25 classic sitcoms that aired on ABC’s Friday night block

TGIF may have stood for “Thank God It’s Friday,” but ABC put its spin on 1980s and 1990s television shows with a block of family-friendly sitcom programming known as “Thank Goodness It’s Funny,” with some of The most iconic TGIF shows. TGIF quickly became one of the popular television blocks of the week and gave birth to some of the most beloved comedy shows of all time. TGIF scored some hits while struggling to find room for others. TGIF shows continue to live on in the hearts and minds of children who grew up in the 80s and 90s.

This programming block has been responsible for some of the most wholesome, fun and uplifting family-friendly sitcoms ever to grace television. The characters in these memorable shows continue to stand the test of time, but not all the shows on the block enjoyed the same success. Some of them are memorable hits like Family matters, Whereas others like teen angel is not off the ground. Regardless, TGIF shows have a legacy that harkens back to a better, more positive, uplifting time.

25

Married to Dee Kelly (2003-2004)

Season 1, Episode 22

Married to the Kellys was a short-lived sitcom from the second era of TGIF After the block was briefly renamed by ABC to Work comedy Between 2000 and 2001. The show aired after George Lopez In the fall 2003 season, and while definitely memorable to fans of sitcoms as a format, Married to the Kellys Simply did not take off the road many others TGIF points has.

Married to the Kellys was set in Kansas and focused on Tom (Breckin Meyer), a native New Yorker who moves to Kansas with his Midwestern wife, Susan (Kiele Sanchez). The TGIF Show only lasted for 22 episodes, and was not picked up by ABC for another season. It was replaced by The big house By the time the following spring rolled around, though in retrospect, Married to the Kellys was much higher than the 6-episode show that replaced it.

24

Live With Bonnie (2002-2004)

2 seasons, 44 episodes

Like some others TGIF Shows from the second run of the block, Live with Bonnie was a sitcom that doubled as a star platform for the cast lead, in this case Bonnie Hunt (who played a fictionalized quasi-version of herself, Bonnie Malloy). The show focused on Bonnie as she tried to navigate the demands of being both a mom of two kids and a high-profile daytime TV talk show host.

Like many of the lesser-known TGIF shows, especially those of the second era, Live with Bonnie Didn’t do much to reinvent the wheel and came across as a relatively straightforward sitcom. This may be why it only lasted two seasons, as it felt like something of a throwback to earlier decades as a time when sitcoms as a genre underwent a lot of changes as television moved into the post-Friends Era.

23

George Lopez (2002-2007)

6 seasons, 120 episodes

George Lopez Was one of the most successful shows in the second TGIF Block, lasting for six seasons between 2002 and 2007 (failed TGIF himself in this regard). like Live with Bonnie, George Lopez Was a platform for his cast lead, in this case the titular George Lopez. Lopez was joined by the likes of Constance Marie, Valente Rodriguez, Luis Armand Garcia, Masiela Lusha, and several others in the ensemble cast (some of whom returned for the crossover episode of Lopez vs. Lopez).

The formula for George Lopez It clearly worked, as it helped launch the career of Jorge Lopez, and the show got a spiritual successor of sorts years later in the form of the sitcom Lopez vs. Lopez. George Lopez It was also nominated for and won a variety of awards during its run, including multiple Imagen Foundation Awards and the ASCAP Film and Television Music Award for Top Television Series in 2003.

22

8 Simple Rules (2002-2005)

3 seasons, 76 episodes

Some forget that 8 simple rules Counts as a TGIF show, since it didn’t move to ABC’s Friday night lineup until its 3rd season (which followed the death of star John Ritter). The original name of the show was 8 Simple Rules… For Dating My Teenage Daughter, Which reveals a lot about the premise.

8 simple rules Focused on Ritter’s Paul Hennessy (and, after the actor’s death, on-screen wife and eventual widow Cate Hennessy, portrayed by Katey Segal), two parents whose teenage daughter Beech (Kaley Cuoco) is insistent on dating. This was a surprisingly heartfelt sitcom, especially after Ritter’s death, with the Hennessy family navigating the grief of losing their father and husband Paul. It’s also a show that can be credited with launching the career of Kaley Cuoco, who would, of course, go on to star in The Big Bang Theory Like Penny.

