Could 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman' Regain Its Cult Status Today?

Times have changed, and audiences have evolved. Traditional television series, including those from the past, have often been overlooked. However, with the appropriate mindset, these older shows can regain their fanbase, much like 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,' which only ran for a year but could resonate with contemporary viewers.

Understanding the Nostalgia Factor

It is a widely held belief that nothing is truly "dated" as long as you can immerse yourself in a different time and place. Audiences today are sophisticated enough to appreciate and enjoy programs from the past, provided they can put themselves in the context of that era. This mindset is not unique, as evidenced by the enduring popularity of films set in entirely different universes like 'Star Wars,' which takes place in a galaxy far, far away. In 1977, audiences were simply willing to accept and enjoy everything they saw—giant space cruisers, advanced droids, and massive planetary destruction.

The Uniqueness of 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman'

Comparatively, 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman' was also an oddball and a cult classic at the time. Its unique blend of themes—alcoholism, mental illness, and adultery—made it stand out among other shows. Norman Lear, the creator of 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,' did not stop there. He also created 'Soap,' which also deviated from the norm. Interestingly, it was shown alongside soap operas, which might have seemed like an impediment to its success. However, it defied expectations and managed to run for a year. Now, if rerun today, it could easily become another 'it' show, with viewers binge-watching and discussing it.

Could 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman' Become a Modern Cult Classic?

Could 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman' regain its cult status and become a modern sensation? The possibilities are intriguing. Geraldo Rivera, the famous media pundit, would likely have concerns, but the rest of the audience might find it hilarious. Additionally, 'Fernwood 2-night' might also deserve a second chance in today's media landscape.

While the show was considered a cult favorite back in the day, it didn’t age particularly well in recent years. When I saw it a few times, the jokes seemed to fall flat. However, for its time, the show was pretty creative. It offered a fresh and unconventional perspective, much like 'Soap,' which was also unusual for its time.

Today, with the right context and understanding, 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman' could once again capture the imagination of modern audiences and find a new home in the realm of cult classics. The key to its success lies in the willingness of viewers to embrace and appreciate the unique qualities of the show in its original context, just as audiences were able to do with 'Star Wars' when it first aired.