1990/91 – Cheers was #1 on NBC Thursday.
Note: Any BOLD shows were cancelled in 1990 season; Twin Peaks was cancelled
in the second season.
Anniversary:
Entertainment Tonight celebrated ten years in syndication.
Late Night With David Letterman celebrated ten years on NBC.
The People's Court celebrated ten years in syndication.
Biggest New Hit: America’s Funniest People was #13 on ABC Sundays. Yep, the name really live up to the name;
it was a great companion for America’s Funniest Home Videos.
Comic Strip: Live There were two versions this season. The Sunday version was called Comic Strip: Live, starting in
November 1990. The Saturday version became Comic Strip: Late Night. The Sunday version changed to Comic Strip: Prime Time
in February 1991 and it was cancelled two months later. The Saturday version returned to the original name, Comic Strip: Live.
Crimetime After Primetime – From April 1991–January 1995, CBS offered original programs (Sweating Bullets,
The Exile, Scene Of The Crime, Forever Knight, Urban Angel, Dark Justice, to name a few) late at night to compete with The
Tonight Show on NBC. Silk Stalkings was the most popular of them all; it lasted 8 years, minus 6 on CBS. That show ran concurrently
on both CBS & USA Network. David Letterman had a falling out with NBC. We all know why! CBS grabbed him quickly; David
competes with Jay Leno. In order to make room for David, CBS cut Crimetime to one hour and aired Crimetime after The Late
Show. Crimetime finally ended in January 1995; The Late Late Show took their spot late at night.
Daytime:
Designing Women was on CBS weekdays from May 1991–June 1992.
Full House was on NBC weekdays from June–September 1991.
First Run: 21 Jump Street begun a one year syndication; it was previously on FOX (1987–90).
Movies 2 TV:
Baby Talk was loosely based on the 1989 John Travolta/Kirstie Alley movie, Look's Who Talking.
Ferris Bueller was based on the 1986 Matthew Broderick movie, Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
Harry And The Hendersons was based on the 1987 Kevin Peter Hall movie. Kevin reprised his hairy...oops, my mistake...hold
on! Harry is hairy! I didn't make a mistake at all. Kevin reprised his HAIRY role for the series.
Swamp Thing was based on the 1982 Adrienne Barbeau movie.
Uncle Buck was based on the 1989 John Candy movie.
Name Change:
DEA to DEA – Special Task Force in April 1991.
Into The Night Starring Rick Dees to Into The Night in July 1991
Paradise to Guns Of Paradise in January 1991.
Personalities to E.D.J. Entertainment Daily Journal in July 1991.
New Nights:
FOX added Thursday nights to the schedule on September 13, 1990 with The Simpsons, Babes and Beverly Hills 90210
FOX added Friday nights to the schedule on September 7, 1990 with America’s Most Wanted and D.E.A.
Reruns:
FOX aired Alien Nation repeats during the summer of 1991.
CBS aired reruns of the former ABC series, Police Squad, for the summer. It was last seen in 1982.
The Return:
NBC revived Dark Shadows. It was a popular daytime soap on ABC from 1966–1971.
The Joker's Wild returned to syndication after a four year absence.
Simultaneous: Dave Coulier was on two series – Full House and America’s Funniest People. Dave’s Full
House costar, Bob Saget, hosted America’s Funniest Home Videos.
Spin offs:
America’s Funniest People from America’s Funniest Home Videos.
Top Of The Heap from Married...With Children. It focus on Al Bundy's best friend, Charlie Verducci and his son, Vinnie
Verducci. Charlie wants his dumb son to marry the rich.
Switch Networks: The Hogan Family went from NBC to CBS.
TV History: Dallas, the longest running soap, finally ended in the 1990 season. Dallas was on for fourteen years.
Tidbits:
Who cares about nothing? Seinfeld does in his 1990–1998 TV show.
Larry Hagman and Barbara Eden reunited on Dallas; they previously starred in the popular 1960’s TV show, I Dream
Of Jeannie.
Connie Sellecca was originally going to star on Baby Talk, Julie Duffy took over the role for the spring run, and Mary
Page Keller took over and stayed for the remainder of the run.
Lifetime aired the Canadian series, E.N.G., daily at 7 PM, then it was vanished to late night. E.N.G lasted in Canada from
1989–1994 on CTV.
Elvis' widow, Priscilla Presley, was the co–producer of Elvis. Elvis was based on the very beginning of Elvis Presley.
Robin Leach created Preview. He was the executive producer too.
NBC cancelled The George Michael Sports Machine after seven years. The series went to syndication the following season.
