Families Shows Portrayed Children Man Unconventional American Television

In the past, American television shows such as Leave It to Beaver mostly "portrayed" (showed) "conventional" American families with a father, mother, and children. Over time, however, popular television shows have "featured" (shown; highlighted) more unconventional families.

Some of the first "departures" (moving away) from conventional families were simply "dysfunctional families" (families with poor communication and relationships). For example, Married with Children portrayed a family where the father hated his job and seemed to dislike his "annoying" (irritating) child, his "airhead" (not intelligent) daughter, and his "mischievous" (creating trouble for others) son.

Other shows deal with unusual relationships and "living arrangements" (who lives with whom). The Brady Brunch and Step by Step each portrayed a "blended family" (a family where each spouse has children from a previous marriage) in which the mother and father each had three children from a previous marriage. A show called Full House portrayed a "widow" (a man whose wife has died) living with his three daughters, his "brother-in-law" (the brother of his "deceased" (dead) wife), and his best friend. A show called Two and a Half Men portrayed a man who helps his brother and nephew by inviting them to live with him when they need help.

Finally, some shows "tackle" (address; deal with) social issues "head-on" (directly, in a straightforward way). Big Loveportrays a "polygamous" (someone married to more than one person) man living with his three wives and his children. And Modern Family portrays a "gay couple" (two men in a romantic relationship) with an adopted daughter.