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Getting By
GenreFamily sitcom
Created byWilliam Bickley
Michael Warren
Developed byThomas L. Miller
Robert L. Boyett
StarringCindy Williams
Telma Hopkins
Deon Richmond
Merlin Santana
Nicki Vannice
Ashleigh Blair Sterling
Theme music composerJesse Frederick
Bennett Salvay
ComposersJesse Frederick
Bennett Salvay
Steven Chesne
Gary Boren
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes31
Production
Executive producersWilliam Bickley
Michael Warren
Thomas L. Miller
Robert L. Boyett
Ken Cinnamon
Karen Wengrod
Phil Doran
Camera setupFilm; Multi-camera
Running time22–24 minutes
Production companiesBickley-Warren Productions
Miller-Boyett Productions
Lorimar Television
(1993)
(season 1)
Warner Bros. Television
(1993-1994)
(season 2)
Original release
NetworkABC
ReleaseMarch 5 (1993-03-05) –
May 21, 1993 (1993-05-21)
NetworkNBC
ReleaseSeptember 21, 1993 (1993-09-21) –
June 18, 1994 (1994-06-18)

Getting By is an American television sitcom that aired on ABC from March 5 until May 21, 1993, and on NBC from September 21, 1993, until June 18, 1994. The series was created by William Bickley and Michael Warren, who also served as executive producers with Thomas L. Miller and Robert L. Boyett. The final Miller-Boyett series to begin its run under parent studio Lorimar Television, Getting By was folded into Warner Bros. Television for its second season, following Warner Bros.' absorption of Lorimar.

The series was a part of ABC's TGIF lineup in its first season before switching to NBC for the second and final season.

Synopsis

[edit]

The show was about two best friends and single mothers, one white and one black, who decide to split the mortgage on a new home in suburban Oak Park, Illinois and live there with their respective families. The women, widowed Dolores Dixon (Telma Hopkins) and Cathy Hale (Cindy Williams), whose husband ran off with another woman, were also co-workers, as they were employed as social workers for the Chicago Department of Social Services. Dolores had two sons, Marcus (Merlin Santana) and Darren (Deon Richmond). Cathy had two daughters, Nikki (Nicki Vannice) and Julie (Ashleigh Blair Sterling).

Episodes

[edit]
Cast

Series overview

[edit]
SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast releasedNetwork
112March 5, 1993 (1993-03-05)May 21, 1993 (1993-05-21)ABC
219September 21, 1993 (1993-09-21)June 18, 1994 (1994-06-18)NBC

Season 1 (1993)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date Viewers
(millions)
11"Moving In"Richard CorrellWilliam Bickley & Michael WarrenMarch 5, 1993 (1993-03-05)21.7[1]
22"Men Don't Dance"Judy AskinsPhil DoranMarch 12, 1993 (1993-03-12)20.9[2]
33"Back to Nature"Joel ZwickMark FinkMarch 19, 1993 (1993-03-19)19.9[3]
44"A Little Romance"Judy AskinsBarry O'Brien & Cheryl AluMarch 26, 1993 (1993-03-26)19.0[4]
55"The Suit"Richard CorrellKaren Wengrod & Ken CinnamonApril 2, 1993 (1993-04-02)19.2[5]
66"Shop 'till You Drop"Judy AskinsBarry O'Brien & Cheryl AluApril 9, 1993 (1993-04-09)16.4[6]
77"My Brother's Keeper"Judy AskinsLinda & Michael TeverbaughApril 16, 1993 (1993-04-16)18.2[7]
88"The Gospel Truth"Judy AskinsMike Teverbaugh & Linda TeverbaughApril 23, 1993 (1993-04-23)16.9[8]
99"Give Peace a Chance"Joel ZwickGene BraunsteinApril 30, 1993 (1993-04-30)17.6[9]
1010"The Love Connection"Joel ZwickScott Spencer GordenMay 7, 1993 (1993-05-07)15.8[10]
1111"We Are Family, Not"Joel ZwickPhil DoranMay 14, 1993 (1993-05-14)13.7[11]
1212"Anatomy of a Flight"Joel ZwickCheryl Alu & Barry O'BrienMay 21, 1993 (1993-05-21)15.6[12]

