Roseanne

In an era when “family values” and the typical nuclear family have attained a kind of sanctity, Roseanne has the courage to look unflinchingly at contemporary family life. The Conners may not be “average” (they are far funnier, for one thing) but they are real. The series embodies a level of honesty and authenticity previously unimaginable on the small screen. This is working-class America, warts and all. Roseanne explores difficult subjects, from unemployment to homosexuality to birth control for a teenage daughter, without romanticizing family dynamics or providing easy answers. This is tough comedy with a heart. For being willing to disturb viewers, and for always making them laugh, a Peabody to Roseanne.