21

Less Than Perfect (2002-2006)

4 seasons, 81 episodes

8 simple rules is not the only one TGIF show to disturb a future The Big Bang Theory cast member. The 2002-2006 sitcom Less than perfect was one of the defining shows of the TGIF Block in the early 2000s, with the cast led by Sara Rue – who would go on to appear in TBBT As Leonard’s short-lived girlfriend, Dr. Stephanie Barnett. Roo stars in Less than perfect As Claude, a quirky assistant to the anchorman of a fictional news network.

Ru starred alongside the likes of Zachary Levy, Andy Dick, Andrea Parker, Sherri Shepherd, Eric Roberts, Will Sasso and Patrick Warburton, meaning the TGIF Show has one of the strongest casts of any of the block’s sitcoms retrospectively. Most reviews cited Sara Rue’s performance as carrying less than perfect, However, so it is a little surprising that it is not remembered among the all-time greats TGIF shows despite being a relatively solid sitcom in its own right.

20

On Our Own (1994-1995)

Season 1, Episode 20

Of all the TGIF shows, On our own is one that most viewers seem to have overlooked in the years since it ended in 1995. It was an attempt to capitalize on the family unit narrative of many comedies at the time, but too many gimmicks prevented it from ever really taking off. The story focuses on the Jericho family, consisting of members with names that all begin with the letter Y.

The series only lasted one season and remains largely forgotten.

On our own Stole a few ideas from films like Mrs. Doubtfire In an attempt to play the funny comedy, but a major restructuring of the TGIF show just three months into its first season was a clear indicator that the formula was not working. The series only lasted one season and remains largely forgotten. It launched the career of Jussie Smollett (Empire) and Jurnee Smollett (Eve’s Bayou).

19

Baby Talk (1991-1992)

2 seasons, 35 episodes

In 1989, Hollywood had an unexpected hit on its hands in the form of look who’s talking Starring the voice talents of John Travolta, Bruce Willis and Kirstie Alley. With an almost $300 million gross against a $7.5 million budget, studio executives immediately saw the potential for a television sitcom adaptation. The result was baby talk A loose port of the Hollywood film Featuring babies with the inner monologues of grown adults.

Unfortunately, it was critically panned for being too derivative, irritating and unfunny. After the creation of the timeslots of various TGIF shows to try to boost ratings, the series was axed after two seasons. There were some big names in the cast, both from the past (Scott Baio of Happy days fame) and star of the future (George Clooney, two years before his breakout role on He), so fans of the actors may enjoy it.

18

Family Matters (1989-1997)

9 seasons, 215 episodes

Family matters is a multi-generational comedy Focused on the Winslows, a family living in Chicago, and one of the best TGIF shows. The series tried to capitalize on the sound conservative values ​​of predecessors like The Cosby ShowWith a strong emphasis on the bonds that bind a family through good times and bad.

The show took a huge turn in a different direction when side character Steve Urkel took center stage, and he suddenly became a pop culture phenomenon. Later seasons focus more on Orkl and his chaotic stories, leaving the rest of the family behind, but it manages to retain a healthy degree of its charm. Family matters is one of the most memorable TGIF shows and remains popular today.

In 2020, a report indicates that people watched more than 11 billion minutes of the sitcom in the previous year on streaming (via The rap), showing that it remains entertaining. The series won three NAACP Image Awards, and the first five seasons averaged over 20 million viewers per episode.

17

Step by Step (1991–1997)

7 seasons, 160 episodes

Step by step Is The Brady Bunch For the 90s audience, Starring Patrick Duffy and Susan Somers Like two single parents who meet and marry during a Jamaican vacation. Both their characters had three children, and they all came together to form one happy family with friction. The series is full of arguments, tussles, and the growing pains that come along with forming a nuclear family.

Despite its derivative plot, Step by step Having struck a chord with TGIF audiences due to a dynamic assortment of characters, Including martial arts expert Sasha Mitchell as the dimwitted cool guy. It helped that the main cast were TV veterans, with Duffy a star on Dallas and somers of Three’s company. Bronson Pinchot from Perfect Strangers Also had a small role. The show lasted six seasons on TGIF before moving to CBS for its final season in 1997.

16

Clueless (1996-1998)

3 seasons, 62 episodes

Alicia Silverstone’s Hollywood sleeper hit Clueless managed to make unexpectedly significant waves with the teenage pop culture crowd of the time, and it was believed that a sitcom adaptation could achieve the same impact. It joined the TGIF shows lineup in 1996, lasting just one season before being bumped to UPN. The show is notable for the inclusion of actress Stacey Dashwho starred in the original film as the Davenport.