Ah, shucks! Broken Badges didn't last that long. I know the real reason why! Everyone missed the first episode to celebrate
my twenty–one birthday! Man, the fun times we had the club! I got so freaking drunk off my ass. I barfed in the restroom
at the club. I couldn't handle my liquid. After all, it was my first alcohol drink.
Only the first season of Neon Rider was syndication in the states. Neon Rider lasted on CTV from 1990–1994.
CBS paired Sunday Dinner with the1970's classic, All In The Family. Norman Lear's new sitcom didn't fare too well. All
In The Family had more viewers than Sunday Dinner.
The Comedy Channel and Ha! merged into a new network, Comedy Central, on April 1, 1991, April Fool's Day. Mystery Science
Theater 3000 became the network's signature series.
1990/91 Fall Season
One Season (1990/91)
America’s Funniest People – 1990–1994, ABC, comedy, Dave Coulier
Beverly Hills 90210 – 1990–2000, FOX, soap, Shannen Doherty, Jason Priestly
Evening Shade – 1990–1994, CBS, comedy, Burt Reynolds, Marilu Henner, Hal Holbrook
Fresh Prince Of Bel Air – 1990–1996, NBC, comedy, Will Smith, Alfonso Ribeiro
Gabriel’s Fire – 1990/91, ABC, detective drama, James Earl Jones
Get A Life – 1990–1992, FOX, comedy, Chris Elliot, Bob Elliot, Elinor Donahue
Law & Order – 1990–present, NBC, crime drama, Christopher Noth, Steven Hill
Parker Lewis Can’t Lose – 1990–1993, FOX, comedy, Corin Nemec
Trials Of Rosie O’Neil – 1990–1992, CBS, drama, Sharon Gless, Lisa Rieffel
True Colors – 1990–1992, FOX, comedy, Nancy Walker
Cancelled TV Shows
Against The Law – FOX, legal comedy/drama, Michael O'Keefe
American Chronicles – FOX, documentary, Richard Dreyfuss
American Dreamer – NBC, comedy, Robert Urich, Johnny Galecki, Carol Kane
Babes – FOX, comedy, Wendie Jo Sperber
Cop Rock – ABC, police musical/drama, Barbara Bosson
DEA – FOX, police drama, Chris Stanley
E.A.R.T.H. Force – CBS, adventure, first cancellation, 2 episodes, Gel Gerard
Family Man – CBS, comedy, Gregory Harrison, Scott Weinger
Fanelli Boys – NBC, comedy, Andy Hirsch
Ferris Bueller – NBC, comedy, Charlie Schlatter, Jennifer Aniston
Flash – CBS, fantasy/adventure, John Wesley Shipp
Going Places – ABC, comedy, Heather Locklear, Holland Taylor
Good Grief – FOX, comedy, Howie Mandel, Joel Brooks, Tom Poston
Haywire – FOX, comedy, David Hirsch
Hull High – NBC, musical drama, Will Lyman
Lenny – CBS, comedy, Lenny Clarke
Lifestories – NBC, dramatic anthology, Robert Prosky
Married People – ABC, comedy, Jay Thomas, Bess Armstrong
Over My Dead Body – CBS, detective drama, Edward Woodward
Parenthood – NBC, comedy, Ed Begley Jr., Leonardo DiCaprio
Uncle Buck – CBS, comedy, Kevin Meaney, Audrey Meadows
WIOU – CBS, drama, Dick Van Patten, Mariette Hartley
Working It Out – NBC, comedy, Jane Curtain, Stephen Collins
10 out of 33 new series SURVIVED for 1991/92
ABC – 2/5, America’s Funniest People, Gabriel’s Fire
CBS – 2/9, Evening Shade & Trials Of Rosie O’Neil
FOX – 4/10, Beverly Hills 90210, Get A Life, Parker Lewis Can’t
Lose & True Colors
NBC – 2/9, The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air & Law & Order
Mid season shows
American Detective – May 1991–1993, ABC, documentary, John Bunnell
Baby Talk – March 1991–1992, ABC, comedy, George Clooney, Tony Danza
Blossom – Jan 1991–1995, NBC, comedy, Mayim Bialik, Ted Wass
Dinosaurs – April 1991–1994, ABC, comedy, Jessica Walker, Sally Struthers
Expose – Jan 1991–1992, NBC, news documentary, Tom Brokaw
Hi Honey, I'm Home – 1991–1992, ABC/Nickelodeon, comedy, Charlotte Booker
Real Life With Jane Pauley – July 1990–1992, NBC, newsmagazine, Jane Pauley
Sisters – May 1991–1996, NBC, drama, Sela Ward, Swoosie Kurtz
