The worst pregnancy storylines in sitcom history are not just about the comedic limitations they impose on characters, but also about how they undermine character arcs and plot development. Here's a deep dive into the top five, with heavy commentary and analysis.
- Kim Briggs in Scrubs
Kim's pregnancy storyline in Scrubs is a prime example of a soap opera-like plot twist that feels out of character and undermines the show's narrative. Her introduction as JD's most charming love interest, followed by a pregnancy reveal in the Season 5 finale, sets the stage for a potential endgame couple. However, the show takes a turn when Kim lies about having a miscarriage in Season 6, a decision that feels baffling and out of character. This lie not only kills any chance of JD and Kim making things work but also feels like a lazy way to set up JD and Elliot's reunion, which is already established as an essential couple. The revival further adds insult to injury by revealing that JD and Elliot end up getting divorced, making the whole storyline even more confusing and frustrating.
- Haley Dunphy in Modern Family
Haley's pregnancy in Modern Family is a disappointment, especially considering the show's early jokes about her future motherhood. While she finds success professionally, her pregnancy sidelines her career, which should have been her main focus. The most frustrating part is the father of her twins, Dylan, a character who's always been portrayed as someone Haley needs to outgrow. The show's earlier success with Haley's love interest, Andy, makes the decision to go back to Dylan a major step backward. Additionally, Haley's reduced screentime in the final season, as noted by Sarah Hyland, highlights the show's failure to properly develop her character's motherhood journey.
- Amy Santiago in Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Season 6 episode 'Casecation' introduces a ludicrous premise where Amy Santiago, known for her life calendar, has never spoken to Jake about having children. The structured debate they engage in is handled flippantly, with Jake agreeing to have kids only after Amy threatens divorce. While the episode shows some awareness of Amy's ruthlessness, it feels more uncomfortable than funny. The end of the episode tries to sell Jake's change of heart as growth, but it still feels like a hostage situation. Amy's pregnancy storyline in Season 7 further emphasizes the pressure on Jake, making it hard for viewers to fully embrace their parenthood.
- Jamie Buchman in Mad About You
Mad About You's introduction of baby Mabel in Season 5 feels like a desperate attempt to stop the series from going stale. The show's decline in viewership and the criticism of its 'baby-obsessed' turn in Season 6, particularly the 20-minute, one-take scene of the baby's crying, highlight the writers' failed attempt. The show's focus on the couple and their relationship, as stated by Paul Reiser, was a strength, but the baby's introduction seems to have hastened the series' cancellation. The show's end with Season 7 feels like a missed opportunity to maintain its freshness and originality.
- Penny Hofstadter in The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory's decision to make Penny pregnant in the series finale is a controversial one, especially considering Kaley Cuoco's opposition to the idea. The writers' excuse of working around Melissa Rauch's real-life pregnancy is not a strong one, and the storyline feels like a wish fulfillment for Leonard at the expense of Penny's agency. The show's earlier portrayal of Penny as someone who made the decision not to have kids and was okay with it makes the sudden change of heart feel out of character. The finale's sweet callback to Leonard's line about 'smart and beautiful' babies feels like a cop-out, and the overall storyline raises questions about the show's treatment of female characters and their agency.
In conclusion, these pregnancy storylines not only limit the comedic potential of the characters but also actively undermine their character arcs and the show's overall narrative. The introduction of babies in sitcoms can be a tricky task, and these examples highlight the challenges and potential pitfalls when handled poorly.
