Ep 2. Man of the House

In season 1, episode 2 of AMERICA In Primetime, titled "Man of the House," the focus is on the portrayal of male characters in television. The episode explores the shifting roles of men in television as more women have entered the workforce and become breadwinners, and how television has responded to these changes.

The episode delves into classic sitcoms such as "All in the Family," "The Brady Bunch," and "The Cosby Show" to examine the portrayal of male characters in the 1970s and 1980s. These shows depicted men as the head of the household, responsible for providing for and protecting their families. "All in the Family" particularly stands out for its portrayal of Archie Bunker, a working-class man who struggles to come to terms with the changing social landscape and the increasing role of women in society.

The episode then shifts to examine the role of the father in more contemporary shows like "The Sopranos" and "Breaking Bad," where male characters are depicted as more complex and flawed. These shows depict male characters struggling with the pressures of being a father and balancing their role as provider with their own personal desires and flaws. "The Sopranos" in particular focuses on Tony Soprano's struggle to balance the demands of his criminal enterprise with his responsibilities as a father and husband.

The episode also explores the rise of the anti-hero in television, with shows like "Mad Men," "Dexter," and "House of Cards." These shows depict male characters who are morally ambiguous and often engage in unethical behavior. They also challenge traditional notions of masculinity, often depicting men who are emotionally vulnerable and struggle with their own personal demons.

Throughout the episode, various actors, writers, and showrunners provide their insights into the portrayal of male characters in television and how this has changed over time. They discuss the challenges of creating multifaceted male characters and the responsibility that comes with depicting toxic masculinity on screen.

"Man of the House" is a thought-provoking exploration of how television has depicted men over the years and how this has changed in response to broader social changes. It challenges traditional notions of masculinity and examines the ways in which television both reflects and influences society's perceptions of men.