The Sunday Comics – April 1991–1992, FOX, comedy, Jeff Altman
Cancelled Mid Season Shows
The Antagonists – CBS, legal drama, Lauren Holly
Broken Badges – CBS, crime drama, Miguel Ferrer
C. Everett Koop, M.D. – NBC, educational, Dr. C. Everett Koop
Comic Strip: Live – FOX, comedy, Greg Kroeger
Dark Shadows – NBC, supernatural, Ben Cross, Joseph Gordon–Levitt
The Dave Thomas Comedy Show – CBS, comedy, Dave Thomas
Disney Presents The 100 Lives Of Black Jack Savage – NBC, adventure, Daniel Hugh–Kelly
Eddie Dodd – ABC, legal drama, Treat Williams
Elvis – ABC, drama, Michael St. Gerard
A Family For Joe – NBC, comedy, Robert Mitchum, Ben Savage
Fantastic Facts – CBS, informational, Merlin Olsen
Good Company – CBS, comedy, Farrah Fawcett, Ryan O'Neal, William Katt
Man In The Family – ABC, comedy, 7 episodes, Leah Remini
Morton & Hayes – CBS, comedy, 6 episodes, Rob Reiner
My Life And Times – ABC, drama, 6 episodes, Helen Hunt, Megan Mullally
Sons & Daughters – CBS, drama, 7 episodes, Lucie Arnaz
Stat – ABC, comedy, 6 episodes, Alison LaPlaca
Stephen King's Golden Years – CBS, drama, 8 episodes, Tim Guinee
Sunday Best – NBC, magazine, 3 episodes, Carl Reiner
Sunday Dinner – CBS, comedy, 6 episodes, Teri Hatcher, Robert Loggia
Toon Nite – CBS, cartoon anthology, 7 episodes
Top Of The Heap – FOX, comedy, 7 episodes, Matt LeBlanc
Under Cover – ABC, espionage/foreign intrigue, 7 episodes, Linda Purl
Verdict – CBS, documentary
Yearbook – FOX, documentary, 8 episodes, Ken Dashow
You Take The Kids – CBS, comedy, 5 episodes, Nell Carter
Cable
The Adventures Of The Black Stallion – 1990–1993, Family, adventure, Mickey Rooney
Big Brother Jake – 1990–1994, Family, comedy, Jake Steinfeld
Clarissa Explains It All – March 1991–1994, Nickelodeon, comedy, Melissa Joan Hart
Club Dance – April 1991–1999, TNN, dance, Shelly Mangrum
Confession Of Crime – Lifetime, information, Theresa Saldana
Counterstrike – 1990–1993, USA, foreign intrigue, Christopher Plummer
Dream On – 1990–1996, HBO, comedy, Brian Benben, Wendi Malick
E.N.G. – Lifetime, drama, Sara Botsford
Fifteen – February 1991–1993, Nickelodeon, soap, Ken Angel, Ryan Reynolds
The Idiot Box – MTV, comedy, Alex Winter
Maniac Mansion – 1990–1993, Family, comedy, Joe Flaherty
Swamp Thing – 1990–1993, USA, sci fi/adventure, Dick Durock
Veronica Clare – Lifetime, detective drama, Laura Robinson
Welcome Freshmen – February 1991–1993, Nickelodeon, comedy, Chris Lobban
Syndication
Big Break – syndication, talent contest, Natalie Cole
The Challengers – syndication, quiz, Dick Clark
Dracula: The Series – syndication, horror, Geordie Johnson
Harry & The Hendersons – January 1991–1993, syndication, comedy, Kevin Peter Hall
The Howard Stern Show – 1990–1992, syndication, comedy/talk, Howard Stern
The Jesse Jackson Show – syndication, discussion, Jesse Jackson
The Joker's Wild – syndication, quiz, Pat Finn
Memories...Then And Now – 1990–1992, syndication, magazine, Kathryn Kinley
My Talk Show – syndication, comedy/talk, Stephanie Hodge
Neon Rider – syndication, drama, Winston Rekert
On Scene–Emergency Response – 1990–1994, syndication, documentary, Dave Forman
The Party Machine With Nia Peeples – syndication, music, Nia Peeples
Personalities – 1990–1991, syndication, interview, Charlie Rose
Preview – syndication, magazine, Paula McClure, Chuck Henry
Roggin's Heroes – January 1991–1993, syndication, human interest/sports, Fred Roggin
Studs – March 1991–1993, syndication, audience participation, Mark DeCarlo
Super Force – 1990–1992, syndication, sci fi/police, Ken Olandt
Video Challenge – syndication, talent contest, Steve Kelly
