The Ampersands of Comfort TV

 

The word “ampersand” seems needlessly stuffy for the simple “&” symbol it describes.

 

But that’s neither here nor there, and really I don’t want to get too deep on this. It’s just a fun little exercise in tracing the history of classic television from its origins to the end of the Comfort TV era through famous pairs of characters, whose names are linked by our friend the ampersand. Fans loved them both individually, but they were always more fondly recalled together.

 

If you love the Comfort TV era as much as I do, you are already on a first name basis with all of these iconic duos. And after another week of distressing headlines, hopefully these names and photos will bring back some happy memories. If I missed any, feel free to add to the list. And no, “Pink Lady & Jeff” and “Mr. T. & Tina” do not count.

 

 

Lucy & Ethel

 

Kukla, Fran & Ollie

 

Amos & Andy

 

 

Ozzie & Harriet

 

 

Spin & Marty

 

 

Matt & Miss Kitty

 

 

Buddy & Sally

 

 

Andy & Barney

 

 

James & Artemus

 

Rocky & Bullwinkle

 

 

Batman & Robin

 

 

Rowan & Martin

 

 

Huntley & Brinkley

 

Steed & Mrs. Peel

 

Pebbles & Bamm-Bamm

 

Friday & Gannon

 

Max & 99

 

Kirk & Spock

 

Gilligan & Skipper

 

Buffy & Jody

 

Bert & Ernie

 

Felix & Oscar

 

Scooby & Shaggy

 

Archie & Edith

 

Hawkeye & Trapper

 

Luke & Laura

 

Sonny & Cher

 

Sanford & Son

 

Mary & Rhoda

 

Bob & Emily

 

Laverne & Shirley

 

Starsky & Hutch

 

Donny & Marie

 

Ponch & Jon

 

J.R & Sue Ellen

 

Bo & Luke

 

Sam & Diane

 

 

Blair & Jo

 

Kate & Allie

 

Ross & Rachel