Remember when Dorothy Zbornak found out she was suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome on The Golden Girls? Or when Alex P. Keaton dealt with the death of a friend on Family Ties? Did you know that the dangers of cults featured in episodes of both Charles in Charge and Boy Meets World and that homelessness was the subject for ground breaking episodes of Kate & Allie and Saved by the Bell? The role of the Very Special Episode was to take a departure from the regular comic stylings of the American TV sitcom and offer a standalone "serious in nature" gesture in addressing subject matter not normally found in such a medium. From amphetamines and molestation on Mr. Belvedere, to AIDS awareness on Designing Women and A Different World and beyond, take an in depth look at a number of Very Special Episodes – from what would be considered the "busiest" period of the phenomenon, with insight from varied historians, critics and individuals who worked on some of the shows. With additional pieces discussing landmark shows, creators as well as non-sitcoms that left a Very Special impression.
