Very Short-lived Sitcoms - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Nivri · 07-27-2010, 02:59 PM

Having loved sitcoms all my life, particularly those shows that never became very popular, I put together a description of 148 sitcoms from "Doc Corkle" to "In the Motherhood" that lasted only a few episodes (5 or less). While the book, "Sitcom Bombs", is available on Amazon.com, I have some complimentary copies for those who would like to give me some feedback. If you would like a copy of the book to provide some comments that might be used in possible future editions, I will send a free copy to the first three who respond by private message with the address to where the book should be sent.

bencasey · 08-07-2010, 03:31 PM

Many shows were only slated to run for 4 episodes as spring tryouts. I don't necessarily think that they would belong on such a list. They weren't really cancelled, just not picked up after their initial test run.

Nivri · 08-07-2010, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bencasey

Many shows were only slated to run for 4 episodes as spring tryouts. I don't necessarily think that they would belong on such a list. They weren't really cancelled, just not picked up after their initial test run.

True, for series like "Checking In" and "The Love Bug" only a few episodes were produced. However, they were not renewed for any addiitonal episodes which I think shows they were not successful test runs. I'm not aware in any of these cases of the stars or producers refusing to continue the series if the network had wanted to order more episodes.

bencasey · 09-22-2010, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nivri

True, for series like "Checking In" and "The Love Bug" only a few episodes were produced. However, they were not renewed for any addiitonal episodes which I think shows they were not successful test runs. I'm not aware in any of these cases of the stars or producers refusing to continue the series if the network had wanted to order more episodes.

True but that doesn't necessarily mean the show was a bomb. Most spring tryout shows never get picked up for the fall. It's the exception when they actually do.

As for it never happening, Coronet Blue was run in the summer of 1967 after having been filmed in 1965. When the show did well, CBS did want to continue it but it was too late because the star was already committed to another series.

Nivri · 09-23-2010, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bencasey

True but that doesn't necessarily mean the show was a bomb. Most spring tryout shows never get picked up for the fall. It's the exception when they actually do.

As for it never happening, Coronet Blue was run in the summer of 1967 after having been filmed in 1965. When the show did well, CBS did want to continue it but it was too late because the star was already committed to another series.

I guess we will have to "agree to disagree" over whether a show that was canceled after 5 or less episodes is a bigger failure than a show that was not renewed after 5 or less episodes.

howierules86 · 09-23-2010, 05:51 PM

Does "Aliens In The Family" count? It was an ABC sitcom from March 1996 that ended up lasting only two weeks on ABC's primetime schedule, even though ABC decided to air the remaining six episodes on their Saturday morning schedule the following summer.

littletydramon · 05-25-2011, 03:46 PM

I'm only 22 but have been a fan for years of all the obscure, short-lived series out there. I finally just saw the 3 aired episodes of Scorch and actually thought it was pretty decent. He did indeed come off as an ALF copy but I liked the interactions with the dad and daughter, and the arrogant anchor at the news station was pretty funny to me. I'd love to see the 3 unaired episodes.

One short lived series I thought I would enjoy but didn't was the Get Smart remake from 1995. It just didn't flow the same at all.

tv star collector · 05-25-2011, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littletydramon

I'm only 22 but have been a fan for years of all the obscure, short-lived series out there. I finally just saw the 3 aired episodes of Scorch and actually thought it was pretty decent. He did indeed come off as an ALF copy but I liked the interactions with the dad and daughter, and the arrogant anchor at the news station was pretty funny to me. I'd love to see the 3 unaired episodes.

One short lived series I thought I would enjoy but didn't was the Get Smart remake from 1995. It just didn't flow the same at all.

Both Scorch and the syndicated What a Dummy were obviously influenced by NBC's ALF. ALF had better writers, though; and
producer Paul Fusco (also the voice of ALF) had a great delivery.

The new Get Smart didn't have as good writers as that original series, either. And Andy Dick, cast as Max's son, was no Don Adams. He couldn't hold the show together because he isn't half the actor Don was. And Don's
role as the Chief was funny but too small to make the show work.

Robert 13 · 05-26-2011, 10:39 AM

I am a huge fan of short-lived series and wish the studios would make many of these available. Many would even fit on 1 or 2 disc sets.

Most of the ones I am interested in ran for, at least, 13 episodes. However, there is one in particular called "Highcliffe Manor" from 1979. I believe it was cancelled. In fact, info as to how many episodes were produced is unclear. Only 4 episodes aired. However, there seems to have been 5 or 6 that were made. Great, zany little series. Most of the humor was silly, the characters weren't realistic at all. It holds a special place in my heart simply because Audrey Landers was a main character.

Aside from that, I am also interested in "Checking In" but have never seen a single episode.

1960'sTVfan · 05-26-2011, 01:57 PM

These very short lived sitcoms usually had two things in common, thus leading to poor ratings and cancellation of the show.