Season 2 (1993–94)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date Viewers
(millions)
131"Turnabout Dance"UnknownUnknownSeptember 21, 1993 (1993-09-21)12.6[13]
142"Letter to the President"UnknownUnknownSeptember 28, 1993 (1993-09-28)10.5[14]
153"Faking the Grade"UnknownUnknownOctober 5, 1993 (1993-10-05)13.1[15]
164"Old Car"UnknownUnknownOctober 12, 1993 (1993-10-12)13.5[16]
175"Do the Fright Thing"Joel ZwickFred RubinOctober 19, 1993 (1993-10-19)13.1[17]
186"Not With My Sister"UnknownUnknownNovember 2, 1993 (1993-11-02)10.7[18]
197"Reach for the Stars"Joel ZwickDavid ChambersNovember 23, 1993 (1993-11-23)7.6[19]
208"Pinball Wizard"UnknownUnknownDecember 7, 1993 (1993-12-07)8.0[20]
219"The Pit Stop"Joel ZwickScott Spencer GordenDecember 14, 1993 (1993-12-14)9.3[21]
2210"The Penthouse"Joel ZwickDavid ChambersDecember 21, 1993 (1993-12-21)10.0[22]
2311"Sell It Like It Is"Joel ZwickFred RubinJanuary 8, 1994 (1994-01-08)9.6[23]
2412"In the Driver's Seat"Joel ZwickBarry O'Brien & Cheryl AluJanuary 15, 1994 (1994-01-15)8.7[24]
2513"A Life in the Theater"Joel ZwickDavid ChambersJanuary 22, 1994 (1994-01-22)6.3[25]
2614"It Takes a Thief"Joel ZwickScott Spencer Gorden & Casey Maxwell ClairJanuary 29, 1994 (1994-01-29)9.3[26]
2715"The Rich Guy"Joel ZwickBarry O'Brien & Cheryl AluFebruary 12, 1994 (1994-02-12)9.9[27]
2816"Three Days of the Condo"Richard CorrellKevin LarkinMay 28, 1994 (1994-05-28)7.2[28]
2917"Teacher's Pest"Joel ZwickFred RubinJune 4, 1994 (1994-06-04)6.3[29]
3018"Just Say No"Joel ZwickEunetta T. BooneJune 11, 1994 (1994-06-11)5.7[30]
3119"My Brilliant Career"Joel ZwickJack Lukes & David AnkrumJune 18, 1994 (1994-06-18)7.1[31]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Result Category Recipient
1994 Nominated Young Artist Awards Youth Actress Leading Role in a Television Series Ashleigh Sterling

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Getting By

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Getting By is an American television sitcom that centers on two single mothers sharing a home with their children as they navigate life after personal hardships. The series aired for one season on ABC from March 5, 1993, to May 21, 1993, and for a second season on NBC from September 21, 1993, to June 18, 1994, totaling 31 episodes. Created by William Bickley and Michael Warren, the show follows Cathy Hale, a white divorcée played by Cindy Williams, and Dolores Dixon, a Black widow portrayed by Telma Hopkins, who pool their resources to afford a large house for their blended family. Cathy's daughters, Julie (Ashleigh Sterling) and Nikki (Nicki Vannice), join Dolores's sons, Marcus (Merlin Santana) and Darren (Deon Richmond), creating comedic situations amid everyday challenges of parenting and cohabitation. Produced by Miller-Boyett Productions in association with Lorimar Television—marking the final series under that banner before its merger into Warner Bros. Television—the program highlighted interracial family dynamics and themes of resilience and unity. Initially part of ABC's popular TGIF Friday night lineup, Getting By achieved moderate success in its debut season but faced cancellation due to scheduling disputes between ABC and the producers, prompting a move to for its second season. On , the series struggled with ratings, shifting from Tuesdays to Saturdays before being placed on hiatus and ultimately canceled in June 1994. Despite its short run, the show is noted for its warm portrayal of blended families and the chemistry between its leads, earning a 7.6/10 rating on from user reviews.

