The Cookie Cutter Expected Personalities on TV
 

I was looking at a bunch of titles of shows- Various-

Golden girls, Empty Nest, Family Ties, Facts of life- etc.


I notice a theme, there is always one serious type. One airhead. One slut.
Almost always....

Are we so predictable as humans that this format is now the generic expectation?
Or is it just a format that works so well, we recycle it over and over-
If so, do we recycle it because we like it- or because we expect it.


I can think of very few shows that don't have this.
Wings, Bosom Buddies, 227, Cosby Show

I am sure there are some exceptions but...the top 75 shows I thought of- had these 3 archtypes.

What I can't stand is the gleefully lecherous senior citizen, particularly Betty White. But back to your comments:

Henry, Frank, Hotlips...
Lou... Ted... Betty White's character... yep, your theory has teeth!

token black/asian character
rebel youth
super-religious nut
throwaway recurring one-off role (ie, Star Trek red shirt guy)
morbidly obese jerk

Every show doesn't have every template, but every show has at least 2-3 of them.