Similar to how the sitcom Quark had spoofed the sci-fi genre in the late 70s, Best of the West sought to lampoon the ultra-popular western series from decades earlier. Debuting in 1981, this sitcom benefited from a surprising array of talent as well as witty writing and colorful characters that gave viewers plenty to laugh at, even if they didn’t happen to be old enough to remember the heyday of the western television genre.

Best of the West starred Joel Higgins as Civil War veteran, Sam Best. Hoping to find a better life for he and his family - wife Elvira and son Daniel - Sam moved the clan to Copper Creek. The little town didn’t much resemble their decidedly more comfortable former residence in Philadelphia and the family had more than a few problems making the adjustment.

Unfortunately, whether they liked their new rural environment or not, there was no turning back and heading home once Sam quickly became the town’s sheriff (a position he didn’t really want.) Then the problems really started. The new sheriff didn’t sit well with the powerful Parker Tillman, owner of the local saloon, and his slow-witted sidekick Frog (played by veteran character actor, Tracey Walter.) And although Sam wasn’t the handiest person with a firearm, he still had to contend with a local gunslinger called the Calico Kid (played most enjoyably by future time-traveler, Christopher Lloyd.)

The premise was clever, the characters engaging, and yet, audiences for some reason never quite warmed up to the series. After a year of bad ratings, Best of the West would be perhaps prematurely laid to rest in the sitcom graveyard. Luckily, the show’s star, Joel Higgins had much better luck with his next show, Silver Spoons, which managed to stay on the air for six years longer than Best of the West.