Many sitcoms are cliche, predictable, and are variations of the same tired story-line. Sitcoms typically lack emotional meaning, and when they try to bring up serious topics, they do so in a light-hearted, comedic way. But The Fosters is different. Due to the positive response of Modern Family‘s Cam and Mitchell, ABC embraced the unconventional evolution of the American family with a new show about a mixed-race, lesbian couple — Lena and Steph — with a biological son and several other adopted children. Instead of focusing only partially on a gay couple as in Modern Family, this new show called The Fosters (which premieres on June 3) puts the controversy front-and-center — a sitcom premise that already has sparked some controversial reactions.
In a familiar female role, Lena — a school principal — is determined to save children and put them in good homes. Functioning in a more traditional masculine role, Stef is a tough yet kind police officer who isn’t as eager to add to their family. Ironically, Lena and Stef have the last name Foster as well as being foster parents. Lena decides to take in Callie, a troubled teen with an abusive past. Stef has a biological son from a previous marriage that the two raise together, along with adopted twins Marianna and Jesus. Lena frequently tries to introduce new children to the family, not always with Stef’s approval.
The Fosters is structured on sitcom stereotypes but with many twists; while the kids are growing up with two mothers, viewers will recognize the masculine and feminine gender role conflicts between the women. In terms of the children, the biological son will most likely be the goody-two-shoes of the family; the adopted Callie, the Rebel; and the adopted twins, the quirky yet cute youngest siblings.
Jennifer Lopez, the producer, is the cause of much hype for this television show. She said, “Although [the script] was about a non-traditional family and had some newer themes, it had some really basic themes as well about family and love and what’s really important. It gives a really good depiction of family in this day and age.” To help ratings, Lopez is supposedly making a guest appearence on the show later in the series.
With much anticipation, fans are already raving about the show. It opens ABC family to a new audience and creates more diversity when compared to the lineup of run-of-the-mill comedies and dramas. If the show can balance the sincere humor and familial warmth of Modern Family, its first season also should follow the same pattern of success. However, Lopez must make sure that this show does not become a gimmick-ridden mess that targets too many controversial topics without saying anything meaningful about any of them.
While most of the comments are positive, some have unfortunately been negative. A anti-homosexual group called “One Million Moms” has criticized the show. They are known for protecting the exploitation of children, and believe this is not a show that should be airing on a family network that children watch. The group said, “While foster care and adoption is a wonderful thing and the Bible does teach us to help orphans, this program is attempting to redefine marriage and family by having two moms raise these children together. None of this material is acceptable content for a family show.”
The show’s controversy has only given it more hype, even if it is not always positive. Going against the usual sitcom and reaching the viewers that are opposed to the show will be a challenge, but judging by the generally positive response to the show, it will probably be met with success. ABC’s The Fosters will hopefully change the face of sitcoms for the better, and will introduce a new generation of truly modern families on television.
