A Character who became BIGGER than the show itself?!? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 06-15-2009, 12:23 AM

For instance, on Good Times, the J.J. character became so big, he actually ruined the show.

dakert · 06-15-2009, 12:37 AM

Fonzie
Urkel

Schmoopie · 06-15-2009, 03:51 AM

As much as I love him, I'm gonna go with Kramer. When Seinfeld first started, no one really gave him a second thought. Suddenly, he became so popular that he always got a rousing applause whenever he burst into Jerry's apartment. I read that Larry David had to start telling the audience to stop applauding so that they could get the show filmed!

esl · 06-15-2009, 05:22 AM

Mr. Humphries on "Are You Being Served?"

By the last several seasons, when the plot lines became just ridiculous, the highlite of each show was the awaited entrance of John Inman as Mr. Humphries in some over-the-top outfit with him then explaining to the rest of the cast as to why he was in such silly garb.

howierules86 · 06-15-2009, 06:55 AM

As much as I liked Family Matters growing up (and a lot of other 90's TGIF shows for that matter), I have to say Steve Urkel. Who else could fit this subject?

tv star collector · 06-15-2009, 08:49 AM

Hoss Cartwright (Bonanza)
Barney Fife (The Andy Griffith Show)

And let's not forget Yogi Bear (my avatar); he began as a player on the
Huckleberry Hound show.

catlover79 · 06-15-2009, 08:57 AM

In regards to JJ, I think Fonzie and Urkel were WAY bigger than him on their respective shows.

Dusty's Fan · 06-15-2009, 03:26 PM

One could easily argue that Edd "Kookie" Byrnes' character became bigger than 77 Sunset Strip. He was not even a regular cast member at first, in fact playing a hood of some sort in his first appearance before later being given a permanent role. His song with Connie Stevens became a mega-hit and Edd was a houshold name. Kookie pre-dated The Fonz as far as "cool" characters.

Retro4Life · 06-15-2009, 03:38 PM

Not sure he became bigger than the whole show, but the character of Ben on "Lost" was only intended as a temporary character, slated for just a few episodes and he became more or less the focus of Season Three and still is a major character (too much so, in my opinion).

I think the same could be said of Sylar on "Heroes".

tanquant · 06-15-2009, 03:43 PM

Chrissy on Three's Company (or at least in her own mind)

Yooch · 06-15-2009, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

In regards to JJ, I think Fonzie and Urkel were WAY bigger than him on their respective shows.

Yeah, I agree. And too, I think there were some shows where there was potential for it to happen, like Norton in the Honeymooners, and it would've happened were it not for such a stellar cast. Jackie Gleason and Audrey Meadows, being the focal point of the show, kept that balance. Norton's presence definitely added to the show, but the spotlight was (almost always) on Ralph and his various predicaments.

browneyes106 · 06-15-2009, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schmoopie

As much as I love him, I'm gonna go with Kramer. When Seinfeld first started, no one really gave him a second thought. Suddenly, he became so popular that he always got a rousing applause whenever he burst into Jerry's apartment. I read that Larry David had to start telling the audience to stop applauding so that they could get the show filmed!

I agree with you on Kramer. But he was also my favorite character.

catlover79 · 06-15-2009, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yooch

Yeah, I agree. And too, I think there were some shows where there was potential for it to happen, like Norton in the Honeymooners, and it would've happened were it not for such a stellar cast. Jackie Gleason and Audrey Meadows, being the focal point of the show, kept that balance. Norton's presence definitely added to the show, but the spotlight was (almost always) on Ralph and his various predicaments.

Exactly. On Good Times, the focus was always on the Evans household. Sure, JJ was the most popular character, but I don't think he stole the spotlight nearly as much as people say.

catlover79 · 06-15-2009, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tanquant

Chrissy on Three's Company (or at least in her own mind)

Not to mention Suzanne's husband's mind.

Marvo301 · 06-15-2009, 08:42 PM

Hawkeye Pierce on M*A*S*H. In fact in the last few seasons they may as well have called it The Hawkeye Show.

