s Bond ...
O’Herlihy died Sept. 15 in Bath, England, his brother Cormac O’Herlihy told The Hollywood Reporter. His family is choosing not to specify the cause of death, but his brother said it was not related to Covid-19.
In his big-screen debut, O’Herlihy portrayed the ex of the bride (Amy Stryker) in Robert Altman’s A Wedding (1978).
He also played the Spectre bad guy Jack Petachi in Irvin Kershner’s Bond ...
- 11/12/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
We’ve got questions, and you’ve (maybe) got answers! With another week of TV gone by, we’re lobbing queries left and right about shows including Game of Thrones, The Flash, Seal Team and Gotham!
1 | Had you forgotten Blue Bloods‘ Eddie’s actual first name until her mother corrected Frank?
2 | Was there any doubt that Hawaii Five-0‘s cat figurines would turn out to have value as collectibles?
3 | Why did Saturday Night Live save Emma Stone’s “The Actress” — easily one of the best sketches of Season 44 — for the last 10 minutes of the episode? And did someone forget to...
1 | Had you forgotten Blue Bloods‘ Eddie’s actual first name until her mother corrected Frank?
2 | Was there any doubt that Hawaii Five-0‘s cat figurines would turn out to have value as collectibles?
3 | Why did Saturday Night Live save Emma Stone’s “The Actress” — easily one of the best sketches of Season 44 — for the last 10 minutes of the episode? And did someone forget to...
- 4/19/2019
- TVLine.com
When the cast of Roseanne returns to its Tuesday lead-off spot this fall, it will do so with a new show title — and without its disgraced leading lady.
To recap, ABC on Thursday officially ordered to series The Conners, a Roseanne revival spinoff sans Roseanne Barr, whose racist tweet led to last month’s stunning cancellation of the TV season’s top-rated comedy and No. 2 scripted program. The “new” sitcom will inevitably address the family matriarch’s whereabouts (or lack thereof) — though its options seem as limited as they are awkward. That’s where we come in.
What follows are...
To recap, ABC on Thursday officially ordered to series The Conners, a Roseanne revival spinoff sans Roseanne Barr, whose racist tweet led to last month’s stunning cancellation of the TV season’s top-rated comedy and No. 2 scripted program. The “new” sitcom will inevitably address the family matriarch’s whereabouts (or lack thereof) — though its options seem as limited as they are awkward. That’s where we come in.
What follows are...
- 6/23/2018
- TVLine.com
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.