Maybe I love Fran Drescher and "The Nanny" because it is one of the very few television shows that focuses on an overtly Jewish woman. The show also includes Yiddish words and self-effacing cultural humor. Nanny Fine's mother is outspoken and neurotic and absolutely anxiety-ridden over her daughter's long-enduring singlehood. Fran herself loves to shop and, for the majority of the show's six-year history, desperately desires a nice Jewish husband.
Stereotypes, to be sure, but somehow it's a comfort to tune into "The Nanny" in the fall and hear the characters discuss the Jewish High Holy Days. And, in the winter, while every other TV show is focusing on Christmas, Nanny Fine and the gang are lighting Chanukah candles and discussing the meaning of the holiday. Even after Fran marries her boss, a gentile named Mr. Sheffield, she takes the whole family to her parents' house for a nice, cozy Passover seder. From my knowledge, "The Nanny" is unique in its incorporation of Jewish culture, values, idiosyncrasies, and observances into a mainstream, highly rated TV show.
On Wednesday, May 12th, "The Nanny" calls it quits. The series finale finds the Sheffield household celebrating the birth of Nanny Fine's twin babies. Also, the audience will witness the bizarre match-up of Niles and C.C., who are both employees of the family.
So, farewell to Fran Drescher and "The Nanny!" I hope that the future holds more successful prime-time TV shows with a Jewish edge.
Don't miss the Nanny's "Guide to Yiddish" on the CBS web site:
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