Welcome to a new Wildcard Wednesday! This week, I’ve got a new Q&A entry, where I answer questions submitted by readers. Thanks to everyone who sent in something — if you don’t see your “Q” here, I just may “A” it next time. (And keep them coming — any related topic on which you want my opinion and/or a little research? Just let me know!)

Elaine wants to know… From each decade, what is the worst (or least great) sitcom that you made lists for on sitcom Tuesdays? 

Well, let’s go through them. For starters, I think Leave It To Beaver is the weakest 1950s sitcom that got Sitcom Tuesday lists — it’s the most bland and banal, with vague characters. But it’s an iconic entry in the genre that, as discussed more in my book, I think is above average when looking at the era in total. From the 1960s, if we’re talking shows that premiered in that decade, I think Here’s Lucy is probably the worst and most disappointing, even lesser than the later years of The Lucy Show. (I at least see some novelty in The Mothers-In-Law.) From the 1970s, I’d pick either Phyllis, which toiled to make its main character a viable but still funny lead, or Good Times, which was almost always letting its situation down in terms of story. I personally like Phyllis more than I like Good Times — I think the former sometimes found greatness in spite of itself, while the latter usually squandered prime opportunities for it. From the 1980s, I’d say Family Ties is the weakest overall — outside of one really great character, it was bankrupt of comedic value. As for the 1990s, Cybill is unequivocally the worst sitcom I gave time to that decade — the star really prevented that show from being able to do anything with her character. If not for Christine Baranski, I would say I regret devoting any time to it here. And, lastly, from the 2000s, a part of me wants to say Two And A Half Men, but that’s mainly because it ran too darn long. If I only had to consider the 2000s seasons — or even the Charlie seasons only — I’d say The New Adventures Of Old Christine was the weakest from that era in terms of sitcommery. Even though I prefer to watch Christine over Men, it really struggled to predicate unique ideas on its specific situation, unlike the crass but simply well-designed Men. 

Charlie says… Your coverage of 30 Rock has me wondering what your thoughts on the movie Mean Girls are.

I think it’s a well-crafted, well-cast movie full of quotable lines. In particular, “Regina George” as a character has become a cultural touchstone — as has the general notion of “Mean Girls.” Those are the kind of references we can now use to describe other people or fictional figures in a way that’s both universally understood and specifically traceable to this film. That’s cultural permanence — and but one example of Tina Fey’s supremacy as a 21st century comedic force.

Will Jayce asks… Will you ever cover “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”?

I would love to cover It’s Always Sunny. But I can’t consider it properly until it officially ceases.

esoteric1234 asks… What is one episode of a sitcom you didn’t like at first but you have reconsidered and now you do like?

The second season finale of Friends, “The One With Barry And Mindy’s Wedding,” was never one of my favorites until I covered it on this blog in 2018 and realized that it actually may be the series’ best finale, with a focus on the characters that you don’t find in many Big-Event season closers. In terms of episodes on which I’ve changed my opinion since coverage, one that comes to mind is a sample from the third season of The Office, “The Convict.” I’ve never loved it — and I didn’t feature it at all in 2024 — because I thought it worked too narratively hard to earn the series’ trademark comedic cringe. But now I wonder if the “Prison Mike” set piece is just so audacious and memorable that it doesn’t matter — it’s an example of The Office being what it wants to be, and even if it’s less artful than other classics, it’s still earning series-specific laughs. And isn’t that enough? I’m not sure it’d make my list today either, but I’d not be so quick to discount it. By that same token, in the wake of Catherine O’Hara’s passing, I sort of regret not spotlighting “Funkhouser’s Crazy Sister” from Curb Your Enthusiasm. I’ve always found it comedic — and I ultimately cited it as an Honorable Mention — but that seventh season is just such a gem-filled collection. After three must-includes, I struggled to decide what should occupy that final slot. You know, I probably made the right decision in 2024, but O’Hara’s showing is still one of the most unforgettable. And, again, that’s gotta count for something.

Anonymous wants to know… Is the sitcom dead?

No. Half-hour(ish) comedy series with sustaining situations are still regularly being produced.

Have a question for me? Submit it at the “Ask Jackson (Q&A)” link.

Come back next week for another Wildcard! And stay tuned Monday for a musical treat!