An observation about the opening theme credits

[Mace Dolex]

I always wondered why Brice Beckham was billed fifth in the opening credits​, one would think he would be second billed after Christopher Hewitt since Wesley had more screen time pestering Belvedere than the other cast.

['80sSitcoms]

Well, you could go with a few different theories: 1) they probably didn't realize from the beginning just how dynamic the Mr. Belvedere/Wesley relationship would be, 2) after Christopher Hewitt's credit the rest of the cast is billed in descending age order, 3) maybe once Wesley became such a hit character they felt it would have upset the apple cart too much to place him as 2nd billed, 4) often times being the last actor credited is a sign of respect (a.k.a., "and Nancy McKeon as Jo", on The Facts of Life, "and Katherine Helmond as Mona", etc.)...so it's hard to say.

My personal opinion is they decided to credit Mr. Belvedere first (obviously), and then go down the lines of Owenses from the oldest (dad) to the youngest (little boy).

[Mace Dolex]

Those are very interesting​ theories I guess it's just something left unexplained.

[glickmam]

Originally Posted by '80sSitcoms

Well, you could go with a few different theories: 1) they probably didn't realize from the beginning just how dynamic the Mr. Belvedere/Wesley relationship would be, 2) after Christopher Hewitt's credit the rest of the cast is billed in descending age order, 3) maybe once Wesley became such a hit character they felt it would have upset the apple cart too much to place him as 2nd billed, 4) often times being the last actor credited is a sign of respect (a.k.a., "and Nancy McKeon as Jo", on The Facts of Life, "and Katherine Helmond as Mona", etc.)...so it's hard to say.

My personal opinion is they decided to credit Mr. Belvedere first (obviously), and then go down the lines of Owenses from the oldest (dad) to the youngest (little boy).

Actually, the last person credited was Bob Uecker as George. According to the cast, the show was actually supposed to also be a vehicle for Uecker as well as for Christopher Hewett.

[Dr. Thong]

Originally Posted by Mace Dolex

Those are very interesting​ theories I guess it's just something left unexplained.

Billing in opening credits, especially for the lead actors, is usually stipulated in the contract.

My guess is that because he was a kid and basically unknown, he was billed last.

Also, Christopher Hewett's top billing and Bob Uecker's second billing were probably covered contractually.

[glickmam]

Originally Posted by Dr. Thong

Billing in opening credits, especially for the lead actors, is usually stipulated in the contract.

My guess is that because he was a kid and basically unknown, he was billed last.

Also, Christopher Hewett's top billing and Bob Uecker's second billing were probably covered contractually.

Actually, Ilene Graff (Marsha) was billed second in the credits. Bob Uecker was billed last.

[Dr. Thong]

Originally Posted by glickmam

Actually, Ilene Graff (Marsha) was billed second in the credits. Bob Uecker was billed last.

Oh, okay. I haven't seen the show in ages. I stand corrected.

['80sSitcoms]

Originally Posted by Dr. Thong

Oh, okay. I haven't seen the show in ages. I stand corrected.

I concur. I have the DVDs, but it's been a long time for me as well. Then Bob Uecker's credit goes with my theory of the final credit being a place of "respect" according to some shows.

['80sSitcoms]

Going through the DVDs, I've noticed that the Mr. Belvedere/Wesley dynamic doesn't even start to develop until halfway through the second season.

[glickmam]

Originally Posted by '80sSitcoms

Going through the DVDs, I've noticed that the Mr. Belvedere/Wesley dynamic doesn't even start to develop until halfway through the second season.

I think it probably would have developed much sooner in the first season had it not been a mid-season replacement.