As created by actor Robert Young and writer Ed James, "Father Knows Best" began as a fairly typical situation comedy but, by the time the show was first aired in 1949, most of the clichés had been removed. What was left was a solid, well-written portrayal of typical middle-American family life, with a surprising emphasis on well-shaded characters, rather than outlandish situations, to bring out the humorous side of suburban life. Thanks to excellent writing and the outstanding acting talents of the principals, these still-hilarious broadcasts rise above the norm to make "Father Knows Best" one of the highlights of late-era network radio entertainment.