The Waltons (1972 81):
This CBS drama depicted the lives of a rural Virginia family during the Great Depression, offering a family portrait that was both idyllic and occasionally romanticized.
thirtysomething (1987 91):
Created by Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick, this show focused on the lives of baby boomers in their 30s, dealing with marriage, divorce, work, and parenthood.
I'll Fly Away (1991 93):
Set in the South during the 1960s, this show starred Sam Waterston as a DA and Regina Taylor as his housekeeper, who became involved in the civil rights movement.
The Sopranos (1999 2007):
David Chase's mob drama was a cultural touchstone that explored the complexities of a mob family with typical American values. It was both a crime drama and a family drama.
Once and Again (1999 2002):
This ABC domestic drama featured a romance between Sela Ward's single mother and Billy Campbell, evolving into a rich family chronicle. Evan Rachel Wood stood out as a notable adolescent character.
Gilmore Girls (2000 07):
Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, this show introduced a new dynamic between mother and daughter, where the parent was also a friend.
Six Feet Under (2001 05):
Alan Ball's HBO series added diversity to the family drama genre, depicting the Fishers as a real and relatable family dealing with love, envy, pain, and longing.
Big Love (2006 11):
Mark V. Olsen and Will Scheffer's show focused on a polygamist family, exploring themes of love, faith, and family. Despite its uneven fourth season, it delved into topics of patriarchy and deviancy