When Mackenzie Phillips was added back to the credits in season 8

[ThomasE]

Why were she and Michael Lembeck added towards the back of the cast? I've always said to myself that she and Mike were more occasional cast so when ever they were featured in an episode, they would be featured with the other cast billed behind the other cast. However, during his second season with the show, Howard Hessman was billed only when he appeared in an episode but he was BILLED RIGHT BEHIND Bonnie Franklin!

If that be the cast, then why didn't Mackenzie get her 2nd position back? She could have at least been billed behind Schnieder but was not. SMH. Anyway, I uploaded versions of the opening from season 8 on You Tube along with the ep when Julie goes into labor (Although my 1st part was removed by you tube) . Check below. I also have a version where I edit the opening putting Mackenzie behind Bonnie Franklin to feel better. At least Mack was making 50G's per ep for the 10 eps she did do during season 8.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy9FdYyNjhI (Phillips towards end billing)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUbQUCZleCM (Phillips' 2nd Billing)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wbjYLkEZf0 (sans Phillips)

[JoshLarson24]

Originally Posted by ThomasE

Why were she and Michael Lembeck added towards the back of the cast? I've always said to myself that she and Mike were more occasional cast so when ever they were featured in an episode, they would be featured with the other cast billed behind the other cast. However, during his second season with the show, Howard Hessman was billed only when he appeared in an episode but he was BILLED RIGHT BEHIND Bonnie Franklin!
If that be the cast, then why didn't Mackenzie get her 2nd position back? She could have at least been billed behind Schnieder but was not. SMH. Anyway, I uploaded versions of the opening from season 8 on You Tube along with the ep when Julie goes into labor (Although my 1st part was removed by you tube) . Check below. I also have a version where I edit the opening putting Mackenzie behind Bonnie Franklin to feel better. At least Mack was making 50G's per ep for the 10 eps she did do during season 8.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy9FdYyNjhI (Phillips towards end billing)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUbQUCZleCM (Phillips' 2nd Billing)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wbjYLkEZf0 (sans Phillips)

Considering how high and unpredictable Mackenzie was during the show's run I don't think she should have been added back to the credits at all

She should have been billed as a special guest star like Jackee was towards the end of 227.

The positioning in the credits is always over the place with TV shows. It's a Living was known for doing this each season.

[ThomasE]

Now, since they thought all was well with her, they added her back into credits and I think they should have put her back into second. It still could have been done in my opinion. Mid way through filming, they did add her back into the fold for that season.

The reason for Its A Living goes as follows:

Season One Susan Sullivan was at the helm.
Season Two: Newcomer Lousie Lasser was at the front because she was the most recognizable with the Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman fame after Susan left.
Season Three: Ann Jillian (per my convo with Marc Sotkin, producer of IAL) says that she was the "hottest property" at the time which is why she was billed first.
Season Four: Ann had already left and Barrie Youngfellow (by default I think) got the first billing because she was the overseer of the group. Marian Mercer could have gotten it as well but instead, she was given Barrie's coveted last billing spot.

[ThomasE]

The season is currently airing now.