Disney+'s new Marvel series, WandaVision takes place in a strange and obviously simulated sitcom universe. The show wears its vintage TV inspirations on its sleeves and practically knows it. From Wanda and Vision behaving eerily like Lucy and Ricky to the quirky neighbor characters, it's easy to see the multitude of classic shows the show takes from.
Whether they're in black-and-white or shot in glorious technicolor, WandaVision is a veritable buffet of callbacks to classic shows of yesteryear. No one can resist the warm glow of nostalgia, so what better subject matter for a pleasant distraction to keep the two Avengers occupied?
The Twilight Zone
Shooting the elephant in the room, anyone who knows anything about vintage TV and science fiction knows that their powers combined will evoke immediate vibes from The Twilight Zone. It might be wrapped in a modern package, but WandaVision definitely takes place in a familiar scenario.
Although its presentation looks nothing like the Rod Serling original, the unsettling notion that something sinister is happening behind the scenes never truly leaves. Just rewatch episode two for further proof.
Walt Disney’s Disneyland
This might go over a few viewer's heads, but true Disney buffs will notice something vaguely familiar about Vision's transformation effects in the pilot episode. Has Vision been dipping into some pixie dust?
Whenever Walt Disney would host his TV shows, he was often accompanied by Tinkerbell who would bedazzle him with pixie dust, usually resulting in his levitation. Vision's transformation into his human form bears a strikingly similar effect and sound. One can't help but wonder if this is a reference to Walt himself.
The Jetsons
While some might instantly think of Bewitched with the animated titles seen in the second episode, true cartoon enthusiasts look to America's family of the future. While the enchanting rom-com might be an influence, this intro clearly takes from The Jetsons.
With the familiar art style, flying movements, and even the first jingly notes of the theme song sounding vaguely like the tune of "Meet George Jetson," the titles are just one spaceship away from being a Hannah-Barbera production.
Mork and Mindy
This is more for the third episode but could cover the whole series as well. A romantic couple where one (or more) just happens to be a strange, dare we say, alien being?
Mork and Mindy was definitely a product of the '70s, and the third entry in the series definitely has a similar vibe to it. Although he lacks Robin Williams's child-like charm, Vision definitely has a few similar quirks, though Wanda's got the house shaking power.
The Brady Bunch
This is more of an aesthetic choice for the third episode, but it was a psychedelic time and the Bradys were big. Though they lack a certain number of children, one can't help but feel a touch of the show in the episode's presentation.
If it wasn't for the previously mentioned Mork and Mindy vibes, one might think Vision and Wanda have hired Alice or her MCU equivalent to keep the place so elegant. Of course, Wanda has her magic for that.
Frasier
It may have been a once-or-twice off, but it's something that just couldn't be ignored. A character talked about but never seen is a trope that's been used before, but the way Agnes talks about her husband, Ralph, brings to mind thoughts of Niles Crane's wife, Maris.
It's highly unlikely viewers will be able to see whether or not Ralph makes an appearance, but it is interesting to see a retro-inspired TV series provide a possible throwback to the '90s.
Bewitched
Living with a wife who can perform feats of magic is nothing new, just ask Darrin Stephens from Bewitched. Even if Vision is just as powerful as his spellcasting spouse, Wanda's magic does tend to take the driver's seat.
Both the first two episodes have Wanda sporting some seriously bewitching motifs, especially when she's trying to entertain dinner guests and hide the floating food from the prying eyes of Mrs. Hart. Now if only the show had Deadpool as Uncle Arthur.
I Dream of Jeannie
Similar to Samantha of Bewitched fame, Wanda definitely takes a few cues from a certain bottle-dwelling character from I Dream of Jeannie. While Wanda might not be as whimsical as Barbara Eden's 2000-year-old Jeanie, she does have a certain familiar charm.
No magic hair required, but the way Wanda's magical ability goes on display definitely has Jeannie's level of spectacle. They also seem to have a taste for men in the scientific field as well.
The Dick Van Dyke Show
There's definitely a healthy distribution of The Dick Van Dyke Show across the first two episodes. Wanda might not be Mary Tyler Moore, but Vision's comedic chops do stand out during the talent show sequence.
Dick Van Dyke is an undisputed pro at physical slapstick, and Vision's "drunken" antics definitely have the comedian's familiar timing. Honestly, it's refreshing to see a gaunt and intellectual figure like Vision embrace his silly side.
I love Lucy
Right from square one, Wanda and Vision find themselves in the shoes of one of TV's most famous couples. From the married-couple antics to the iris out at the end of the episode, it's clear to see that the pilot was a direct homage to I Love Lucy.
Vision might lack the cantina band and Wanda might lack Lucy's eccentricities, but the overall tone and mood of the pilot feel like something straight from the original series. It's impressive to see one of the titans of TV still has a powerful influence.