Genre

Sometimes, the craziest ideas are the best ones. In the world of television (and movies as well), there seems to be a constant struggle between playing it safe and gambling on a big return. For instance, when it comes to sitcoms, stories about a family plus one or two outside characters are sure-fire hits. Just look at Family Matters, The King of Queens, The George Lopez Show, Cosby, Frasier and My Wife and Kids. Shows about work, such as Newsradio, Suddenly Susan, Veronica’s Closet, Scrubs and < ...>Working are quite popular as well. As is the case with most things in this world, moderate success can be obtained by sticking with what has worked in the past.

Occasionally, however, the networks will let a show that goes against the formula slip onto the air. Often times, these experiments end in disaster (does anyone remember Cop Rock?), but occasionally the risk pays off, and we get extraordinary shows like Seinfeld, Northern Exposure, Friends, The Soprano’s… and Soap.