TV has come a long way since it first aired, yet there are still plenty of shows with an overtly white tone. Here are a few:
After years of making a public commitment to include more people of color in their shows, it appears that the networks are now taking a step backwards on diversity initiatives.
The Torkelsons
In 1991, The Torkelsons made their television debut on NBC and quickly earned notoriety as one of the most beloved white shows ever. It followed a family living in Pyramid Corners, Oklahoma as Millicent Torkelson – a single mother – did her best to support her kids and keep their home despite its debt from her husband’s previous financial struggles.
Her children included 14-year-old Dorothy Jane, the sweetest and most articulate child in the show; 12-year-old Steven Floyd, a jockey; 10-year-old Ruth Ann who had musical aptitude; 8-year-old Chuckie Lee who collected bugs; and 6-year-old Mary Sue who pretended not to have any troubles. They lived in an old rambling house owned by Randall after his divorce from Millicent; Randall had remained behind after Millicent died.
Despite their difficulties, they managed to remain a close-knit family and demonstrated their faith in Christ by attending church regularly and participating in church social occasions such as hay rides and picnics.
The Torkelsons had some quirky yet humorous moments and demonstrated the struggles of working class families while still upholding family values. Additionally, they were one of few TV shows with a black lead character – though she only appeared briefly.
In Season 2, Millicent and her children move to Seattle where she takes a job as a nanny for the two spoiled children of widower Brian Morgan (Perry King). Molly, also working as a nanny for the Morgan children, plots to cause dissension between Dorothy Jane and Millicent by making her jealous of their new relationship with Brian’s nanny and wanting some of the action herself.
Two Scroggins men pursued Millicent with relentless persistence: Kirby Scroggins, a plaid-clad nerd who took an interest in Millicent; and his uncle who owned the local bar and who also took an interest. However, when school assignment required them to become “parents” to an egg, they discovered it wasn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Almost Home
Almost Home is one of the palest TV shows ever, which unfortunately means it’s not particularly good. There’s not much here for viewers; its story lacks depth and the acting is truly awful.
Despite these shortcomings, the show still has its bright spots. In the episode Almost Home, four short stories explore people who take risks and open their hearts to new relationships.
In one story, a girl in high school gets the opportunity to go on vacation with her family. In another tale, an introverted student from high school runs into his crush and falls in love.
The show featured some unique characters such as the man who served as nanny to Ruth Ann and Steven. He was Native American and played trombone.
With regard to the cast, all the kids are white except for a few black characters who appear in two Season 1 episodes.
Almost Home is a television series that follows an entrepreneurial family as they struggle to make ends meet. It differs from The Torkelsons and Full House in many ways, yet it remains highly entertaining throughout.
The Torkelsons was a beloved family comedy that aired on Disney Channel during the late 80s and early 1990s. In February 1993, it returned for another season.
This second season of Almost Home was produced only after a major rewrite to the cast and story. The show relocated its characters from Oklahoma to Seattle, where they would be reunited with Brian Morgan and his two children, Gregory and Molly.
Through the season, Millicent strived to instill optimism in her children about their futures. She believed that hard work would pay off and ensure they achieved success.
She tried to instill the same positive attitude in her daughters as she had with her sons, but unfortunately they did not share her outlook. Ruth Ann displayed some of the same bad behavior as Chuckie Lee did.
Full House
The show focused on a family living in San Francisco, consisting of a widowed father, his best friend, and brother-in-law who came together to raise their three daughters. Starring Bob Saget, John Stamos, Lori Loughlin, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen as well as Candace Cameron Bure, the cast included Bob Saget, John Stamos, Lori Loughlin, Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen.
Full House was a sitcom that ran for eight seasons and 192 episodes. Starring Bob Saget as Danny Tanner, it followed him around as a widowed father who needed help raising his three daughters. To this end he enlists the assistance of his brother-in-law Jesse Katsopolis and childhood best friend Joey Gladstone.
This was an essential aspect of Full House as it taught children the value of family and how everyone should come together. Additionally, it taught kids how to manage their emotions and problems effectively. Indeed, Full House became one of the most popular shows with life lessons embedded within it.
Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner), five when she first appeared on Full House, stood out as one of its greatest characters. She had an infectious energy and did an outstanding job portraying her character.
Another character that stood out was Uncle Jesse Katsopolis, played by John Stamos. He was a musician who looked and acted just like his hero Elvis Presley; an impressive actor who did an excellent job portraying this role.
He was an excellent father, striving to instill in his daughters the values of being a good person and treating others with respect. Additionally, he proved himself an exemplary friend to those around him as well.
Stephanie Tanner and Michelle Tanner were two adorably cute sisters. They were popular, had many friends, and were also extremely funny. Additionally, both girls had a keen intellect that they had learned from their parents.
On the show, they learned many life lessons and never gave up on their family despite challenges. Through it all they became better people and showed that you can make the most out of any situation.
Step By Step
Step By Step is one of those classic family shows that is still popular today, still airing on TV. It follows two divorced parents as they reunite and must quickly introduce their kids to each other.
This show, created by William Bickley and Robert L. Boyett and airing on ABC from 1991 to 1998, followed the lives of Frank Lambert (Patrick Duffy) and Carol Foster (Suzanne Somers) as they unexpectedly got married while on vacation, leading them to become the heads of a large blended family.
As with most shows of this genre, it took years for the two families to truly become friendly towards one another. A blend of sarcasm, cynicism and family drama made for an entertaining watch.
In the early seasons, both families were bitter enemies. The Lamberts were a rough-and-tumble group while the Fosters were polished, intelligent, and proper.
Season 1 Episode 5, Cody Lambert was introduced as the unifying force between two families. Although he fell in love with Dana from day one, she ultimately rejected him.
Another intriguing element of the cast was their hiring of Staci Keanan and Angela Watson from another Miller-Boyett show called Going Places. Both had previously been cast as goofy children on that show, yet their roles on Step By Step were completely different.
Staci and her co-star, Jeffery, were perfect for the role as Dana Foster; both cute and intelligent but also humorous. Staci was an amazing actress as well as providing Dana Foster with an excellent voice over performance.
Jesse Frederick and Bennett Salvay wrote the excellent theme song for ABC shows such as Family Matters and Full House.
I would say this is one of the best shows to watch if you’re searching for an enjoyable family television series. It has plenty of good jokes and the characters are all well-developed.
The cast may change from season to season, but the show remains engaging. Although it can be slow at times, it’s worth watching because this family series has such a good atmosphere and would be a shame if it were cancelled.
