Did you prefer "Taxi" or "WKRP in Cincinnati"?

I wasn't even born during Taxi's run, but it was on repeats here at some point when I was a kid, and the ending music playing from down the hall was very soothing, and is now stuck in my head as comforting.

*Yawn* Another thread ancient TV shows.

Whose jeans were tighter--Gary Sandy's or Jeff Conaway's?

WKRP was funnier, but Taxi was a better show.

My two favorite sitcoms ever, along with Barney Miller. If forced to choose, I'd pick WKRP.

I'll take "Shows Starring Actresses I Banged" for 200.

Cincinnati is a German town; no one is funny.

Is there a tell all book about Taxi? You would think Marilu would have written it?

Gary Sandy certainly had a bigger bulge and a better body than Jenn Conaway.

Yeah, well, now he does.

Both were consistently funny but Taxi had a couple of less than stellar epidodes when the producers let Andy Kaufman do his schtick (i.e. when he would go from Latka to some other character). WKRP also had a few more serious episodes which, while still good, seemed strange and out of place compared to the usual frivolity.

Taxi won 18 Emmys, including 3 for Best Comedy Series and awards for Judd Hirsch, Christopher Lloyd, Danny DeVito, Carol Kane, and guest star Ruth Gordon.

WKRP won 1 Emmy, for videotape editing.

Taxi. The Rev. Jim is inimitable.

The first season, season and a half of WKRP was amazing. Then, as usual, network interference fucked it up.

I never "got" Taxi but it seemed like a well done character study.

R14 - How did the network change WKRP?

R15 They moved it around constantly.

Despite Hugh Wilson's success with unconventional stories (like the Turkey Day episode) CBS kept pushing for more joke/punchline kind of scripts.

MTM, its production company, also pushed for a more traditional "Mary Tyler Moore" ensemble piece. That collided with CBS, who wanted to push the show as a vehicle - first for Gary Sandy, then for Loni Anderson.

It was one of those cases where too many cooks eventually drove the show into the drink. But when the writers were able to do what they wanted to, wow. It was really good.

Still remember the episode based on the stampede at the Who concert.

"Taxi" seems like it's been forgotten, but shouldn't be. One of the best written sitcoms ever with a great cast.

It paved the way for "Cheers" in several ways, and probably didn't get as much credit because "Cheers" was such a massive hit while "Taxi" was more like "30 Rock," a middling performer that survived primarily because of critical notices ("Taxi" won Emmys in every major category).

I remember that one too R16

R17 - Cheers was not a major hit at first. It took two seasons for it to catch on.

I should have noted that, R17. "Taxi" might have lasted a bit longer had it been fortunate enough to be paired next to a hit like "The Cosby Show."

This thread makes me want to see some old episodes of "Taxi" again, to see if it holds up. Anyone know if it's aired on one of the classic TV channels?

I have the DVDs for the first couple of seasons of Taxi. It holds up very well.

As I recall, the latter seasons were not as good.

"Taxi" was on MeTV for a while, but is currently not airing. Maybe they'll bring it back when they revamp their schedule again.

I never liked Taxi. I find the trio of Danny DeVito, Judd Hirsch and Andy Kaufman revolting on so many levels. I just can't.

Ugh, Kaufman. Ugh, Devito.

WKRP all the way. Loved it.

Many episodes of Taxi are available for free viewing on IMDB. That's where I first saw the show, and I was astounded at the quality of the writing and the ensemble acting. It seems to be remembered today primarily for launching Danny DeVito's career, and he was really great as Louie, but there's much more to the show than that.

Have never seen WKRP (I'm way too young to have seen both of them when they originally aired), but this thread has made me at least somewhat curious about it.

Why only ancient shows, OP?

WKRP if only for the one episode where Andy and Jennifer posed for a calendar and Gary Sandy was shirtless.

Taxi! And I always found the opening theme song somewhat haunting.

Wow, I've been on the minority end of most of the polls. I prefer Cheers, One Day at a Time and Taxi. To me there is no comparison between Taxi and WKRP.

I preferred WKRP. But I did have a fondness for Tony Danza's ass on Taxi.

R29, I'm in the minority on all those as well. (Although I did like Frasier, Alice, and WKRP.)

KRP!!! The characters: Les, Herb, Mr. Carlson, Jennifer, Bailey, Venus, Johnny Fever, and Andy - all classic.

Also, MOTHER CARLSON.

Jim's driving test is one of the funniest bits ever.