Premise

Synopsis

Getting By is an American sitcom that centers on two single mothers, Cathy Hale, a divorcée, and Dolores Dixon, a , who decide to combine their households to better manage the financial and emotional demands of raising their children. By pooling resources and sharing a spacious suburban home, the women create a blended consisting of Hale's two daughters and Dixon's two teenage sons, navigating the everyday chaos of parenting together. The series explores the challenges and joys of this unconventional family arrangement, highlighting themes of mutual support, resilience, and the humor arising from generational differences and cultural contrasts between the two lead characters. Financial constraints are a recurring motif, underscoring the practicality of their while emphasizing the strength found in and friendship amid personal hardships. Set in a typical suburban neighborhood, the show focuses on domestic life, portraying the household as a microcosm of broader societal issues like single parenthood and economic pressures, all delivered through a light-hearted, family-oriented comedic tone.

Cast and characters

Main cast

The main cast of Getting By centers on two single mothers and their four children who share a house in suburban Oak Park to reduce living expenses after personal hardships. Cindy Williams portrays Cathy Hale, a laid-back divorcée and mother of two daughters whose husband left her for another woman; she is depicted as soft, sweet, and something of a pushover in family decisions. Telma Hopkins plays Dolores Dixon, a widowed mother of two sons who brings a tougher, more cynical edge to the household as the more aggressive parent. Among the children, Nicki Vannice stars as Nikki Hale, Cathy's older daughter and a bratty teenager preoccupied with boys, popularity, shopping, and clashing with her mother. Ashleigh Sterling portrays Julie Hale, Cathy's younger daughter, an adorably precocious child who often displays mature behavior beyond her years; Sterling was nominated for a in 1994 for her performance. plays Marcus Dixon, Dolores' older son, a popular but brooding teenager who engages in mischief and grapples with issues like academic setbacks and low self-esteem. depicts Darren Dixon, Dolores' younger son, a nerdy and clever boy who excels in school and computers while avoiding risks. The humor in the series arises from the contrasting parental styles—Cathy's free-spirited optimism clashing with Dolores' no-nonsense sarcasm—as they navigate the teenagers' everyday issues like , troubles, and blending the families.

Recurring cast

portrayed Yolanda, the girlfriend of , in seven episodes across both seasons of Getting By. As a , Yolanda provided and explored teenage romance subplots, often interacting with the Dixon and Hale children to highlight peer pressures and rivalries, such as when she landed a play opposite Darren Dixon. Her appearances added external perspectives on dynamics without tying into the central family arcs. Rif Hutton appeared as Wes, a love interest for Dolores Dixon, in three episodes during the second season. Wes contributed to subplots involving parental romance, including dates that led to humorous conflicts with the kids, like borrowing a corporate penthouse for family use, emphasizing the challenges of blending new relationships into the shared household. These episodes showcased his role in introducing temporary tensions resolved through family humor. Other supporting characters, such as teachers and friends, appeared sporadically to influence decisions like activities or neighborhood events, appearing in at least five episodes collectively but without named recurring actors dominating those roles.

Production

Development

Getting By was created by William Bickley and Michael Warren, who drew inspiration from the prevalent 1990s trends in family sitcoms that explored blended households formed through divorce, loss, or economic necessity, continuing the evolution seen in earlier shows like One Day at a Time and . The concept centered on two single mothers sharing a to navigate the financial strains of in the early 1990s, reflecting broader societal shifts toward non-traditional family structures amid rising divorce rates and economic pressures. Serving as executive producers alongside Bickley and Warren were Thomas L. Miller and Robert L. Boyett, the team behind , whose involvement shaped the series' wholesome, optimistic tone focused on familial resilience and humor in everyday challenges. The show was initially pitched to ABC as a , debuting on March 5, 1993, in the TGIF lineup to capitalize on family-oriented Friday nights. Despite early promise, Getting By struggled with viewership in its ABC slot, leading to its removal from the network's fall 1993 schedule. ABC had briefly planned a renewal and shift to Saturdays but ultimately pulled it weeks before upfronts; the producers then shopped the series to , which acquired it for a full-season order starting September 21, 1993, with some episodes retooled to fit the new network's lineup following : The College Years. This unusual network switch highlighted the competitive mid-1990s TV landscape, where short-run series sought second chances amid shifting ratings dynamics. The dual-mother dynamic, portrayed by leads and , remained central to the retooled format.

