just noting that in a clash between "realism" and "funny," realism is instantly defenestrated.
I disagree, if only to point up the multiple plotlines on Roseanne that centered on their lack of money, lack of power in society, and limited options for jobs. The blend of comedy and poverty never sacrificed one for the other; in fact often the funniest moments were the most painful. An episode in which they couldn't scrape together enough money for the electric bill ended with their power being turned off. In total darkness, the last line comes from Roseanne: "Well, lower-middle-class was fun...."