The Nuclear Family Early depictions of the T.V. family reflected the nuclear model consisting of the father, the mother and their two children. This model shows the father as the breadwinner, the mother as homemaker and the children as well-behaved and respectful towards their parents. The Leave it to Beaver family model reinforces what society regarded as normal. Single parents and same sex marriages were not shown on t.v. UDArJNQ hctPCfQ

Gradual changes… Eventually, families showing more unconventional dynamics began to show. Single parents or families consisting of re-married couples became common.

The Partridge Family is a show That revolves around a family of musicians. Shirley Jones plays Shirley Partridge, a widowed mother of five. It is worth noting that single parent families were usually the result of an untimely death instead of a divorce. Divorce was considered taboo and was not usually depicted.

The Family Sitcom: A Forum for Social Issues From , All In The Family tackled an array of issues ranging from rape, homosexuality and racism. It was a t.v. first and it set the foundation for future shows exploring such issues. d

Race and the T.V. Family Although not the first sitcom revolving around an African American family, it was arguably the most popular running show in the 80s. The Huxables were an affluent family consisting of a doctor and lawyer couple raising their five children in Brooklyn, New York.

The Cosby Show paved the way for future shows featuring African American families such as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Family Matters.   

The Dysfunctional Family As t.v. families evolved, television began to make room for all types of family dynamics. Married With Children revolves around the character of Al Bundy, a once shinning football star but now miserably married shoe sales man. Peggy Bundy: a tart Kelly Bundy: promiscuous & dimwitted Bud Bundy: girl crazy & unpopular SCg sFo&feature=related

Working Class Family The Connors are an American working class family whose daily challenges are the focus of the sitcom Roseanne. The shows illustrates the struggles faced by the average American family through humor and candor. The show had a popular 10 year run from Roseanne, Dan, Darlene, Becky, D.J. and wacky Aunt Jackie are the cast of this realistic portrayal of the American family.

The 21 st Century Family

Hybrid Families Modern Family exemplifies the hybrid model of modern day families. Remarriages, same-gendered parents, adoptions and step-families characterize the ensemble cast. Storylines revolve around the trials and tribulations of being an extended family whose members care and love one another.