TV.com

Shows

decade

Filter by Decade All 2010s 2000s 1990s 1980s 1970s 1960s 1950s

Filter by Network All Networks A&E ABC ABC Family AMC Adult Swim Animal Planet BBC BBC America BBC Three BBC Two Bravo CBC CBS CTV Cartoon Network Channel 4 Comedy Central Discovery Channel Disney Channel Disney XD E! E4 ESPN FOX FX Food Network G4 HBO HGTV IFC ITV LOGO Lifetime MTV MTV 2 NBC Nickelodeon Nicktoons Networks PBS Showcase Showtime Spike TV Starz Syfy TBS TELETOON TLC TNT TV Tokyo TeenNick The CW The Guild The History Channel The Hub The Science Channel The WB Travel Channel UPN USA VH1

101
The Muppet Show

(ended 1981)

After the success of Sesame Street in 1969, Muppet creator Jim Henson wanted to have a chance at his own series. In 1974, Henson shot a Muppet special called The Muppets' Valentine Show, which would later become a precursor for The Muppet Show. The special starred famous muppet, Kermit the Frog, with a cast of new muppets including: George the Janitor, Droop the Anteater, Crazy Donald (later named Crazy Harry), Brewsters the oldtimer, Mildred the goose, and Rufus (later named Muppy). Many of these characters were used during the first season of The Muppet Show, and quickly faded away to background characters. The special featured actress Mia Farrow, who taught the muppets about love, and that everyone loves something. Afterwards in 1975, Henson shot the failed pilot for the Muppet Show: Sex and Violence. Amazingly, Kermit the Frog was not in the pilot at all! Instead, the host was wimpy, Nigel, who Jim Henson wrote out of the show soon afterwards. After about a year, the muppet team went to the United Kingdom and were given the green light for the Muppet Show. The show became one of the top syndicated comedies of all time! The show featured a new group of Muppet characters including: Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Scooter, Beauregard, Rowlf the Dog, and The Electric Mayhem. Each show featured a celebrity guest star, who were either personal friends of Henson, or his manager. The Muppet Show lasted for 5 years, and 120 episodes, two spin offs, and several movies. Theme Song: It's time to play the music It's time to light the lights It's time to meet the Muppets On the Muppet Show tonight It's time to put on makeup It's time to dress up right It's time to raise the curtain On the Muppet Show tonight Why do we always come here I guess we'll never know It's like a kind of torture To have to watch the show And now lets get things started Why don't you get things started It's time to get things started On the most sensational Inspirational Celebrational Muppetational This is what we call the Muppet Show! Characters Kermit the Frog Originally from "Sam & Friends" (1955), then later Sesame Street (1969), Kermit is the host of The Muppet Show. Miss Piggy Self-centered, yet very persuasive. Wants to marry Kermit. Fozzie Bear Furry, fuzzy, funny, fabulous, free-willing, fast, and frantic....he's Fozzie Bear. The Great Gonzo A "whatever". Scooter the Go-Fer Kermit's stage assistant. Rizzo the Rat Gonzo's sidekick. A rat with rat-itude. Rowlf the Dog Originally from The Jimmy Dean Show, Rowlf is a piano playing dog, and the first muppet to become a national star. Statler and Waldorf The two old-timers who sat in the balcony. Doctor Bunsen Honeydew The Muppet Show's scientist. Beeker Meep Meep Meep's meep. Beauregard: The Muppet Show's slow-witted janitor. Pops: Greeted the guests at the begining. The Swedish Chef Bork bork bork. The Eletric Mayhem The Muppet Show's band including: Dr. Teeth (lead vocalist and piano player), Sgt. Floyd Pepper (Bass, and Janice's boyfriend), Janice (guitarist, Floyd's girlfriend), Zoot (sax is his act), Lips (trumpet player), and Animal (HE WANT TO BAT DRUM!) First Telecast: September 27, 1976 Last Telecast: June 8, 1981 Episodes: 120 color episodes Spin-Offs: Muppet Babies and Muppets Tonight! Spin Offs: * Muppet Babies was Jim Henson's first animated series. The show featured familiar Muppet faces, only as babies. New characters included Nanny (the nanny of the nursery), and Skeeter (Scooter's twin sister). * Muppets Tonight! was basically a modern remake of The Muppet Show, featuring celebrity guest stars who at the peak of perfection at the time. New characters included: Pepe (the king prawn, okay?), Clifford (the cool hippie muppet)and Johnny Fiami and Sal Movies * The Muppet Movie (1979) * The Great Muppet Caper (1981) * The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984) * The Muppet Christmas Carol (1993) * Muppet Treasure Island (1996) * Muppets From Space (1999) * Kermit's Swamp Years (2002) * It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie (2002) * The Muppets' Wonderful Wizard of Oz (2005)moreless
102
Mind Your Language

ITV (ended 1986)

Barry Evans stars as Teacher Jeremy Brown who is attempting to teach English to a class of mixed nationality students. The first series had 13 episodes and was shown from December 1977 to March 1978. The second series had only 8 episodes and was shown from October 1978 to November 1978. The third series of 8 episodes was shown from October 1979 to December 1979. Seven years later in 1986 an independently produced fourth series of 13 episodes of Mind Your Language was shown.moreless
103
Beat-Club

ARD (ended 1972)

The legendary West German rock series Beat-Club was broadcast from September 1965 through December 1972. It was broadcast from Bremen, Germany and produced by the regional TV network Radio Bremen, which at that time was part of the German Government radio chain ARD. Radio Bremen was the sole producer for episodes 1 – 34. Episodes 35 through 74 were produced jointly by Radio Bremen and the WDR network. Beat-Club was co-created by Gerhard Augustin and Mike Leckebusch. Gerhard ("Gerd") Augustin was a well-known disc jockey in Bremen and northern Germany. In 1963 he was the first DJ to spin records at local clubs. He was a moderator (co-host) of the first seven Beat-Club shows.

