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1972, Not Rated
Having already produced animated sitcoms set in the Stone Age (The Flintstones) and the future (The Jetsons), a contemporary effort seemed obvious for Hanna-Barbera. However, what helped WTYFGH more than its heritage was a move in the '70s to make the 7-8 p.m. hour a place for family programming. While many TV stations simply stuffed this time slot with game shows, the mandate opened the door for original syndicated fare like WTYFGH. Much like The Jetsons and the 'Stones, the nuclear family was the focus here, namely the Boyles of suburban Los Angeles. In terms of quality, the show compares favorably with its sister shows. But unlike its predecessors, WTYFGH sometimes dealt, albeit lightly, with several timely issues of the day, including fidelity and race relations. Hindered by a low budget and uneven scheduling, the show only lasted two-and-a-half seasons. Tom Bosley, who voiced father and husband Harry Boyle, would go on to even greater success on the live action sit-com Happy Days. (P.F. Wilson) Grade: A