# Not A Poll: The Dick Van Dyke Show IS the funniest sitcom ever! **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [September 29, 2010, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484 "2010-09-29T16:30:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484/41 "2010-09-30T02:07:17Z")
> [@Captain\_Amazing](#): > > > [@Annie-Xmas](#): > > > > [The One With Greg Morris](http://www.fancast.com/tv/The-Dick-Van-Dyke-Show/97859/1354808860/Thats-My-Boy/videos) VanDyke’s take is so funny, and it was extremely daring for the times. > > They almost had to change the ending, because CBS was worried the original ending was racially insensitive. Using Asians was a backup plan. > [@Skara\_Brae](#): > > So what is everyone’s favorite episode? The Walnut one is the most famous, but there were so many good ones, I can hardly pick. Though the one with the inflatable boat comes to mind… Oh, yes! The inflatable boat! When MTM was on Larry King, she says she liked this episode because it let her be the nut instead of the rational one. And it works out so PERFECTLY, so INEVITABLY, like a Greek tragedy, but HILARIOUS! Laura’s horror as she realizes she really is just like the nosy wife in the TV sketch! Rob trying not to laugh when he says, “Honey–did a package come for me?” Jerry and Millie’s speechless laughter when they see the boat! > [@Markxxx](#): > > Ann Morgan Guilbert who played Millie was also hysterical. I liked her in the hypnosis episode. “Put me in a trance! Put me in a trance!” “All About Eavesdropping” (with the kids’ intercom to the Helpers) had some really excellent parts. The charade for “On The Street Where You Live”! The way they sit down in unison and cross their legs identically. Rob having the last line as he plays some Bach on the piano: “I’m no Albert Schweitzer, huh?” > [@](#): > > Jerry Helper: Hey, Rob, let’s play “Who Am I”, huh? Who am I? > Robert ‘Rob’ Petrie: We gave you that vase, too. > Jerry Helper: I know, I know, thanks. Who am I? > Robert ‘Rob’ Petrie: You’re not Eleanor Roosevelt, I’ll tell you that for sure. > Jerry Helper: Come on. Who am I? Let’s play. What do you say, Rob? > Millie Helper: Let’s play charades. > Jerry Helper: Charades! Everybody loves charades! Hey, I got it. Laura, Rob and I, we’ll be on one team, and Millie, Sally and Buddy, you’re on the other. > Millie Helper: Charades all right, Rob? Laura? > Laura Petrie: It’s your house. > Maurice B. ‘Buddy’ Sorrell: You didn’t give them the house? Perfect punch line and setup. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484/42 "2010-09-30T02:30:14Z")
Creative, great performances, iconic characters, good stuff. Not the best. That would be the Beverly Hillbillies, the archetype of ensemble sitcoms. ---
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484/43 "2010-09-30T03:33:19Z")
I loved the inflatable boat episode. Another funny episode was the practical joke episode, where Buddy’s accountant calls Rob at home and pretends to be a telephone repairman. I mentioned in another thread a few months ago, whatever happened to Nick at Nite? I want The DVD Show and the MTM show and the Bob Newhart Show. All Nick at Nite has anymore is _The Nanny_, _George Lopez_, _Family Matters_. TVLand is \* Roseanne,\* and _Everybody Loves Raymond_ with some other shows thrown in. GAG I want a Classic TVLand channel. No shows from after 1985 allowed. ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 10:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484/44 "2010-09-30T10:44:09Z")
Two words– [ol] [li]Laura[/li][li]Walnuts[/li][/ol] ---
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 11:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484/45 "2010-09-30T11:25:00Z")
I’ve always thought this was the ultimate example of what can happen when you have the rare convergence of great writing and directing with the perfect cast. There is not a bad or dull episode to be found in this series. I also think it helps that they had the sense to stop while they were still on top of their game. I remember being shocked when I first realized they only made five seasons and called it quits. To this day it is the only show I am guaranteed to stop and watch if I come across it while channel surfing. Given that I have all of the eps on DVD I think that says something about how much I love this show. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2010, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484/46 "2010-10-02T01:39:48Z")
> [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](#): > > I’ve always thought this was the ultimate example of what can happen when you have the rare convergence of great writing and directing with the perfect cast. There is not a bad or dull episode to be found in this series. While I love the show, I don’t think I’d go this far. The one with Sally and the deli owner has some truly wretched moments. ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2010, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484/47 "2010-10-02T03:07:29Z")
Add the episode where Buddy was staying with Rob and Laura for a few days. Just uncomfortable. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2010, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484/48 "2010-10-02T03:16:38Z")
> [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](#): > > Two words– > > [ol] > [li]Laura[/li][li]Walnuts[/li][/ol] Or . . . [ol] [li]Laura[/li][li]Toe[/li][/ol] ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2010, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484/49 "2010-10-02T03:20:48Z")
> [@rowrrbazzle](#): > > Add the episode where Buddy was staying with Rob and Laura for a few days. Just uncomfortable. I can’t remember that one, though I’m sure I’ve seen every episode. Was it one of the ones with the weepy violins? ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2010, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484/50 "2010-10-02T04:41:33Z")
This was the first sitcom that I recall watching where the characters actually seemed like they could be real adults and not just some TVland family. ---
**Author:** ![dwyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dwyr/32/363_2.png) [@dwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dwyr)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2010, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484/51 "2010-10-02T05:28:52Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > > [@rowrrbazzle](#): > > > > Add the episode where Buddy was staying with Rob and Laura for a few days. Just uncomfortable. > > I can’t remember that one, though I’m sure I’ve seen every episode. Was it one of the ones with the weepy violins? I don’t know about violins but Buddy played his cello to the annoyance of the Petries. I had such a crush on Dick Van Dyke when I was a kid. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2010, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484/52 "2010-10-02T05:30:06Z")
The episode I most want to see again is the R.O.S.E.B.U.D. one. Heck, forever I thought the Citizen Kaine references were from that episode. I wondered what a sled had to do with it. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2010, 6:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484/53 "2010-10-02T06:47:33Z")
