The world of television sitcoms has often struggled with the introduction of pregnancy storylines, and the five examples presented here are prime examples of how not to handle this delicate narrative device. These stories not only limit the comedic potential of the characters but also undermine their arcs in ways that are both frustrating and disappointing. Let's delve into each of these storylines, exploring why they rank among the worst in sitcom history and how they could have been handled better.
The Unnecessary Pregnancy
In the series finale of 'The Big Bang Theory', the decision to make Penny pregnant was met with mixed reactions, both from the audience and the cast. While some found the surprise pregnancy cute, others, including Kaley Cuoco, who plays Penny, were against it. The storyline felt forced, especially given that Cuoco had previously expressed her desire to avoid a pregnancy storyline. The writers' attempt to pay off a pilot line about 'smart and beautiful' babies ultimately fell flat, as it came at the expense of Penny's agency and character development. This is a prime example of how a well-established character's decision can be undermined by a sudden and unearned change of heart.
The Baby-Obsessed Sitcom
'Mad About You' took a turn towards baby obsession in Season 6, with critics ripping into the show's 'baby-obsessed' turn. The introduction of baby Mabel felt like a desperate attempt to keep the series relevant, but it only seemed to hasten its cancellation. The show's decline in viewership and the baby's limited screen time made it feel like a forced addition. The episode 'The Conversation', with its 20-minute, one-take scene of the baby's crying, is a prime example of how not to use a baby as a plot device. It's a tedious and uncomfortable moment that highlights the show's lack of fresh ideas.
The Flippant Debate
'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' introduced a pregnancy storyline in Season 6 with the episode 'Casecation'. The premise that Amy Santiago, known for her meticulous life calendar, had never spoken to Jake about having children was ludicrous. The structured debate between the two characters, where Jake ultimately agrees to having kids under pressure from Amy, felt forced and flippant. The episode tried to sell the idea that Jake's change of heart was a result of growth, but it still felt like a hostage situation. This storyline highlights the show's struggle to balance humor and character development, especially when introducing a baby.
The Unwise Choice
Haley Dunphy's pregnancy in 'Modern Family' Season 10 was met with mixed reactions. The show had previously hinted at Haley's accidental pregnancy, but the father of her twins, Dylan, was a disappointing choice. The show had previously struck gold with Haley's love interest Andy, and the return to Dylan felt like a step backward. Haley's reduced screen time and the show's focus on motherhood rather than her career arc were frustrating. The storyline also felt like a missed opportunity to explore the complexities of motherhood and its impact on a character's life.
The Soap Opera Shenanigans
'Scrubs' introduced Kim Briggs as JD's charming love interest, only to have her lie about a miscarriage in Season 6. This baffling decision killed any chance of a successful relationship and felt out of character. The show's attempt to set up JD and Elliot's reunion felt forced, especially given the revelation that they ended up getting divorced in the revival. Kim's lie was a lazy way to resolve the storyline, and it left audiences with a sour taste. The show's messy couples and soap opera-like shenanigans reached a new low with this storyline.
In conclusion, these five pregnancy storylines in sitcoms are prime examples of how not to handle this delicate narrative device. They limit the comedic potential of the characters, undermine their arcs, and often feel forced or out of character. These stories serve as a reminder that the introduction of a baby can be a challenging task, and it's crucial to handle it with care and creativity. From unnecessary pregnancies to soap opera shenanigans, these storylines highlight the importance of thoughtful character development and fresh ideas in sitcom writing.
