Reviving The Sitcom: The Impact Of <em>The Cosby Show</em> And <em>Growing Pains</em>

In the early years of the 1980s, the sitcom was very much considered a genre that had run its course on prime time television, with the audience having tuned out and critics dismissing pretty much every series that hit the air. But then, and proving that the fall-off just maybe had something to do with the quality of programming being shown, The Cosby Show premiered in the fall of 1984 and turned everything around. Given the audience’s response to that show (proven by the ratings), suddenly everyone wanted sitcoms. One of them, as it turned out, was ABC’s Growing Pains (currently airing on Antenna TV).

Debuting in 1985 and running until 1992, Growing Pains focused on interactions with the Seaver family. Alan Thicke played psychiatrist Dr. Jason Seaver, who works out of a home office, while Joanna Kerns portrayed his wife, Maggie Seaver, a reporter who had returned to work. Their three children included Kirk Cameron as Mike, Tracey Gold as Carol, and Jeremy Miller as Ben. Later, Ashley Johnson joined as Chrissy, and Leonardo DiCaprio made one of his early appearances as the homeless Luke Brower.

What’s fascinating is that although critics initially dismissed Growing Pains as merely a rip-off of The Cosby Show, it was actually a ratings hit right out of the gate. This success was not really surprising considering that it was created by Neal Marlens, one half of the creative team behind The Wonder Years. The unique blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and relatable family dynamics struck a chord with viewers, making it a cherished part of television history.

Alan Thicke himself dismissed comparisons to The Cosby Show, stating, “How about Ozzie and Harriet and Father Knows Best? We’re not really like Cosby. We’re more story-oriented than ensemble. Cosby’s show is a platform for him.” He emphasized the different storytelling approach in Growing Pains, highlighting its focus on family relationships rather than just character interactions.

Thicke also noted the romantic, sensual overtones between himself and Joanna Kerns, adding, “if you looked at our script, or Cosby’s or Miami Vice, you wouldn’t say, ‘Wow, revolutionary.’ It’s the combination of cast and execution that makes it different.” With its distinct narrative style, Growing Pains carved its own niche in the television landscape.

For much more on the cast of Growing Pains, please scroll down.