Alicia Silverstone chose not to reprise her role for the TGIF show, which may have been a factor in its limited three-season run. Only one of the seasons was on the TGIF schedule, however, as it moved to UPN for the second and third seasons after ABC canceled it. The Clueless The brand remains popular and almost turned into a new drama series on Peacock in 2021, though that ended up falling apart.

15

Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place (1998–2001)

4 seasons, 81 episodes

Long before he starred as Deadpool, Ryan Reynolds starred in one of the more beloved TGIF shows That encapsulated its title quite effectively. The show centers on two guys and a girl in their twenties going through college and trying to find their way through life. The show debuted on the TGIF lineup in 1998 and continued into 2000 when ABC re-branded the event as the “working comedy” block.

Changes in viewership habits continued to erode Friday time slots in general and eventually became a death blow for the show. The show remains a cult favorite all these years later thanks to Reynolds’ role on TV and a young Nathan Fillion, Long before people are in love with him on Firefly, castleAnd The rookie. Interestingly, its time as a TGIF show saw the lowest ratings, as it ended up excelling on Wednesday nights before the move.

14

Full House (1987 – 1995)

8 seasons, 192 episodes

Whole house It has had audiences laughing and crying for eight years and is one of the most recognizable TGIF shows. It’s made stars out of its cast — from John Stamos to the Olsen twins — and even spawned a Netflix sequel that debuted in 2016. Of all the shows in the TGIF lineup, Whole house Premise stands out for being unique. It involves The widowed father Danny Tanner asked his brother-in-law and best friend to enter his home in San Francisco to help him raise his three daughters.

As the girls grew up, so did the men, who became all-star fathers on their own. The sequel series, Full houseStarring the grown-up Tanner Kids, is on Netflix. The sequel helped keep the TGIF show fresh in the minds of fans and brought it to a new generation to discover its unique brand of humor. Although it received mixed critical reviews, it was one of the anchor shows on TGIF, and the child cast won several young artist awards for their performance.

13

The Hughleys (1998-2000)

4 seasons, 89 episodes

Comedian DL Hughley rose to fame with a sitcom that debuted on TGIF in its 8 p.m. time slot. The story focuses on Ugley’s character Darryl, a businessman with a wife and two kids who moves into a predominantly white suburban neighborhood. The show stole too many elements from its spiritual predecessor, The JeffersonsWho could resist working.

It lasted longer than other TGIF shows, running four seasons and providing a solid block of laughs along the way, but it was one of the last shows to grace the long-running TGIF lineup before it was rebranded. The show ultimately left ABC after its second season for UPN, where it aired its final two seasons in 2001 and 2002. The show even pulled out all the stops for its finale by bringing in Destiny’s Child star Kelly Rowland as Darley’s niece.

12

Boy Meets World (1993-2000)

7 seasons, 158 episodes

Boy meets world is a coming-of-age sitcom focused on a typical American kid named Cory Matthews. The series was headlined by Fred Savage’s little brother BenWho played Cory Matthews. The story is driven mainly by his relationship with his best friend, Sean, and girlfriend Topanga, and all the trials and tribulations that come with growing up. The series follows the boys through middle school, high school, and eventually college, all the while guided by their mentor, Mr. Feeney.

With seven seasons and 158 episodes, it left its mark on television and brought home several Young Artists awards for the cast.

The show had a profound impact on young boys growing up in the ’90s who had trouble adjusting to everything from bullying to peer pressure and other pitfalls. With seven seasons and 158 episodes, it left its mark on television and brought home several Young Arts Awards for the cast. It also spawned a sequel series in 2012 called Girl meets worldWhat about Corey’s daughter Riley.

11

Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996-2003)

7 seasons, 163 episodes

This more family-friendly take on the Sabrina Comics featured Melissa Joan Hart as the title character, a young witch guided through her magical evolution by her two aunts, Zelda and Hilda. Sabrina also lives with a talking black cat named Salem.

It helped launch Hart’s career, turning her into a pop culture icon in her own right. Sabrina the teenage witch Combines stereotypical teenage woes with the supernatural ruckus, playing on elements of previous sitcoms while making something new. As a teenage girl, Sabrina juggles school, love and witchcraft with hilarious results.

