8 Times Sitcoms Got Way Too Serious and Forgot They Were Comedies
A sitcom's job is to make you laugh, right?
Light-hearted, breezy, and ultimately uplifting - these are the hallmarks of a good comedy series. However, there are times when sitcoms throw us a narrative curveball and delve into topics that are more somber than the general tone of the show.
1. "Bojack Horseman" – 'The View from Halfway Down' (S6, E15)
Who knew an anthropomorphic horse could make us question the meaning of life? "Bojack Horseman" was always a dark comedy, but the penultimate episode of its final season was a full-blown existential crisis. In a surreal, half-conscious state, Bojack grapples with his regrets and mortality.
It's a heavy, deeply introspective episode that makes viewers pause and contemplate their own existence. On Rotten Tomatoes, the final season holds a rating of 96%, with critics praising the show's ability to explore deep philosophical questions. For a show featuring talking animals, this episode was unexpectedly human.
2. "The Wonder Years" – 'Independence Day' (S6, E22)
With "The Wonder Years," we often remember the nostalgic feel, the warmth, and, of course, the voiceover. But the final episode hit viewers with an unexpected gut punch. In the closing voiceover, we learn that Jack Arnold, Kevin's dad, dies just two years later. It was a harsh reality check that reminded viewers that the "Wonder Years" were, indeed, temporary.
This series finale shocked fans, and while the show generally maintained high ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, some critics noted the incongruity between the comedic and the suddenly intense dramatic moments.
3. "Diff'rent Strokes" – 'The Bicycle Man' (S5, E16-17)
"Diff'rent Strokes" was known for its often comedic depiction of culture clash and family dynamics. However, it swerved into very serious territory with 'The Bicycle Man.' These episodes addressed child molestation, an unexpected and somber topic for a family sitcom. The stark reality and gravity of the situation stood out in a show normally filled with laughs and light-hearted banter. Although the intention was to raise awareness about a pressing issue, the transition from comedy to drama was jarring for many viewers.
4. "Roseanne" – 'Crime and Punishment' & 'War and Peace' (S5, E13-14)
"Roseanne" was a sitcom that celebrated working-class life with a brash sense of humor. But it wasn't all jokes. In a two-part storyline, the show deals with a serious issue when Roseanne's sister Jackie reveals that her boyfriend Fisher has been physically abusing her. The shift from the show's typical humor to domestic violence was abrupt and disturbing, demonstrating the harsh realities that many women face. While the episodes were praised for bringing awareness to the issue, they left audiences more shocked than amused.
5. "Dinosaurs" – 'Changing Nature' (S4, E7)
"Dinosaurs" was a unique sitcom that followed the life of a family of, well, dinosaurs, with puppetry that harkened back to "The Muppets." However, in its series finale, the show took a dark, almost apocalyptic turn. In a misguided attempt to control nature, the dinosaurs end up causing their own extinction. The final scene, in which the Sinclair family huddles together as the Ice Age descends, is an incredibly sobering moment.
6. "MAS*H" – 'Goodbye, Farewell and Amen' (S11, E16)
"MAS*H," while set against the backdrop of the Korean War, usually managed to keep things light-hearted. But the series finale took a sharp turn towards the serious. The most poignant part of the episode reveals Hawkeye Pierce's repressed memory of a woman killing her own chicken – which in reality was her baby – to keep it from crying and giving away their hiding place.
This heart-wrenching revelation was a stark departure from the usual comedic antics of the 4077th. The episode left a lasting impression and is often cited as one of the most-watched series finales in television history.
7. "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" – 'Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse' (S4, E24)
"Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" is primarily remembered for its humor and the charm of a young Will Smith. However, it wasn't afraid to tackle serious themes. In this episode, Will's father, Lou, comes back into his life after a long absence, only to abandon him again. The raw emotion displayed by Smith in the closing scene as he breaks down in Uncle Phil's arms makes it one of the most poignant episodes of the series.
8. "Scrubs" – 'My Screw Up' (S3, E14)
"Scrubs," a medical comedy-drama, had its fair share of serious moments, but "My Screw Up" stands out for its unexpected gut-punch. Throughout the episode, Dr. Cox believes he's interacting with his brother-in-law Ben, who has been diagnosed with leukemia. However, in a twist ending, it's revealed that Ben is not really there – he had died and Dr. Cox was in denial.
This stark confrontation with death and grief left audiences in stunned silence, reminding us that beneath the surface, "Scrubs" was a show set in a hospital, where life and death are daily realities.