MAMA’S FAMILY – THE COMPLETE SERIES (NBC 1983-84, SYN 1986-90) RETAIL QUALITY! Vicki Lawrence, Ken Berry, Dorothy Lyman, Rue McClanahan, Beverly Archer, Allan Kayser
MAMA’S FAMILY – THE COMPLETE SERIES (NBC 1983-84, SYN 1986-90) RETAIL QUALITY! Vicki Lawrence, Ken Berry, Dorothy Lyman, Rue McClanahan, Beverly Archer, Allan Kayser
Mama’s Family was a blue-collar comedy that ran for six seasons, centering on a Midwestern clan led by sharp-tongued widow Thelma “Mama” Harper, memorably portrayed by Vicki Lawrence. Beneath Mama’s biting one-liners was a heart of gold—and a household full of relatives who constantly tested her patience.
The character of Mama originated in the 1970s as part of the popular “The Family” sketches on The Carol Burnett Show. Initially conceived with Carol Burnett as Mama and Lawrence as Eunice, the roles were switched just before production—a decision that proved inspired. The sketches became audience favorites and laid the groundwork for a full series.
Although Lawrence initially declined a series spinoff, she reconsidered after the made-for-TV movie Eunice became a ratings success. Mama’s Family officially premiered on January 22, 1983, airing on NBC for one and a half seasons.
In its original run, Thelma shared her home with her uptight sister Fran (Rue McClanahan) until her son Vinton (Ken Berry), abandoned by his wife, moved in with his two children. Vinton later married the flirtatious neighbor Naomi Oates (Dorothy Lyman), and the newlyweds eventually found themselves living in Mama’s basement. Recurring appearances included Mama’s daughters—snobbish Ellen (Betty White) and volatile Eunice (Carol Burnett)—along with Eunice’s husband Ed Higgins (Harvey Korman).
After NBC canceled the series in 1984, strong summer rerun ratings convinced Lorimar Television—newly merged with Telepictures—to revive the show for first-run syndication in 1986. One hundred new episodes were ordered.
Only Lawrence, Berry, and Lyman returned as regular cast members. Vinton’s children were written out, while Fran was killed off in the revival premiere. With Rue McClanahan and Betty White now starring on The Golden Girls, their availability was limited (though White returned for one guest appearance). Eunice and Ed were written out as having moved to Florida.
New life was injected into the series with the introduction of Bubba Higgins (Allan Kayser), Mama’s delinquent grandson, and Iola Boylen (Beverly Archer), Mama’s eccentric, “Knock, knock!”-announcing best friend. The revamped series struck a chord with audiences and went on to become the highest-rated sitcom in first-run syndication.
Mama’s Family concluded its successful run on February 24, 1990, leaving behind a legacy of caustic humor, unforgettable characters, and one of television’s most iconic matriarchs.
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Number of DVDs: 15
Quality: 9.5/10
Region: 0
Running Time: 50 hrs 52 min (approx)
Aspect Ratios: Fullscreen 1.33:1
IMPORTANT NOTES: This is a fan-made collection on high-quality DVD-R discs. It is intended for collectors and fans. Do not order if you are expecting a commercially packaged boxed set with full-color disc art. There is no retail packaging included.
DVDs are shipped in protective sleeves.
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Original: $29.95
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$10.48
Description
Mama’s Family was a blue-collar comedy that ran for six seasons, centering on a Midwestern clan led by sharp-tongued widow Thelma “Mama” Harper, memorably portrayed by Vicki Lawrence. Beneath Mama’s biting one-liners was a heart of gold—and a household full of relatives who constantly tested her patience.
The character of Mama originated in the 1970s as part of the popular “The Family” sketches on The Carol Burnett Show. Initially conceived with Carol Burnett as Mama and Lawrence as Eunice, the roles were switched just before production—a decision that proved inspired. The sketches became audience favorites and laid the groundwork for a full series.
Although Lawrence initially declined a series spinoff, she reconsidered after the made-for-TV movie Eunice became a ratings success. Mama’s Family officially premiered on January 22, 1983, airing on NBC for one and a half seasons.
In its original run, Thelma shared her home with her uptight sister Fran (Rue McClanahan) until her son Vinton (Ken Berry), abandoned by his wife, moved in with his two children. Vinton later married the flirtatious neighbor Naomi Oates (Dorothy Lyman), and the newlyweds eventually found themselves living in Mama’s basement. Recurring appearances included Mama’s daughters—snobbish Ellen (Betty White) and volatile Eunice (Carol Burnett)—along with Eunice’s husband Ed Higgins (Harvey Korman).
After NBC canceled the series in 1984, strong summer rerun ratings convinced Lorimar Television—newly merged with Telepictures—to revive the show for first-run syndication in 1986. One hundred new episodes were ordered.
Only Lawrence, Berry, and Lyman returned as regular cast members. Vinton’s children were written out, while Fran was killed off in the revival premiere. With Rue McClanahan and Betty White now starring on The Golden Girls, their availability was limited (though White returned for one guest appearance). Eunice and Ed were written out as having moved to Florida.
New life was injected into the series with the introduction of Bubba Higgins (Allan Kayser), Mama’s delinquent grandson, and Iola Boylen (Beverly Archer), Mama’s eccentric, “Knock, knock!”-announcing best friend. The revamped series struck a chord with audiences and went on to become the highest-rated sitcom in first-run syndication.
Mama’s Family concluded its successful run on February 24, 1990, leaving behind a legacy of caustic humor, unforgettable characters, and one of television’s most iconic matriarchs.
