I don't remember how a lot of sitcoms began their run but I always remember Barney Miller.

Ramon introduced us to Barney, the other officers at the 12th Precinct and Barney's family (who would soon disappear).

For a first episode I thought the writing and acting were right on the money -- the characters very well done!!

I agree! Though I would LOVE to see the original pilot from 1974, "The Life and Times of Captain Barney Miller". The only cast members who appeared in the original pilot that went on to the series were Hal Linden and Abe Vigoda. Abby Dalton (Falcon Crest) played Elizabeth Miller in the pilot, and would be replaced on the show by Barbara Barrie. To my knowledge, this pilot doesn't exist ANYWHERE anymore. :(

I'd forgotten about the cast changes -- the original pilot would be fun to see!!


Is Barney Miller still on WGN?? I can't get that station -- wishing TVLand or Nick would carry Barney Miller.

I'd forgotten about the cast changes -- the original pilot would be fun to see!!


Is Barney Miller still on WGN?? I can't get that station -- wishing TVLand or Nick would carry Barney Miller.
Yeah, the reruns are still on WGN...I think they are only on weekends. I don't have cable, so I'm just guessing. Can anyone confirm?

I agree! Though I would LOVE to see the original pilot from 1974, "The Life and Times of Captain Barney Miller". The only cast members who appeared in the original pilot that went on to the series were Hal Linden and Abe Vigoda. Abby Dalton (Falcon Crest) played Elizabeth Miller in the pilot, and would be replaced on the show by Barbara Barrie. To my knowledge, this pilot doesn't exist ANYWHERE anymore. :(

If it did still exist that would be great to see the original pilot.

If it did still exist that would be great to see the original pilot.
I also wonder why Abby Dalton was recast. Was she not available when the pilot went to series, or was it the show's decision to get rid of her bring in Barbara Barrie?

I agree! Though I would LOVE to see the original pilot from 1974, "The Life and Times of Captain Barney Miller". The only cast members who appeared in the original pilot that went on to the series were Hal Linden and Abe Vigoda. Abby Dalton (Falcon Crest) played Elizabeth Miller in the pilot, and would be replaced on the show by Barbara Barrie. To my knowledge, this pilot doesn't exist ANYWHERE anymore. :(
I was in Barnes and Noble recently and I was leafing through a book about TV shows. According to the book the actors who played Barney's kids in Ramon were also in the first pilot. I thought that was interesting, not that either of them ever became regulars.

I was in Barnes and Noble recently and I was leafing through a book about TV shows. According to the book the actors who played Barney's kids in Ramon were also in the first pilot. I thought that was interesting, not that either of them ever became regulars.
Yes, Michael Tessier, who played Barney's son David, only appeared in the first episode. Anne Wyndham (Rachael) appeared in two episodes in the first season ("Ramon" and "The Courtesans") and in the 1981 episode "Rachael". One reason Anne Wyndham never became a regular on the show is that she went to NY to co-star on the now-defunct soap opera, Search For Tomorrow. She appeared on that show from 1975-78 and played a character named Dr. Amy Kaslo Carson. Her on-screen husband was Joel Higgins (later of Silver Spoons) and her brother was played by Michael Nouri (who played Jennifer Beals' boyfriend/boss in Flashdance).