Michael Leckebusch, a former trumpet player in a theatre band in Hamburg, came to work for Radio Bremen's TV station in 1965. He became the director of Beat-Club. Uschi Nerke joined Augustin as co-host of Beat-Club. She started with the first show and remained with the series through the end of its run. (She was not, however, involved in the concept or creation of the show.) Beat-Club premiered September 25, 1965. While this premiere episode may appear tame, the TV network at the time feared complaints by parents and other adults who didn't like rock music. This show, in fact, began with a plea by German TV personality William Wieben for tolerance. Rough translation: "Good day, dear Beat friends. The time has come. In few seconds we will begin the first show on German television made especially for you. As for you Ladies and Gentlemen who do not like Beat (rock) music, we ask for your understanding: this is a live show for young people. And now we're taking off..."

Beat-Club is believed to have been Germany's first rock music series. Beat-Club should not be confused with another German TV series, Beat! Beat! Beat!, which premiered in 1966. Beat! Beat! Beat! was produced in a different city (Frankfurt am Main), by the regional network Hessischer Rundfunk. The series went through many format changes in its 7 years on the air. At first the show took on a (sort of) Cavern Club look. The walls behind the stage were brick - no fancy sets. The bands performed live while audience members were shown dancing. Sometime after show #8, Dave Lee Travis became a co-host. Travis had been a D.J. with "Radio Caroline," a pirate radio station that broadcasted into Britain from an offshore ship. Eddie Vickers, a soldier with the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS), appeared sporadically as host during 1966-67.

Dave Lee Travis' last appearance as host was on episode #45. His replacement was Dave Dee, of "Dave Dee, Dosy, Beaky, Mick & Titch." Dave Dee appeared on episodes 46 through 53.

Around 1967, the series switched from live performances to lip-synching. The look of the set also changed, from the brick walls to the more familiar set with large cards in the background displaying the names of the performers. Another change around this time was the introduction of the "Go-Go-Girls," a troupe of young women who danced to recordings of current hits. (Note: Some of the performers mentioned on this guide did not actually appear. Their recordings were used for "Go-Go-Girls" segments. I'll try to clarify the "Go-Go Girls" segments in future updates.) "Beat Club" switched from black & white to color on December 31, 1969 (episode #50). Also around this time, the music guests started performing live again.

The final Beat-Club program aired in December 1972. The series was replaced by Musikladen, which lasted until 1984. Uschi Nerke was a co-host on Musikladen from 1972-1980.moreless
104
Family

ABC (ended 1980)

The trials and tribulations, joyous occasions and heartbreaking moments of the Lawrence family: lawyer father Doug; housewife, student, and musician Kate; married (and quickly divorced) daughter student soon to be lawyer Nancy; teenage son Willie; and just-hitting-puberty daughter Buddy. In this critically acclaimed series, we watched various Lawrences fight, fall in love, become ill, graduate school, begin new jobs and, most of all, love each other. This show was ground breaking in its content, which include child and spousal abuse, teenage drinking, terminal illness, adoption, and marital affairs.moreless
105
The Midnight Special

NBC (ended 1981)

Welcome to The Midnight Special guide at TV.com. The Midnight Special was a late-night rock music series airing Friday nights (or, to be more exact, early Saturday mornings). In most areas, it followed "The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson."

In its first seasons, The Midnight Special's time slot was from 1:00am to 2:30am. But when Johnny Carson cut his own show from 90 to 60 minutes, The Midnight Special was moved up to 12:30am-2:00am.

The pilot for the series aired on August 19, 1972. It was presented as a 90-minute special encouraging young people to vote in the upcomming Presidential election. Several months later, on February 2, 1973, it premiered as a weekly series. For most of its run, the Midnight Special was hosted by a different guest each week. (The exception to this was from July 1975 through March 1976 when Helen Reddy was the regular host.) Wolfman Jack, fresh from his role in "American Graffiti," was the series' announcer. He also served as a frequent guest host. Around 1978, at the height of the Disco craze, the set was changed to resemble a Disco nightclub complete with a platform dance floor. Wolfman Jack stood behind an elevated DJ booth. But by Fall 1979, as the genre's popularity waned, the disco set was gone.
The Midnight Special was often criticized for not giving enough attention to the punk & new wave music of the late-1970s to early 1980s. While a few punk/new wave acts were presented, the majority of the guests continued to be MOR and disco acts.
Beginning April 11, 1980, The Midnight Special faced competition from ABC's "Fridays," a "Saturday Night Live" style comedy series. Fridays' musical guests were often more cutting edge than those seen on The Midnight Special.

In May 1981, NBC replaced The Midnight Special with "SCTV Network 90," an expanded version of the previously syndicated series "Second City TV."moreless
106
The Partridge Family

ABC (ended 1974)

In 1970, the Partridge Family was among the top-selling recording acts, not to mention one of the top-rated TV shows of its time. Either way, it made David Cassidy a successful teen idol until the show's cancellation in 1974.