Driving test clip

I loved the ending theme to WKRP. It was so late 70s/early 80s style rock.

Dumb nonsense lyrics....but the music takes you RIGHT back there.

The "As god is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly" Thanksgiving Episode is one of the most amazing, classic, hilarious scenes of any sit-com ever.

I loved Ian Wolfe's appearances on WKRP as Hirsch, Mother Carlson's butler. He wasn't on very often, but he was gold, every time.

Dr. Johnny Fever:[after an elderly couple has broken into the DJ booth]

"All right, you two, up against the wall! I don't what you want but you should know I've killed a lot of old people in my time, and I'm not above doing it again."

Taxi was probably technically the better show and probably more cutting edge for its time, but I prefer WKRP.

That's a classic r36 but the one where they had to write a catchy jungle for a funeral home gives it a run for it's money.

"Hey, you're young and swingin'... No time to think about tomorrow... But..there's no denying Some day you're gonna buy it... Ferryman's, Ferryman's bye bye..."

Hilarious stuff. Taxi was good but never quite grabbed me the same way.

WKRP By far

Absolutely adored WKRP. When it was dropped from our local channel, I sent them a furious letter, which I got away with because I was about 7. The station manager replied back with a very nice note.

Taxi is a good show, but I found Rev. Jim wore a little less well than Dr. Johnny Fever. Both are kind of tiresome nowadays in that OTT sitcom way but the tolerance of Jim being legit creepy toward women, stealing things, driving dangerously while under the influence, etc. is a little much for me now.

I can see why he is a classic character and why people liked him, but I think part of the reason I never completely warmed up to Taxi is that Louie was such a nasty, sadistic character. While I really liked Cheers, I kind of felt the same about Carla towards the end. She worked well as a foil for Diane, and Diane could hold her own against Carla. Later on it was just her being miserable and tormenting hapless Cliff. Actually all the characters were pretty spiteful at the end. It went from being a bar where everyone knew your name to one where everyone hated on another.

I caught some WKPR last year on Antenna TV. In addition to Turkey Drop - it really did have some funny scenes. Johnny and the phone cops -- the photo episode with Herb trying to seduce the photographer (probably not PC) and Andy in a speedo etc. -- and I always loved the Ferryman jingle.

R43 - hey we're young and swinging, no time to think about tomorrow. But someday don't deny it. Someday you're gonna buy it.

"Carter Country", OP.

Let's just say it like it is...

Do you prefer Tony Danza's tight jeans to Gary Sandy's tight jeans.

CBS regretted cancelling WKRP. Right after they cancelled the series, it started to rise in the ratings over the summer as people tuned in to see the shows they missed during the regular season. It was consistently top 10or 20 that summer of 1982.

Gary Sandy's bulge was hypnotizing.

But I thought Tony Danza was over-all sexier.

I watched both shows religiously.

I thought Taxi's theme song was very generic sounding.

Like others have said, Taxi was probably a "better" show but WKRP was funnier.

I've forgotten the details of why they ended up there, but in one episode the cast of WKRP ended up in a porn theater, which was showing a 3-D porn movie. They're shown from the front, all wearing their 3-D glasses, so you don't see what's happening on the screen. You just hear the moans. The running joke was that they're all busily discussing whatever (the plot to the episode) then suddenly diving to the side to avoid the (implied) 3-D cum shots.

It was pretty racy and VERY funny for a sitcom of the 70s.

WKRP felt more like a Norman Lear sitcom. TAXI at that point could only be compared to Barney Miller.

Taxi had more laugh out loud moments for me than any other sitcom.

R52 - when Louie was trying to figure out how much to ask for from Jim's father.

One of the best episodes is when Louie gets Bobby to go as him to his high school reunion.

[quote]I've forgotten the details of why they ended up there, but in one episode the cast of WKRP ended up in a porn theater,

IIRC, they were trying to get Herb to see a doctor to check his heart.

WKRP....

Although both were before my time, I love the old sitcoms. WKRP is one of my favorites. Taxi, sorry, but not a fan at all.

There are some great Taxi bits, such as Reverend Jim singing the lyrics to "The Bob Newhart Show" ("Here's Bob and Emilyyyyy...") to my favorite episode, where Elaine gets the horrible hairdo from Ted danson the famous stylist.

