1984/85 – Dynasty was #1 on ABC Wednesday.
Note: Any BOLD shows were cancelled in 1984 season; The Dukes Of Hazzard was cancelled
in the seventh season.
Anniversary:
Saturday Night Live celebrated ten years on NBC.
Monday Night Football celebrated fifteen years on ABC.
That Good Ole Nashville Music celebrated fifteen years in syndication. It was also their last season.
Biggest New Hit: One great black series, The Jeffersons, ended; another great black series, The Cosby Show, begun.
The Cosby Show was #3 on NBC Thursday. It was a breakthrough series for the blacks; they were above The Evans and below The
Jeffersons, the Huxtables was the upper middle class family.
British Ties: Three’s A Crowd was based on ITV’s Robin’s Nest.
Contract Dispute: Chad Lowe walked out on Spencer in a salary dispute. Ronn Harris became the new Spencer. Even Ronn
didn't last either. The series was soon cancelled.
Daytime: Angie was on ABC weekdays from June–September 1985.
Death:
Nicholas Colasanto died on February 12, 1985 from a heart aliment in Studio City. The following season, Woody Harrelson
replaced him on Cheers.
Selma Diamond died on May 13, 1985 from lung cancer. Florence Halop replaced her on Night Court the next season.
Jon-Erik Hexum accidentally committed suicide from self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head on the set on his series, Cover
Up.
Dolph Sweet died on May 8, 1985 and the mourning of his character, Chief Carl Kanisky, occurred in season six opener of
Gimmie A Break! Nell Harper became both the mother and the father of the Kanisky Family. The comedy lasted two more seasons.
Movies 2 TV: Mr. Belvedere was based on the 1948 comedy movie, Sitting Pretty, starring Clifton Webb. There was a failed
1965 pilot to bring Mr. Belvedere to the small screen. After two decades of trying, Christopher Hewett is the first Mr. Belvedere
on TV.
Name Change: Spencer to Under One Roof.
The Return:
Michael Landon returned in Highway To Heaven after a two-year absence. It was his third NBC successful series; the others
were Bonanza and Little House On The Prairie. Victor French was his costar in this show too; he was on Little House. Michael’s
youngest daughter, Jennifer Landon, appeared in the very last episode of Highway To Heaven. Jennifer won a daytime Emmy for
her role on As The World Turns in 2005.
Tony Danza returned in Who’s The Boss? after a year absence; he was previously on Taxi for five years. His costars
were famous as well. Judith Light was on One Live To Live (1977-83). Katherine Helmond was on Soap for five years. His TV
daughter, Alyssa Milano, went to bigger success on Charmed. Danny Pintaura got his start on As The World Turns. Danny is the
first known actor to outed himself in a tabloid magazine, The National Enquirer, in 1997.
Bill Cosby returned in The Cosby Show – we all know what happened in 1984; it resurrected the dying breed of the
sitcoms.
Lynda Carter returned in a failed series, Partners In Crime, after a six-year absence; she was Wonder Woman in the 1970’s.
Her costar, Loni Anderson, was on WKRP In Cincinnati for four years.
Spin Off: Three’s A Crowd from Three’s Company – Jack Tripper found true love in Vicky Bradford,
a flight attendant, and owns his very own restaurant, Jack’s Bistro.
TV History: The Jeffersons ended a successful eleven years run. It is the longest black comedy ever and the longest
running spin off series.
Tidbits:
The Cosby Show brought the comedy shows back from the dead. It is the most successful black comedy to date.
ABC and NBC turned down The Cosby Show. NBC had a change of heart and the Thursday night lineup became profitable for NBC
over ten years, thus creating Must See TV.
Adam Sandler got his start on The Cosby Show as Theo’s friend. Adam later joined Saturday Night Live, then he became
a major movie star.
Jeopardy is the second most popular game show in the states. Merv Griffith created Jeopardy and Wheel Of Fortune. In most
markets, they are both shown together. The popular host, Alex Trebek, won some daytime Emmys throughout the years. Also, Merv
created the theme music for Jeopardy.
Kelsey Grammer worked nonstop for twenty years on two hit series, Cheers (1984–1993) and the spin off series, Frasier
(1993–2004).
Murder, She Wrote is Angela Landsbury’s first and only series. She wasn’t the producer’s original choice;
it was Jean Stapleton. Truth to be known, Angela and Jean were great friends with openly gay Hurd Hatfield.
V was based on the hugely successful 1983 sci-fi miniseries. Robert Englund (Freddie Krueger) played the same role, Willie,
a friendly alien.
Hunter is Fred Dryer’s first series. He was a former football player.
Paper Dolls was Nicollette Sheridan’s first series. She later gained fame on Knots Landing as Paige Matheson, Mac’s
daughter. More fame came her way in Desperate Housewives, the hugely popular hit on ABC, in 2004; she played Susan’s
rival, Edie Britt.
Dreams was John Stamos’ first series. John Stamos was best known for General Hospital as Blackie Parrish from 1982-84.
Charles In Charge was Jonathan Ward's first series.