The Partridge Family consisted of Shirley Partridge (keyboards, vocals) and her five kids: Keith (lead vocalist and guitar), Laurie (keyboards, vocals), Danny (bass guitar, vocals), Chris (drums), and Tracy (tambourine). Rounding out the cast was their manager, Reuben Kincaid.

With the exception of Shirley Jones and David Cassidy, none of the actors on the show actually sang or played on the group's records. In fact this was done by professional studio musicians and singers, with the family lip-synching to the tracks on camera. In fact, David Cassidy was originally hired for his looks, but when the producers found out that he could sing they realized that they could use him in the real band.

Many of the episode plots draw upon the comedic relationship between Reuben (Dave Madden) and Danny (Danny Bonaduce). These two were good friends both on and off the set. Other plot devices were Keith's good looks and popularity at school, Laurie's 70's style activism and some of the strange encounters that the family had when on the road in their bus.

The Partridge Family was true wholesome family programming. At the time Shirley Partridge was one of the the first single mother's to be featured on a television show. Originally the scripts called for her to be divorced, but this was changed to describe her as a widow.

Telecast: ABC September 25, 1970 - August 31, 1974 Broadcast History (all ET): Sept. 1970 - Jun. 1973, ABC Friday 8:30 - 9:00 P.M. Jun. 1973 - Aug. 1974, ABC Saturday 8:00 - 8:30 P.M. 96 Episodes In Color On Film.moreless
107
The Porter Wagoner Show

(ended 1981)

By the mid-1950s, the novelty medium of television was the obvious tool for product marketers to reach a wider audience than ever before. All kinds of advertisers were keen to sponsor shows to promote their wares to the vast new audiences.

The Chattanooga Medicine Company had been keeping Southerners regular with Black Draught laxative and women's troubles forgotten with the 20% alcohol formula of Wine of Cardui for many years.However they saw an opportunity to increase their sales through television using the down-home appeal of country music.
Red Foley's Ozark Jubliee was already successfully broadcasting, and Tex Ritter's Ranch Party had had a successful run, and there was ample room on the airwaves for yet another showcase of country music talent, and so auditions were held for the new Chattanooga Medicine Co. vehicle. One of the hopefuls was Porter Wagoner - others included Webb Pierce, Carl Smith and the Wilburn Brothers, who eventually got their own show. Sales of Black Draught laxative were to increase tenfold thanks to the immediate success of "The Porter Wagoner Show". Porter's natural talent, with his friendly, honest and trustworthy appeal combined with his showy rhinestone-laden outfits (Hollywood's Nudie suits), which even on black and white TV were a shimmering feature of the show. Despite Porter's initial nervousness, the obvious sincerity of his performances and a stellar line-up of regular and guest musicians, won audiences over and the show began it's phenomenally successful run in 1960, backed up by regular tours by the TV show's troupe. Porter noticed how many more fans they attracted in areas that received the TV signal. The show initially broadcast to eighteen stations, but pretty soon became syndicated nationwide.

Aside from Porter, cast members included:
Norma Jean, singer (through 1967)
Dolly Parton, singer (1967-1974)
Barbara Lea, singer (1974-1976)
Linda Carol Moore, singer (1976-79)
T Tommy Cutrer, announcer (through 1963)
Hairl Hensley, announcer (1963-1966)
Don Howser, announcer (beginning 1966)
Benny Williams, banjo & guitar (through 1963)
Buck Trent, banjo & guitar (beginning 1963)
Little Jack Little, fiddle (through 1964)
Mack Magaha, fiddle (beginning 1965)
Don Warden, steel guitar
Speck Rhodes, Double bass and comedian whose routine mainly consisted of social satire telephone commentary with an unseen girlfriend "Sadie."

The half hour shows (initially made on a budget of $700 - $800 each) usually included about eight songs and a couple of commercials, performed by Porter and the cast. Who could forget the jingle:- "Black Draught makes you feel fresh and clean inside!" Norma Jean, the first girl singer on the show says that the cast used to joke that they were the regular members of the Porter Wagoner Show.

For a time, the show was taped twice, once with commercials and once without, so that stations could insert their own commercials as required. The Show also produced and sold booklets for fans to purchase which featured photos and stories on the cast members enjoying time off with their families. These were however finally noticed by the authorities and deemed to be commercials over and above the acceptable time allowed during the show and were discontinued.

Porter became known for his hard-working professional attitude. As well as taping the shows, the troupe was touring throughout the USA and Porter was producing lots of records, often uncredited. The workload took its toll on some. In December 1965, Billboard magazine reported that Norma Jean had quit the road tour and would be replaced by Jeannie Seely. Norma Jean continued to appear on Porter's TV show for another year and a half.

In 1967, Norma Jean departed from the TV show "to spend more time with her family" (but in reality she was frustrated at Porter's refusal to divorce his long-separated wife (Ruth), and fulfil his promise to marry her because it would negate his wholesome image in the eyes of the TV audiences). Norma Jean was replaced by Dolly Parton. Dolly's songwriting talent had hugely impressed Porter (His introduction to her first appearance on the show performing Dumb Blonde: "She ain't no dumb blonde") and they began to perform duets of hers and others' songs, eventually becoming one of the most popular duet singing teams ever recorded.

By the early-70s, with the rise of her solo career, Dolly began to feel that the routine of the Porter Wagoner Show was stifling her ability to pursue other opportunities. Initially, Dolly's departure from the series was amicable. In a February 1974 newspaper interview, Dolly discussed her reasons for leaving the show, with Porter giving his blessings. They were to remain partners in the Owe-Par Publishing Company. And, according to Porter, they agreed that he would manage Dolly's career for the next 5 years, receiving 15% of her income. But in 1979, Porter sued Dolly claiming breach of contract.

