The 1960s saw some very good to classic shows. One doesn't have to have been born then or before to feel that way, speaking as someone born in the 1990s but has always been fascinated by older shows. 'I Dream of Jeannie' is one such show, has much enjoyment still and perhaps deserves more credit.
'I Dream of Jeannie', with the unique (then and even now) concept of the pairing of a genie and an astronaut, is a dream to watch when at its best and is still watchable when it isn't quite. Like 'Bewitched', a show that is often compared with 'I Dream of Jeannie' (put them about equal myself), the early seasons fare better than the later ones, where the stories do start to lack freshness and the sexual tension is stronger in the earlier seasons.
Also, 'I Dream of Jeannie' can have some sloppy continuity errors and can fall into silliness, like going back in time in Persia.
On the other hand, 'I Dream of Jeannie' is particularly noteworthy for the very likable and memorable assortment of characters, the regulars are not easy to forget and the supporting/secondary cast are really good fun, and a great cast.
Barbara Eden is beautiful, charming and sensual, you would be hard pressed to find genies portrayed in this way. Larry Hagman's mannerisms are a true joy and Hagman has wonderful comic timing and endearment that is deserving of more credit. His chemistry with Eden is one of a kind, one of television's finest ever chemistries and a huge part of the show's appeal.
There has probably never been a funnier doctor in television than the hilariously prissy one portrayed by Hayden Rorke. Bill Daily's Healey doesn't develop as much, or as much as could, but Daily clearly has fun with the character and makes it his own.
Production values were clearly made with love and affection, with beautiful use of both black and white and colour, and the slick photography complements them well. For the 60s, the show does still look pretty good. Like with 'Bewitched', the effects are not always special (particularly early on) and there could have been more of them but most of the time they are hardly slapdash and have real charm. The bottle is famous for good reason.
Music is dynamic and groovy, with all the theme music tunes being noteworthy. The animated opening sequence is both beautiful and lively and is utilised cleverly. The expository narration of the first few episodes, up to episode 8, delivered by Paul Frees was not used as much and not as striking as the animated sequence, but nonetheless was interesting and made its mark.
Writing is funny, snappy, charming and thoughtful, while the stories have magic, sexual tension, charm and immense likability on the most part, though the earlier seasons have more freshness.
Overall, a dream to watch. 8/10 Bethany Cox
'I Dream of Jeannie', with the unique (then and even now) concept of the pairing of a genie and an astronaut, is a dream to watch when at its best and is still watchable when it isn't quite. Like 'Bewitched', a show that is often compared with 'I Dream of Jeannie' (put them about equal myself), the early seasons fare better than the later ones, where the stories do start to lack freshness and the sexual tension is stronger in the earlier seasons.
Also, 'I Dream of Jeannie' can have some sloppy continuity errors and can fall into silliness, like going back in time in Persia.
On the other hand, 'I Dream of Jeannie' is particularly noteworthy for the very likable and memorable assortment of characters, the regulars are not easy to forget and the supporting/secondary cast are really good fun, and a great cast.
Barbara Eden is beautiful, charming and sensual, you would be hard pressed to find genies portrayed in this way. Larry Hagman's mannerisms are a true joy and Hagman has wonderful comic timing and endearment that is deserving of more credit. His chemistry with Eden is one of a kind, one of television's finest ever chemistries and a huge part of the show's appeal.
There has probably never been a funnier doctor in television than the hilariously prissy one portrayed by Hayden Rorke. Bill Daily's Healey doesn't develop as much, or as much as could, but Daily clearly has fun with the character and makes it his own.
Production values were clearly made with love and affection, with beautiful use of both black and white and colour, and the slick photography complements them well. For the 60s, the show does still look pretty good. Like with 'Bewitched', the effects are not always special (particularly early on) and there could have been more of them but most of the time they are hardly slapdash and have real charm. The bottle is famous for good reason.
Music is dynamic and groovy, with all the theme music tunes being noteworthy. The animated opening sequence is both beautiful and lively and is utilised cleverly. The expository narration of the first few episodes, up to episode 8, delivered by Paul Frees was not used as much and not as striking as the animated sequence, but nonetheless was interesting and made its mark.
Writing is funny, snappy, charming and thoughtful, while the stories have magic, sexual tension, charm and immense likability on the most part, though the earlier seasons have more freshness.
Overall, a dream to watch. 8/10 Bethany Cox