In the opening of CATM when it comes on & they play the theme song, they show scenes of people in the Barrio & LA etc. I had always wondered whay they showed that instead of pictures of Chio & Ed. Since on another James Komack show WELCOME BACK KOTTER (another favorite of mine) they don't show any pics of Kotter & the Sweathogs on the show opening & instead show pics of the local area there in NYC, I thought well that must be a trademark of James Komacks.

Last nite I was watching some episodes of CATM with my hubby which I had gotten from someon here on the boards. On one of the episodes was a different show opening & one I had never seen before. While the theme song is playing they show scenes of Chico & Ed. Closing of the show is same as normal. I sure don't remember this different show opening & I know I watched the show origional from the first episode on in the 70's. WOw wehre did this different show opening come from & how many times was it ever show on tv? Does anyone know the info on this? Thanks! http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif

Hello there. I agree with you and love these opening scenes much better with Chico and Ed. I am not for certain, but as I remember, they did this the second year of the series!! Then later they went back to the original opening. I do not know why, but the clips with Chico and Ed interacting are adorable and endearing.

I guess the reason they stopped this cute opening was in the third season, they brought in Della Reese. Maybe they thought it would be unfair.(?) Why? I mean the show was "Chico and the Man". I too, loved this opening. Seeing them together, fussing and ultimately having respect and love for each other.

I'm sorry to keep re-visiting this, but you brought back some great memories of this great team and how heartwarming it is to see them together. Those opening clips were well chosen. Thanks for bringing up this topic. FREDDIE FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS.

Thanks for the info! Didn't realize that was shown in the 2nd season. & yet I watched it back then. Course the 70's was along time ago & I can't remember every detail from then LOL! Thanks for the info! I like this opener better cuz it shows Chico! http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif They should've kept it & if they had to add in Della! Since the episode I was that in was taped off of TVLAND it means that was shown on TVLAND at least once. So keep your eyes open for the episode with Shelly Winters in it... http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif

They changed the opening to scenes from the pilot show mid way through the first season. They went back to the original format starting with the second season, so this opening with Ed and Chico only lasted about 10 or 11 shows(actually, I never counted). I printed the episode synopsis from the home board of this website. It is very helpful when you watch the shows! http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/wink.gif

I couldn`t forget those opening shows,because it shows Freddie in the barrel taking a bath....ooo laa laa...and ed opens the door on him...

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hillbilly

I wish Chico and the Man did show the cast during the opening song for every season. Like some of the shows did during that time, Barney Miller and Sanford and Son.

They should've kept the Chico Ed opener! Much cuter looking! & Chico in the shower! http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/smile.gifWhat were they thinking??? http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/wink.gif