All these CNN miniseries are made with such high production values that they are almost impossible not to enjoy. Of the ones I've watched, I don't think I've gone below a 7/10 star rating. "History of the Sitcom" slots right into that range. It isn't as good as some of the others, but still provides some great entertainment & education over the course of its nine episodes.
Basically, this miniseries lives up to its title, providing an in-depth look at the history of TV sitcoms. Instead of proceeding chronologically, each episode centers on a particular theme (fantasy, nerds, family, work, etc.) and explores the appropriate sitcoms to fit those themes.
Like I said, the production value is extremely high here. Clips from the sitcoms in question are interspersed with interviews from their stars and analysts providing historical context. It is all very sleek and just seems to fit together perfectly.
The only reason this isn't closer to a 8/9 star ranking? Frankly, because it is blatantly dismissive of certain shows for very politically-motivated reasons. For example, shows like "Friends" and "Gilligan's Island" are immediately dismissed after a sentence or two because of their lack of a diverse cast. Yet, "The Cosby Show" gets a much more in-depth look, considering its success and then subsequent problematic status in the wake of its star's actions. For the most part, "History of the Sitcom" actually does a fine job of presenting a diverse, wide-ranging look at all types of sitcoms, which is why the utter dismissal of a few iconic ones was so puzzling and frustrating.
Overall, though, this was a solidly produced look at an American TV institution. Maybe not quite as fair or compelling as some of its network counterparts, but easily a "worthy watch" for a string of weeks.
Basically, this miniseries lives up to its title, providing an in-depth look at the history of TV sitcoms. Instead of proceeding chronologically, each episode centers on a particular theme (fantasy, nerds, family, work, etc.) and explores the appropriate sitcoms to fit those themes.
Like I said, the production value is extremely high here. Clips from the sitcoms in question are interspersed with interviews from their stars and analysts providing historical context. It is all very sleek and just seems to fit together perfectly.
The only reason this isn't closer to a 8/9 star ranking? Frankly, because it is blatantly dismissive of certain shows for very politically-motivated reasons. For example, shows like "Friends" and "Gilligan's Island" are immediately dismissed after a sentence or two because of their lack of a diverse cast. Yet, "The Cosby Show" gets a much more in-depth look, considering its success and then subsequent problematic status in the wake of its star's actions. For the most part, "History of the Sitcom" actually does a fine job of presenting a diverse, wide-ranging look at all types of sitcoms, which is why the utter dismissal of a few iconic ones was so puzzling and frustrating.
Overall, though, this was a solidly produced look at an American TV institution. Maybe not quite as fair or compelling as some of its network counterparts, but easily a "worthy watch" for a string of weeks.