Porter's TV series, meanwhile, remained in production through 1981. Singer Barbara Lea was added to the cast in 1974. Lea was then succeeded by Linda Carol Moore (1976-79). The final two seasons (1979-80 & 1980-81) featured no regular female singer.

Porter Wagoner continued to be one of the hardest working men in the music industry with weekly Grand Ole Opry appearances and almost continuous production of recordings for new and established country artists. In 1988, Porter and Dolly repaired their relationship when they reunited at the Ryman Auditorium (home of the Grand Ole Opry, 1943 to 1974) for an episode of the "Dolly" TV special.

Porter died on October 28, 2007 from lung cancer.

Reruns of the series have since been featured on US cable TV and even broadcast via the Internet on Willie Nelson's website. "The Porter Wagoner Show" is currently being shown on RFD-TV.moreless
108
Welcome Back, Kotter

ABC (ended 1979)

Gabe Kotter, formerly a Sweathog, returns to James Buchanan High as a teacher and is assigned the remedial class to which he once belonged. Mr. Kotter is an involved and caring teacher, which one would have to be in dealing with a certain four students in his class, who end up in trouble on a regular basis -- lady's man Vinnie Barbarino, the always cool Freddie "Boom-Boom" Washington, the tough Juan (Luis Pedro Phillipo de Huevos) Epstein, and the sheepish Arnold Dingfelder Horshack. Welcome Back, Kotter was based on Gabe Kaplan's own high school experiences with redmedial education and a teacher who cared dearly for her students. Changes on the show. Gabe Kaplan left the series in the third season. He hadn't expected the show to run as long as it had. Kotter was made Vice-Principal, and thus was seen considerably less. John Travolta, of course, found his own place as a celebrity, leaving the show around the same time Gabe Kaplan did (returning every so often as a "special guest star"). The replacement for Barbarino was Beau, who didn't help things much. By now the show had essentially lost its two biggest stars. Theme song. "Welcome Back" by John Sebastian: opening credits Welcome back, your dreams were your ticket out. Welcome back to that same old place that you laughed about. Well, the names have all changed since you hung around. But those dreams have remained and they've turned around. Who'd have thought they'd lead ya (who'd have thought they'd lead ya) Back here where we need ya (back here where we need ya)? Yeah, we tease him a lot 'cause we've got him on the spot, welcome back. Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back. Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back. end credits The second verse of the full song plays partially over the end credits. It goes as thus: Welcome back, we always could spot a friend. Welcome back, and I smile when I think how you must have been. And I know what a scene you were learnin' in. Was there something that made you come back again? And what could ever lead ya (what could ever lead ya) Back here where we need ya (back here where we need ya)? Yeah, we tease him a lot 'cause we've got him on the spot, welcome back. Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back. Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back. Catchphrases. Welcome Back, Kotter was a breeding ground for memorable catch phrases. If you have one that's been overlooked, feel free to contact the editor. Gabe Kotter: "Hey, Julie, wanna hear a joke?" (or similar dialogue) Vinnie Barbarino: "What? Where?" "I'm so confused!" "Ooookay, fine." "I said a ba-ba-ba-ba-Barbarino..." Freddie "Boom-Boom" Washington: "Hi there." "I don't happen to have it...handy." Juan Epstein: "Signed, Epstein's mother." Arnold Horshack: "Ooh! Ooh, ooh!" "Hello. How are ya? I'm Arnold Horshack." "Very impressive, Mr. Kotter!" "Be brave, little soldier." (or "buckaroo") ...and a very distinctive laugh. DVD? Welcome Back, Kotter has yet to be released properly on either video or dvd. Be sure to visit TVShowsonDVD to vote for Welcome Back, Kotter on dvd (you will have to register for free in order to vote).moreless
109
That Girl (1966)

ABC (ended 1971)

Talented, young, and beautiful, and hoping to make a career as an actress, Ann Marie leaves her home in Brewster, New York and moves to Manhattan,where she acquires Apartment 4-D at 344 West 78th Street. Stories tenderly depict her world of joys and sorrows as she struggles to further a dream, supporting herself by taking various part-time jobs, cope with parents who don't understand her, and share the interests of her boyfriend, Don Hollinger, a reporter for Newsview magazine. Ann shared a romance with Don for five seasons and finally got engaged in the final season. Before they can could get married, the show was cancelled. Broadcast History: Sept. 8, 1966-Apr. 6, 1967, ABC Thursday at 9:30-10:00pm Apr. 13, 1967-Jan. 30, 1969, ABC Thursday at 9:00-9:30pm Feb. 6, 1969-Sept. 10, 1970, ABC Thursday at 8:00-8:30pm Sept. 25, 1970-Sept. 10, 1971, ABC Friday at 9:00-9:30pm The show never broke into the top 30 in the Nielsen ratings.moreless
110
The Wild Wild West (1969)

CBS (ended 1969)