> [@dwyr](#): > > I had such a crush on Dick Van Dyke when I was a kid. I wanted Rob Petrie to be my dad and Sally Rogers to be my mom. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2010, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484/54 "2010-10-02T17:58:35Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > > [@rowrrbazzle](#): > > > > Add the episode where Buddy was staying with Rob and Laura for a few days. Just uncomfortable. > > I can’t remember that one, though I’m sure I’ve seen every episode. Was it one of the ones with the weepy violins? Buddy had a fight with Pickles and stayed with the Petries. He ended up annoying them, of course, with his gargling, his cello (not violin) playing, making a mess of the kitchen, etc. mmm ---
**Author:** ![zbuzz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/e19b73/32.png) [@zbuzz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zbuzz)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2010, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484/55 "2010-10-02T22:41:39Z")
I think The Dick Van Dyke Show should be in the Mount Rushmore of TV comedies, but any TV show that would pee “The Twizzle” all over an unsuspecting audience must atone like a madman before it gets there. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2010, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484/56 "2010-10-02T22:53:53Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > > [@jsgoddess](#): > > > > I can’t remember that one, though I’m sure I’ve seen every episode. Was it one of the ones with the weepy violins? > > Buddy had a fight with Pickles and stayed with the Petries. He ended up annoying them, of course, with his gargling, his cello (not violin) playing, making a mess of the kitchen, etc. > mmm Sorry for the confusion. When I said the weepy violins, I meant the music the show used. If you watch the episode with Sally and the deli guy, there’s this annoying, cloying “Oh, this part is supposed to be touching!” music that overpowers much of the second half. I think I remember a few episodes from late in the show’s run that used this sappy sort of technique. ---
**Author:** ![Jihi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jihi/32/17768_2.png) [@Jihi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jihi)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2010, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484/57 "2010-10-02T23:35:43Z")
Just to put this in context, I am only 29 and I was born in 1981. My recollections of The Dick Van Dyke show are from Nick at Nite in the early 90’s and further reruns on TVLand. And this show is still very funny and very watchable. I’m not sure I’d call it the “funniest ever”, (It’s duking it out with The Simpsons, The Office, and Cheers), but it’s right up there. I don’t know who deserves the credit not being familiar with its production, but that’s still quite an achievement since I can’t think of anything else started before the 70’s that I can still say that about. Yes, I’m a whippersnapper. Don’t whip me too harshly. 😃 ETA: On second thought, I still like Get Smart as well, so two programs… ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2010, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484/58 "2010-10-03T01:43:07Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > Buddy had a fight with Pickles and stayed with the Petries. He ended up annoying them, of course, with his gargling, his cello (not violin) playing, making a mess of the kitchen, etc. You’ve mixed up two episodes. The one I meant was [The Boarder Incident](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0769916/plotsummary). > [@](#): > > Buddy’s wife Pickles is away for 3 weeks to take care of her mother. Buddy can’t stay at home because he’s too lonely. Rob discovers that Buddy has been sleeping overnight at work and insists he move into his guest room. Sally warns against it. Either Buddy and his dog Larry are keeping Rob and Laura awake, or Rob and Laura aren’t letting Buddy stay up late. Yes, Buddy plays the cello to get his dog to sleep. The one you’re probably thinking of is [Divorce](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0559748/combined), where Buddy left Pickles (because he found checks she was writing to her first husband). But Buddy didn’t stay at the Petries’. Without consulting Laura, Rob brought Buddy’s dog home while the Sorrells were out of town in [The Unwelcome Houseguest](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0789010/plotsummary). ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2010, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484/59 "2010-10-03T01:51:20Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > Sorry for the confusion. When I said the weepy violins, I meant the music the show used. If you watch the episode with Sally and the deli guy, there’s this annoying, cloying “Oh, this part is supposed to be touching!” music that overpowers much of the second half. I think I remember a few episodes from late in the show’s run that used this sappy sort of technique. That episode is from Season 4, Episode 6: “Romance, Roses, and Rye Bread”. From season 1 we get related episodes such as “Sally Is a Girl” and “Where You Been, Fassbinder?” Not my favorites, either. Another favorite of mine is Vito Scotti’s _tour de force_: “Give Me Your Walls!” “Hey, walls! Everything’s-a gonna be fine!” 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Truman\_Burbank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecc23a/32.png) [@Truman\_Burbank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Truman_Burbank)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2010, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484/60 "2010-10-03T04:59:58Z")
after all these years is the episode where Rob tries to break a record for continuous on-air broadcasting at the local radio station, which gave Van Dyke an opportunity to ‘play drunk’. That poor little kitty cat… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-poll-the-dick-van-dyke-show-is-the-funniest-sitcom-ever/555484.md?page=4)