In the world of prime-time television, success often begets success by way of the spin-off. The Carol Burnett Show lasted eleven seasons on CBS, thanks in part to the recurring comedy sketches that attracted a large, loyal... more » viewership. "The Family" remained a favorite because fans related to the Harpers constant squabbling about mundane stuff. As the irascible Mama Harper, Vicki Lawrence was wondrously transformed into a full-tilt senior citizen and it wasn t a matter of if, but when, she would get her own TV series. MAMA'S FAMILY debuted in 1983 on NBC, lasting two seasons before going into syndication for another four years.
The second season of MAMA'S FAMILY finds the Harper matriarch meddling and peddling her homespun wisdom to anyone within earshot. She ghosts as an advice columnist for her sister, Fran, and helps spring cousin Gert (Imogene Coca) from a retirement community after livening up a birthday party there. Mama takes her lumps, especially when she s clocked by a pot while making gooseberry jam with daughters Eunice (Carol Burnett) and Ellen (Betty White). But you can t keep the old lady down for long.
In MAMA'S FAVORITES: SEASON 2, Vicki Lawrence, who personally selected these episodes, offers her own fresh on-camera insights at the start of each show to enhance your appreciation of what made Mama Harper tick, and what ticked her off.« less