The Wild Wild West ran for four seasons, and featured the adventures of two Secret Service Agents working for President Ulysses S. Grant. The two men were James West, former Union soldier and current man-of-action, gunman, and womanizer. His partner was Artemus Gordon, a former con man and master of disguise and invention. Together, the two fought various menaces aimed at the United States and President Grant, as well as investigating other Federal crimes. Riding on the post-James Bond spy craze of the 60's, WWW featured not only all of the typical "spy gimmicks" like boot knives, miniature explosives, and spike-firing grapple guns, but featured a variety of criminal masterminds wielding high-tech items (for 1880) like robot squids, cyborgs, exo-skeletons, steam-powered giant puppets, earthquake machines, hallucinogenic drugs, shrinking potions, and much much more. Their major nemesis, the diminutive Dr. Miguelito Loveless, was a master of such gadgets and gizmos. The show's producers and writers mixed all of these with typical Western movie conventions, a nod to the old movie serials, and some modern-day stylings as well to produce a unique series that has rarely been seen since. (pictured l to r: Ross Martin, Robert Conrad)moreless
111
The Bob Newhart Show

CBS (ended 1978)

Comedian Bob Newhart plays Dr. Robert Hartley, a clinical psychologist living in Chicago with his wife Emily, an elementary schoolteacher. His across-the-hallway neighbor, Howard Borden, is a divorced airline navigator. One of Bob's best friends is Dr. Jerry Robinson, an orthodontist who works on the same floor as Bob. There's also Bob's and Jerry's receptionist Carol Kester, as well as Bob's many clients, including Elliot Carlin, Lillian Bakerman, Emil Peterson and Victor Gianelli.

The Bob Newhart Show was part of CBS' highly successful Saturday night lineup which also featured The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Carol Burnett Show and All in the Family. Another connection to The Mary Tyler Moore Show was that The Bob Newhart Show was produced by the same team that made that series a success.

First Telecast: September 16, 1972 Last Telecast: April 1, 1978

Episodes: 142 Color Episodes, 1 Special & 1 Unaired Pilot

CBS Broadcast History September 1972-October 1976----Saturdays----9:30 p.m November 1976-September 1977----Saturdays----8:30 p.m. September 1977-April 1978----Saturdays----8:00 p.m. June 1978-September 1978----Saturdays----8:00 p.m. Characters: Stars: Dr. Robert Anthony "Bob" Hartley - A Clinical Psychologist who grew up in the Chicago area with an easy-going father and a manipulative, talkative mother. Bob attended Loyola University, where his best friend was Cliff "The Peeper" Murdock. Bob's office is in downtown Chicago, and he and his wife, Emily, live in a high-rise twenty minutes from his office. He often takes the train to work, but may take his car, especially if one of his groups has a session in the evening. Late in the show's run Bob publishes a book and is away for several episodes doing a book tour. Emily Joyce Hartley - Bob's wife, A schoolteacher. Emily comes from an expressive, gregarious family from the Seattle area. She married Bob after both had begun their careers, and they celebrate only their third anniversary during the show's first season. After working as a teacher for several years, Emily becomes principal, giving her a well-respected position.

Howard Mark Borden - Next door neighbor, a divorced airplane navigator. For much of the series Howard's identity is shaped by his divorce. He is helpless around the house and depends on Emily and Bob for almost everything. He is a bit of a "swinger," dating stewardesses quite regularly, but deep-down he is a lonely soul. A bright spot in his life is his son, Howie. For a time Howard is engaged to Bob's sister, Ellen. Dr. Jerome "Jerry" Robinson - An Orthodontist whose office is near Bob's. Jerry was raised in an orphanage and, for the most part, is happy with shallow romantic relationships. He is a good sounding board for Bob, as Bob is for Jerry.

Carol Kester Bondurant - The receptionist for all the doctor's on the floor where Bob has his office. After being overweight for much of her young life in Iowa, Carol lost over 100 pounds, then started a new life in Chicago. Carol always longed for Mr. Right until she met him in Larry Bondurant. They married after a very short courtship. Carol is an excellent receptionist, but sometimes longs for more meaning in her job. Thankfully, Bob is always ready to listen to her problems. Ellen Inez Hartley (1974-1976) - Bob's sister and Howard's girlfriend. Ellen is a part-time reporter, picking up any story she can until she can establish her career. Bob's Group Regulars: Elliot Carlin - The insecure, hostile patient Victor Gianelli - The hostile, insensitive patient Emil Peterson - The hen-pecked patient Lillian Bakerman - The insecure, motherly patient Michelle Nardo - The insecure, overweight patient Ed Herd - The timid door-to-door salesman patient. Other Doctors at the Timpau Medical Arts Building: Dr. Bernie Tupperman - The Urologist Dr. Phillip Newman - The ego-centric Plastic Surgeonmoreless
112
Mork & Mindy

ABC (ended 1982)

Mork & Mindy was a sitcom that ran on ABC from 1978 until 1982. The series starred a relative newcomer Robin Williams as Mork, an alien who came to Earth in a large egg-shaped space ship from the planet Ork, and Pam Dawber as Mindy McConnell, the human woman who he lives with. The series was a originally a spin-off of Happy Days where Mork first appeared in the season 5 episode, "My Favorite Orkan". In that episode he threatened to kidnap Richie Cunningham and take him to the planet Ork, however his plan is foiled by Fonzie. In the spin-off series Mindy discovers Mork after he lands near Boulder Colorado. When she finds out he is an alien she vows to keep his identity a secret and allows Mork to move into the attic. Afterwards, many hilarious situations arise. Story-lines centered on Mork's attempts to understand American culture and human interaction. At the end of each episode Mork reported to his boss back on Ork (Orson) and said what he had learned on earth in that episode.moreless
113
Are You Being Served?

