By the late seventies, the father character in shows was less and less a family leader and more and more a disposable clod. Today, fathers are nothing more than walking ATVs with no real power or leadership role in the family (both in real life and on TV). That role has been replaced with Mom as sovereign parent and BFF to the kiddos. Have you SEEN the "children's" programming today? "Almost Naked Animals" is one that springs to mind. Just why do they have to say "almost naked?" Because today's youth are sexually precocious at the age of 4 or 5. Children of that age are now being taught about homosexuality and the like.
The dialogue and "plot" of 90% of these "programs" consists mostly of bodily function noises. Sprinkle in some Adderall, 24/7 fast/junk food, zero exercise and discipline and you have mindless, feral, brass, exhibitionist, narcissistic, zombie children with no grasp of the English language--requiring remedial grade school well into their twenties.
Shows like “The Middle” are portraying both parents as retards.
Dont get started talking about the stuff on the premium networks. Likely one or both parents are engaged in criminal activities.