But WKRP was better. It sometimes when for sanctinmonious a-very-special-episode slop ("Venus Flytrap Explains the Atom"), but it was so inventive. Who could forget Jennifer's seductive chime on her home's doorbell? Who could forget Bailey finally getting to substitute for Les to do the news at one of his less favored time slots (against his furious protests), only to be almost defeated by his insanely egomaniacal recorded intros ("Les Nessman! News! Les Nessman! News!")? Who could forget how Andy's jeans had been literally sanded in the crotch and seat to best show off his incredible assets?

[R 56]=eagle eye.

I work in an open office, and I have tape on the floor to outline where my doors and walls should be, just like Les Nessman.

The Ferryman jingle made my mom laugh so hard...less than a week after she had lost her oldest grandchild in a car wreck. We watched that episode together and as it progressed I was worried that she'd somehow lose it...and she did, in a good way that was cathartic for her. One of my favorite episodes, especially now that she's gone too. It makes me remember her and my nephew.

R19 ironically those first two seasons of Cheers are IMO by far the best. I'm not just saying that to be contrarian.

Same with Family Ties - which basically had the same ratings situation, and was also liked by critics, but today isn't remembered as fondly as it probably deserves to be.

Both much better than Cosby.

Family Ties better than The Cosby Show? I don't think so. And I adore Michael J. Fox.

R21 Carol Kane ruined the show for me. That Latka Simka pairing was way too precious.

Still, I definitely preferred Taxi. Surprised this is the minority opinion.

Did anyone mention the WKRP episode that had a TV or movie crew film Herb and his family -- kind of like an early reality show?

[quote]And I adore Michael J. Fox.

Mary.

Well then everyone should be a Mary, r64.

[quote]Who could forget Jennifer's seductive chime on her home's doorbell?

It was "Fly Me to the Moon". Played to the hilt during the episode when the cast thought Jennifer was spending Christmas alone. I loved that they made the sexy blonde bimbo secretary as an intelligent, competent character. Take that, Suzanne Somers.

The reality show episode with Herb's Family was for a show called Real Families based on the then hit Real People.

Taxi. No contest. WKRP was cheesy, banal crap. Hated it with the same passion as Three's Company. The off-key, mind-numbing theme songs of both shows sounded like they were written and sung by the same people,too. Include in that mix Too Close for Comfort. Awful. Would turn the channel whenever those shows were on. They were, at best, background noise.

Never found anything remotely interesting or funny about Johnny Fever, Les Nesman or Lonnie Anderson's shellacked helmet hair and big boobs. Taxi had interesting character studies and classic comedy (Jim's driving test, for example). Louie was evil and hilarious (DeVito). Good chemistry with the cast. Some poignant moments here and there. The only moment that was remotely memorable from WKRP was that "I thought turkeys can fly" dialogue line.

[quote] Andy Travis' used speedo

I'm not used! I just had a LOT of work to do.

[quote][R21] Carol Kane ruined the show for me. That Latka Simka pairing was way too precious.

I HATED Carol Kane's voice.

@63, I loved that episode.

Didn't Marilu confess to sleeping with practically the entire cast? Said Judd was great in bed.

R72 - Yes, Marilu slept with nearly everyone, except Danny (I think).

Well, she's a bit slutty isn't she?

Marilu and Carol Kane did the lez-lez?

I'm surprised WKRP is winning.

WKRP has the blood of disco on its hands.

I agree with R60. Family Ties was better than The Cosby Show. TCS was so preachy. I liked it as a kid, but I can barely tolerate it in reruns. Family Ties was a bit edgier and they allowed their main characters to go there e.g. Alex's drug use, whereas on Cosby Theo found a joint and he had to prove to his parents someone planted it. The Huxtables were too perfect. I also think TCS went further downhill than FT at the end. I mean cousin Pam, really?????

The later years of [italic]The Cosby Show[/italic] were basically "The Olivia and Pam Show with Special Guests: The Huxtables." When I saw them using that antiquated bit with one guy relaying messages between two people in the same room who refuse to speak to each other, I knew the end was near.

The Cosby Show - while not exactly revolutionary was a well written family sitcom its first year or two (there were some really bad sitcoms in the late 70's). Cosby, while not exactly popular here, was talented and did a good job using his strengths to play Cliff H. The problem for me was, pretty early in the run, it went from Cosby playing Cliff to Cosby being Cosby and about half the episode would be him improvising reactions while watching Rudy and her friends. It would be like a ten minute pudding pop commercial with him mugging for the camera.

