Aging.com recently reported that ABC has bought a sitcom about someone with Alzheimer's disease. Yes, a sitcom. I think their writers should first have to sit down and read every single post that's ever been written on this website. That would give them a much better idea of how "funny" this disease is. I'm just speechless that anybody would think that this is an idea for a sitcom. What do you think?
I think it depends if the people involved, especially the writers, have lived close to dementia. I know looking back there are things that are quite funny in retrospect, and I hear that from other caregivers.
Also comedy is one of the best ways of delivering unhappy truths. If well done this could be a good way of educating people about dementia.
On the other hand, it may be badly done. While there are some very good TV shows that are well written, I will not be holding my breath.
I just hope that any viewers don't come away with the thought that caring for a person with dementia is all fun and games - that's the danger of a sitcom, I think. Yes, there are humorous even hilarious moments, but they are miniscule to the torment for both of us with this dreadful disease.
My gut feeling is that the only part of Alzheimer's they will show is the forgetfulness like the lawyer show that had William Shatner playing someone with it. They made light of it and thought it funny (the few times I saw it). Yes, the forgetfulness can give us laughs but that is the only part of this disease you might find humor in. The other 90% is not funny one bit.
Would they put on a program that found humor in breast cancer? Noooooooooo. Are we all aware that this is Alzheimers Awareness Month? Hey, last month I saw pink everywhere I went. At dr. offices they were all wearing pink scrubs, even had pink clipboards. Is there a similar awareness and cheerleader effort to 'Find The Cure' for Alzheimers? We all know that there is not.
I'm not so sure I like the idea. Yes, they do or say funny things, but I'm not happy at the thought of him being laughted at. And yes they can be funny. Bonnie
well I know where they can get some VERY convincing actors and actresses for the cast!! geez what else will they come up with. like the others say I could see the light side for about one minute, then digress at how dreadful most of the disease is. divvi
Is this"Raising Hope"? I thought it was disgusting the way they portrayed the Grandmother(Cloris L. )in it.WE should email the stations showing it showing our disapproval.
Jan K, I tried to view the original story but when I went to Aging.com there was no such site, there was a note that the domain was for sale. Could you check on the site again?
I've watched "Raising Hope". I actually thought it was pretty funny. If I had lost my sense of humor through this journey, I would have committed suicide.
paulc, I Googled "Sitcom on Alzheimer Disease" and the site popped up immediately. There have been a lot of comments posted on the that website - some pro and some con. I haven't decided what I think about the whole thing yet, and since we don't watch modern sitcoms, it is unlikely that either my DH or I will ever view it if it airs.
There is a show on Netflix called "Derek" about a fellow that works in a nursing facility. It's funny and sensitive and sweet. Check it out and see what you think.