Chuck Cunningham syndrome is a term of criticism, applied when an important character in a television series is removed with little or no explanation.
The term derives from the Chuck Cunningham character in the American series Happy Days. Chuck, the oldest of the three children in the Cunningham family, initially appeared in the episode “Love and the Happy Days” (in the show Love, American Style), which served as the pilot for what became the Happy Days series. However, in Happy Days Chuck appeared as a superfluous character (usually on his way to basketball practice). He was written out of the series at the beginning of the second season with the explanation that he was going to college. After the second season, he was never mentioned again; episodes referred to the Cunninghams as having two, rather than three, children.”
I rather enjoyed skimming through the list of shows tied into this listing.
I just read that wiki a weeka go, all the related artciles like “breaking the fourth wall” etc.. were also quite interesting. Who kne wthere existed such a large televison vocabulary.
Hi J-Cop,
Glad that you enjoyed it.
CM,
That is a good point.
JF,
Sadly, I am in agreement.
Sympathy for the Jewish state is also a victim of “Chuck Cunningham Syndrome”.
How about the “Darren” syndrome, when a character is replaced by a new actor with no mention made of it. (Darren Stephens in Bewitched first played my Dick York and then quietly replaced by Dick Sargeant)
excellent post jack.
reading the article in wikipedia really brought back some fond memories
Thanks
J