1. The actors hired for the show didn't do a good job with developing their characters.

2. The scripts/writing for the show was poor.

While it's interesting to discuss very short lived sitcoms, in my opinion if a series didn't last at least one full season it isn't worth watching today. I imagine it's possible that many of these very short lived shows are lost and episodes were destroyed long ago. Shows that lasted less than a season might have a slight nostalgic value, outside of that there is no redeeming value to them anymore.

Torgo · 05-26-2011, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littletydramon

I'm only 22 but have been a fan for years of all the obscure, short-lived series out there. I finally just saw the 3 aired episodes of Scorch and actually thought it was pretty decent. He did indeed come off as an ALF copy but I liked the interactions with the dad and daughter, and the arrogant anchor at the news station was pretty funny to me. I'd love to see the 3 unaired episodes.

One short lived series I thought I would enjoy but didn't was the Get Smart remake from 1995. It just didn't flow the same at all.

I can remember Ronn Lucas and Scorch on the 90's version of The Match Game.

Torgo · 05-26-2011, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retroTVfan4ever

While it's interesting to discuss very short lived sitcoms, in my opinion if a series didn't last at least one full season it isn't worth watching today.

Definitely have to disagree with that, I think the short-lived Quark which ran 9 episodes is far better than some sitcoms that have gone on for several seasons.

1960'sTVfan · 05-26-2011, 06:36 PM

I saw a few episodes of Quark back in 1978, my god what a terrible show. Surprisingly, the series was created by Buck Henry, a pretty funny guy but even the funny ones can come up with a turkey now and then. But any old TV show has it's fans, no matter how bad or short lived the show was.

Nivri · 05-27-2011, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littletydramon

I'm only 22 but have been a fan for years of all the obscure, short-lived series out there. I finally just saw the 3 aired episodes of Scorch and actually thought it was pretty decent. He did indeed come off as an ALF copy but I liked the interactions with the dad and daughter, and the arrogant anchor at the news station was pretty funny to me. I'd love to see the 3 unaired episodes.

One short lived series I thought I would enjoy but didn't was the Get Smart remake from 1995. It just didn't flow the same at all.

The Library of Congress in Washington DC has on file the 3 unaired episodes of "Scorch." They are available for viewing at the LOC's Motion Picture/TV Reading Room but you need to reserve space in this room beforehand to view them.

TV Knowledge Fan · 05-28-2011, 01:14 AM

...only six episodes of "SCORCH" were produced. When a network like CBS had serious ratings problems- as they did in early 1981 when they ordered a "short-flight" series like "CHECKING IN" for only four episodes, then took a "wait and see" attitude as to whether enough viewers would tune in to justify more, and when they didn't, the series expired {and even the producers of "THE JEFFERSONS" probably KNEW Marla Gibbs wouldn't be successful in her own spin-off, which is why they had an agreement for her to return if "CHECKING IN" didn't work out}- a series like "SCORCH" was ordered as a means to "plug-up" the network's schedule for several weeks, whether it was successful or not. I saw the first three episodes when they aired in February and March 1992....and I knew it wasn't going to be on for long, because kids were already watching ABC's "FAMILY MATTERS" (aka "THE URKEL SHOW") on Fridays at 8pm(et), and they weren't going to switch channels for an "ALF" clone, good or bad {and they weren't going to stick around for Hanna-Barbera's animated "FISH POLICE", either, which also lasted three episodes}.

By the way, most "short-order" series lasting anywhere from six episodes to a full season, DO exist, because the studio behind them (especially MCA/Universal, from the '60s through the '90s) often managed to sell them for foreign distribution, as most countries are used to brief runs of certain TV shows- for example, "CO-ED FEVER"; even though it lasted just ONE episode on CBS in early 1979, all six produced episodes were seen in British Columbia later that year...and I'm certain those videotapes are in some storage vault, waiting to be rediscovered. And then there are some studios and networks who donate complete runs of "short-flight" series to the Library of Congress {for example, Screen Gems/Columbia donated 16mm prints of the entire run of "THE ED WYNN SHOW" (1958-'59), a short-lived sitcom he starred in....all 17 episodes (including two that were left unaired by NBC) are in the Library's TV collection}.

07-27-2010, 02:59 PM	#1
Nivri Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jul 26, 2010 Location: PA Posts: 45	Very Short-lived Sitcoms Having loved sitcoms all my life, particularly those shows that never became very popular, I put together a description of 148 sitcoms from "Doc Corkle" to "In the Motherhood" that lasted only a few episodes (5 or less). While the book, "Sitcom Bombs", is available on Amazon.com, I have some complimentary copies for those who would like to give me some feedback. If you would like a copy of the book to provide some comments that might be used in possible future editions, I will send a free copy to the first three who respond by private message with the address to where the book should be sent.

09-23-2010, 05:51 PM	#6
howierules86 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Dec 05, 2007 Location: Opelika, AL Posts: 29,724	Does "Aliens In The Family" count? It was an ABC sitcom from March 1996 that ended up lasting only two weeks on ABC's primetime schedule, even though ABC decided to air the remaining six episodes on their Saturday morning schedule the following summer.
	__________________ I love me some Susanna Hoffs - http://www.susannahoffs.com And many other very talented ladies too.

