You can't argue with the majority here, who seems to love and revere this show.
Not only a precursor to the phenomenally popular animated series, the Flintstones, but also a major influence on later shows such as Married with Children and the Simpsons. I can't think of any other show at that time who had such a crass and antagonistic character, and yet he was the hero.
Say what you will about Jackie Gleason's later career but all comedy shows are indebted to him. If he hadn't been successful with this show, perhaps all shows on television would have been like Father Knows Best or even worse, like Full House.
The show itself can be a little tired and predictable for those who grew up after the 50s but at that time it must have been a totally mind-blowing experience.
I was introduced to Gleason as the Smokey in that particular film trilogy and I was somewhat surprised that he was actually from New York. He is just that good in that movie. But in this show he is sensational and it must have been a very stressful experience for his co-stars trying to keep up with him. From what I understand, the majority of the show was unrehearsed. You would never know. All the actors make it look so easy and of course the show could never have been what it is, if not for Art Carney. Although, he is extremely annoying at most times, Gleason was dependent on him to get laughs.
So, I will definitely say that this is not just a comedy show. This is a comedy show that all other comedy shows come from.
Not only a precursor to the phenomenally popular animated series, the Flintstones, but also a major influence on later shows such as Married with Children and the Simpsons. I can't think of any other show at that time who had such a crass and antagonistic character, and yet he was the hero.
Say what you will about Jackie Gleason's later career but all comedy shows are indebted to him. If he hadn't been successful with this show, perhaps all shows on television would have been like Father Knows Best or even worse, like Full House.
The show itself can be a little tired and predictable for those who grew up after the 50s but at that time it must have been a totally mind-blowing experience.
I was introduced to Gleason as the Smokey in that particular film trilogy and I was somewhat surprised that he was actually from New York. He is just that good in that movie. But in this show he is sensational and it must have been a very stressful experience for his co-stars trying to keep up with him. From what I understand, the majority of the show was unrehearsed. You would never know. All the actors make it look so easy and of course the show could never have been what it is, if not for Art Carney. Although, he is extremely annoying at most times, Gleason was dependent on him to get laughs.
So, I will definitely say that this is not just a comedy show. This is a comedy show that all other comedy shows come from.