Why was the name of the show changed in the 2nd season - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TMC · 02-17-2019, 04:41 AM

Normally, when a show changes its name it's because of a drastic format change (think for instance, Too Close for Comfort becoming The Ted Knight Show for its last year) or it's necessitated when the star leaves the show. Take for instance, when Valerie Harper left what was then known as Valerie and subsequently became, Valerie's Family: The Hogans, and finally, The Hogan Family.

Changing the show from It's a Living to Making a Living seems extremely pointless, since it was essentially the exact same show (a sitcom about a group of waitresses working at the top of a posh Los Angeles hotel). I've noticed that on the reruns that Logo airs, its under its original title, presumably to make things flow together better.

Was the name change at the behest of ABC? I've heard that during the first season, there was a lot of controversy stemming from the risque (by 1980-81 standards on network prime time television) content.

DJM77 · 02-17-2019, 09:15 AM

I can't find the source, but I swear that I read somewhere that the producers changed the title because they thought that "It's A Living" made it sound like they were prostitutes.

TMC · 09-14-2019, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJM77

I can't find the source, but I swear that I read somewhere that the producers changed the title because they thought that "It's A Living" made it sound like they were prostitutes.

It makes me wonder if ABC on their part, was trying to get away from the perception that they were the "jiggle network". Charlie's Angels had just concluded its five year run and Suzanne Somers around the same time, got fired from Three's Company.

Schmoopie · 09-14-2019, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJM77

I can't find the source, but I swear that I read somewhere that the producers changed the title because they thought that "It's A Living" made it sound like they were prostitutes.

OMG, that's crazy (not directed at you, just saying in general)!!!

Kasey · 09-14-2019, 10:50 AM

Yes, the reasoning was that "It's a Living" sounded too much like hookers turning tricks.

rcbrad · 09-15-2019, 08:57 AM

Maybe Making a Living sounded more like they were trying to keep themselves going/making ends meet by working, which most of us can identify with.

SitcomsHeydayfan · 09-15-2019, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kasey

Yes, the reasoning was that "It's a Living" sounded too much like hookers turning tricks.

TV Guy · 09-21-2019, 03:58 PM

When the second season was announced, the title was going to be “Living it Up”. Then it became “Making a Living”. I think ABC just wanted to give it a fresh start and promote it as a “new” show. And I agree the name change was pointless because it was the same show, even with the same theme.

SitcomsHeydayfan · 09-26-2019, 01:29 AM

I like that theme music.

02-17-2019, 04:41 AM	#1
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 124,453	Why was the name of the show changed in the 2nd season Normally, when a show changes its name it's because of a drastic format change (think for instance, Too Close for Comfort becoming The Ted Knight Show for its last year) or it's necessitated when the star leaves the show. Take for instance, when Valerie Harper left what was then known as Valerie and subsequently became, Valerie's Family: The Hogans, and finally, The Hogan Family. Changing the show from It's a Living to Making a Living seems extremely pointless, since it was essentially the exact same show (a sitcom about a group of waitresses working at the top of a posh Los Angeles hotel). I've noticed that on the reruns that Logo airs, its under its original title, presumably to make things flow together better. Was the name change at the behest of ABC? I've heard that during the first season, there was a lot of controversy stemming from the risque (by 1980-81 standards on network prime time television) content.
	Last edited by TMC; 05-10-2019 at 04:32 AM.

02-17-2019, 09:15 AM	#2
DJM77 Member Forum Veteran Join Date: May 15, 2001 Location: Missouri Posts: 5,553	I can't find the source, but I swear that I read somewhere that the producers changed the title because they thought that "It's A Living" made it sound like they were prostitutes.
	__________________ Marge: There are only 49 stars on that flag. Abe: I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missouri!

09-14-2019, 10:50 AM	#5
Kasey Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 22, 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,143	Yes, the reasoning was that "It's a Living" sounded too much like hookers turning tricks.

09-15-2019, 08:57 AM	#6
rcbrad Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jan 21, 2007 Posts: 479	Maybe Making a Living sounded more like they were trying to keep themselves going/making ends meet by working, which most of us can identify with.

09-21-2019, 03:58 PM	#8
TV Guy Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 25, 2001 Location: Boston, MA, USA Posts: 3,419	When the second season was announced, the title was going to be “Living it Up”. Then it became “Making a Living”. I think ABC just wanted to give it a fresh start and promote it as a “new” show. And I agree the name change was pointless because it was the same show, even with the same theme.

09-26-2019, 01:29 AM	#9
SitcomsHeydayfan Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 19, 2018 Location: The Show Me state Posts: 2,966	I like that theme music.