BBC (ended 1985)

Are You Being Served? is a British Sitcom that ran from 1972-1985. The show revolved around "Grace Brothers Department Store" and in particular the goings on within the "Gentlemen's Ready-To-Wear" and "Ladies' Separates and Underwear" Departments. A store reorganization forced these two departments to share floor space, and the conflicts that this created set the tone for most episodes. Are You Being Served? showcases a bygone period of time in which the class structure was still very much alive. There was a strict heirarchy within Grace Brothers. Everyone knew their "places" and remained in them, unless, of course, there was a chance for advancement and then it was every man and woman for themselves. A spin-off series of Are You Being Served? was released, called Grace and Favour. Although in the U.S, it was named Are You Being Served? Again!moreless
114
Hart to Hart

ABC (ended 1984)

Created by author Sidney Sheldon, the series started out under title Double Twist. Tom Mankiewicz was asked to revamp the script and it was soon renamed Hart to Hart. With Robert Wagner as self-made millionaire Jonathan Hart, Stefanie Powers as his journalist wife Jennifer and Lionel Stander as their trusty sidekick Max the "Hartbeat" began. Premiering on August 25, 1979, Hart was met with mixed reviews but by the end of the first season Jonathan and Jennifer Hart were household names. Guest appearances were made by everyone from Stella Stevens and Roddy McDowell to Jill St. John and Dorothy Lamour and even a cameo by Natalie Wood. The series would run for five seasons before leaving ABC in 1984. Hart to Hart is still airing in syndication in over 60 countries worldwide. In 1993 while touring together in A.R. Gurney's Love Letters, RJ, Stefanie and Lionel would return to television in the first of what would be eight 2-hour Hart movies. Jokingly dubbed "Hart to Hart: The New Generation", Jonathan and Jennifer still found themselves going from one adventure to the next. The first five would air as NBC Friday Night Mysteries. Sadly, Lionel Stander died shortly after completing the fifth movie and the sixth movie saw the Harts atending Max's funeral. The final three movies aired on The Family Channel. Interesting tidbit. The last movie aired on Aug 25 1996. Exactly 17 years (to the date) of the airing of the pilot movie. ======================== Company credits Production Companies * Columbia Pictures Television * Rona II * Spelling-Goldberg Productions Distributors * American Broadcasting Company (ABC) * Columbia TriStar Domestic Television (2001) * Independent Television (ITV) * Sony Pictures Television (2002-) ======================== Awards American Cinema Editors, USA 1980 -- Nominated -- Best Edited Episode from a Television Series -- Bob Bring [For episode "Max in Love".] Emmy Awards 1982 -- Nominated -- Outstanding Art Direction for a Series -- James J. Agazzi (art director), Paul Sylos (art director), Bob Signorelli (set decorator) [For episode "The Hart of the Matter"] 1982 -- Nominated -- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series -- Stefanie Powers 1981 -- Nominated -- Outstanding Art Direction for a Series -- James J. Agazzi (art director), Paul Sylos (art director), Bob Signorelli (set decorator) [For episode "Blue Chip Murders"] 1981 -- Nominated -- Outstanding Film Sound Mixing -- Blake Wilcox (production mixer), Robert L. Harman (re-recording mixer), William L. McCaughey (re-recording mixer), Howard S. Wollman (re-recording mixer) [For episode "'Tis the Season to be Murdered"] 1981 -- Nominated -- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series -- Stefanie Powers 1980 -- Nominated -- Outstanding Art Direction for a Series -- James J. Agazzi (art director), Paul Sylos (art director), Bob Signorelli (set decorator) [For episode "Man with Jade Eyes"] Golden Globes 1984 -- Nominated -- Best Performance by an Actor in a TV-Series - Drama -- Robert Wagner 1984 -- Nominated -- Best Performance by an Actress in a TV-Series - Drama -- Stefanie Powers 1984 -- Nominated -- Best TV-Series - Drama 1983 -- Won -- Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for TV -- Lionel Stander 1983 -- Nominated -- Best Performance by an Actor in a TV-Series - Drama -- Robert Wagner 1983 -- Nominated -- Best Performance by an Actress in a TV-Series - Drama -- Stefanie Powers 1983 -- Nominated -- Best TV-Series - Drama 1982 -- Nominated -- Best Performance by an Actress in a TV-Series - Drama -- Stefanie Powers 1982 -- Nominated -- Best TV-Series - Drama 1981 -- Nominated -- Best Performance by an Actor in a TV-Series - Drama -- Robert Wagner 1981 -- Nominated -- Best Performance by an Actress in a TV-Series - Drama -- Stefanie Powers 1981 -- Nominated -- Best TV-Series - Drama 1980 -- Nominated -- Best TV Actor - Drama -- Robert Wagner 1980 -- Nominated -- Best TV Actress - Drama -- Stefanie Powers Young Artist Awards 1983 -- Won -- Best Young Actress, Guest on a Series -- Roxana Zal 1983 -- Nominated -- Best Young Actor, Guest on a Series -- Rossie Harris ===================== [opening narration] Max: This is my boss, Jonathan Hart - a self-made millionaire. He's quite a guy. This is Mrs. H. She's gorgeous. She's one lady who knows how to take care of herself. By the way, my name is Max. I take care of *both* of them, which ain't easy; 'cause when they met... it was *murder*! (Note: Max's opening narration differs in some episodes. Most episodes have him finish by declaring "When they met, it was murder!" but some episodes have him saying "Their hobby is ... murder!") =============================== Release dates USA -- 25 August 1979 UK -- 3 February 1980 France -- 11 July 1982 Sweden -- 1 July 1983 West Germany -- October 1983 ================== Filming Locations 20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA (studio) First Christian Church, Studio City, Los Angeles, California, USA ========================moreless
115
Star Trek: The Animated Series

