George Burns

This 1950s televised take on George Burns and Gracie Allen's wildly popular radio serial has been paid tribute to and emulated by sitcoms including "I Love Lucy," "Married ... With Children" and, well, just about any show that reflected the ... morenot-always-diplomatic lives of modern wedded couples. "Burns and Allen" was also notable for featuring multiracial characters and having George interrupt scripted scenes with audience-targeted commentary (where do you think Seinfeld got it from?). In the case of this influential classic, they make 'em quite a bit like they used to.

Also: More TV thoughts by Kenny Herzog on MSN TV's Buzz Blog

(CBS)