Fun to analyze if not always fun to watch

Rhoda is one of a bunch of mid 70s sitcoms whose mission statements it seems are to reveal the realistic ups and downs (mostly downs) of modern America. I guess to undo the spell left from the surreal 60s favorites. It may have gone too far in that direction to be enjoyable. I think it's well written and outside the 70s US 3 network system, it could have been a classic. I admire the writers' work in Rhoda during Seasons 1-3, but it probably belongs on stage or British TV rather than US TV. The divorce was so painful to watch, sure, but I bet lots of people could testify that Joe's change is completely believable. I totally get why so many sitcoms breakups are fast and frivolous. It's so hard to see characters we love suffer. On Seinfeld or Golden Girls, dates come and go for the most part and are forgotten by the next episode. On Rhoda her pain persisted. #2 Rhoda's perennial money problems. (cut back on the head wraps, Rhoda!) So real. I never thought Mary Richards would ever go hungry. Rhoda however seems on the verge at times of going homeless #3 Never before on TV has a New York apartment been almost as cramped and tiny as a genuine NY apartment. We all knew that Mary Richards space was pure TV set. (Even if she rented an entire floor in Phyllis' house, there would have been load bearing supports. That plus the raised platform at the door told us this was a studio space.) Rhoda and Brenda's places on the other hand are much closer in size and give one claustrophobia. It doesn't help all that sh*t they have on the wall. In the end, I think it is pretty deep, real, willing to face tough personal issues and insecurities. All of which make it more interesting but uncomfortable to watch.