Last Monday you had a letter ...

• Nov 14, 2005 03:00 AM ET
• by Matt Roush

Question: Last Monday you had a letter in which the writer decried the quality of today's comedies. He noted that the networks are at a disadvantage compared to HBO because of censorship. Here's my problem. The writer noted great comedies from the past 20 years, like Seinfeld, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, The Cosby Show. I can add other great comedies: The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart, M*A*S*H, Taxi, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Honeymooners, I Love Lucy and many more. None of these great comedies needed a lack of censorship in order to be funny. Why do so many people think there has to be foul language and sex in order for a show to be good? All that's needed is quality writing, truly funny situations that people can relate to and some good acting, and you know what? You have a classic sitcom. What do you think?
Answer: I think you're right, of course. But try convincing today's generation of tone-deaf program executives to go with class over crass. You'd think the enormous success, to the very end, of Everybody Loves Raymond might have convinced these development hacks that a show that many weeks merits a G-rating isn't by necessity dated or without appeal. It just has to be funny, feature amusing folks well played in situations that reveal and reinforce character, and you've got it made. But dream on. (That said, just because a show is edgy in content and daring in execution doesn't make it less funny or valuable. There simply should be room for both.)