[quote]I agree with [R60]. Family Ties was better than The Cosby Show. TCS was so preachy. I liked it as a kid, but I can barely tolerate it in reruns. Family Ties was a bit edgier and they allowed their main characters to go there e.g. Alex's drug use, whereas on Cosby Theo found a joint and he had to prove to his parents someone planted it. The Huxtables were too perfect. I also think TCS went further downhill than FT at the end. I mean cousin Pam, really?????

Generally speaking, most everything on television in the 80's could be considered "preachy" or message oriented, sitcoms, dramas, movies, cartoons etc. Family Ties and The Cosby Show are equally "preachy". Alex's 1/2 hour drug addiction did not in the least bit change that or somehow make the show edgy. Every 1980's sitcom had a drug episode. Diff'rent Strokes' drug episode including a guest appearance by Nancy Regan, in addition to appearances by two drug addicted cast members (Plato and Bridges). I also found the Cousin Pam seasons much more plausible than the menopausal Elyse Keaton's, later in life 4th child seasons.

I would not say Elyse's pregnancy was implausible, since it was a plot point because the actress really was pregnant.

Agree with the peachiness - it was standard for most sitcoms of the time. Different Strokes even had a very special episode of what do with a child molester (played by Gordon Jump). People used to joke about Blossom having very special episodes, but it was pretty standard at that time.

Different World was on a local station a few years ago. In some ways that might have aged the best (at least the middle years). The messages worked more organically into the college setting.

Regardless of whether Elyse's pregnancy was plausible, precocious kids with bowl cuts (esp. if they were added later in the series to be the new young child) were the bane of sitcoms for years.

[quote]I would not say Elyse's pregnancy was implausible, since it was a plot point because the actress really was pregnant.

I agree. Which is why I did not say that it was implausible. I said that her menopausal pregnancy was less plausible than the story line of Cousin Pam.

I'm Free!

Oh what kind of fag wouldn't rather see Travis in his way too tight jeans?

I don't "prefer" any one show. I enjoy both for what they offer. Gary Sandy has thrilled me more than most of his peers.

There weren't all that many preachy episodes on DS or The Cosby Show.

Elyse is a beautiful name.

Jeff Conaway was underrated.

WKRP, because they had the n*gro in a starring role and Taxi didnt

R90 - No he wasn't.

Do you prefer GROWING PAINS or an eternity in the fiery pits of Hell?

I did not like: Cheers, Taxi. Cosby, or any of that must see NBC shit from Thursday nights of yore.

WKRP was kind of dull, but Gary's bulge and Loni's hair were the real stars.

Bobbby had some very funny bits like when he held up the guy who held him up in his cab.

Jeff was not a very good actor. He was not even all that convincing as an actor.

Cosby was torpedoed by the fact that none of the kids could act worth shit.

R97 - Lisa Bonet had some talent, ditto the one who played Vanessa. Malcolm wasn't bad.

Bobby played Shakespeare on the show and was very convincing.

Lisa Bonet is like a less engaged Susan Dey.

cosby show isnt funny i cant watch it reruns.

the writing was better on Taxi.

It's amazing that they could get away with a taxi driving across a bridge for 40 seconds for the theme.

When Family Ties did an "issue," show, I felt it was more legit because it was a far better acted show (except for Tina Yothers, of course) then Cosby certainly or really any other family sitcom I can think of. It probably could have gotten away with being a straight dramatic show because the acting and charactierizations were strong enough to carry it through.

The confrontations between MJF and Meredith Baxter could be especially good and hit a nerve. There were times where I felt like I could detect a slightly Oedipal element to their relationship, but, well, obviously I was wrong about that one.

That said, A, My Name is Alex took the whole VSE thing too fucking far. It won a freaking Emmy too. The rest I generally think are very well done.

Both very good shows, but Taxi was better and it still holds up. It's s ahem that the DVDs for WKRP have all the original songs cut out, losing all the cultural references and musical backdrop.

The confrontations between MJF and Meredith Baxter could be especially good and hit a nerve. There were times where I felt like I could detect a slightly Oedipal element to their relationship, but, well, obviously I was wrong about that one.

There is only 14 years age difference between Baxter and Fox.

[quote]The confrontations between MJF and Meredith Baxter could be especially good and hit a nerve. There were times where I felt like I could detect a slightly Oedipal element to their relationship, but, well, obviously I was wrong about that one.

There is only 14 years age difference between Baxter and Fox.

I hated Jennifer she was a fugly fat girl that never fit in. I wished Bridge would've aborted her. Why couldn't she have been a Chuck Cunningham.

