Greatest TV Sitcom Characters of All Time - Mary Richards (The Mary Tyler Moore Show) or Archie Bunker (All in the Family)
Pick Your Favorite
VS
Your GOAT List
Why This Battle Matters
Imagine Archie Bunker's gruff, unapologetic brashness clashing with Mary Richards' poised, progressive charm — a primetime duel of epic proportions. On one side, Archie, the embodiment of the 1970s cultural clashes, whose armchair politics often mirrored the discomforts of an evolving America. On the other, Mary, the epitome of the modern woman, gracefully navigating the male-dominated world of broadcasting. This battle isn’t just about who made us laugh more; it's a deeper question of which values resonate more enduringly in our collective memory. Will it be the gritty realism of Archie's Queens or the optimistic resilience of Mary's Minneapolis?
🔥 Fan Takes
How Fans Are Voting
In this battle:
Fans currently prefer Archie Bunker (All in the Family) over Mary Richards (The Mary Tyler Moore Show) when it comes to the greatest TV Sitcom Characters of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick Archie Bunker (All in the Family) 72.7% of the time over Mary Richards (The Mary Tyler Moore Show).
Across all battles:
Archie Bunker (All in the Family) win rate: 56.5%
Mary Richards (The Mary Tyler Moore Show) win rate: 44.8%
Fan FAQs
Why is this matchup between Archie Bunker and Mary Richards such a big debate?
This matchup is a classic clash of cultural icons. You've got Archie, the gruff, conservative family man, against Mary, the optimistic, career-focused woman. Each represents different but pivotal aspects of societal change in the 70s, stirring a lot of passion in their respective fan bases.
What makes Mary Richards such a beloved character?
Fans adore Mary Richards for her independence and resilience, which was a fresh take on women's roles in the 1970s sitcom scene. Her cheerful determination and iconic hat toss at the end of the opening credits still resonate with audiences today.
Why is Archie Bunker winning by so much in the Greatest TV Sitcom Characters of All Time league?
Archie's leading by a landslide probably because his character's blunt, politically incorrect demeanor is not just memorable but groundbreaking for television at the time. Fans seem to recognize and appreciate the impact he had on TV culture.