American sitcoms have traditionally been thought of as funny and upbeat shows that follow families or work families through everyday life. They’re meant to entertain audiences and make them forget their own problems. However, in the 70s, sitcoms began exploring deeper issues in what was coined as “very special episodes” or “after-school episodes.”

These “very special episodes” often centered on one major divisive issue like abortion, child abuse, and even the HIV/AIDS epidemic. They were extremely popular in the ’80s and ’90s and have since dwindled. However, more politically charged sitcoms of recent years have begun to bring the “very special episode” format back.

10 Black-ish: “Hope” (Season 2, Episode 16)

ABC’s Black-ish is one of the shows who has taken the “very special episode” format and has introduced it to many episodes because of the political nature of the show. However, the series has also aired a traditional “very special episode” in season 2.

“Hope” dealt with the very real topic of police brutality against black individuals, especially in America, by having the Johnson kids ask tough questions while watching a publicized court case and the aftermath that follows. The episode is now considered one of the best episodes of television to deal with racial issues and one of the best episodes of the series as a whole.

9 Boy Meets World: “Cult Fiction” (Season 4, Episode 21)

Boy Meets World was no stranger to the “very special episode” treatment, having aired two episodes in the format during its run. However, the most popular and unique remains “Cult Fiction.”

In the episode, Shawn finds himself coerced into a concerning cult, which leaves Cory and his family desperate to save Shawn. Boy Meets World was one of the only shows to expose cult life on TV which is why it’s such a memorable episode, even though it’s not the best Boy Meets World episode.

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8 Diff’rent Strokes: “The Bicycle Man” (Season 5, Episode 16 & 17)

Diff’rent Strokes ran for eight seasons in the 70s and 80s and helped launch the careers of Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato. The series also aired several “very special episodes,” including the season 5 episode “The Bicycle Man.”

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The two-part episode delt explored pedophilia when Arnold (Coleman) is targeted by a pedophile who owns the local bike shop in town. The owner, Mr. Horton, enlists Arnold’s help in getting more kids to his store and begins spending inappropriate amounts of time with Arnold alone.  While other shows dealt with pedophilia, none did so as outrightly as Diff’rent Strokes, which is why it’s such a memorable one.

7 Full House: “Silence Is Not Golden” (Season 6, Episode 17)

Airing in the 80s and 90s, Full House was no stranger to the “after-school special” format. While the series regularly dealt with tough issues, only two episodes were deemed as “very special.”

“Silence Is Not Golden” saw the Tanners tackle child abuse head-on when Stephanie learns that her classmate is regularly assaulted by his own father. While Stephanie originally keeps the secret, she is eventually confident in the adults in her life who help Charles get the help he needs. This was a vital episode because it really navigated the world of child abuse from the eyes of children instead of adults.

6 The Golden Girls: “Sick and Tired” (Season 5, Episodes 1 & 2)

With 7 seasons on the air, it’s no surprise that The Golden Girls racked up quite a few “very special episodes” — five to be exact. From sexuality to medical issues, The Golden Girls really tackled it all. The most memorable installment in this style though is season 5’s “Sick and Tired.”

The two-part episode centered on Dorothy, who begins to experience health problems and visits the doctor. Instead of taking her seriously, the doctor tells her nothing is wrong with her and sends her on her way. However, Dorothy pursues a second opinion and gets an actual diagnosis. While this might not seem like the most impactful “very special episode,” not being taken seriously is an issue many women face when going to the doctor and many applauded the series for exposing the sexist nature of the medical profession and for being ahead of its time.

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5 Maude: “Maude’s Dilemma: Part 1 & Part 2” (Season 1, Episode 9 & 10)

Despite only being in its first season, Norman Lear and the creative team behind Maude didn’t shy away from airing a very controversial episode dealing with abortion.

In the story, Maude, a middle-aged woman, discovers she is pregnant and grapples with what to do next. Over the course of the two episodes, Maude weighs the pros and cons of abortion and ultimately gets one. The episode was extremely divisive, especially since abortion had yet to be legalized in all 50 states.

4 Mr. Belvedere: “Wesley’s Friend” (Season 2, Episode 16)

Mr. Belvedere is not a well-known sitcom, despite the fact that the series was closely based on a 1940s movie character. However, that didn’t stop the show from partaking in the “after-school special” format during its second season.

The season 2 episode dealt with misconceptions surrounding HIV/AIDS at the height of the epidemic. After learning his friend has contracted HIV from a blood transfusion, Wesley avoids his friend out of fear of catching it. The episode was considered groundbreaking since it aired at the height of the epidemic.

3 One Day At A Time: “The Politics Episode” (Season 4, Episode 7)

One Day At A Time is another recent sitcom that utilized the “very special episode” style in most of its installments. However, the series aired a true unique during its fourth and final season that also happened to be animated.

The special saw the Alverez family confront their conservative relatives in the lead-up to the 2020 election and showcased how divided the country has become, even amongst families. The animated nature of the episode made it memorable, as did the content matter.

2 Roseanne: “White Men Can’t Kiss” (Season 7, Episode 9)

While Roseanne’s reputation might be tarnished now, back in the 80s and 90s it was groundbreaking and the first of its kind. As such, the series aired a handful of impactful episodes, including one in season 7.

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“White Men Can’t Kiss” centered on the youngest child, DJ, who refuses to participate in his school’s play after learning he’ll have to kiss a girl. While Roseanne originally supports DJ, when she learns he’s only refusing because the girl is black, she and Dan must confront DJ’s prejudice.

1 The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air: “Mistaken Identity” (Season 1, Episode 6)

Like many sitcoms of the ’90s, The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air aired many “very special episodes” during its initial run. However, the one that made the strongest impact and still resonates today is season 1’s “Mistaken Identity.”

The episode centers on Will and Carlton who offer to drive Mrs. Furth’s Mercedes-Benz to Palm Springs since she is taking a helicopter there. While driving, the two are pulled over and arrested after being accused of stealing the car. The episode dealt with the racial biases in the police force, something that is unfortunately still relevant now.

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Danielle Bruncati
(299 Articles Published)

Danielle Bruncati was born and raised in Southern California and has been a story-teller for as long as she can remember. She is currently a freelance writer for ScreenRant and is also pursuing a Master’s Degree in Television Writing and Producing from a top 10 film school. When she’s not writing, Danielle can be found binging the latest sitcom or teen tv series with her dog by her side or walking around Disneyland with a Mickey-shaped snack in hand.

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