And how did the house get an extra bedroom once Andrew was born. You know the kid that played Andrew got sent to jail for murder.

[quote]It's s ahem that the DVDs for WKRP have all the original songs cut out, losing all the cultural references and musical backdrop.

Shout! Factory got the DVD rights and is doing a complete series set. They're trying to clear as much music as they can, but they admitted up front they won't be able to get everything. Led Zeppelin refuses to license "Stairway to Heaven" to anyone at any cost. Even the video version of [italic]Wayne's World[/italic] removed it, killing a joke about how that song is forbidden in music stores.

[quote]You know the kid that played Andrew got sent to jail for murder.

He beat his girlfriend, but she survived. He's the new Dana Plato.

I was a kid when they were on in first run. My parents watched both but I couldn't stand Taxi. The grungy, dreary set, the fugliness of Judd Hirsch and Andy Kaufman...yuck. I prefer everything about WKRP, even though I haven't seen it in a couple decades at least. The episode where the Tarleks were on "Real Families" was my favorite.

Mama Carlson wanted her grandchild aborted because the parents were a little older. She was the original C word.

Poor Arthur was such a wussy wuss wuss.

[quote]Mama Carlson wanted her grandchild aborted because the parents were a little older.

I think Carmen, the wife considered this as well. It never would have happened, but they would never have that even brought up as an option on a network sitcom now.

[quote]It never would have happened, but they would never have that even brought up as an option on a network sitcom now.

God'll get you for that, R113.

the Carlsons looked like they were in their sixties anyway so it must have been a miracle child.

R115 - They were not in their 60s. People looked older then.

I loved both, but WKRP was my favorite sitcom of all time. It still is. Consistently hilarious.

I used to watch both with my dad, but WKRP was our favorite. I loved that Monday Night CBS 1-2 punch of "M.A.S.H" and "WKRP" in the late '70s and early '80s.

Both shows were ingenious. I think I preferred "WKRP in Cincinnati" though. It was more consistently funny. Gary Sandy, Howard Hesseman, and Tim Reid were fucking hot too.

"Booooogerrrrrrrr!"

WKRP rocked!!! Literally and figuratively.

I loved both of them equally.

The best episode of "Taxi," tied with the Driving Test, was "Elegant Iggy."

Very poignant.

Both were great, but "WKRP" had my heart. I loved the comedy, the music, the cast...

WKRP had hotter guys. I watched it all the time.

Between 1978 & 1982 (I was between the ages of 13 and 17), WKRP made me laugh so hard. They rarely, if ever, had a dud episode. 4 Seasons of pure joy and hilarity. I used to have tons of episodes recorded on VHS but lost them in a move years ago. That show made me laugh at a really sad time in my life (bullies at school, loneliness, family issues, abusive & drunk step-dad, bully step-brothers, etc.)

If not for shows like "WKRP", "M.A.S.H", "Soap", "Taxi" and "Barney Miller", I don't know if I would have made it to my happy adulthood/manhood.

Amen, R125. My situation was the same. I'm glad we made it. LOL.

I preferred "WKRP", but loved both.

[quote]precocious kids with bowl cuts (esp. if they were added later in the series to be the new young child) were the bane of sitcoms for years.

Oh THIS. I hate those fucking haircuts. Every kid in the movies or tv had/has one.

I wanted the be the filling in an Andy Travis/Dr. Johnny Fever sandwich when I was a young teen. Yum, Yum!

I hope the new DVD set of WKRP has all the original music used in the original broadcasts (like Blondie, Pink Floyd, Van Halen, Elton John, Kiss, AC/DC, The Cars, Foreigner, Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Cheap Trick, etc.)

I loved Taxi & WKRP, but I preferred WKRP.

WKRP was also one of the few shows that kept its entire cast together all the way through the series run.

The WKRP episode where a huge snowstorm was heading towards Cincinatti and even though the "B" was broken on the newsroom teletype, Les insisted on reading the report as is.

"A giant lizzard is headed towards Cincinatti. I could be the biggest lizzard the city has ever seen."

R130 - I think you are right. Taxi kept most of the cast, but not all.

WKRP, baby. I loved Taxi too, but WKRP rocked my little world.

WKRP - Venus Flytrap was the shit! LOL. I wanted to be him when I grew up.

My buddies and I used to watch "WKRP" stoned. It was even more of a laugh riot.

WKRP!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Venus is showing off his flashy wardrobe] Venus Flytrap: I only came downtown to have one of my suits serviced.

