“This Is Us’’ is a family drama. We can say that now, since — as with “Modern Family’’ — the relationship between the characters wasn’t clear until the very end of the first episode. Sure, “This Is Us’’ can be sugary, but most family dramas on TV — or, at least, on network TV — aim for tears. And “This Is Us’’ also has narrative fun, as it jumps around in time and toys with revelations. Here’s a list of some of TV’s best family dramas over the decades, on both network and cable. By the way, I’m not including series that were essentially soap operas, such as “Dynasty’’ and “Empire,’’ even though they’ve revolved around families.
“The Waltons,’’ 1972-81: This is the definitive family drama, as three generations of the family weather the Depression and World War II with love, hard work, and community. The vibe was wholesome but literary, romanticized but not idealized, and the characters were endearing, not least of all the recipe-loving Baldwin sisters.
“Family,’’ 1976-80: Executive produced by, among others, Mike Nichols and Aaron Spelling, this show brought an early sense of realism to the family drama. The fine cast, led by Sada Thompson as the powerful, evolving mother, was more than equipped to make moving TV out of themes including divorce, breast cancer, alcoholism, and Alzheimer’s.
“Party of Five,’’ 1994-2000: Like “Shameless,’’ this is a family drama that focuses on the kids. The five Salinger siblings were orphaned after their parents died in a car accident, and their struggles included alcoholism, domestic violence, cancer, and, of course, the long-term impact of early loss.
“Once and Again,’’ 1999-2002: Sela Ward’s single mother and Billy Campbell’s single father had a passionate romance, but real life — including ex-spouses — intruded. The acting on the show, particularly by the kids, including Evan Rachel Wood, was extraordinary, and so was the emotionally honest writing.
“Six Feet Under,’’ 2001-05: Alan Ball’s show, and the family at the heart of it, were far from warm and fuzzy. But watching the Fishers find themselves, and one another, was a sophisticated treat. Extra points for keeping a consistent eye on death and the role it plays in life.
“Parenthood,’’ 2010-15: Got tears? The ducts got a rigorous workout on this series from “Friday Night Lights’’ guy Jason Katims. The stories were both tender and raw, as we followed the Bravermans through many, many family dinners and montages.
“Shameless,’’ 2011-present: This Chicago family — the kids, not the addicted, self-involved, and generally absentee parents — survives some of the worst things America has to offer its lower classes. Great acting, both comic and serious themes, and character development distinguish this American remake of a British series.
“Transparent,’’ 2014-present: Some family dramas are designed to represent typical American families, and some — notably “Transparent’’ — aren’t. This story of a family in transition deals with universal themes of identity and change, but the characters are remarkably specific. Jeffrey Tambor’s performance as trans woman Maura Pfefferman is unforgettable.
Matthew Gilbert can be reached at gilbert@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewGilbert.