06-15-2009, 12:23 AM	#1
Brian Damage Moderator Forum Legend I'm Rich Bitch Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 62,155	A Character who became BIGGER than the show itself?!? For instance, on Good Times, the J.J. character became so big, he actually ruined the show. __________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

06-15-2009, 03:51 AM	#3
Schmoopie Moderator Forum Veteran I adore David Hyde Pierce! Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Seattle-The home of Niles Crane, Cafe Nervosa and KACL 780AM Posts: 10,543	As much as I love him, I'm gonna go with Kramer. When Seinfeld first started, no one really gave him a second thought. Suddenly, he became so popular that he always got a rousing applause whenever he burst into Jerry's apartment. I read that Larry David had to start telling the audience to stop applauding so that they could get the show filmed! __________________ Daphne: I hope some day some man will feel that way about me. Niles: Oh, Daphne, don't worry. You are a very special person, and some day a man worthy of you will come along... just as soon as the gods create him. Daphne: I feel very close to you. Niles: I feel very close to you too Daphne. You know it's easy being someone you feel close to when you feel close to someone who's so close.

06-15-2009, 08:57 AM	#7
catlover79 Moderator Forum Legend God Bless Val Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 67,615	In regards to JJ, I think Fonzie and Urkel were WAY bigger than him on their respective shows. __________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

06-15-2009, 03:26 PM	#8
Dusty's Fan Senior Member Member Join Date: Mar 13, 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,083	One could easily argue that Edd "Kookie" Byrnes' character became bigger than 77 Sunset Strip. He was not even a regular cast member at first, in fact playing a hood of some sort in his first appearance before later being given a permanent role. His song with Connie Stevens became a mega-hit and Edd was a houshold name. Kookie pre-dated The Fonz as far as "cool" characters. __________________ ~~The stunning beauty of Ruta Lee

06-15-2009, 08:42 PM	#15
Marvo301 Forum Veteran I got a rock. Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 16,477	Hawkeye Pierce on MASH. In fact in the last few seasons they may as well have called it The Hawkeye Show. __________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Alfred Einstein* A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

06-15-2009, 12:37 AM	#2
dakert Senior Member Member Join Date: May 10, 2007 Location: altoona PA Posts: 2,178	Fonzie Urkel

06-15-2009, 05:22 AM	#4
esl Frequent Poster Member Join Date: Apr 24, 2007 Location: Yokohama, Japan Posts: 46	Mr. Humphries on "Are You Being Served?" By the last several seasons, when the plot lines became just ridiculous, the highlite of each show was the awaited entrance of John Inman as Mr. Humphries in some over-the-top outfit with him then explaining to the rest of the cast as to why he was in such silly garb.

06-15-2009, 06:55 AM	#5
howierules86 Forum Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 05, 2007 Location: Collierville, TN Posts: 11,014	As much as I liked Family Matters growing up (and a lot of other 90's TGIF shows for that matter), I have to say Steve Urkel. Who else could fit this subject?

06-15-2009, 08:49 AM	#6
tv star collector Senior Member I Love Susie Join Date: Oct 18, 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 4,228	Hoss Cartwright (Bonanza) Barney Fife (The Andy Griffith Show) And let's not forget Yogi Bear (my avatar); he began as a player on the Huckleberry Hound show.

06-15-2009, 03:38 PM	#9
Retro4Life Senior Member Accept No Substitutes Join Date: Feb 04, 2009 Location: IL Posts: 5,052	Not sure he became bigger than the whole show, but the character of Ben on "Lost" was only intended as a temporary character, slated for just a few episodes and he became more or less the focus of Season Three and still is a major character (too much so, in my opinion). I think the same could be said of Sylar on "Heroes".

06-15-2009, 03:43 PM	#10
tanquant Forum Regular Member Join Date: Jan 12, 2003 Posts: 839	Chrissy on Three's Company (or at least in her own mind)

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