Unknown Child Syndrome
by napierslogs | created - 06 Feb 2014 | updated - 23 Jun 2014 | PublicSimilar to "Jumping the Shark", Unknown Child Syndrome is a phrase that I have coined to describe the fatal disease that TV shows suffer from when the writers have sunk to the lowest of the low of dramatic storylines. A previously unknown child is added to the cast.
The actor/actress is not to be blamed as they are just a child and probably didn't realize that their character was carrying a disease that would infect the host show and eventually kill it.
The following are the known cases of Unknown Child Syndrome. Any additions are greatly welcomed.
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1. The Brady Bunch (1969–1974)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy, Family
The misadventures of a large family united when a widower and a widow marry.
Stars: Robert Reed, Florence Henderson, Ann B. Davis, Maureen McCormick
Votes: 15,701
Cousin Oliver (Robbie Rist) joins the Brady family in Episode 17, Season 5. The show didn't last another season.
2. Ally McBeal (1997–2002)
TV-PG | 45 min | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Follows the personal and professional life of lawyer Ally.
Stars: Calista Flockhart, Greg Germann, Jane Krakowski, Vonda Shepard
Votes: 36,402
10-year-old Maddie Harrington (Hayden Panettiere) knocks on Ally's door in Episode 11, Season 5. The show didn't last another season.
3. Gilmore Girls (2000–2007)
TV-PG | 44 min | Comedy, Drama
A dramedy centering around the relationship between a thirtysomething single mother and her teen daughter living in Stars Hollow, Connecticut.
Stars: Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Keiko Agena, Scott Patterson
Votes: 148,040
12-year-old April Nardini (Vanessa Marano) arrives at Luke's Diner in Episode 9, Season 6. The show survived for only one more season.
4. Two and a Half Men (2003–2015)
TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy, Romance
A hedonistic jingle writer's free-wheeling life comes to an abrupt halt when his brother and 10-year-old nephew move into his beach-front house.
Stars: Jon Cryer, Ashton Kutcher, Angus T. Jones, Conchata Ferrell
Votes: 280,488
Charlie's previously unknown daughter Jenny (Amber Tamblyn) shows up to replace Alan's son in Episode 1, Season 11. The show's second last season.
5. Melissa & Joey (2010–2015)
TV-14 | 30 min | Comedy, Romance
After a family scandal leaves Mel, a local politician, in charge of her niece and nephew, she hires a man named Joe to become the family's male nanny, or "manny."
Stars: Melissa Joan Hart, Joey Lawrence, Taylor Spreitler, Nick Robinson
Votes: 19,754
Just as Mel and Joe are about to walk down the aisle, the existence of 13-year-old Dani (Jada Facer) is announced in Episode 36, Season 3. The count down to the show's cancellation is on.
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