

Too Close for Comfort
Too Close for Comfort is an American television sitcom which ran on the ABC network from November 11, 1980 until May 5, 1983, and in first-run syndication from April 7, 1984 until September 27, 1986. It was modeled after the British series Keep It in the Family, which premiered nine months before Too Close for Comfort debuted in the U.S. Its name was changed to The Ted Knight Show when the show was retooled for its final season.
Insights
Plot Summary
This sitcom centers on Henry Rush, a cartoonist who writes a comic strip called 'The Funtimes'. He lives with his wife Muriel, and they have two adult daughters, Annette and Natalie. The humor often arises from Henry's grumpy, opinionated nature and the sometimes eccentric situations the family finds themselves in, often involving their quirky neighbors or friends.
Critical Reception
Too Close for Comfort was a popular sitcom during its initial run, known for its traditional comedic structure and the performance of its lead, Ted Knight. While it garnered a significant audience, critical reception was generally mixed, often noting its reliance on familiar sitcom tropes and Knight's distinctive comedic persona.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for Ted Knight's comedic timing and characterization.
- Seen as a typical, albeit formulaic, family sitcom of its era.
- Some critics found the humor to be somewhat dated or predictable.
Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the nostalgic value of the show and Ted Knight's central performance, with many viewers enjoying its lighthearted, old-school humor. Some find the premise and jokes to be less relevant to modern sensibilities.
Fun Fact
The show's original network, ABC, canceled it in 1983 due to concerns about the risqué nature of some storylines. However, it was quickly picked up by syndication, where it continued to air new episodes for several more years.
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