05-25-2011, 03:46 PM	#7
littletydramon Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jan 18, 2001 Location: WI, USA Posts: 339	I'm only 22 but have been a fan for years of all the obscure, short-lived series out there. I finally just saw the 3 aired episodes of Scorch and actually thought it was pretty decent. He did indeed come off as an ALF copy but I liked the interactions with the dad and daughter, and the arrogant anchor at the news station was pretty funny to me. I'd love to see the 3 unaired episodes. One short lived series I thought I would enjoy but didn't was the Get Smart remake from 1995. It just didn't flow the same at all.
	__________________ Tyler

05-26-2011, 10:39 AM	#9
Robert 13 Member Senior Member Join Date: May 10, 2006 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,521	I am a huge fan of short-lived series and wish the studios would make many of these available. Many would even fit on 1 or 2 disc sets. Most of the ones I am interested in ran for, at least, 13 episodes. However, there is one in particular called "Highcliffe Manor" from 1979. I believe it was cancelled. In fact, info as to how many episodes were produced is unclear. Only 4 episodes aired. However, there seems to have been 5 or 6 that were made. Great, zany little series. Most of the humor was silly, the characters weren't realistic at all. It holds a special place in my heart simply because Audrey Landers was a main character. Aside from that, I am also interested in "Checking In" but have never seen a single episode.
	__________________ Com'è straordinaria la vita, che un giorno ti senti come in un sogno e poi ti ritrovi all'inferno - Dolcenera

05-26-2011, 01:57 PM	#10
1960'sTVfan Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 30, 2009 Posts: 6,126	These very short lived sitcoms usually had two things in common, thus leading to poor ratings and cancellation of the show. 1. The actors hired for the show didn't do a good job with developing their characters. 2. The scripts/writing for the show was poor. While it's interesting to discuss very short lived sitcoms, in my opinion if a series didn't last at least one full season it isn't worth watching today. I imagine it's possible that many of these very short lived shows are lost and episodes were destroyed long ago. Shows that lasted less than a season might have a slight nostalgic value, outside of that there is no redeeming value to them anymore.
	Last edited by 1960'sTVfan; 05-26-2011 at 06:28 PM.

08-07-2010, 03:31 PM	#2
bencasey Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: Long Beach Posts: 1,692	Many shows were only slated to run for 4 episodes as spring tryouts. I don't necessarily think that they would belong on such a list. They weren't really cancelled, just not picked up after their initial test run.

05-26-2011, 06:36 PM	#13
1960'sTVfan Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 30, 2009 Posts: 6,126	I saw a few episodes of Quark back in 1978, my god what a terrible show. Surprisingly, the series was created by Buck Henry, a pretty funny guy but even the funny ones can come up with a turkey now and then. But any old TV show has it's fans, no matter how bad or short lived the show was.

05-28-2011, 01:14 AM	#15
TV Knowledge Fan Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 29, 2006 Location: Long Branch, N.J. Posts: 2,577	It was no accident that... ...only six episodes of "SCORCH" were produced. When a network like CBS had serious ratings problems- as they did in early 1981 when they ordered a "short-flight" series like "CHECKING IN" for only four episodes, then took a "wait and see" attitude as to whether enough viewers would tune in to justify more, and when they didn't, the series expired {and even the producers of "THE JEFFERSONS" probably KNEW Marla Gibbs wouldn't be successful in her own spin-off, which is why they had an agreement for her to return if "CHECKING IN" didn't work out}- a series like "SCORCH" was ordered as a means to "plug-up" the network's schedule for several weeks, whether it was successful or not. I saw the first three episodes when they aired in February and March 1992....and I knew it wasn't going to be on for long, because kids were already watching ABC's "FAMILY MATTERS" (aka "THE URKEL SHOW") on Fridays at 8pm(et), and they weren't going to switch channels for an "ALF" clone, good or bad {and they weren't going to stick around for Hanna-Barbera's animated "FISH POLICE", either, which also lasted three episodes}. By the way, most "short-order" series lasting anywhere from six episodes to a full season, DO exist, because the studio behind them (especially MCA/Universal, from the '60s through the '90s) often managed to sell them for foreign distribution, as most countries are used to brief runs of certain TV shows- for example, "CO-ED FEVER"; even though it lasted just ONE episode on CBS in early 1979, all six produced episodes were seen in British Columbia later that year...and I'm certain those videotapes are in some storage vault, waiting to be rediscovered. And then there are some studios and networks who donate complete runs of "short-flight" series to the Library of Congress {for example, Screen Gems/Columbia donated 16mm prints of the entire run of "THE ED WYNN SHOW" (1958-'59), a short-lived sitcom he starred in....all 17 episodes (including two that were left unaired by NBC) are in the Library's TV collection}.