NBC (ended 1974)

This is the further adventures of the Star Trek series in a half-hour animated form. This show basically continues the adventures of the original series (presumably in the fourth year of the five-year mission), but takes advantage of the unlimited special effects provided by animation to introduce more alien crewmen (the felinoid M'Ress and the tripedal Arex) as well as introduce more elaborate adventures like an underwater adventure, the miniaturization of the crew to 1 cm., and the appearance of a giant fire-breathing two-headed dragon. The show is currently not considered "canon" by Paramount and the folks associated with the various subsequent TV shows. However, elements of the animated series have been used in subsequent shows (Sarek refers to the events of "Yesteryear" in TNG's "Reunification Pt. 1") and the Enterprise-D's holodeck seems to have been in part inspired by the holodeck we see in "Practical Joker". Also, writers such as Peter David have used some elements from the animated series in the books and comics. Although produced on the cheap (note the incredibly static backgrounds, recycled animations, and the fact that James Doohan, Nichelle Nichols, and Majel Barrett do about 95% of the guest voices), the script writing and concepts (mostly by writers from the original series) are generally of high quality (the show won an Emmy for best Children's Programming in '73) and the show is in many worthy of inclusion in the Trek annals.moreless
116
Captain Kangaroo

CBS (ended 1984)

One of the longest-running children's TV shows of all time, Bob Keeshan, as Captain Kangraoo, taught lessons in morality with the help of his friends: Mr. Green Jeans, Mr. Moose, and Mr. Rabbit, among others.moreless
117
Eight is Enough

ABC (ended 1981)

Based on the book by Thomas Braden, this family drama chronicles the lives of the Bradford family: the father Tom, who worked as a columnist for a Sacramento newspaper); the mother Joan; and their eight children: David, Mary, Joanie, Susan, Nancy, Elizabeth, Tommy, and Nicholas.

As anyone from a large family can tell you, get these many different people – related or not – under the same roof, and chaos will certainly ensue. Enter in all their relationships, school, and work problems, and you can guarantee something is always going haywire in the Bradford home.

Diana Hyland died during season one and her character was "sent away" .So in season two, Tom married Abby, a school teacher.

In season four, two of the Bradford children got married: David to Janet; and Susan to Merle, a baseball player. In France the show is known as Huit, ça suffit !.
In Italy it was known as La famiglia Bradford ("The Bradford Family") on Channel One, but titled Otto Bastano on Channel Four.moreless
118
The Bionic Woman Classic

ABC (ended 1978)

In 1975 Lindsay Wagner made a guest appearance on The Six Million Dollar Man as a perfect female companion for Steve Austin - Jaime Sommers. After a tragic skydiving accident, Jaime also received bionic replacements. She and Steve planned to be married, but it came to pass that Jaime's body rejected her new limbs and she died.

ABC realized how phenomenally successful Lindsay Wagner's portrayal of Jaime Sommers had become. So, they brought her back to life and spun her off into her own series. It debuted in January 1976 and was an immediate hit. The series ran on ABC for two seasons and was picked up by NBC for its final season. In Spanish the title is known La mujer biónica, though in in regions speaking the Catalan dialect, it is called La dona bionica. In Italy it is called La donna bionica. In Portuguese it is called A Mulher Biônica. In French it is called Super Jaimie. In Germany it is called Die Sieben Millionen Dollar Frau ("The Seven Million Dollar Woman"). In Japan it is called Baionikku Jiemi ("Bionic Jaime").moreless
119
Super Friends

ABC (ended 1973)

SuperFriends was an animated series that premiered on ABC on September 8, 1973. The series was executive produced by the creative team of William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. The series featured the adventures of DC Comics book heroes Superman, Batman, Robin, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman. These five superheroes along with superheroes in training Wendy, Marvin, and Wonder Dog focused their abilities on putting away criminals, saving lives, and stopping terrible disasters after getting messages from their computer, the "TroubAlert."

Each episode of the SuperFriends was geared to present, not only action, but also some lesson of educational value. In the short run of the series, a number of other famous DC comic book heroes appeared: Plastic Man, The Flash, and Green Arrow.

The last new episode of the series entitled "The Watermen" was broadcast on December 22, 1973. The show continued in reruns until it was taken off the air on August 30, 1974. Two years later, however, the series was rebroadcast from February 7, 1976 to September 3, 1977. In an enduring testament to the popularity of the SuperFriends characters, they were later featured in a number of spin-offs and revivals.

In 1977, the Hanna-Barbera produced sixty-two cartoon featuring the Superfriends. These cartoons were shown on ABC as part of The All-New SuperFriends Hour. Each hour long episode featured four cartoons (one half-hour cartoon and three seven minute shorts). The hour-long show featured adventures of the original fives superheroes from SuperFriends. Wendy, Marvin, and Wonder Dog, however, did not appear. They were replaced by the shape-shifting Wondertwins Zan and Jayna and their space-monkey Gleek. The All-New SuperFriends Hour ran from September 10, 1977 to September 2, 1978 and was replaced in the next season by Challenge of the SuperFriends and SuperFriends (1978).

Challenge of the SuperFriends was one of the most popular incarnations of SuperFriends that featured the Justice League of America against the Legion of Doom. This half-hour series ran for sixteen episodes from September 9, 1978 to September 15, 1979. It was accompanied in its run by SuperFriends (1978) which also presented sixteen half-hour episodes from September 9, 1978 to September 15, 1979. These episodes featured the same characters as The All-New SuperFriends Hour in further adventures.

