‘WandaVision’: Every Sitcom Referenced in Season 1 Amid Sequel Hype

As excitement for a possible sequel continues to surge, fans of ‘WandaVision’ are revisiting the first season’s rich tapestry of sitcom references. The show, a standout in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, uniquely paid homage to classic American television, weaving its narrative through decades of beloved sitcoms.

Each episode of ‘WandaVision’ brilliantly captured the essence of iconic TV eras, from the black-and-white charm of the 1950s to the vibrant hues of the 2000s. As discussions around a sequel grow louder, it’s the series’ clever nods to these timeless shows that remain a highlight for both casual viewers and die-hard fans alike.

The Dick Van Dyke Show 

The Marvel series ‘WandaVision’, created by Jac Schaeffer, took its homage to classic sitcoms a step further by recreating a living room set reminiscent of ‘The Dick Van Dyke’ Show. This nod to the 1961 Carl Reiner creation was evident in the brick backdrop and fireplace, closely mirroring the iconic set design from the beloved sitcom.

This clever replication not only captured the aesthetic of the era but also deepened WandaVision’s connection to television history, showcasing the series’ dedication to honouring the timeless charm of classic American TV.

I Love Lucy

Image Courtesy: Decider

Episode 1 of ‘WandaVision’ draws clear inspiration from the 1951 sitcom ‘I Love Lucy’, with notable similarities in its aspect ratio and black-and-white imagery. The opening and closing credits also use a font that echoes the classic style of ‘I Love Lucy’, adding to the nostalgic feel.

While Wanda’s wedding dress isn’t an exact replica of Lucy’s, the veil and hairstyle are closely matched, capturing the essence of the original. The episode also subtly nods to Wanda’s magical abilities, particularly in the kitchen, further blending the charm of old sitcoms with Marvel’s unique storytelling.

I Dream Of Jeannie

In the second episode of ‘WandaVision’, Wanda, played by Elizabeth Olsen, and Paul Bettany’s Vision share a kiss reminiscent of the iconic smooch from the 1965 fantasy sitcom ‘I Dream of Jeannie’. This classic show, which was a massive hit in its time, clearly influenced the scene.

The episode’s transition from black-and-white to colour also nods to ‘I Dream of Jeannie’, which originally aired in black-and-white before shifting to colour after its first 30 episodes. This clever homage further ties ‘WandaVision’ to the rich history of classic television.

Bewitched

In Episode 2 of ‘WandaVision’, titled ‘Don’t Touch That Dial’, the animated opening sequence features cartoon versions of Wanda and Vision flying through the sky, radiating romance. This scene is a direct homage to the classic 1964 sitcom ‘Bewitched’, known for its charming animated intro.

The episode’s title card also subtly mirrors the style of ‘Bewitched’, further reinforcing the connection to this iconic show that enjoyed an eight-season run. This reference deepens WandaVision’s ties to the nostalgic world of classic television.

Full House

Image Courtesy: Movieweb

The opening credits of ‘WandaVision’ Episode 5 pay clear homage to the 1987 sitcom ‘Full House’, created by Jeff Franklin and famously starring Elizabeth Olsen’s twin sisters, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. The episode’s ageing intro echoes ‘Full House’s nostalgic vibe, making the connection even more apparent.

Additionally, scenes like the family running in the park, the design of the house’s interior and exterior, and Wanda’s costume choices all evoke strong memories of ‘Full House’, further delighting fans with these subtle nods to the beloved series.

The Brady Bunch 

‘WandaVision’ Episode 3 cleverly mirrors ‘The Brady Bunch’ with its colourful fonts and tile-style opening, matching the classic show’s iconic rainbow-coloured titles. The episode, titled “Now in Color,” captures the nostalgic feel of ‘The Brady Bunch’ by using similar tile-style images, further enhancing the reference.

Additionally, the episode includes subtle nods, such as the doll Vision holds, which is identical to the one little Cindy Brady had in ‘The Brady Bunch’, and the staircase in WandaVision’s house, which replicates the design from the Brady family’s home.

Malcolm In The Middle

Image Courtesy: TV Insider

In Episode 6 of ‘WandaVision’, Jac Schaeffer offers a nostalgic nod to ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ by incorporating the self-videotaping style that defined the 2000 hit show. The episode meticulously captures the essence of Linwood Boomer’s creation, from the image quality and song tone to the choice of fonts, all paying homage to the series that starred Bryan Cranston.

Additionally, Wanda’s sons, Billy and Tommy, mirror Frankie Muniz’s Malcolm and his siblings by breaking the fourth wall, further enhancing the tribute to the beloved sitcom.

-Sushmita Sarkar