1984/85 Fall Season
One Season (1984/85)
The Cosby Show – 1984–1992, NBC, comedy, Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad
Highway To Heaven – 1984–1989, NBC, drama, Michael Landon, Victor French
Hunter – 1984–1991, NBC, crime drama, Fred Dryer, Stephanie Kramer
Miami Vice – 1984–1989, NBC, crime drama, Don Johnson, Phillip Michael Thomas
Murder, She Wrote – 1984–1996, CBS, detective drama, Angela Landsbury
Punky Brewster – 1984–1986, NBC, comedy, Soleil Moon Frye
Who’s The Boss? – 1984–1992, ABC, comedy, Tony Danza, Judith Light
Cancelled TV Shows
Call To Glory – ABC, drama, Craig T. Nelson, Elizabeth Shue
Charles In Charge – CBS, comedy, Scott Baio, Willie Aames
Cover Up – CBS, detective drama, Jon-Erik Hexum, Jennifer O'Neill
Dreams – CBS, comedy, 5 episodes, John Stamos
E/R – CBS, comedy, Elliott Gould, George Clooney
Finder Of Lost Loves – ABC, detective drama, Tony Franciosa, Deborah Adair
Glitter – ABC; Dec 1985, ABC late night, drama, David Birney, Morgan Brittany
Hawaiian Heat – ABC, crime drama, Jeff McCracken
Hot Pursuit – NBC, drama, Kerrie Keane
It’s Your Move – NBC, comedy, Jason Bateman, David Garrison
Jessie – ABC, crime drama, Lindsey Wagner
Paper Dolls – ABC drama, Dack Rambo, Morgan Fairchild
Partners In Crime – NBC, detective drama, Lyndia Cater, Loni Anderson
People Do The Crazy Things – ABC, humor, Bert Convy
Three’s A Crowd – ABC, comedy, John Ritter, Mary Cadorette
V – NBC, sci-fi, Mark Singer, Robert Englund
7 out 0f 23 new series SURVIVED for 1985/86
ABC – 1/9, Who’s The Boss
CBS – 1/5, Murder, She Wrote
NBC – 5/9, Cosby Show, Highway to Heaven, Hunter, Miami Vice &
Punky Brewster
Mid Season Shows
Crazy Like A Fox – Dec 1984–1986, CBS, detective drama, Jack Warden, John Rubinstein
Mr. Belvedere – March 1985–1990, ABC, comedy, Christopher Hewett
Moonlighting – March 1985–1989, ABC, detective comedy/drama, Bruce Willis, Cybill Shepherd
Cancelled Mid Season Shows
Berrenger's – NBC, soap, Jeff Conaway, Jack Scalia
The Best Times – NBC, drama, K.C. Martel
Code Name: Firefox – NBC, foreign intrigue/secret agent, Joanna Cassidy
The Comedy Factory – ABC, comedy anthology, Derek McGrath
Detective In The House – CBS, detective, Judd Hirsch
Double Dare – CBS, detective, Billy Dee Williams, Ken Wahl
Hail To The Chief – ABC, comedy, Patty Duke, Joel Brooks
Half Nelson – NBC, detective comedy/drama, Joe Pesci, Victoria Jackson
I Had Three Wives – CBS, detective comedy/drama, Victor Garber, David Faustino
Life's Most Embarrassing Moments – ABC, comedy, Steve Allen
The Lucie Arnaz Show – CBS, comedy, Lucie Arnaz
MacGruder & Loud – ABC, crime drama, John Getz
Me And Mom – ABC, detective comedy/drama, Holland Taylor, James Earl Jones
Michael Nesmith In Television Parts – NBC, variety, Michael Nesmith
Motown Revue – NBC, musical variety, Arsenio Hall, Smokey Robinson
Oceanquest – NBC, documentary, 5 episodes, Shawn Weatherly
Off The Rack – ABC, comedy, 6 episodes, Eileen Brennan, Edward Asner
Otherworld – CBS, sci fi, 8 episodes, Sam Groom
Our Time – NBC, variety, Phil Hartman, Harry Anderson
Rock 'N' Roll Summer Action – ABC, musical variety, Christopher Atkins
Sara – NBC, comedy, Geena Davis
Spencer – NBC, comedy, Chad Lowe
Street Hawk – ABC, crime drama, Joe Regalbuto
Wildside – ABC, western, 6 episodes, J. Eddie Peck
Cable
Dr. Ruth – 1984–1991, Lifetime, discussion/advice, Dr. Ruth Westheimer
Hollywood Insider – May 1985–1995, USA Network, news/gossip, Sandy Newton
Larry King Live – June 1985–present, CNN, discussion, Larry King
Showbiz Today – 1984–2001, CNN, newsmagazine, Liz Wickersham
Syndication
Jeopardy – 1984–present, syndication, game, Alex Trebek
Rituals – syndication, soap, Dennis Patrick
The Start Of Something Big – April 1985–1986, syndication, information/interview, Steve Allen
Tales From The Darkside – 1984–1988, syndication, horror/supernatural, Paul Sparer
Late Night
The George Michael Sports Machine – 1984–1991, NBC, sports highlights, George Michael
Two Seasons (1983/84)
AfterMASH – 1983–1985, CBS, comedy
Airwolf – Jan 1984–1986, CBS; 1987 on USA, adventure