Casting

Cindy Williams was cast as the divorcée single mother Cathy Hale, leveraging her established fame from starring as Shirley Feeney in the iconic sitcom (1976–1983), which helped bring a familiar bubbly comedic energy to the role. Telma Hopkins was selected to play Cathy's co-worker and roommate Dolores Dixon, drawing on her recent prominence as Rachel Crawford in (1989–1998), where she demonstrated a blend of warmth and sharp wit suitable for the character's edge. The teenage sons of Dolores were portrayed by as the brooding and as the more outgoing Darren Dixon; both young actors had prior television experience from guest and recurring appearances on (1984–1992), infusing the roles with authentic energetic teen dynamics. For Cathy's daughters, Nicki Vannice was chosen as the younger Nikki Hale and Ashleigh Blair Sterling as the older Julie Hale, creating contrasting sibling interactions within the blended family setup.

Episodes

Series overview

Getting By consists of 31 episodes across two seasons, with Season 1 comprising 12 episodes and Season 2 featuring 19 episodes. The show premiered on ABC on March 5, 1993, and aired its 12 episodes as part of the network's TGIF lineup until May 21, 1993. It was subsequently picked up by for a second season, which aired from September 21, 1993, to June 18, 1994. Season 1 was fully aired on ABC, while Season 2 was produced and aired exclusively on . Produced in the standard multi-camera format typical of sitcoms, each 30-minute episode incorporates a and balances self-contained storylines with ongoing developments in the family's relationships and personal growth.

Season 1 (1993)

Season 1 of Getting By aired on ABC from March 5 to May 21, 1993, as a midseason entry in the TGIF lineup, comprising 12 half-hour episodes that introduce the blended family of single mothers Cathy Hale () and Dolores Dixon () and their children living together in suburban , to share expenses and support each other. The season emphasizes the early challenges of merging households, including differing parenting approaches between the outgoing Dolores and the more structured Cathy, rivalries among the children, and the teens' integration, including and social issues. It culminates in "Anatomy of a Fight", which builds tension around a major family disagreement, leaving a on whether the household arrangement will endure. The episodes are as follows:
No. overallNo. in seasonTitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release dateUS viewers (millions)
11"Moving In"Richard CorrellWilliam Bickley & Michael WarrenMarch 5, 1993N/A
22"Men Don't Dance"Judy AskinsPhil DoranMarch 12, 1993N/A
33"Back to Nature"Mark FinkMarch 19, 1993N/A
44"A Little Romance"Judy Askins & Cheryl AluMarch 26, 1993N/A
55"The Suit"Richard CorrellKaren Wengrod & Ken CinnamonApril 2, 1993N/A
66"Shop 'til You Drop"Judy Askins & Cheryl AluApril 9, 1993N/A
77"My Brother's Keeper"Judy AskinsLinda Teverbaugh & Michael TeverbaughApril 16, 1993N/A
88"The Gospel Truth"Judy AskinsMike Teverbaugh & Linda TeverbaughApril 23, 1993N/A
99"Give Peace a Chance"Gene BraunsteinApril 30, 1993N/A
1010"The Love Connection"Scott Spencer GordenMay 7, 1993N/A
1111"We Are Family, Not"Phil DoranMay 14, 1993N/A
1212"Anatomy of a Fight"Cheryl Alu & May 21, 1993N/A
The table is based on production credits and air dates from reliable episode guides. Key plots in the season establish the family's dynamics through introductory stories. The pilot "Moving In" depicts Cathy and Dolores combining households, with Dolores' son Darren confronting academic setbacks that highlight the mothers' supportive roles. "Back to Nature" sends the family to a cabin getaway, exposing humorous clashes in their lifestyles and expectations for family bonding. Teen conflicts emerge in "A Little Romance", where the children navigate dating while the mothers are away at a social event, underscoring early romantic and peer pressures in the blended home. Financial and personal humor is featured in episodes like "The Suit", in which Darren's success in an essay contest leads to overconfidence, reflecting the family's aspirations and the mothers' guidance. "Give Peace a Chance" addresses bullying, as Marcus retaliates against a peer who targets Darren, testing Cathy's emphasis on non-violence.

