No disrespect to the great Hal Linden or the Barney Miller character, but once the show took the focus away from his family life and just focused in on the precinct, I think the show needed a name change. It was more of an ensemble sitcom than a show focusing on one character. Does anyone agree? Disagree?

I understand your point of view, but I always felt the show flowed through Barney.

Not only was he the captain, he the most down to earth "everyman" of the group. Barney was always the voice of reason and the one person that every crisis and consultation went through.

I liked that it remained "Barney Miller". When all is said and done it's almost like the show is Barney Miller's memoirs of his time at the precint.

^ I agree. Barney was the captain and the axle around which the whole show turned. He was the only sane one in a precinct full of loonies (suspects, victims, detectives AND Inspector Luger :lol:). So I'm glad they kept the show titled after its main character. :D

The show was right to be called Barney Miller

^ I agree. Barney was the captain and the axle around which the whole show turned. He was the only sane one in a precinct full of loonies (suspects, victims, detectives AND Inspector Luger :lol:). So I'm glad they kept the show titled after its main character. :D
Yeah, Barney was sort of like the eye of the hurricane, the calm in the middle of all the crazy. :crazy:

I understand the sentiment of wanting a title that was more inclusive, but naming a the show after the lead character is very common. And it's a easy and effective way to to make the show quickly identifiable.

Your point is well taken, though, particularly since Miller was one of the most selfless lead characters you'll ever find. His focus was mostly on others, not on his own issues, which is more of the norm for sitcom leads.