The layout of the living spaces featured in the popular 1980s sitcom Who’s the Boss? holds a certain fascination for many viewers. Depicting the domestic arrangement of a live-in housekeeper, her son, and the advertising executive she works for, along with his daughter and mother, the home’s design reflects the dynamics of the show’s unconventional family structure. While fictional, the spatial arrangement offers a glimpse into the perceived ideal living spaces of the era, from the open-plan kitchen and living area to the more private bedrooms and dedicated office space.
Interest in the domestic architecture of television shows often stems from a desire to understand how set design contributes to the narrative and character development. The spatial organization, flow, and aesthetic choices can subtly communicate relationships, social status, and even emotional states. In the case of Who’s the Boss?, the home’s design reflects a shift in traditional family structures occurring during that period. The blended family dynamic is visually reinforced by the layout, providing a backdrop for the comedic and dramatic tensions explored within the series. Examining these details provides insight into both the production design of the show and the broader social context in which it aired.
