Influences behind Popular TV Shows: From 'Different Strokes' to 'Rick and Morty'

Introduction

TV shows often draw inspiration from successful predecessors, creating a ripple effect in the entertainment industry. In this article, we explore some popular TV shows that were heavily influenced by other more successful shows or movies, including their themes, plots, and characters.

Reforming the Ur-Show: From 'Different Strokes' to Spinoffs

In the golden era of television during the 1980s, certain shows set groundbreaking precedents that inspired countless imitators. Shows like Different Strokes, Family Ties, Benson, and The A-Team all followed suit, often showcasing their quality while also reflecting the influence of their predecessors.

In the case of Different Strokes, while it became a hit, subsequent spinoffs like Benson (which was itself a spinoff from SOAP) delved into different but still humorous territories. This led us to ask: How much of these new shows are just variations on a theme?

From 28 Days Later to The Walking Dead: Is Copying Ever Justifiable?

The 2002 film 28 Days Later and the subsequent TV series The Walking Dead both share an eerie similarity in their storytelling. In the movie, an individual wakes up in a hospital after a disease has killed the majority of the world's population, turning the survivors into aggressive and dangerous beings.

When we compare this to the opening of The Walking Dead, where Deputy Rick Grimes awakens in a similarly abandoned hospital, it's impossible not to notice the striking parallels. The question arises: Is it ever justifiable for a TV show to borrow heavily from a well-known movie?

Cartoons and Cultural Parodies: 'Rick and Morty' and 'Back to the Future' Reimagined

Rick and Morty, a show that combines multiple dimensions and time travel, can certainly be considered a direct copy of Back to the Future. However, it stands out by adding its own unique twist—dimensional travel. The show doesn't just stick to the familiar theme but enhances it with complex narratives and dark humor.

The show's extraordinary special effects, particularly the fluid motion of Rick’s flying, set it apart from other sci-fi series. Critics and fans often praise Rick and Morty for its sophisticated plot and characterization, which, while drawing from well-loved tropes, introduces novel ideas and twists to its time travel adventures.

From Sitcoms to Fairly Odd Mothers: Exploring TV Parodies with 'Step By Step'

Step By Step is a prime example of a sit-com that parodied the Brady Bunch, with three hot McCartney-like characters, Marcia Bradys, and a sultry, conniving character played by Suzanne Sommers as Carol. Even the protagonist, Sam on Different Strokes, and Kevin on The Wonder Years, share traits with the unpleasant middle kid in Step By Step, known for being a perpetual troublemaker and receiving beatings from the rest of the family.

The show's plot and characters, while unbearably one-dimensional, reflect the enduring influence of these earlier sitcoms. It's clear that Step By Step borrows heavily from its predecessors, taking the familiar plot and characters and spinning them in new but somewhat predictable directions.

Conclusion

As we explore the influences behind popular TV shows, it becomes evident that many series draw heavily from their successes. From Different Strokes to Step By Step, these shows demonstrate a clear dependence on earlier works. However, the true magic lies in how well these shows can innovate, turning familiar formulas into fresh and compelling narratives.

While copying can be a double-edged sword, it often serves as a springboard for creating new and exciting content. In the ever-evolving world of television, the ability to recognize and honor the past while forging a path for the future remains a delicate balance.