The Small Wonder Television Show: A Look Back at the Robot Sitcom

The 1980s were a unique time for television, filled with sitcoms that tackled various themes. One show that stands out, for better or worse, is Small Wonder. Debuting in 1985, the series centered around the Lawson family, who welcomed a robot named Vicki into their home. Designed to look like a 10-year-old girl, Vicki possessed superhuman abilities, adding a sci-fi twist to the typical family sitcom formula.

The premise of Small Wonder, with its catchy theme song about a girl “made of plastic,” certainly made it memorable. While the show might be considered campy by today’s standards, the behind-the-scenes stories and lasting impact on pop culture are worth exploring.

Small Wonder starred Tiffany Brissette as Vicki, the robotic child who lived with her inventor father Ted (Dick Christie), his wife Joan (Marla Pennington), and their son Jamie (Jerry Supiran). The challenge for Brissette was to portray Vicki’s robotic nature, maintaining a monotone voice and emotionless demeanor throughout the series. This proved difficult for the young actress, who was naturally talented in singing, dancing, and various other skills that she couldn’t showcase as Vicki.

Beyond the acting challenges, the show’s special effects, rudimentary by today’s standards, added another layer of complexity. Vicki’s head spinning or effortlessly lifting heavy objects required hours of filming using early green-screen technology. These scenes often featured Vicki in isolation to minimize the need for other actors to endure the lengthy process.

The cast members themselves reportedly got along well, describing themselves as “one big happy family.” However, tensions arose between the parents of the child actors, creating a challenging atmosphere behind the scenes. Disagreements even extended to the children’s education, requiring three separate tutors on set. Despite these difficulties, the show resonated with audiences, particularly internationally, where it was dubbed in numerous languages.

As Brissette grew older, the show’s writers struggled to incorporate her physical changes into the storyline. Explanations like Ted lengthening Vicki’s joints were introduced, and production schedules were adjusted to minimize hiatuses and the noticeable effects of aging. However, corporate disagreements ultimately led to the show’s cancellation after four seasons, leaving the finale without a sense of closure.

Despite its abrupt ending, Small Wonder continued in syndication for years, solidifying its place in television history. While often ridiculed for its cheesy premise and special effects, the show remains a nostalgic favorite for many. The cast members have taken varied paths since the show ended, with Brissette leaving acting and Supiran facing personal challenges before finding stability.

Small Wonder remains a fascinating example of 1980s television, showcasing the evolution of sitcoms and special effects. Whether viewed as a cultural phenomenon or a comedic oddity, the show’s lasting presence in popular culture is undeniable. It serves as a reminder of a simpler time in television and continues to spark conversations about its place in the pantheon of robot-themed entertainment.