Season 2 (1993–94)

Season 2 of Getting By premiered on on September 21, 1993, and concluded on June 18, 1994, comprising 19 episodes that expanded on the blended family's daily life in suburban . This season shifted toward more interconnected storylines involving teen autonomy, parental dating dilemmas, and workplace tensions, while maintaining the core theme of mutual support among single mothers Cathy Hale () and Dolores Dixon () and their children: daughters Julie (Ashleigh Sterling) and Nikki (Nicki Vannice), and sons Marcus () and (Deon Richmond). Recurring challenges highlighted family expansions through shared responsibilities, such as chaperoning events and navigating economic pressures, culminating in arcs around career transitions that tested the household's resilience. The episodes featured consistent creative input from writers like Scott Spencer Gorden and directors including , who carried over elements from Season 1 to deepen character relationships. The season's episodes emphasized evolving dynamics, with plots exploring romantic interests for the parents—such as awkward dates and surprise revelations about suitors—and teen through pranks, driving mishaps, and part-time jobs. Holiday-themed stories added warmth to the narrative, while external threats like and thefts underscored the 's resourcefulness. Below is a table summarizing the episodes, including key plot points that advanced these themes:
No.TitleAir DateSummary
1Turnabout Sep 21, 1993Cathy and Dolores chaperone a for their teens, leading to humorous mix-ups in roles and budding crushes among the kids.
2Letter to the PresidentSep 28, 1993Julie's letter to President Clinton prompts an unexpected visit, forcing the to prepare their home and confront their modest .
3Faking the GradeOct 5, 1993Marcus helps alter a failing grade on the computer, highlighting loyalty but risking trust when discovered.
4Old Oct 12, 1993A repairs the boys' in exchange for a date with Cathy, introducing romantic complications and lessons in bartering for the household.
5Do the Fright ThingOct 19, 1993On Halloween, Marcus abandons his date for her , leaving in an awkward spot and prompting discussions on teen responsibility.
6Not with My SisterNov 2, 1993Marcus protects Nikki from advances by a , strengthening brother-sister bonds amid external peer pressures.
7Reach for the StarsNov 23, 1993Dolores receives a promotion while Cathy faces a , straining their friendship but reinforcing their commitment to shared finances.
8Dec 7, 1993Marcus gambles away vacation funds on a machine, leading to a lesson in financial accountability for the teens.
9The Pit StopDec 14, 1993Jealous of Nikki's fast-food job, Marcus schemes to get her fired, exploring and the value of .
10The PenthouseDec 21, 1993During the holidays, Marcus and use borrowed penthouse keys to impress dates, exaggerating their status and facing comedic consequences.
11Sell It Like It IsJan 8, 1994Con artists Cathy into a that targets Dolores, testing the mothers' partnership against external deceit.
12In the Driver's SeatJan 15, 1994Despite failing his , Marcus takes the wheel for a date, embodying teen rebellion and parental worries over safety.
13A Life in the TheaterJan 22, 1994 steps in for a play role alongside Marcus's , while Cathy develops a crush on the director, blending support with romance.
14It Takes a ThiefJan 29, 1994The boys go undercover to recover Cathy's stolen purse, fostering against urban challenges.
15The Rich GuyFeb 12, 1994Dolores dates a seemingly dull man who turns out to be wealthy, complicating her views on relationships and .
16Three Days of the CondoMay 28, 1994Dolores allows Marcus to convert the garage into a personal space, marking a step toward teen and household evolution.
17Teacher's PestJun 4, 1994As a , Cathy deals with Marcus's classroom antics, bridging home and authority dynamics.
18Jun 11, 1994Cathy pursues a relationship with a strict , contrasting her laid-back style and prompting input on compatibility.
19Jun 18, 1994The boys reunite with a formerly timid now a confident boxer, inspiring reflections on personal growth within the .
These stories progressively integrated the Hale and Dixon families more deeply, with serialized undertones in ongoing career shifts—like Dolores's advancement juxtaposed against Cathy's setbacks—and expansions through communal problem-solving, setting the stage for the series' conclusion amid network changes.

