“Bimbo’s TV Trivia” lives on
Dr. Gruntled has a recent post that gets some of us thinking about how marriage is portrayed on TV. He suggests that “Medium” currently features the best marriage and welcomes other nominees for strong marriages on television today.
I haven’t found a series that I can get myself to regularly watch since I soured on “Alias” and ABC cancelled “Eyes,” so I’ll have to present a more historical survey. Look elsewhere for cliche nominees like The Cleavers, The Petries, Andy Taylor, and Steve Douglas. This is my peculiar take on the subject, in no particular order, but highly influenced by my favorite shows:
• Best Single Mom—
One Day at a Time | Ann Romano | Bonnie Franklin
Star Trek: The Next Generation | Commander Dr. Beverly Crusher | Gates McFadden
The Big Valley | Victoria Barkley | Barbara Stanwyck
Julia | Julia Baker | Diahann Carroll
• Best Single Dad—
The Byrds of Paradise | Sam Byrd | Timothy Busfield
The Courtship of Eddie’s Father | Tom Corbett | Bill Bixby
Jonny Quest | Dr. Benton C. Quest | voice of Don Messick
The Rifleman | Lucas McCain | Chuck Connors
• Best Married Couple—
thirtysomething | Michael and Hope Steadman | Ken Olin and Mel Harris
Firefly | Zoe and Hoban Washburne | Gina Torres and Alan Tudyk
Life Goes On | Libby and Drew Thacher | Patti LuPone and Bill Smitrovich
Love on a Rooftop | David and Julie Willis | Peter Deuel and Judy Carne