"ABe Vigoda (who played Det. Fish) had been in show business for over twenty-five years before his part in BARNEY MILLER, appearing in over 80 plays. But it was his role as ruthless Mafia leader Tessio in THE GODFATHER (a role much unlike Fish) that brought him recognition. And Vigoda wanted more recognition on BARNEY MILLER. He even told creator and producer Danny Arnold that he'd like the show's title to be changed to FISH AND BARNEY (not even BARNEY and FISH). In June of 1977, a rift developed when for a second season in a row, Vigoda's agent booked him into another project that delayed BARNEY's shooting. Arnold insisted that Abe come to work. Abe sued. Arnold countersued. But by the time Vigoda returned to the set---just to be careful, they'd written in a new character, Arthur Dietrich (who could, they figured, be Fish's replacement if Vigoda didn't come back). But both actors stayed in the cast---until Vigoda was spun off into his own series---FISH---something he and the network had wanted. When FISH flopped, Vigoda wanted back in at BARNEY MILLER. Producer/creator Danny Arnold thought he asked for too much money. The answer was NO."

I think the show took a different focus after Fish left. The first couple of seasons had more slapstick-type of comedy provided by Fish than subsequent ones. By the time Fish wanted to return, the show had become a well-oiled machine, this time with Dietrich, and Levitt and Luger taking more prominent roles.

I think the show took a different focus after Fish left. The first couple of seasons had more slapstick-type of comedy provided by Fish than subsequent ones. By the time Fish wanted to return, the show had become a well-oiled machine, this time with Dietrich, and Levitt and Luger taking more prominent roles.


I read that the Fish character was still appearing on Barney Miller while his spinoff was on the air. Odd-lol

I read that the Fish character was still appearing on Barney Miller while his spinoff was on the air. Odd-lol
He only appeared in a couple of episodes after the Fish debut.

He only appeared in a couple of episodes after the Fish debut.


Oh Ok, the TV Book made it sound like he was still a regular character on BM while Fish was on the air.

Oh Ok, the TV Book made it sound like he was still a regular character on BM while Fish was on the air.
Fish appeared in his last episodes of Barney Miller, in the beginning of the 4th season of Barney Miller (Sept. 1977) then afterwards, he appeared in another episode from the 4th season, then he was also seen as Fish from an episode from the 7th season; the Fish spin-off debut in the 1977/78 fall season, correct? So, he was in 3 episodes while he was filming his own show, and one after the Fish series was canceled.

Fish appeared in his last episodes of Barney Miller, in the beginning of the 4th season of Barney Miller (Sept. 1977) then afterwards, he appeared in another episode from the 4th season, then he was also seen as Fish from an episode from the 7th season; the Fish spin-off debut in the 1977/78 fall season, correct? So, he was in 3 episodes while he was filming his own show, and one after the Fish series was canceled.


Fish made it debut on ABC during the 1976-77 Season. February of 1977

Fish made it debut on ABC during the 1976-77 Season. February of 1977
Okay, then I was wrong; he was doing both shows..darn it, cannot be perfect all the time:lol:

I liked Fish and watched the show every week, too bad it didn't survive. Pretty cool little theme too.

I liked Fish and watched the show every week, too bad it didn't survive. Pretty cool little theme too.
I agree with the theme, it was different and original.

I don't think I ever saw the show FISH. Guess it was never in syndication.

I never knew that story, thanks for posting it.

I don't think I ever saw the show FISH. Guess it was never in syndication.
I have only seen one episode of the show Fish, which appeared on one of Barney Miller's Columbia House tapes...

I don't think I ever saw the show FISH. Guess it was never in syndication.


I think it would have only been shown on Cable as part of a special. Fish didn't have enough eps to be picked up by a local Tv Station.

I remember watching one episode on TVLand some time ago. Incidently, did you know the psychologist played by Barry Gordon appeared on an episode of Leave It To Beaver. He played Beaver's friend who's parents were divorced.

Yeah I think it was apart of a one year wonder Marathon on TV LAND

fish used to air on wgn once in a while back in the 80s mostly as rain delay filler during cubs games

No one could do deadpan like Abe Vigoda/Fish. He wouldn't even have to do or say anything and he'd still be hilarious!! :rofl: