Howdy!

I was a child in the 1970's before the era of cable and internet.

I was too young and do not remember "Flo" the TV show, but I would be interested to know why this show failed. I think that Flo was the big draw on "Alice", so what happened?

The show was given a mid season birth on CBS's Monday night lineup--after M*A*S*H--naturally huge ratings....easy renewal. The following fall CBS moved the show to a deadly time slot, where ratings fell instantly. Also the fact that Flo was meant to be a comic sidekick, not a lead straight woman.

The show was given a mid season birth on CBS's Monday night lineup--after M*A*S*H--naturally huge ratings....easy renewal. The following fall CBS moved the show to a deadly time slot, where ratings fell instantly. Also the fact that Flo was meant to be a comic sidekick, not a lead straight woman.
Being a great comic sidekick is no guarantee you will be able to carry your own show. Just look at Joey Tribbiani. Great as a sidekick on Friends but bombed as the lead on the spinoff Joey.

Great points, both Jude and Marv. :nod:

It failed because Mel, Alice, and Vera seemed to be missing in every episode-lol,

Well, Vic Tayback (Mel) DID guest on one Flo episode entitled "What Are Friends For?" It aired on March 14, 1981.

^Probably was the highest rated Flo episode too!

^Probably was the highest rated Flo episode too!
I wouldn't doubt it!! :D

Being a great comic sidekick is no guarantee you will be able to carry your own show. Just look at Joey Tribbiani. Great as a sidekick on Friends but bombed as the lead on the spinoff Joey.


True, but before Joey Tribbiani, there were the characters "Rhoda Morgenstern", "Phyllis Lindstrom", "Maude Findlay", "Florida Evans", and "George Jefferson". Each character started as a 'sidekick' on CBS sitcoms who spun-off to star in their own show with great success just a few seasosn before "Florence Jean Castlebury". I think CBS was looking at these shows back in 1980, and never thought a spin-off could fail.

True, but before Joey Tribbiani, there were the characters "Rhoda Morgenstern", "Phyllis Lindstrom", "Maude Findlay", "Florida Evans", and "George Jefferson". Each character started as a 'sidekick' on CBS sitcoms who spun-off to star in their own show with great success just a few seasosn before "Florence Jean Castlebury". I think CBS was looking at these shows back in 1980, and never thought a spin-off could fail.[/QUOTE]

Don't forget another spin-off dud was "Checking In" starring Marla Gibbs, ironically as Florence....

Being a great comic sidekick is no guarantee you will be able to carry your own show. Just look at Joey Tribbiani. Great as a sidekick on Friends but bombed as the lead on the spinoff Joey.


True, but before Joey Tribbiani, there were the characters "Rhoda Morgenstern", "Phyllis Lindstrom", "Maude Findlay", "Florida Evans", and "George Jefferson". Each character started as a 'sidekick' on CBS sitcoms who spun-off to star in their own show with great success just a few seasosn before "Florence Jean Castlebury". I think CBS was looking at these shows back in 1980, and never thought a spin-off could fail.


Remember too, "Maude", "Good Times" & "The Jeffersons" all had Norman Lear too.

I didn't like the setting or her supporting cast it should have been done better. I would have had it set in a diner she now managing with a better cast. I also didn't care much for the theme either.

I didn't like the setting or her supporting cast it should have been done better. I would have had it set in a diner she now managing with a better cast. I also didn't care much for the theme either.

Yes, I agree. The problem was the show itself, it was just not very good. It was a far cry from the quality production of Alice. I loved the show Alice, and even at the time, I did not really care much for the show Flo. It really did not hold my attention, it just seemed kind of bland. Polly Holiday was marvelous in the role though.

Yes, I agree. The problem was the show itself, it was just not very good. It was a far cry from the quality production of Alice. I loved the show Alice, and even at the time, I did not really care much for the show Flo. It really did not hold my attention, it just seemed kind of bland. Polly Holiday was marvelous in the role though.
It's just a shame that Polly Holliday never had another breakthrough role. But I DID love her recurring role as Jill's mom on Home Improvement. :cool: :D

The show could have been much better. I read that Holliday wanted a show where Flo was more of a "fish out of water" or even in Washington dating a politician, which might have been more interesting. One problem was that Flo was "right at home", surrounded by a bunch of good ole boys. In my opinion, what made her far more interesting on Alice was the conflict of all the different characters. They all had DIFFERENT outlooks on things, which made situations funnier. Shows like AITF, Barney Miller, The Golden Girls, Night Court, all had characters with totally unique personalities in conflict with each other (even though they were friends) from show to show, which seemed to keep the situations fresh and interesting. Everyone seemed too much alike on Flo, IMHO.

Since I haven't seen the shows since they were originally on CBS (don't recall any syndicated reruns), my view would have to be refreshed, but I'm sure I could easily point out the failings of the show now as compared to then.

Since I haven't seen the shows since they were originally on CBS (don't recall any syndicated reruns), my view would have to be refreshed, but I'm sure I could easily point out the failings of the show now as compared to then.

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