In 1979, Hanna-Barbera discontinued Challenge of the SuperFriends. Reruns of old SuperFriends episodes were mixed with eight new episodes and were presented under the new title The World's Greatest SuperFriends. The World's Greatest Superfriends was a hour long series that ran from September 22,1 979 to September 27, 1980.

In the 1980's, SuperFriends continued in a number of incarnations. From September 1980 to September 1984, Hanna-Barbara produced sixty-six seven minute shorts (see Superfriends (1980)). Twenty-Four of these shorts were shown in the 1980-1981 season, accompanied by SuperFriend's reruns, under the title The Superfriends Hour. In the 1981-1982 season, sixteen new shorts were presented as a part of the half-hour long Superfriends. These new shorts were, of course, accompanied by reruns. The 1982-1983 season, however, was all reruns. Although Hanna-Barbara produced twenty-four new SuperFriends shorts, ABC decided to show only reruns of the SuperFriends in a thirty minute program entitled The Best of SuperFriends. Most of the unaired shorts (called by some "The Lost Episodes"), however, would later air in syndication.

The 1984-1985 season, new half-hour SuperFriends episodes would return to ABC under the title SuperFriends: The Legendary Super Powers Show. SuperFriends: The Legendary Super Powers Show was a half-hour sixteen episode cartoon that featured Superman, Batman, Robin, Wonder Woman, and the Teen Titans Firestorm and Cyborg. In the 1985-1986 season, these same characters would appear along with Aquaman, Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, and Samurai in the half-hour The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians. This final incarnation of Hanna-Barbara's SuperFriends offered ten new episodes. On September 30, 1986 with the end of the last episode of The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians, Hanna-Barbara's twelve year run of original SuperFriends episodes was over. The SuperFriends, however, would continue to live on in syndication.

First Telecast: September 8, 1973 Last Telecast: December 22, 1973

Episodes: 16 Color Episodes (16 one-hour episodes)

Follow-up Shows: The All-New SuperFriends Hour, SuperFriends (1978), Challenge of the SuperFriends, The World's Greatest SuperFriends, SuperFriends (1980), SuperFriends: The Legendary Super Powers Show, and The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians.moreless
120
Here's Lucy

CBS (ended 1974)

HERE'S LUCY. This often forgotten and critically bashed series from Lucille Ball, her 3rd, is arguably superior to the LUCY SHOW. Probably unjustly misaligned by critics due to a difficult and weak opening season, HERE"S LUCY improved with every season and contains some of the best work of Lucille Ball's career. The wonderfully abstract LUCY SHOW plays more as a variety show than sitcom, and certainly has its share of classic episodes. Missing from the Lucy Show, however, is the character development , focus, and warmth ( that made I LOVE LUCY so successful). HERE"S LUCY switches formats and focus' on widower Lucy Carter, single-working Mom and life with her two children (Ball's own children with Desi Arnaz), and their Uncle Harry. Played by Gale Gordon, Uncle Harry was also Lucy's over-bearing boss. As the seasons pass, Uncle Harry softens and Lucy, Kim, and Craig play more as a family unit. Like Lucy Ricardo, Lucy Carter still loved to get into the show, and her work at the "Unique Employment Agency" often allowed her the chance to sing and dance with top guest stars. Carol Burnett, Jack Benny, and Vivian Vance make numerous, nearly seasonal guest appearances, and other famous guests included Liz Taylor and Richard Burton, Flip Wilson, Ann-Margret, Johnny Carson, Milton Berle, Helen Hays, and Ginger Rogers. Still featuring Lucille Ball's amazing talents for physical comedy and turning a funny line, HERE"S LUCY features dozens of iconic "LUCY" moments. Lucy as down-trodden Dirty Gertie, Lucy wielding a jackhammer on cement, Lucy sky-diving through the roof of a lodge, the famous stuck-on-her-finger Liz Taylor diamond ring, Lucy in a giant pickle outfit, and Lucy and Mannix tied to chairs, physically jumping, bouncing the chairs to comedic perfection, and of course, the moment zany Lucy Carter meets superstar actress Lucille Ball! Many episodes are written by her I LOVE LUCY writers, as well as other tops-in-their field scribes such as Bob O'Brien, the Fox-Jacob's team, and Lou Derman (many of these writer's were presenting their best work simultaneously to ALL IN THE FAMILY). Even with numerous top directors at the helmï¿½Herbert Kenwith, Jerry Paris, Jack Donohue, Jay Sandrich, and Coby Ruskinï¿½ it is often repeated that Lucille Ball really directed the shows, but offered deference to the directors she most trusted and respected. This show is rarely seen in syndication despite relatively high ratings during the intital run (Season 1 #9, Season 2 #6, Season 3 #3, Season 4 #11, Season 5 #15, Season 6 #29). It had a daytime run on CBS in 1977. This was followed by it's debut in off-network syndication in Fall of 1981 by Telepictures. Most stations aired the show in latenight after the first few months. Now the show is seen mostly in international markets or on independant stations. PAX TV ran the series briefly in the late 90's. A DVD with 24 episodes was released in 2005 and features lots of great bonus features. Here's Lucy Season sets will be coming out starting with Season One in August 2009, Season Two in November 2009, Season 3 in mid 2010 and continuing until Dec 2012 with the entire series to come out on MPI video. The DVDs will have a ton of special features.moreless
< 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 >