Dr. Johnny Fever: I'll bet a suit like that stays in the shop most of the time.

Venus Flytrap: I got suits I can't get parts for.

WKRP

Venus: Johnny, need I remind you that the police are going to search every inch of this station, including your desk drawer?

Johnny: I'll go get those albums.

Les Nessman: It's flying something behind it and I can't quite make it out. It's a large banner and it says H A P P Y... T H A N K S... giving... from W... K... R... P! What a sight, ladies and gentlemen. What a sight. The 'copter seems to circling the parking area now. I guess it's looking for a place to land. No! Something just came out of the back of a helicopter. It's a dark object, perhaps a skydiver plummeting to the earth from only two thousand feet in the air... There's a third... No parachutes yet... Those can't be skydivers. I can't tell just yet what they are but... Oh my God! They're turkeys! Oh no! Johnny can you get this? Oh, they're crashing to the earth right in front of our eyes! One just went through the windshield of a parked car! This is terrible! Everyone's running around pushing each other. Oh my goodness! Oh, the humanity! People are running about. The turkeys are hitting the ground like sacks of wet cement! Folks, I don't know how much longer... The crowd is running for their lives. I think I'm going to step inside. I can't stand here and watch this anymore. No, I can't go in there. Children are searching for their mothers and oh, not since the Hindenberg tragedy has there been anything like this. I don't know how much longer I can hold my position here, Johnny. The crowd...

Mr. Carlson: A record? Have you got a record?

Johnny: No. ... Not in this country. It was nothing! It was a ... minor misunderstanding one night with 145 Mexican cops.

One of my favorite Taxis is when Alex goes to visit his father in the hospital. His father had just had a heart attack and Alex had not seen him in many years. Alex has a long and tearful confession to the sleeping patient who he thinks is his father & then his father walks in.

WHET Randall Carver?

R141 - He was a nobody.

Les Nessman: "Have you ever wondered why Russian women look like men? I think they kidnap men from all over the world...and turn them into Russian women. That's what I think happened to Jimmy Hoffa."

I'm somehow shocked Randall Carver is now 68.

The first season was 35 or so years ago,

stop posting this shit. no one cares about your dead dinosaur sitcoms

fun in every way

WKRP was my favorite show.

WKRP - Real families (1980)

Lucille (Played by Edie McClurg): We only allow the children to watch wholesome, family entertainment.

TV Hostess: Like what?

Lucille: Well, the Little House on the Prairie. Now that's a fine, wholesome show. It's about blind children out west, and every week they have a fire, or someone gets an incurable disease. We enjoy it very much.

WKRP - An Explosive Affair (1981)

Johnny: Don't you people get it? It's the phone cops!!

Andy: There is no such thing as phone cops!

Johnny: Oh, sure. Cover for them.

WKRP - An Explosive Affair (1981)

Les: Of course, I'll have to update my story. How'd you like it, Andy?

Andy: How'd I like what, Les?

Les: My four o'clock news report. Didn't you listen?

Andy: Les, the transmitter blew up!

Les: Of course! That was my lead!

Johnny: You led off the newscast by telling them that we're off the air?

Les: (semi-confused)... No. But I can include that in my update.

"WKRP In Cincinnati" - funniest show EVER!

Les: What is an executrix?

Herb: I don't know. High heels and a whole lot of leather, something like that.

Johnny: Here's how we do it. We go into the supermarket. (to Bailey) You create a ruckus in the produce section. (to Venus) You grab the poster, slip it under your jacket, we're out the door!

Bailey: What kind of ruckus?

Johnny: I don't know, uh, something with mangoes.

Bailey: Mangoes?

Andy: (entering) Hey, Venus, don't worry about the posters; they'll be out of the supermarkets by tomorrow.

Venus: Thank goodness.

Bailey: Oh, too bad. I was just getting a mental picture of me and those mangoes.

Johnny: (interested) Yeah...?

WKRP...

Les: Are you trying to tell me that I'm not worthy of Lorraine?

Jennifer: No, I'm trying to tell you that Lorraine is not worthy of you.

Les: She cost $200.

Jennifer: No, she CHARGES $200. Les, I'm talking about the oldest profession.

Les: Lorraine's a farmer?

R148, "Real Families" was my favorite episode. It rocked (in more ways than one, the soundtrack included AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long" and the Rolling Stones' "She's So Cold", both new songs at the time). The original airdate was Saturday, November 15, 1980. A pure and true classic. Edie McClurg was hysterical.

