So ABC chose Horshack over Epstein to do a pilot??? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TVFactFan · 08-09-2025, 03:51 AM

Its not explained why in this article but it seems that Epstein would have been a better choice than some damm Horshack

Who wouldnt have wanted to see Epstien;s mother? Even Freddie would have been better choice than Arnold

Dr. Thong · 08-14-2025, 08:36 PM

Judging by the Horshack pilot footage that was recycled for the 2 part episode "There Goes Number 5," the show would have been terrible. The supporting characters were weak and the premise was uninspired.

Besides, does this mean Horshack would have dropped out of school?

On the other hand, the one thing we got to see was one of the Sweathogs' parents with Ellen Travolta as his mom.

But yeah, this show would have been bad. I'm glad ABC didn't pick it up for series.

TVFactFan · 08-14-2025, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Thong

Judging by the Horshack pilot footage that was recycled for the 2 part episode "There Goes Number 5," the show would have been terrible. The supporting characters were weak and the premise was uninspired.

Besides, does this mean Horshack would have dropped out of school?

On the other hand, the one thing we got to see was one of the Sweathogs' parents with Ellen Travolta as his mom.

But yeah, this show would have been bad. I'm glad ABC didn't pick it up for series.

It was nothing funny about Arnold but Epstein was very entertaining and would have love to see a show around him

opus · 08-14-2025, 10:05 PM

This book has the pilot writer saying ABC went with Fish over Horshack.

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TVFactFan · 08-14-2025, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by opus

This book has the pilot writer saying ABC went with Fish over Horshack.

Attachment 324492

They was trying to spin him off in season 2?? Damm

BestTVever · 08-15-2025, 04:53 AM

Welcome Back Kotter has to be one of the fastest burn out sitcoms ever. Maybe Angie beats it. It was so wildly popular when it debuted. As a kid in elementary school everyone imitated Horshack. People had T shirts and lunch boxes etc. After season 2 it got hard writing scripts for the same cast of characters in a classroom. The network thought by Gabe having twins and showing more of his homelife would improve ratings. There is no way that a sitcom about Horshack would have made it because the main show would burn out a year later. Season 4 is like another show.

Dr. Thong · 08-15-2025, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

It was nothing funny about Arnold but Epstein was very entertaining and would have love to see a show around him

Yeah, I would love to see what "Epstein's Mother" looked like.

Ultimately, I'm glad they kept everyone on the show, for another season at least.

TVFactFan · 08-15-2025, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Thong

Yeah, I would love to see what "Epstein's Mother" looked like.

Ultimately, I'm glad they kept everyone on the show, for another season at least.

Yes since she was mentioned so much

weldonballou · 08-15-2025, 11:23 PM

What a blunder of a decision THAT WAS. Juan was the glue that held that group together and he had the most natural raw sex appeal for that era (all the actors were in their 20s nearing 30). I would've checked out a spinoff for him but anyone else.....NOPE

TVFactFan · 08-16-2025, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weldonballou

What a blunder of a decision THAT WAS. Juan was the glue that held that group together and he had the most natural raw sex appeal for that era (all the actors were in their 20s nearing 30). I would've checked out a spinoff for him but anyone else.....NOPE

Arnold didnt look right hanging with them

08-09-2025, 03:51 AM	#1
TVFactFan Member Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Posts: 99,125	So ABC chose Horshack over Epstein to do a pilot??? Its not explained why in this article but it seems that Epstein would have been a better choice than some damm Horshack Who wouldnt have wanted to see Epstien;s mother? Even Freddie would have been better choice than Arnold Attached Images

08-14-2025, 08:36 PM	#2
Dr. Thong a/k/a "ACK!" Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 10, 2001 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 5,546	Judging by the Horshack pilot footage that was recycled for the 2 part episode "There Goes Number 5," the show would have been terrible. The supporting characters were weak and the premise was uninspired. Besides, does this mean Horshack would have dropped out of school? On the other hand, the one thing we got to see was one of the Sweathogs' parents with Ellen Travolta as his mom. But yeah, this show would have been bad. I'm glad ABC didn't pick it up for series.
	__________________ "Sunday has been cancelled due to lack of interest. That is all."

08-14-2025, 10:05 PM	#4
opus VB Forum Superstar Join Date: May 16, 2015 Location: VB Galaxy Posts: 32,748	This book has the pilot writer saying ABC went with Fish over Horshack.

08-15-2025, 04:53 AM	#6
BestTVever Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 29, 2021 Location: Miami Posts: 1,943	Welcome Back Kotter has to be one of the fastest burn out sitcoms ever. Maybe Angie beats it. It was so wildly popular when it debuted. As a kid in elementary school everyone imitated Horshack. People had T shirts and lunch boxes etc. After season 2 it got hard writing scripts for the same cast of characters in a classroom. The network thought by Gabe having twins and showing more of his homelife would improve ratings. There is no way that a sitcom about Horshack would have made it because the main show would burn out a year later. Season 4 is like another show.

08-15-2025, 11:23 PM	#9
weldonballou Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jul 10, 2020 Location: Michigan, USA Posts: 66	What a blunder of a decision THAT WAS. Juan was the glue that held that group together and he had the most natural raw sex appeal for that era (all the actors were in their 20s nearing 30). I would've checked out a spinoff for him but anyone else.....NOPE