Norman Lear's First Failure, "Hot L Baltimore" Changed Sitcoms Forever??? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 04-03-2010, 08:46 PM

Optioned for TV by Norman Lear in 1975, the show ran just 13 episodes.

"I have the notable distinction of being Norman Lear's only failure," Wilson said.

Still, it launched the career of Conchata Ferrell and reordered TV comedy, opening the way for seedier characters and the ensemble casts.

"The sitcom was ahead of its time," Rogers said. "It presented prostitutes and a gay couple on TV for the first time. All of the situation comedies that followed in the '70s get their roots from Norman Lear's 'Hot L Baltimore.' It had a tremendous impact on television and the way we see situation comedy today."

So, without "Hot L..." there might not have been a "Taxi" or "Cheers."

If you want to see this slice of America's entertainment history featuring our local talent, you need to be quick about it.

The R-rated production runs just seven performances and includes simulated smoking, language, sexual situations and brief nudity. Even after 38 years, it challenges boundaries.

http://www.news-leader.com/article/2...ywright+s+life

Mr. Television · 04-03-2010, 09:27 PM

I was just 9 years old at the time and I watched it. I watched just about everything Norman Lear did back then. lol

bencasey · 04-04-2010, 11:51 AM

Typical Norman Lear liberal, vulgar claptrap. Luckily this garbage didn't stay around polluting the airwaves for very long.

staffino · 04-04-2010, 12:49 PM

I remember James Cromwell in that series.

TV_on_the_Porch · 04-04-2010, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bencasey

Typical Norman Lear liberal, vulgar claptrap. Luckily this garbage didn't stay around polluting the airwaves for very long.

A post so heavy in irony you could fashion an anvil out of it.

TMC · 06-09-2023, 01:14 AM

TV's First Gay Couple Is Surprisingly Old

Norman Lear was a TV pioneer with All in the Family, but one of his lesser-known series was the first to bring gay characters into people's houses.

04-03-2010, 08:46 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Norman Lear's First Failure, "Hot L Baltimore" Changed Sitcoms Forever??? Optioned for TV by Norman Lear in 1975, the show ran just 13 episodes. "I have the notable distinction of being Norman Lear's only failure," Wilson said. Still, it launched the career of Conchata Ferrell and reordered TV comedy, opening the way for seedier characters and the ensemble casts. "The sitcom was ahead of its time," Rogers said. "It presented prostitutes and a gay couple on TV for the first time. All of the situation comedies that followed in the '70s get their roots from Norman Lear's 'Hot L Baltimore.' It had a tremendous impact on television and the way we see situation comedy today." So, without "Hot L..." there might not have been a "Taxi" or "Cheers." If you want to see this slice of America's entertainment history featuring our local talent, you need to be quick about it. The R-rated production runs just seven performances and includes simulated smoking, language, sexual situations and brief nudity. Even after 38 years, it challenges boundaries. http://www.news-leader.com/article/2...ywright+s+life
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

04-03-2010, 09:27 PM	#2
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,132	I was just 9 years old at the time and I watched it. I watched just about everything Norman Lear did back then. lol
	__________________ Sonny

04-04-2010, 11:51 AM	#3
bencasey Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: Long Beach Posts: 1,692	Typical Norman Lear liberal, vulgar claptrap. Luckily this garbage didn't stay around polluting the airwaves for very long.

04-04-2010, 12:49 PM	#4
staffino Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Feb 02, 2006 Location: Northern Cali Posts: 153	I remember James Cromwell in that series.

06-09-2023, 01:14 AM	#6
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 126,540	TV's First Gay Couple Is Surprisingly Old Norman Lear was a TV pioneer with All in the Family, but one of his lesser-known series was the first to bring gay characters into people's houses.