My favorite sitcoms ever:

1. WKRP in Cincinnati (1978-1982)

2. Get Smart (1965-1970)

3. Barney Miller (1975-1982)

4. Seinfeld (1989-1998)

5. Taxi (1978-1983)

6. I Love Lucy (1951-1957)

7. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005-present)

8. Bob Newhart Show (1972-1978)

9. Mary Tyler Moore (1970-1977)

10. M*A*S*H (1972-1983)

Both were amazing and so well written. Both were classic comedy that really stands the test of time.

[quote]"Real Families" was my favorite episode.

IIRC, Herb Jr. had a doll.

Whats with all the 80s nostalgia polls.

"WKRP" is my favorite show ever. It hit the airwaves on CBS in 1978, when I was 10. I was an instant fan and remain so to this day. Ingenious.

I remember in the early '90s, a decade after "WKRP" went off the air, a revival of the series was announced for syndication. I was so excited. "The NEW WKRP in Cincinnati" went on the air and I watched the first episode and almost died. I gave it one more try and hated it. It was terrible. Only four original cast members were back, and apparently NONE of the same writers. "The NEW WKRP" was abysmal.

R156, If you aren't interested in them, hon, don't read 'em. Go back to your Twilight, One Direction, 16 and Pregnant, Bridezillas, and Real Housewives threads.

The Brady Bunch was a thousand times better than W.K.R.P. or Taxi. Those 2 shows were just jiggle tv selling sex.

As well as all the classics mentioned, I remember the WKRP episode where they are doing some kind of public service demonstration showing the effects of alcohol on the system. Johnny is supposed to ring a bell at the sound of a whistle(?). He takes a drink every few minutes and does it again. Instead of having the effect of slowing down his reflexes, he gets quicker at it, frustrating the people (cops?) conducting the study. (It’s a lot funnier than I’ve described it.)

r158 But I hate all those things too.

R161, We just can't take you anywhere now, can we? LOL. We'll just have to find something that you WILL like.

R159 - Obviously you did not watch Taxi. Marliu Henner did have quite a body, but it was not the focus of the show.

In fact, there was very little sex and practically no violence on the show.

THOSE OLD SHOWS SUCK. NEW SHOWS ARE BETTER. MTV RULES!

R164 - you poor deluded thing.

Taxi had more classic episodes. Carol Kane was one of the funniest actors on TV ever.

R164, do you seriously believe that [italic]Here Comes Honey Boo Boo[/italic], [italic]Duck Dynasty[/italic] and [italic]Mike and Molly[/italic] are better than either of the shows in this poll?

R159, "The Brady Bunch" was a sappy, unfunny children's show that I didn't even like when I was a child. "WKRP in Cincinnati" and "Taxi" were both intelligently written and very funny. Next you'll be saying that "Small Wonder" and "Out of This World" were better than "Star Trek" and "I Love Lucy."

Even I would have rather stared at Gary Sandy's moose knuckle than spout any more of the doggerel Sherwood Schwartz forced upon me. You do the one Julie Andrews musical that flops and you're paying for it for the rest of your life!

Even the Kardashians and Honey Boo Boo are much more entertaining than those old timey shows. At least THEY ARE REAL PEOPLE! I have never seen either one of those shows (WPRK or Taxi) but they are prolly old, fake laugh tracked, and cheesey. Old shows are not funny. The only 70's 80's shows I saw were Facts of Life, Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley and those shows were painful and unfunny. Maybe they were hilarious in 1979 but we are more sophisticated with our humor now.

R170, Yeah, Two Broke Girls and Mike & Molly are just soooooooo sophisticated. (Rolls Eyes).

[quote]we are more sophisticated with our humor now.

Thus spoke the person who used the non-word "prolly."

R170, If Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley and The Facts of Life are what you think represents '70s and '80s humor, you are mistaken. Those shows were regarded as light-weight trash then. Watch Mary Tyler Moore, Taxi, WKRP, Bob Newhart, All In The Family, Barney Miller, or MASH for a true representation of quality humor of the day.

[quote]WPRK

Comrades, for those of you just tuning in, downtown Pyongyang has just been bombed with live turkeys by imperialist invaders who will be quickly defeated by glorious North Korean leaders.

[quote]Those shows were regarded as light-weight trash then.

They seem less so compared to the even lighter-weight, even trashier shows that pass for network sitcoms today. Yes, even the so-called "good" ones, the ones declared so by culturally biased critics who are usually white, male and heterosexual.