What A Dummy – syndication, comedy, David Doty
Late Night:
America Tonight – CBS, news, Charles Kuralt, Lesley Stahl
Dark Justice – April 1991–1994, CBS, legal/detective drama, Ramy Zada
The Exile – CBS, foreign intrigue, Jeffrey Meek
Fly By Night – CBS, adventure, David James Elliot
Scene Of The Crime – April 1991–1994, CBS, dramatic anthology, Stephen J. Cannell
Sweating Bullets – April 1991–1995, CBS, detective, Rob Stewart
Two Seasons (1989/90)
Adam 12 – 1989–1990, syndication, crime drama
American Gladiators – 1989–1997, Syndication, game/sports
America’s Funniest Home Videos – January 1990–1999, ABC, comedy
Bagdad Café – March 1990–1991, CBS, comedy
The Byron Allen Show – 1989–1992, syndication, talk
Carol & Company – March 1990–1991, NBC, comedy anthology
Caroline's Comedy Hour – January 1990–1995, A&E, comedy
Church Street Station – March 1989–1992, TNN, music
Comic Strip: Live – 1989–1994, FOX, comedy
A Conversation With Dinah – 1989–1991, TNN, talk
Crime Stoppers 800 – 1989–1991, syndication, public service
The Days And Nights Of Molly Dodd – 1989–1991, Lifetime, comedy/drama
Doctor, Doctor – June 1989–1991, CBS, comedy
Doogie Howser MD – 1989–1993, ABC, comedy
Down Home – April 1990–1991, NBC, comedy
Dragnet – 1989–1991, syndication, crime drama
Equal Justice – March 1990–1991, ABC, legal drama
Family Matters – 1989–1997, ABC; 1997/98, CBS, comedy
Grand – Jan 1990–1991, NBC, comedy
Hard Copy – 1989–1999, Syndication – weekdays, newsmagazine
In Living Color – April 1990–1994, FOX, comedy
Insport – 1989–1991, syndication, sports magazine
Into The Night Starring Rick Dees – July 1990–1991, ABC, comedy/variety
Just Say Julie – 1989–1992, MTV, comedy
Life Goes On – 1989–1993, ABC, drama
Major Dad – 1989–1993, CBS, comedy
Make The Grade – 1989–1991, Nickelodeon, quiz
Missing Reward – 1989–1992, syndication, public service
Mystery Science Theater 3000 – 1989–1991, Comedy Channel, comedy
The New Lassie – 1989–1991, Syndication, adventure
Northern Exposure – July 1990–1995, CBS, drama
On Stage – 1989–1992, TNN, music
Prime Time Live – 1989–1998, ABC, newsmagazine
Prime Time Pets – July 1990–1991, CBS, comedy
Rescue 911 – 1989–1996, CBS, information
Seinfeld – May 1990–1998, NBC, comedy
Shannon's Deal – April 1990–1991, NBC, legal drama
The Simpsons – Dec 1989–present, FOX, cartoon
Smash Hits – 1989–1991, syndication, music videos
Supermarket Sweep – February 1990–1998, Lifetime, quiz
Tales From The Crypt – 1989–1996, HBO, horror anthology
The Texas Connection – March 1990–1992, TNN, music
Top Cops – July 1990–1993, CBS, documentary
Totally Hidden Video – July 1989–1992, FOX, humor
Twin Peaks – April 1990–1991, ABC, soap
Wings – April 1990–1997, NBC, comedy
The Young Riders – 1989–1992, ABC, western
Zorro – January 1990–1993, Family, western
Three Seasons (1988/89)
The Adventures Of Superboy – 1988–1992, syndication, adventure
Anything But Love – March 1989–1992, ABC, comedy
Bordertown – January 1989–1991, Family Channel, adventure
Coach – Feb 1989–1997, ABC, comedy
Cops – March 1989–present, FOX, police reality
Dear John – 1988–1992, NBC, comedy
Doctor, Doctor – June 1989–1991, CBS, comedy
Empty Nest – 1988–1995, NBC, comedy
Father Dowling Mysteries – Jan 1989, NBC; Jan 1990–1991, ABC, detective drama
Family Feud – 1988–1995, syndication, quiz
Half Hour Comedy Hour – 1988–1993, MTV, comedy
Inside Edition – January 1989–present, syndication, newsmagazine
Later With Bob Costas – 1988–1994, NBC, talk
Midnight Caller – 1988–1991, NBC, drama
The Munsters Today – 1988–1991, Syndication, comedy
Murphy Brown – Nov 1988–1998, CBS, comedy
My Secret Identity – 1988–1991, Syndication, comedy
