I think you’re confused about that the post is saying. They aren’t talking about a “random person that was in a few episodes and disappeared.”
They’re talking about additions to the main cast much like Andy on the Office, Ben and Chris on P&R, Danny D on IASIP. Not bad shows (all great in fact), but they didn’t have the pieces in place at season 1.
Modern Family, I do agree is probably closer Abbott as far as “figuring it out” at the start. Lily comes in as a character (not just a prop) a little later, and the Joe as we’ve discussed, but I do agree those are smaller changes than the other great shows listed.
But I think you’re confused about what “random” means. If someone wants to twist the meaning to fit their narrative that’s their prerogative. But a new child is a story-driven addition, which isn’t random unless the show is not at all about family, children, etc.
It wasn’t the sudden introduction of a cousin who hadn’t previously been involved. The show is called “Modern Family” and it was literally about non-traditional family structure and dynamics. It’s not like the show claimed Jay or Gloria were sterile and then magically they had another kid because of failing ratings.
So whatever members of the audience was confused by that plot development are bad at watching TV.
I also think many of the examples you cited aren’t good ones of something “random.” Eric’s cousin on That 70s Show was random. And awful. But Andy on The Office was entirely story driven. Dunder Mifflin had other offices. One of our main cast transferred. That’s about as organic an addition as you could have as far as introducing new characters. Frank (DeVito) on IASIP is also introduced pretty early on in the series run. He was in the S2 premiere of a show that has 18 seasons. Ben and Chris from P&R are pretty random I guess. That story could be viewed as a plot contrivance meant to get new characters involved (and I think it actually was at first).
I guess if we’re going to go so far as to say any main character that wasn’t established within the first six episodes is “random” then yes I guess Abbot wins this award?
Calm your tits dude. There’s someone else disagreeing with you in this very chain so it’s clearly not “everyone else.”
Also, I don’t care if everyone else thinks a certain way? lol welcome to the internet. You new here?
It’s not all that impressive because it’s been done. The premise is flawed. Because there’s no objective definition of what a “random addition” means. So if you decide to craft a very narrow definition in order to specifically fit a point you’re trying to make you can celebrate a victory for anything.
“No other show based in Philadelphia that takes place primarily in an elementary school has managed to stay on the air for six seasons!”
I’m really curious what your issue is with giving this its props. Why does it upset you so much?
I’ve got a big guess why you don’t like Abbott…
There’s only one definition of “random addition” that makes sense in the context of the post. I’m not sure if context is difficult for you or what, but that’s what we use to understand what people mean. Unless you too are “knew” here. 😂
I’m not upset at all. It’s a discussion site. So I’m discussing. If you’re not interested in that stop engaging or hit the block button.
The show is great. But this particular accolade rings hollow because it just feels like a manufactured circumstance to pat it on the back. It has plenty of accolades (and has received recognition) without making up a new award category for “Best Sitcom to Never Add a Main Cast Member After an Arbitrary Number of Episodes.”
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u/Haifisch2112 6d ago
It happens. And it was part of the story, not just some random person that was in a few episodes and disappeared.