History of the Sitcom Season 1 Episode 7 Freaks, Geeks & Outsiders

The seventh episode of History of the Sitcom's first season is titled "Freaks, Geeks & Outsiders." This episode explores the role of outcasts and oddballs in sitcoms throughout history.

The episode begins by examining the classic sitcom "The Addams Family," which featured a family of unconventional characters who embraced their quirks and uniqueness. The show was a hit in the 1960s and its success paved the way for other shows that celebrated the weird and the unusual.

The episode then moves on to discuss the show "M*A*S*H," which was set during the Korean War and followed a group of misfit army medics. The show tackled serious issues such as war and mortality, but also had a strong comedic element that often came from the characters' eccentricities.

The episode also looks at shows like "Cheers," which featured a cast of regulars who didn't quite fit in anywhere else, and "Seinfeld," which focused on a group of friends who were often in their own little world.

The episode then explores the rise of the "nerd" character in sitcoms, starting with "Happy Days" character Potsie Weber and continuing with shows like "The Big Bang Theory" and "Freaks and Geeks." These characters were often socially awkward and had a love of science fiction and other "geeky" pursuits.

The episode concludes by examining the legacy of these shows and how they helped to normalize and celebrate the unique and unusual. It shows how the role of the outcast has evolved over the years and how sitcoms have continued to tackle issues of identity, belonging, and acceptance.

Overall, "Freaks, Geeks & Outsiders" is a fascinating look at how sitcoms have celebrated the strange and the unusual throughout television history. It shows how these shows have helped to create a sense of community for those who feel like they don't fit in, and how they have paved the way for more diverse and inclusive programming in the future.