We are Family..lalalalalalala

Everybody loves Raymond is on every day, 20 times a day-give or take. A show about family, well most sitcoms are in one way or another. Why do we all like to watch these shows, shows about dysfunctional yet sometimes lovable families?

The answer would seem obvious, but is it?

Although the 'family friendly all American' way of TV has just about gone the way of the Dodo, (see the May post called 'Them Kids and Me') we still are watching shows about family whether we want to admit it or not.

Sex, talk, and cosmos:
Sex and the City, no matter what you say about it is centered on a family. A group of four women that prove in life you can make your own family, and in the end they are at times the most precious people you've ever known.

The same is true of other HBO, TMN shows that you would not suspect due to their
sexual nature, cuss words, and parental advisories. But in truth, they are so amazing in that they show the love people can have for each other, a love that does not come out of obligation or tradition. And although I like to think I have a great family (most of it) I also acknowledge those cousins and relatives you know who could give two poops about you, whereas some people you met a few years back, or even 19 ;) care so much more for you.

SCI-FI:
I dare you to watch Firefly (arguably one of the cleverest and greatest shows written), Stargate (either one), or even *insert any space-y show here* and tell me you don't see that family thing still happening. How many sacrifices for each other and often the whole verse happen? How many times do friends like Sam and Frodo have to show what a family should be? (Geeks will know the other related Hobbits, Bilbo aside, were not so nice)

The 'Typical' Family:
Although a lot of my friends are not so lucky in this department, they have us (their friends) and I do not think that these regular nuclear family shows set out to dissuade unconventional ones from watching too. After all, we all know someone overbearing, someone dorky, someone nurturing, and someone crazy and loving-yet utterly self obsessed.

So in a way we all do relate to shows like Raymond, and The Cosby's, whether we are living our own Seinfeld, Will and Grace, or Friends