Classic Sitcoms Whose Characters Had To Judge a Beauty Contest

There have been many common themes in episodes from sitcoms over the past five decades, including the appearance of a look-alike for one of the characters. “The Brady Bunch” employed the technique several times, the first being when Peter (Christopher Knight) meets his exact double at school. Later in the series, the double of housekeeper Alice (Ann B. Davis) appears in the form of her military-obsessed cousin.

On “Gilligan’s Island alone, different episodes featured a double for Gilligan (Bob Denver), another for Ginger (Tina Louise) and still another for Thurston Howell III (Jim Backus).

That series also relied on another overused plot scenario, when the castaways decided to have a beauty contest. Gilligan had the unenviable duty of choosing the winner, which ended up being neither Ginger nor Mary Ann nor Mrs. Howell.

Here are seven other classic sitcoms that have placed a main character as the judge of a beauty pageant in at least one episode.

“McHale’s Navy”

The title character (Ernest Borgnine) and the favorite among his crew are delighted to be judges of a beauty show, until they learn of the downside of that responsibility.

“Married with Children”

Al Bundy (Ed O’Neill) is thrilled to judge a beauty contest at his shoe store, until he discovers the types of contestants he must evaluate.

“The Flintstones”

Fred Flintstones and Barney Rubble are chosen to be the judges of the contest hosted by the Royal Order of Water Buffaloes, which obviously displeases wife Wilma and wife Betty.

“Happy Days”

In order to increase opportunities to meet chicks, Richie (Ron Howard) and his pals (Donnie Most and Anson Williams) stage a Miss Teen pageant. Since they have no prizes, the winner is promised a date with the Fonz (Henry Winkler),

“The Jeffersons”

George (Sherman Hemsley) wants to promote his business by holding a competition to crown Miss Jefferson Cleaners.

“Sanford and Son”

The episode refers to My Fair Esther, on which Lamont (Demond Wilson) is forced to judge the Miss Watts competition that would net Fred (Redd Foxx) a share of the hundred dollar prize money if the sister-in-law he loathes ends up winning.

“The Andy Griffith Show”

The Mayberry Council decides to celebrate Founder’s Day with a town beauty show, and Andy (Andy Griffith) is forced to be the only judge. His pharmacist girlfriend, Ellie (Elinor Donahue), is just one of the many women who are expecting to win.

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