I just spent the last week and a half enjoying the new NewsRadio DVD set, and listening to the commentaries I was reminded of how often the show was “on the bubble,” i.e., very close to being cancelled. Yet at the time, when I was in college, I also remember how devoted the show’s small fan base was. The most timely analogy is Arrested Development, also a critically acclaimed show with a small but devoted following (albeit with the added advantage of an Emmy). People always talk about cult movies, but there have been many television shows that, with total disregard for “traditional” TV conventions and in spite of poor ratings and any kind of respect from its network, developed such hardcore followings.
My favorites, that I rememeber, in no particular order:
NewsRadio. Possibly the funniest ensemble cast this side of AD. Mystery Science Theater 3000
Get a Life
The Ben Stiller Show
Freaks and Geeks
The Tick (live action) Mr. Show
I’m not sure how “revolutionary” it looks in retrospect, but with the combination of critical respect and network indifference (and the fact that I do love it so) I think WKRP in Cincinnati qualifies.
Popular. Just bought the DVDs. In just one episode, I caught references to Machiavelli, Joan Crawford, Mary Poppins, Devo, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and a shot-by-shot parody of the Odessa Steps scene from Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin. No wonder it only lasted two seasons!
This would have been my sitcom choice. A combination of traditional sitcom humor with continuing storylines (Andy vs Mother Carlson for example) and more serious themes.