Jan Smithers was married to James Brolin who is known for his Gary Sandy like appendage.

[quote]Watch Mary Tyler Moore, Taxi, WKRP, Bob Newhart, All In The Family, Barney Miller, or MASH for a true representation of quality humor of the day.

Those were only the highest quality if you hadn't seen or heard of Monty Python, Mel Brooks, early (pre-[italic]Interiors[/italic]) Woody Allen, John Waters, or George Carlin.

I never was a sitcom fan, but WKRP is my favorite sitcom ever made. I love that one.

Taxi and WKRP are classy well written shows. They are not quite as good as The Bob Newhart show, but they are very good.

I always thought Taxi and WKRP were badly written and sexist shows. I preferred Diff'rent Strokes, Happy Days, Mork & Mindy, and such. They were innocent but fun. I could more easily relate to the Cunninghams on Happy Days than those loons on Taxi or WKRP. Good Times, Maude, What's Happening?, Hello Larry and The Jeffersons were also far superior.

How were they sexist? The female characters on those programs were smart, levelheaded successful women. Skirt chasers like Herb were depicted as losers.

To get it back to DL level--Taxi had Tony Danza in tight clothing and WKRP had Gary Sandy in tight clothing. Eye candy to be savored.

Tony below, Gary to follow.

Gary Sandy.

What ever happened to Gary Sandy? He just sorta disappeared after this show was over.

None of them really went far after WKRP

R180 is Fred Silverman.

His last credit was ten years ago.

Clearly he's left acting after decades doing just bit parts and guest appearances.

Here's a pic from a radio interview in 2012:

"Baby, if you've ever wondered. Wondered... whatever became of me..."

Those were two hilarious shows, "WKRP" on CBS and "Taxi" on ABC (for its first 4 years, then it moved to NBC for its final season). In 1983, HBO showed interest in moving "Taxi" to its network, but several cast members opted out so HBO shelved the idea.

[italic]Mama's Family[/italic] was supposed to premiere in the fall of 1982, but it got pushed back to mid-season when NBC picked up [italic]Taxi[/italic] relatively late in the scheduling game.

HAPPY DAYS was much smarter and funnier than either of those lame shows.

I was never a big [italic]Happy Days[/italic] fan, but at least Henry Winkler could respond to a name other than his own, unlike some I could name.

R191, I thought "Happy Days" stunk to high heaven (ditto Laverne & Shirley, Mork & Mindy, Joanie Loves Chachi, etc.), but Henry Winkler is a very nice and cordial man. No attitude at all. I have had several dealings with him over the years... a real and true sweetheart.

R192, are yous talkin' 'bout me?

I liked Taxi, but I loved WKRP with a passion.

Tony's butt was made to be eaten and fucked.

Happy Days had its moments, but had little if the sophistication of either Taxi or WKRP.

I loved both shows. Both were hysterical. I could not pick a fave between TAXI and WKRP. Two of my fave childhood shows!

R197 I wouldn't exactly call WKRZp the height of sophistication (been among sitcoms of that time).

One of those shows loved much more by DL then IRL.

R199 - The late 70s and early 80s were not a time of sophisticated comedies.

Bump

WTF ever happened to the actor who played John on TAXI? He was replaced by the Rev. Jim character and never mentioned again.

Please don't hate me, but I could never stand Andy Kaufman. I think he had about as much talent as Andy Dick. Less perhaps.

Gary Sandy was HOT in his tight,tight jeans. When the show started wasn't his Andy character supposed to be the central character on the show? I started to watch it just to see his bulge but soon stopped when I noticed it soon was taking a different course.

R202 - They replaced him because the character was not bringing much that was unique.

Lloyd had appeared in season 1 as Jim to perform a sham marriage for Latka. The producers brought him back the next year.

It was a time of working-class men in denim.

Also

Objectively I thought Taxi was a good show, but I enjoyed WKRP more. Danny DeVito was good as Louie, perhaps too good, because I never cared for how miserable he tried to make everyone. I am not sure I ever really cared for Judd Hersch's character either, not that the actor did a bad job. With Louie terrorizing everyone and Judd and the others often being down on their luck, it could be kind of a depressing show. I was in junior high when the show was on, so I might appreciate it more now.

Two words: Gary Sandy

"Oh --- I'm a big fat muffin who has no feet, I'm a big fat muffin who loves to eat, but most of all I'm a big fat muffin that loooooves to explode." And then you did.

Never paid much attention to either one.