hello everyone
well 10 more episodes remain on TV Land's schedule with Freddie.

pay special close attention 2 them, notice that he hasnt really used his catch-phrase "Lookin Good" lately, like twice in the last 5 shows. obviously he was getting some flack from the higher ups or he just said screw it. I have a question and am seeking a logical answer 4 anyone out there, why did the network continue 2 sell the show, after Freddies death?

I don't know for sure, but my guess is they had too much invested in the show to pull the plug. A show won't go belly up just because a star dies, no matter how tragicly. Look at News Radio. They didn't cancel after Phil Hartman's death. I can't think of any other examples off hand , but you get the idea. The more episodes, the more money in syndication. Unfortunately in CATM's case is was never marketed effectively in syndication after it was cancelled. Maybe it was cursed with Freddie's death hanging over it. Maybe time has been a good thing for Freddie's memory. I think people are appreciating Freddie's talent now. I'm not so sure they would have back so close to his death. He may have been looked upon only as a tragic figure. Who knows for sure. I'm just very glad He's back!!! If anyone with more authority knows more, share please. I can only speculate.

The ratings nosedived after the first 2 seasons - the first season it was ranked #3 and the second season it was #25. The 3rd year was out of the top 30 and I imagine the 4th season was well out of the top 30.

I have no idea why they continued but they definitely should have changed the name of the show. NBC was not exactly a power in 1977-1978 (Chico was one of only 2 sitcoms on the fall schedule that year), the leadin for Chico and the Man was Sanford Arms. Remember that one? I didn't think so, it was a Sanford & Son spinoff.

To go with NewsRadio, another example was Suddenly Susan where one of the stars committed suicide and I think the show went on for 1 more season and was cancelled.

Very few shows would be able to survive after the death of the main stars. Gimme A Break did last 2 seasons after the death of The Chief (Dolph Sweet) but that may be one of the exceptions.

sorry this message
is deleted

[This message has been edited by DeDe (edited 04-10-2001).]

Well I for one have not seen the remaining episodes except his last one.... I just feel he's at peace. I'm going to continue seeing the episodes to the very end this time!