Representations of values and myths: A narrative analysis of three television domestic situation comedies

One episode each of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Home Improvement, and Grace Under Fire was analyzed in attempt to understand how the episodes function of myth. Each of the domestic situation comedies, which consist of different types of families, present the myth of rite of passage. The episodes serve as a perceptual system; they rejuvenate a culture's reality; they appeal to our emotions; and they serve as exemplary models. The episodes were analyzed also to discern how different types of television families represent the values of rationality and emotionality. This analysis takes a narrative approach to consider the narrative probability and narrative fidelity of each episode. We see that another myth unfolds as the narratives project the belief that complicated life issues can be easily and successfully resolved so long as parents behave with reason and emotion.