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Season 1 – Mama's Family

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – Mama's Family Jan 1983 Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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Thelma "Mama" Harper is the quick-tempered, blue-haired matriarch of the Harper family who lives with son Vint and his wife, Naomi, who were forced to move into Mama's basement after losing money in a business deal gone awry. After Vint's kids from a previous marriage leave the house, Mama's delinquent grandson Bubba is ordered to live with his grandmother after being released from juvenile hall and placed on probation. Iola Boylen, Thelma's friend and neighbor, is a frequent visitor to the Harper household, which is often the site of bickering between abrasive Mama and her loved ones. Vicki Lawrence stars as Mama, a character she originated in sketches on "The Carol Burnett Show."
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Mama's Family — Season 1

Critics Reviews

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Walter Goodman New York Times 12/15/2017
Miss Lawrence's delivery of her one-liners is sharp enough to make one wish the lines were better. They are about as original as the laugh track. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Mike P @RT35394098 01/26/2024 It's funny because "The Family" was the most beloved skit on The Carol Burnett Show; the critics and the public couldn't get enough of it; they just loved it. And then this spinoff came out and the critics just HATED it; and it's considered to be one of the worst sitcoms ever. Personally I think this version sorely misses Harvey Korman, Carol Burnett and Tim Conway; this new cast can't hold a candle really...And the original material was so much darker and edgier; whereas this just comes across like some goofy syndicated ripoff of Roseanne or something. It's just not the same. Also...Mama DIED in the Eunice TV Movie...They conveniently ret-conned that out...Which adds to the irritating contrived feeling this show has... But then again...I know this version has a fervent following too...Amongst those who don't hate it. I guess to each his own... See more Read all reviews
Mama's Family — Season 1

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Cast & Crew

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Vicki Lawrence

Thelma 'Mama' Crowley Harper

Ken Berry

Vinton Harper

Dorothy Lyman

Naomi Oates Harper

Eric Brown

Actor

Karin Argoud

Actor

Rue McClanahan

Actor

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jan 22, 1983 Vint and the Kids Move In Evicted Vint shows up with his children. Details Episode 2 Aired Jan 29, 1983 For Better or Worse Vint and Naomi announce wedding plans. Details Episode 3 Aired Feb 5, 1983 The Wedding While Vint is at his stag party, the women have a get-together that turns disastrous. Details Episode 4 Aired Feb 12, 1983 The Wedding Naomi and Vint wind up on Mama's doorstep after they're swindled out of their housing investment. Details Episode 5 Aired Feb 19, 1983 Family Feud The Harper family competes on "Family Feud.". Details Episode 6 Aired Feb 26, 1983 Cellmates Mama and Eunice share confidences in jail. Details Episode 7 Aired Mar 5, 1983 Mama Gets a Job Mama goes to work for a travel agency. Details Episode 8 Aired Mar 12, 1983 Double Standard Tempers flare after Sonia finds out Buzz has been given a later curfew on the night of the homecoming dance. Details Episode 9 Aired Mar 19, 1983 Mama's Boyfriend Mama takes a weekend trip with an old beau. Details Episode 10 Aired Mar 26, 1983 Fran's Dress Mama runs out to replace Fran's dress after she accidentally burns a hole in it. Details Episode 11 Aired Apr 2, 1983 Alien Marriage Vint agrees to marry a Portuguese woman so she can get legal U.S. status. Details Episode 12 Aired Apr 30, 1983 Positive Thinking Eunice undergoes a drastic change after listening to Buzz's tape on positive thinking. Details Episode 13 Aired May 7, 1983 Mama's Silver Vint hocks Mama's silver to get enough cash to bail a friend out of jail. Details

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Season Info

Director
Dave Powers
Executive Producer
Joe Hamilton
Screenwriter
Dick Clair, Jim Evering, Rick Hawkins, Gary Jacobs, Gene Perret, Rich Orloff, Jerry Ross, Don Emerson King, Jenna McMahon, Dorothy Van, Liz Sage
Network
NBC
Rating
TV-PG
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date
Jan 22, 1983