Broadcast history

ABC run

"Getting By" premiered on ABC as a on March 5, , occupying the Friday 8:30 PM ET slot within the network's TGIF family comedy programming block, and aired through May 21, 1993, for a total of 12 episodes. The series, originally developed by Miller-Boyett Productions as part of ABC's commitment to family-oriented content, filled the vacancy left by "Dinosaurs," which had shifted to Sundays. It was positioned between established hits like "" and "Step by Step," aiming to capitalize on the block's popularity among family audiences. Promotion for the show emphasized the on-screen partnership of leads and as single mothers sharing a home, aligning with cultural interest in blended and single-parent family dynamics, though specific marketing campaigns were integrated into broader TGIF trailers. The sitcom's lighthearted take on and parenting challenges was marketed to appeal to TGIF's core demographic of families tuning in for wholesome night viewing. Despite positive reception within its niche, "Getting By" posted modest Nielsen household ratings averaging 11.8 for its brief run, translating to roughly 10-12 million viewers per episode in an era when top sitcoms exceeded 20 million. In its final episode on May 21, 1993, it earned a 9.8 rating, placing it mid-pack among weekly performers but trailing block leaders. These figures reflected solid but not standout performance in a highly competitive Friday night landscape dominated by CBS's "" and NBC's "." ABC opted not to renew the series for a full 1993-94 season in its prime TGIF slot, citing the need to refresh the lineup amid intensifying competition from rival networks' established hits. The decision was influenced by ABC's broader strategic pivot toward edgier, adult-oriented programming, exemplified by the fall debut of "," which signaled a departure from purely family-focused fare. Although ABC acquired additional episodes and considered relocating "Getting By" to Saturday nights, the move was ultimately abandoned, paving the way for the show's acquisition by .

NBC run

Following its abrupt cancellation by ABC after a short spring run, Getting By was acquired by NBC and revived for the 1993–94 television season as part of the network's strategy to strengthen its Tuesday night "Must See TV" lineup with family-oriented programming. The series premiered on NBC on September 21, 1993, slotted at 8:30 p.m. ET immediately following Saved by the Bell: The College Years, positioning it within a block aimed at young adult and family audiences to compete against ABC's TGIF and CBS's comedies. NBC ordered 19 additional episodes for the second season, expanding production beyond the initial twelve from ABC to allow for a full network run while incorporating minor script adjustments to enhance broader demographic appeal, such as emphasizing intergenerational humor. The show was marketed alongside fellow NBC sitcom , highlighting its diverse cast and relatable single-parent themes to attract urban and family viewers as part of the network's push for inclusive programming in its 1993–94 schedule. A new theme song and updated were also introduced to refresh the series for its new home. Despite these efforts, Getting By struggled with modest ratings throughout its Tuesday slot, averaging around 7–8 in the Nielsen household ratings, hampered by the underperforming lead-in Saved by the Bell: The College Years. In December 1993, announced the relocation of the series to Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. ET, effective January 8, 1994, in an attempt to stabilize its performance, but viewership declined further, leading to a hiatus after January 1994. The remaining unaired episodes were cleared as a summer burn-off from May 28 to June 18, 1994, marking the end of the series. This run underscored 's broader 1993–94 initiative to diversify its comedy block and reclaim primetime dominance through acquired and retooled properties, though Getting By ultimately contributed modestly to those goals.