Paradise – 1988–1991, CBS, western
Quantum Leap – March 1989–1993, NBC, sci-fi
Rin Tin Tin K–9 Cop – 1988–1993, Family, adventure
Roseanne – 1988–1997, ABC, comedy
Unsolved Mysteries – 1988–1997, NBC; April 1998–1999, CBS, public service
Four Seasons (1987/88)
America’s Most Wanted – April 1988–present, FOX, public service
Club MTV – 1987–1992, MTV, music
China Beach – April 1988–1991, ABC, drama
A Different World – 1987–1993, NBC, comedy
48 Hours – Jan 1988–present, CBS, newsmagazine
Full House – 1987–1995, ABC, comedy
In the Heat Of The Night – March 1988–1992, NBC; 1992–1994, CBS, crime drama
Jake & The Fatman – 1987–1992, CBS, drama
Out Of This World – 1987–1991, Syndication, comedy
Star Trek: The Next Generation – 1987–1994, Syndication, sci-fi
Thirtysomething – 1987–1991, ABC, comedy/drama
Wiseguy – 1987–1991, CBS, crime drama
Wonder Years – March 1988–1993, ABC, comedy
Five Seasons (1986/87)
Amen – 1986–1991, NBC, comedy
Charles In Charge – January 1987–1991, Syndication, comedy
A Current Affair – 1986–1996, syndication, newsmagazine
Designing Women – 1986–1993, CBS, comedy
Double Dare – 1986–1993, Nickelodeon, quiz
Head Of The Class – 1986–1991, ABC, comedy
LA Law – 1986–1994, NBC, drama
Matlock – 1986–1992, NBC; Jan 1993–1995, ABC, drama
Married With Children – April 1987–1997, FOX, comedy
Siskel & Ebert – 1986–1999, syndication, commentary
21 Jump Street – April 1987–1990, FOX; 1990/91, Syndication, crime drama
Six Seasons (1985/86)
Crook And Chase – April 1986–1993, TNN, magazine
An Evening At The Improv – 1985–1995, A&E, comedy
The Golden Girls – 1986–1992, NBC, comedy
Growing Pains – 1986–1992, ABC, comedy
The Hogan Family – March 1986–1990, NBC; 1990/91, CBS, comedy
MacGyver – 1986–1992, ABC, adventure
Perfect Strangers – March 1986–1993, ABC, comedy
Seven Seasons (1984/85)
The Cosby Show – 1984–1992, NBC, comedy
Dr. Ruth – 1984–1991, Lifetime, discussion/advice
The George Michael Sports Machine – 1984–1991, NBC, sports highlights
Hollywood Insider – May 1985–1995, USA Network, news/gossip
Hunter – 1984–1991, NBC, crime drama
Jeopardy – 1984–present, syndication, game
Larry King Live – June 1985–present, CNN, discussion
Murder, She Wrote – 1984–1996, CBS, detective drama
Showbiz Today – 1984–2001, CNN, newsmagazine
Who’s The Boss? – 1984–1992, ABC, comedy
Eight Seasons (1983/84)
Friday Night Videos – 1983–2000, NBC, music
Lifestyles Of The Rich & Famous – January 1984–1996, syndication, magazine
Love Connection – 1983–1995, Syndication – weekdays, game
Night Court – Jan 1984–1992, NBC, comedy
Star Search – 1983–1995, Syndication, talent
Wheel Of Fortune – 1983–present, syndication, game
Nine Seasons (1982/83)
Cheers – 1982–1993, NBC, comedy
Nashville Now – March 1983–1993, TNN, talk/variety, LIVE
Ten Seasons (1981/82)
Entertainment Tonight – 1981–present, Syndication, news/gossip
Late Night With David Letterman – February 1982–1993, NBC, talk
The People's Court – 1981–1993, syndication, courtroom
Twelve Seasons (1979/80)
Knots Landing – December 1979–1993, CBS, soap
Thirteen Seasons (1978/79)
PM Magazine – 1978–1990, syndication, magazine
Fourteen Seasons (1977/78)
Dallas – April 1978–1991, CBS, soap
20/20 – June 1978–present, ABC, newsmagazine
Sixteen Seasons (1975/76)
Saturday Night Live – 1975–present, NBC; variety
Twenty one Seasons (1970/71)
Monday Night Football, 1970–2006, ABC, sports
Twenty three Seasons (1968/69)
Hee Haw – 1971–1993, syndication, variety
60 Minutes – 1968–present, CBS, magazine
Thirty seven Seasons (1954/55)
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson – 1962–1992, NBC, talk/variety
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