The Munsters Versus The Addams Family

Of all the face-off questions we’ve posted in the past few months, it was inevitable that we would eventually find our way here – to compare and contrast two sillier than scary sitcoms – miles apart in their type of humor, but equally beloved by millions. You’ve all watched both series – if not firsthand, then certainly in syndication – and we suspect you have some passionate opinions on the subject. So, today we post the timeless question – which show did you prefer, The Munsters or The Addams Family?

First, let’s look at The Munsters, which debuted on CBS in 1967 and ran for two seasons (concurrently with The Addams Family). Family patriarch Herman, his beautiful wife Lilly, and their son Eddie lived with their extended family, the ever-inventive Grandpa, and Lilly’s beautiful niece, Marilyn in a decrepit mansion located within a quiet suburban neighborhood. In their minds, they were a completely normal family, but to the rest of the neighborhood, they were simply horrifying. Still, the happy-go-lucky Herman and family did their best to contribute positively to their community, even if their kindness wasn’t always appreciated. Let’s look in on 1313 Mockingbird Lane:

Next, we have the decidedly more goth-looking Addams Family, a series based on the dark and twisted humor of New Yorker magazine cartoonist, Charles Addams. Like their competition, this show debuted in 1964 and ran for two seasons. Here, the heads of the household were the delightful couple of Gomez and Morticia Addams, who were far more fun-loving (and frisky) than they were frightening, and were the proud parents of two adorably odd children, Wednesday and Pugsley. The other members of the creepy clan, however, were quite disturbing appearance-wise and kept unsuspecting visitors a little more on edge. Whether it was the dismembered hand living in a box named “Thing,” their tall and ghoulish butler Lurch, a batty witch named Granny, the walking hairball Cousin It or the playfully-sinister Uncle Fester, they managed to send away their own share of terrified visitors with their playful antics. Here’s a look at the creepy clan, complete with iconic theme song:

So, now it is up to you. Tell us which of these frightfully funny families were your favorite, and be sure to state your reasons why, as we celebrate both of these macabre sitcoms that continue to live on in the hearts of millions of fans, some 40 years after their original run.