East Side Dave’s Top 5 Wacky Sitcom Neighbors!

Good morning, Rat Rock Nation!   We're watching TV and feeling nostalgic and making lists!   So, behold!   It's East Side Dave's Top 5 Wacky Sitcom Neighbors!   And it starts right now!

5.) Lenny & Squiggy from Laverne & Shirley

Lenny and Squiggy (the fantastic neighbors of Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney) were one of the earliest examples of the wacky sitcom neighbor and how they could elevate a show.   Lenny and Squiggy almost seemed like they were from a different planet.  They were wildly funny and a strong entry into this list.

4.) Urkel from Family Matters

What some may forget is that the icon Steve Urkel was not an original member of the show.   In fact, Urkel's appearance on Family Matters was just supposed to be a one-off...but the character (who was an annoying neighbor to the Winslow family) seemed to connect so strongly with the audience...that the series decided Urkel must stay!   And history was made!

3.) The Fonz from Happy Days

Arthur Fonzarelli...a hero, a fighter, a jukebox-fixer.   The Fonz (or Fonzie, if you knew him well) was a living legend in Milwaukee.   For the trouble-making teenager who bullied others, the Fonz was kinda like the boogeyman, he'd ultimately get them and make them pay!   But if you were a decent kid like Ritchie Cunningham or Potsie...you had nothing to worry about.   In those cases, Fonzie will come to your defense and kick the you-know-what out of the bad guy!

2.) Kramer from Seinfeld

Cozmo Kramer was a '90's phenomenon.   The barging into Jerry's apartment.   The get-rich-quick schemes.   The hair.   The eyeballs.   The insanity.   The Merv Griffin set.   And more.   Kramer was perhaps the first breakout character of Seinfeld and had a huge impact on pop culture.   Kramer was a t-shirt and poster and was absolutely massive.

1.) Ed Norton from The Honeymooners

Listen!   I know this is certainly old school...but come on!   Ed Norton essentially created this role!   He's the O.G. wacky neighbor guy!   Ed was always in Ralph and Alice Kramden's apartment and getting into some kind of adventure with Ralph.   Sorry, but for legacy alone Ed Norton is numero uno on this list!   BAM!