The series was popular, with Salem the cat finding his way into several TGIF shows. ABC ended up canceling the show after its fourth season, and The WB picked it up to extend its run for three more seasons. The series remained popular, spawning video games and books, as well as an animated series and the eventual Netflix reboot, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.

10

Dinosaurs (1991-1994)

4 seasons, 65 episodes

Jim Henson Dinosaurs was an ambitious undertaking. A powerful satire, the show features a family of anthropomorphic dinosaurs living around 60,000,000 BC who aren’t all that different from a typical blue-collar American family. Using bodysuits and puppetry, the Sinclair family’s relatable issues are acted out on screen in a way that captures kids’ attention despite its grown-up take on issues.

Use humor as a vehicle, Dinosaurs tackles issues ranging from sexism to consumer cultureAnd, of course, the extinction of the species, which was planned out in advance. The voice cast included some familiar names, including Jessica Walter (Archer), Sally Struthers (All in the family), and Kevin Clash (Elmo of Sesame Street). It lasted four seasons, but the second half of the final season was in syndication. The series won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Art Direction for a Series.

9

Hanging with Mr. Cooper (1992-1997)

5 seasons, 101 episodes

Hang with Mr. Cooper Went through several script changes during its four-season run as one of the TGIF shows. The star of the series, Mark Curry, plays a former basketball player turned substitute teacher. The show’s tone shifted from adult-oriented to family-themed as it progressed, probably contributing to its longevity. Set in the San Francisco Bay Area, much of the series takes place at Oakbridge High, where Carrie’s character is employed.

Hanging with Mr. Cooper Including many of the standard sitcom themes: Romance, career development and family. It achieved success using a pre-established formula. The show has a few major names that have enjoyed great success, with Raven-Symoné being the biggest star after her role as Olivia on The Cosby Show. She enjoyed her biggest breakout later with This is so raven on Disney Channel.

8

Sister, Sister (1999-1994)

6 seasons, 119 episodes

Real-life twins Tia and Tamera Mowry star in this textbook sitcom With a typical 90s trope to drive the story. in Sister, sisterThe Lowrys play twins separated at birth who reunite as teenagers. In Metro Detroit, the girls meet by chance in a mall when they are 14, setting a story that lasts until 1999. They work with their adoptive parents to eventually move into the same house, where they can grow up together.

As the series progresses, Tia and Tamera get boyfriends, go to college and track down their biological parents, all through the use of their sisterly bond. Much like other TGIF shows, this one didn’t last on ABC and ended up moving to the WB in 1996. It still ran for six seasons, though four of them were on the new network. It picked up four Emmy nominations, all after leaving ABC, and won one for lighting direction.

7

Perfect Strangers (1986–1993)

8 seasons, 150 episodes

An odd couple comedy with hilarious physical comedy thrown in for good measure, Perfect Strangers was an instant hit when it arrived on ABC’s TGIF block. It tells the story of two distant cousins ​​who reconnect in Chicago. Mark Lynn-Baker plays Larry Appleton, an ambitious would-be photojournalist, And Bronson Pinhot plays Balki Bartokomos, a native of an innocent island called Mypos.

Family matters is a Perfect Strangers Spinoff series.

The fish-out-of-water formula is perfectly played, with Bulky trying to absorb as much American culture as possible, and Larry trying to stop him from ruining his life. The duo’s on-screen chemistry is incredibleAnd their comedic timing is spot-on every episode. What many people do not know is that Family matters is a Perfect Strangers spinoff series, with Harriette Winslow (Jo Marie Payton) starting on the show. Perfect Strangers Has eight seasons, although its final season was only six episodes.

6

Just the Ten of Us (1988–1990)

3 seasons 47 episodes

Just the ten of us Shines a light on a large Catholic family living in Eureka, California, and is one of the earliest TGIF shows in ABC’s lineup. A great slice of life sitcom, The series starred comedian Bill Kirchenbauer as coach Graham LubbockA father of eight and husband to Deborah Harmon’s character Elizabeth. The series is a spin-off of another well-known family comedy – Growing pains. Kirchenbauer plays the same character in both shows.

unfortunately, The premise did not lead to long-term success, and the TGIF show was canceled after only three seasons. The show also starred Nightmare on Elm Street Stars Heather Lagenkamp (Nancy) as one of Coach Lubbock’s teenage daughters. It was one of the first TGIF series, and it lasted three seasons before finally getting canceled. It won one Primetime Emmy Award in its run.