Reception

Critical response

Critics offered a mixed but predominantly negative response to Getting By upon its debut, praising elements of the cast's rapport while lambasting the show's lack of originality and reliance on sitcom tropes. Howard Rosenberg of the Los Angeles Times called it "unoriginal and unfunny," likening it to an "echo chamber of past sitcoms" such as Kate & Allie, with predictable plots that resolved conflicts too neatly and underdeveloped teen characters who served primarily as foils for adult hijinks. He highlighted the shallow portrayal of the leads' friendship, noting how Cathy (Cindy Williams) instantly grasps her stepson Marcus's insecurities in a manner that strained credulity, contributing to the show's dimming appeal. Variety's review acknowledged the potential in the central duo of Williams and as single mothers bonding over economic necessity, describing their dynamic as promising for both laughs and heartfelt moments amid the families' shared living arrangement. However, the publication critiqued the execution as "so-so, nothing’s-new," with direction that felt like standard fare and humor buoyed by "ripples of undeserved laughter" from canned applause, ultimately positioning the series as fitting but not triumphant within ABC's TGIF lineup. Aggregate scores reflected this tepid reception, with Rotten Tomatoes compiling a 33% approval rating for season 1 based on nine reviews, underscoring complaints of derivative storytelling and cartoonish elements from the Miller-Boyett production team. One critic noted the show's "aggressive wholesomeness" as a possible respite from prevailing TV cynicism, yet concluded it struck many as irritatingly old-fashioned compared to edgier contemporaries like Home Improvement. The themes of familial economic support, while resonant in the early 1990s recovery from recession, were undermined by formulaic writing that prioritized broad appeal over depth.

Viewership and cancellation

"Getting By" achieved moderate success during its brief first season on ABC, with a partial season Nielsen rating of 11.8 as of April . The show performed solidly within ABC's TGIF block, appealing to family audiences and contributing to the network's competitive standing in the night lineup. Specific episodes, such as one in late May, earned a 9.8 rating, placing it among the week's top 50 programs. Upon moving to NBC for the 1993–94 season, "Getting By" experienced a mixed performance, ultimately averaging approximately 6.5 over its 18 episodes. The audience skewed toward women aged 18–49, reflecting the sitcom's focus on single mothers navigating family life. However, weekly ratings varied, indicating inconsistent viewer retention. The show's decline was influenced by stiff competition from established hits like 's "Seinfeld" and ABC's "Roseanne," which dominated their respective nights and drew larger audiences in the key demographics. NBC canceled "Getting By" after the second season, citing insufficient ratings relative to rising production costs, with the final episodes airing in June 1994. As of , no official revival attempts have been announced for the series. In terms of legacy metrics, the show holds an IMDb user rating of 7.6 out of 10, based on over 1,000 votes from nostalgic viewers. It has garnered a modest in the through online discussions.

References

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  33. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-05-26-ca-39821-story.html
  34. https://variety.com/1993/tv/news/cbs-abc-in-winner-s-circle-as-season-ends-106101/
  35. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1993/05/15/nbcs-survival-plan/143e3530-9eb9-4d01-889c-5c7d5cf3c2fc/
  36. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1993/09/30/the-tv-column/40297141-95b9-4b45-8ac6-54ee13287706/
  37. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-06-16-ca-3743-story.html
  38. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1993/09/23/the-tv-column/eafe48f4-3bff-4ce5-a381-417a43c223e8/
  39. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-12-01-ca-62565-story.html
  40. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1993/12/23/the-tv-column/645141b4-803a-4a13-8a2c-d85f0a1dc6d8/
  41. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/getting_by/s01
  42. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/getting_by/s01/reviews
  43. https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1993/12/03/how-they-rate/
  44. https://variety.com/1994/tv/news/if-eye-web-blinks-abc-may-snatch-nielsen-lead-117487/
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