United States

The idea of a non-traditional sitcom, one that eschews the laugh tracks and pat happy endings, seems like a novel idea indeed – doubly so when you realize that this series debuted way back in 1980. Beau Bridges and Helen Shaver were the Mom and Dad who dealt with various topical issues. (Well, topical for 1980 anyway.) Alas, the clever conceit was resoundingly unembraced by the masses and only five full episodes ever made it to the airwaves.