Knowing that the show was facing a likely cancellation, a meeting was held in 1983 with Norman Lear, Carroll O' Connor and other show personnel regarding some ways the show could be revitalized.

One idea that was put forward was that Rob Reiner could return as Mike for some episodes, bringing back the contentious relationship between him and Archie, especially where Mike and Gloria were now divorced.

Was Rob Reiner actually contacted about this? And would it have been feasible, as Reiner was directing This is Spinal Tap? Maybe he would have returned as a favor to Norman Lear and Carroll O' Connor, but how would they explain Mike's return?

I read about the meeting in a TV Guide article that appeared in a summer 1983 issue that was a "farewell to Archie" cover story.

he once said in an interview that he was contaced but that his gut instinc tolt him to turn it down dispite the bucketload of money that he was offferd

he schould of went with ABP it would of been cool to see him back there make it more intresting.

Archie Bunker's Place has ran its course by then. Caroll OConnor was the only original cast member, Martin Balsam moved on, and Archie the character mellowed out on his views, and it was the 1980's and not the 1970's.

Rob Reiner was busy with his "This is Spinal Tap" movie project at this time. He had no time to rescue a dying show.

Archie Bunker's Place has ran its course by then. Caroll OConnor was the only original cast member, Martin Balsam moved on, and Archie the character mellowed out on his views, and it was the 1980's and not the 1970's.

I can't say I disagree, but CBS should have let them come back in the fall and do a one-hour final episode and say a proper goodbye to the fans.

I never, ever bought the Mike/Gloria divorce. It was to give Rob Reiner an out and Sally Struthers a shot at a TV show. I never believed Mike would leave his family for a commune. The affair storyline was awful as well. Once Gloria and Mike left the Bunker's house, it was a mess. At the time, they both wanted off the show. When they left, that should have ended it.

I never, ever bought the Mike/Gloria divorce. It was to give Rob Reiner an out and Sally Struthers a shot at a TV show. I never believed Mike would leave his family for a commune. The affair storyline was awful as well. Once Gloria and Mike left the Bunker's house, it was a mess. At the time, they both wanted off the show. When they left, that should have ended it.

Yeah, their relationship seemed to go to hell once they left the show, especially when Gloria returned home with Joey to embark on a new life as a single mom.

When Mike left, Archie said to him "You take care of them" and Mike replied, "You never have to worry about that." He meant it.

Yeah, him running off with a young hippie chick to a commune never rang true and ultimately, Gloria would never return to ABP after her one appearance (there was a behind the scenes reason for this that's been addressed elsewhere), so all it seemed to do was trash the relationship so they could give Sally Struthers her own show.

In retrospect, one thing that I keep going back to is: Why weren't Mike and Gloria in the season two opener, which took place after Edith's passing? I know the funeral had already happened, but you think that they would stick around for a little while to make sure Archie was okay.

Gloria would never return to ABP after her one appearance (there was a behind the scenes reason for this that's been addressed elsewhere)

Got a link?

Got a link?

I don't. But a google search should find the results.

I don't. But a google search should find the results.

I can't find anything. I guess I'm not entering the right search words.

Knowing that the show was facing a likely cancellation, a meeting was held in 1983 with Norman Lear, Carroll O' Connor and other show personnel regarding some ways the show could be revitalized.

One idea that was put forward was that Rob Reiner could return as Mike for some episodes, bringing back the contentious relationship between him and Archie, especially where Mike and Gloria were now divorced.

Was Rob Reiner actually contacted about this? And would it have been feasible, as Reiner was directing This is Spinal Tap? Maybe he would have returned as a favor to Norman Lear and Carroll O' Connor, but how would they explain Mike's return?

I read about the meeting in a TV Guide article that appeared in a summer 1983 issue that was a "farewell to Archie" cover story.


After the character left Gloria for another woman?

After the character left Gloria for another woman?

Yep. They were desperate to keep the show going.

The key word is desperation.

Shortly after that, the show was cancelled.

CBS gave Carroll O' Connor the option of taking credit for the decision and he balked at it, saying he never would have done that to the cast, crew, and the fans.

Yep. They were desperate to keep the show going.

The key word is desperation.

Shortly after that, the show was cancelled.

CBS gave Carroll O' Connor the option of taking credit for the decision and he balked at it, saying he never would have done that to the cast, crew, and the fans.

Maybe they forgot that the show Gloria was based off Mike leaving her:lol:

Maybe they forgot that the show Gloria was based off Mike leaving her:lol:

You could be right.

The way I see it, Mike would come back to visit Joey and maybe decides he wants to move back to NY so he can see his son regularly.

This would put Mike back in Archie's line of fire.

I could see Archie saying something like, "You promised me you were going to take care of them and you walk out on them for some yippie?"

Archie u meathead how can u do a dumb rotton thing like that

By that point, No Mike or Edith and show had been on for 14 years it was time for it to end

CBS passed on the original “Gloria” pilot, which was produced by O’Connor (and eventually included in the ABP syndication package). They ordered a new version from different producers, minus O’Connor. It caused a bit of a rift between O’Connor and Struthers, and that’s why we didn’t see any crossovers between the two shows during Gloria’s only season.

CBS passed on the original “Gloria” pilot, which was produced by O’Connor (and eventually included in the ABP syndication package). They ordered a new version from different producers, minus O’Connor. It caused a bit of a rift between O’Connor and Struthers, and that’s why we didn’t see any crossovers between the two shows during Gloria’s only season.

Was the show gloria still based in the state of NY? I didnt see the need for him to appear on Gloria especially when they used to live together:lol:

It was in upstate NY - Duchess County. In the failed pilot, Carroll O’Connor guest stars as Archie drives Gloria and Joey to their new home.

It was in upstate NY - Duchess County. In the failed pilot, Carroll O’Connor guest stars as Archie drives Gloria and Joey to their new home.

That would have made more seen having him in the pilot but to appear again wouldnt be necessary