Special Sub-Topic: 2003 TV Land Awards Click Here To Play: 2003 TV Land Awards

Who was the master-of-ceremonies?

John Ritter. John Ritter did a super job hosting the awards. He was funny, moved the show at a good pace, and was knowledgeable about the shows and actors.

What show's theme song was performed as the award show began?

All in the Family. Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers sang "Those Were The Days". There were five theme songs sung at the start of the show, many by original cast members.

Which of the following songs was not performed at the start of the awards show?

Gunsmoke. Oddly there were no westerns honored at the awards. For the most part, comedy shows were featured, maybe next year.

Who picked the winners in the different categories, other than special awards?

TV viewers. The information given during the show said viewers voted on the website.

Which actor gave out the first award?

Henry Winkler. Henry looked good and was very distinguished presenting the first award. The leather jacket that Winkler wore on 'Happy Days' is in the Smithsonian museum now, along with other classic TV props such as Archie Bunker's favorite chair.

What type of container was opened to get the winners' names?

A TV dinner tray. The presenter would peel back the lid and read the name of the winner. A unique and original idea.

And now we go to some of the awards given. Who won the award for the Favorite Working Stiff?

Laverne and Shirley. "Laverne and Shirley" first aired in 1976 following "Happy Days", the show it was spun off of. It ran till May of 1983.

A special award was given out for the Most Innovative Show. Which series came won that award?

All in the Family. "All in the Family" made fun about many of the problems of the 1960's. The show consisted of a family headed by a somewhat bigoted father, a loyal and loving wife, and a daughter and son-in-law who were 180 degrees opposite of her father's thinking.

Barbara Feldon and Don Adams gave out the next award for the character who was the Best Second Banana In A TV Show. Who won this award?

Barney Fife. "The Andy Griffith Show" ran from October 1960 till September of 1968 when it was replaced by a spinoff series "Mayberry R.F.D." which ran till September of 1971.

Who won the award for a Special Guest Appearance By A Musician on a TV classic show?

Davy Jones. This episode has been promoted as the most requested episode of the series.

Who won the award given for the Superest Super Hero?

The Six Million Dollar Man. This award surprised me as I was sure that "Superman" would get that one. Saying that, Lee Majors is a fine actor and "The Six Million Dollar Man" was an enjoyable show.

Who won the award for the Best Double Role By One Actor/Actress?

Barbara Eden. This was a tough decision as evil sisters in two of the shows were both well developed and interesting characters.

What show won the special award for the Ground Breaking Show During The 1960's?

Julia. Diahann Carroll was one of the first actresses to break through as an African-American in a role in what is considered classic TV. A single woman raising a child was also something that TV of the 1960's was careful in showing.

What show won the award for Most Non-Traditional Family?

The Golden Girls. This show had three older ladies and one of their moms living together. "Different Strokes" was about the Drummonds, a mixed race family. "The Munsters" were a loving family of monsters and humans. "The Partridge Family" was about a single mom and her children, who formed a band.

What Sci-Fi show was given a special award as a Groundbreaking Series?

Star Trek. All of these are good shows and can be seen in reruns on "TV Land" and other channels. At the time "Star Trek" didn't do well and lasted only 3 seasons beginning in 1966. After it ended however it would not go away. Today it is known for the many movies and spinoffs that have been born from the show.

Who won the Hippest Fashion Plate Award, Female?

Agent 99. Barbara Feldon played a sweet and totally loyal secret agent in the comedy "Get Smart".

Who won the Hippest Fashion Plate Award, Male?

Keith Partridge "The Partridge Family". David Cassidy made a tribute to his father, Jack Cassidy, in his acceptance speech.

What series won a special award for Classic TV Theme?

Designing Women. The song "Georgia on my Mind" was given the first award in this category for its theme. In the coming years the other three plus others will get their chance.

What show won the award for the Funniest Food Fight?

I Love Lucy. The episode "Lucy and the Chocolate Factory" came away with this award. Close behind the winner were the pie fight from "The Brady Bunch", the chocolate banana fight from "Bewitched", and the flying souflette in a "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" episode.

Last question, what 2003 show was awarded the Future Classic Award?

American Dreams. "American Dreams" is a show about the 1960's and one family attempting to deal with it. Racism, the Viet Nam War, growing up, and young love are all plots in this wonderful show. I have three quizzes on some of the episodes of this show including the pilot. Try them out and learn a little about the Pryor family and associates.