Church Street Station – March 1984–1987, TNN, music
Cover Story – March 1984–1989, USA, interview
Double Trouble – April 1984–1985, NBC, comedy
Eye On Hollywood – February 1984–1986, ABC, magazine
Fame – 1983–1987, syndication, drama
Foul Ups, Bleeps & Blunders – Jan 1984–1985, ABC, comedy
Friday Night Videos – 1983–2000, NBC, music
Hardcastle & McCormick 1983–1986, ABC, detective/adventure
Hotel – 1983–1988, ABC, drama
Kate & Allie – March 1984–1989, CBS, comedy
Lifestyles Of The Rich & Famous – January 1984–1996, syndication, magazine
Love Connection – 1983–1995, Syndication – weekdays, game
Mike Hammer – Jan 1984–1986, CBS, detective drama
Night Court – Jan 1984–1992, NBC, comedy
Riptide – Jan 1984–1986, NBC, detective drama
Scarecrow & Mrs. King – 1983–1987, CBS, adventure
Star Search – 1983–1995, Syndication, talent
TV’s Bloopers & Practical Jokes – Jan 1984–1986, NBC, comedy
This Week In Country Music – 1983–1987, syndication, magazine
Too Close For Comfort – January 1984–1985, syndication; comedy
Webster – 1983–1987, ABC; 1987/88 in Syndication, comedy
Wheel Of Fortune – 1983–present, syndication, game
You Can Be A Star – 1983–1989, TNN, talent
Three Seasons (1982/83)
The A Team – Jan 1983–1987, NBC, adventure
At The Movies – 1982–1990, syndication, commentary
Cheers – 1982–1993, NBC, comedy
Family Ties – 1982–1989, NBC, comedy
Fraggle Rock – January 1983–1987, HBO, puppets
Knight Rider – 1982–1986, NBC, adventure
Lorne Greene's New Wilderness – 1982–1986, syndication, wildlife/nature
Matt Houston – 1982–1985, ABC, detective drama
Nashville Now – March 1983–1993, TNN, talk/variety, LIVE
Newhart – 1982–1990, CBS, comedy
The Paper Chase – February 1983–1986, Showtime, drama
Remington Steele – 1982–1987, NBC, detective drama
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not – 1982–1986, CBS, variety
St. Elsewhere – 1982–1988, NBC, drama
Silver Spoons – 1982–1986, NBC, comedy
TJ Hooker – March 1982–1987, ABC, crime drama
Four Seasons (1981/82)
Cagney & Lacey – March 1982–1988, CBS, crime drama
Entertainment Tonight – 1981–present, syndication, news/gossip
Fall Guy – 1981–1986, ABC, adventure
Falcon Crest – 1981–1990, CBS, soap
Gimme A Break – 1981–1987, NBC, comedy
Late Night With David Letterman – February 1982–1993, NBC, talk
The People's Court – 1981–1993, syndication, courtroom
Simon & Simon – Nov 1981–1989, CBS, detective drama
Five Seasons (1980/81)
Dynasty – Jan 1981–1989, ABC, soap
Hill Street Blues – Jan 1981–1987, NBC, crime drama
Magnum P.I. – Dec 1980–1988, CBS, detective drama
Solid Gold – 1980–1988, syndication, music
Six Seasons (1979/80)
Benson – 1979–1986, ABC, comedy
The Facts Of Life – August 1979–1988, NBC, comedy
Knots Landing – December 1979–1993, CBS, soap
Trapper John MD – 1979–1986, CBS, drama
Seven Seasons (1978/79)
Dance Fever – January 1979–1987, syndication, dance
Diff’rent Stokes – November 1978–1985, NBC; 1985/86, ABC, comedy
The Dukes Of Hazzard – January 1979–1985, CBS, comedy/adventure
PM Magazine – 1978–1990, syndication, magazine
Eight Seasons (1977/78)
Dallas – April 1978–1991, ABC, soap
Family Feud – 1977–1985, syndication, quiz
The Love Boat – 1977–1986, ABC, comedy
20/20 – June 1978–present, ABC, newsmagazine
Nine Seasons (1976/77)
Alice – 1976–1985, CBS, comedy
The Joker's Wild – 1976–1986, syndication, quiz
Ten Seasons (1975/76)
Saturday Night Live – 1975–present, NBC; variety
Eleven Seasons (1974/75)
The Jeffersons – Jan 1975–1985, CBS, comedy
Fifteen Seasons (1970/71)
Monday Night Football, 1970–2006, ABC, sports
That Good Ole Nashville Music – 1970–1985, syndication, music
Seventeen Seasons (1968/69)
Hee Haw – 1971–1993, syndication, variety
60 Minutes – 1968–present, CBS, newsmagazine
Eighteen Seasons (1967/68)
Wild Kingdom – 1971–1988, syndication, wildlife
Twenty four Seasons (1961/62)
The David Susskind Show – 1961–1987, syndication, talk
Thirty one Seasons (1954/55)
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson – 1962–1992, NBC, talk/variety
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