I was born in 1968…this makes me a bona fide Generation X’er. Most of my adolescent years were spent in front of my television; indeed, I was a tv junkie in the late ’70s, ’80s, and early ’90s. My favorite television and movie genre is drama, but I could always appreciate a good comedy every now and then. Because, I spent so much time sitting in front of the tele, as our friends across the pond would say, I have seen zillions of tv shows come and go. I invite you to come back in time with me to see if you can remember these “here today, gone the next” tv shows from the ’80s, here we go:
Oh Madeline – This tv show ran from 1983 to 1984. It starred Madeline Kahn and Bill Macy…remember him, he was Maude’s husband, Arthur. The show chronicled the events of a bored housewife as she tried to spice up her life through interesting, albeit zany, adventures. I always loved Madeline Kahn ever since I first discovered her in Paper Moon with Ryan and Tatum O’Neal. Sadly, Ms. Kahn is now deceased.
*Carsey/Werner (another blast from the past) has created a website dedicated to this show, you can check it out here: www.carseywerner.net/madeline_eng.htm
It Takes Two – I loved this show! It premiered in 1982, and starred Patty Duke, Richard Crenna, and even Della Reese. It was a basic family tv show about a married lawyer and doctor and it showcased the antics of their teenage children…who just happened to be Helen Hunt and Anthony Edwards…we all know what happened to Helen and Anthony. Patty Duke, and Richard Crenna were already widely recognizable stars at the time, Ms. Duke continues to act in Lifetime-esque dramas, and Mr. Crenna passed away in 2003.
*Tvguide.com maintains an episode list for this show @ www.tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx
Angie – The thing that I loved most about this show was its theme song. Angie ran in 1979, and starred Donna Pescow, Doris Roberts, and Debralee Scott. The show’s premise surrounded the events of a working class Italian woman who married an up and coming doctor. This was Doris Roberts early rendition of Marie from Everybody Loves Raymond. Donna Pescow had earlier success as Annette in Saturday Night Fever and she later went on to star in Disney’s Even Stevens, and she had an interesting stint on The Sopranos. Debralee Scott, who was recognized by most as Rosalie “Hotsie Totsie” from Welcome Back Kotter died of unknown causes in 2005.
*You can find view and hear the opening credits to this show here: www.youtube.com/watch
Check It Out – This show initially ran on Canada’s CTV from 1985 – 1988. It starred Don Adams of Get Smart Fame. The show was all about the comedic daily lives of supermarket employees who were managed by Don Adams’ character and their interactions with each other and their customers. I can remember watching this show sporadically, and really late at night on the USA Television Network. Don Adams passed away in 2005.
*Here is a fansite for this show: http://www.geocities.com/checkitout_86/checkitout2.html
Throb – Throb was about a record company executive, and his attempts at finding promising talent for his label. The only reason that I remember this show is because Jane Leeves was a regular cast member. Frasier had become one of my favorite shows in the 90’s, and I knew that I had remembered Jane Leeves, who played the character Daphne, from some other show..but, I couldn’t figure out where I membered her from for the life of me. One day it came to me..and Throb was the answer. I don’t really know why I liked this show…but I’ll bet most of you don’t remember it.
*TV.com maintains a summary and episode guide @ www.tv.com/search.php
It’s Your Move – I absolutely adored this show! It’s Your Move aired from 1984 – 1985, and it starred Jason Bateman and Tricia Cast. This show was all about the antics of Jason Bateman’s character who was a teenage scam artist. At the time, Bateman’s older sister, Justine, got all of the hype for her role in Family Ties, but this show was far superior to me to than Family Ties, but no one could compete against Alex P. Keaton…except maybe Theo Huxtable. Unfortunately, Jason Bateman, Tricia Cast , and Justine Bateman for that matter, have all somewhat faded into television obscurity…actually, I think Tricia may have a starring role on The Young & The Restless, like I said…tv obscurity.
*TV.com maintains an episode list @ www.tv.com/it-s-your-move/show/167/summary.html
Double Trouble – Double Trouble could be an early version of Sister Sister. The show chronicled the lives of identical twin sisters, Kate and Allison Foster, who were played by Liz and Jean Sagal. This is the show that I suspect most people will easily remember. Although it only ran from 1984 – 1985, it went through a complete overhaul in an effort to save its ratings…it didn’t work, but the show was relatively popular for a while. Liz and Jean Sagal are the nieces of Katey Sagal of Married With Children & 8 Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage Daugther fame; the sisters still act from time to time but nothing really stands out since Double Trouble.
*Here is a link to the Sagal’s website: http://www.sagaltwins.com/
Deep within the annals of my memory, there lives a million more of these short lived tv shows. I will be well impressed if anyone can remember two or more of these shows; let me know if you can meet the challenge.
