Two and a Half in the Family

Family-based situation comedy sitcoms on television have come a long way from what they used to be. Though evolution has occurred, there exist many differences and similarities between the past and the present. In the 1970s, All In The Family was a controversial sitcom that depicted several real-life issues which may have been considered unsuitable to be aired. In the contemporary series, Two and a Half Men, similar issues are dealt with, but the messages to the viewers are portrayed in a different way, and are less controversial.

In All In The Family, the protagonist, Archie Bunker, a white veteran of the war, is portrayed as being homophobic and racist, not wanting to associate himself with anyone who doesn't share the same views as him. He is conservative and prejudiced, acting as a character foil to his son-in-law, Michael, who is a liberal and open-minded hippie.The setting is in modern day (1970s) Queens, New York City.

In Two And A Half Men, which takes place on the other side of the country, in California today, the main character is a middle-aged, carefree bachelor named Charlie Sheen, who feels as if pleasure is the only intrinsic good. He lives with his twice-divorced brother, Alan, who is quite the opposite of Charlie, uptight and conscientious, and his young, lazy son, Jake. Charlie is depicted as a man who often objectifies women, but still has a good heart.

There is an obvious difference in the family structures of the sitcoms. Archie's family is more traditional, while Charlie's family is atypical and dysfunctional.

In both shows, even though the protagonists have morals that are questionable and attitudes that may not be viewed as positive, both are still lovable. Also, there exists an obvious character foil between two of the main characters; between Archie & Michael in All In The Family, and between Charlie & Alan in Two And A Half Men.
There is a character that serves as the main source of comic relief. In All In The Family, it is Edith, the wife of Archie, who often says something comedic in a tense situation. In Two And A Half Men, it is Berta, the housekeeper, who makes sarcastic remarks that bring a smile to the faces of the viewers.

All In The Family deals with topics such as homosexuality, racism, rape, and woman's liberation. Though Two And A Half Men addresses similar issues too, it is often portrayed in a less serious and more comical way. The main issue being dealt with in Two And A Half Men is the depiction of women and their dehumanizing and devaluing, which is not seen much in All In The Family.

With their differences aside, both All In The Family and Two And A Half Men are able to address controversial, real-life issues in a lighthearted and fun manner. Though times have changed, a positive light is able to be shined upon prejudices and viewers are able to be more aware of what is/was going on in the world around them.