Characters rewritten into shows - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Janice · 12-04-2003, 02:09 PM

It used to happen more in the past -- a character is such a hit on a show that they are then written in as a new, permanent character.

Paul Lynde's first role on Bewitched was as Samantha's driving instructor. The powers to be knew a good thing when they saw it, and created the classic character, Uncle Arthur.

Any more?

Janice · 12-04-2003, 02:18 PM

double post

Chocoholic · 12-04-2003, 02:37 PM

Reverend Jim was only supposed to be on one episode of Taxi, but he was so well-received that they made him a regular on the show. Same with Antonio from Wings. Both were great moves, IMHO.

Brent88 · 12-04-2003, 03:13 PM

Steve Urkel on Family Matters was only supposed to guest star in one episode in the First season, he was such a hit, that in the second season he was credited as a regular.

Penny Lane · 12-04-2003, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brent88
Steve Urkel on Family Matters was only supposed to guest star in one episode in the First season, he was such a hit, that in the second season he was credited as a regular.

The same thing happened with Larry ,Daryl and Daryl on Newhart. They were supposed to be a one time thing but were brought back. I'm glad they were . I loved those guys!

HDfanLiz · 12-04-2003, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Penny Lane
The same thing happened with Larry ,Daryl and Daryl on Newhart. They were supposed to be a one time thing but were brought back. I'm glad they were . I loved those guys!

Yeah, I love them too! Stephanie on Newhart was supposed to be just a guest star too, I'm fairly certain, and she became a regular cast member (and a very funny one too

).

donald snl · 12-04-2003, 07:19 PM

the 2 i can think of right now are exador from mork and minda mindy and i think paris from gilmore girls was also suppsoed be a one time guest . but im not too sure

barwars · 12-04-2003, 08:27 PM

Frasier was only signed on to Cheers for something like a 7 episode deal.
But he ended up staying with the series for 9 years, and going on to a series of his own (featuring the same character) and has made sitcom history.

Frasier's wife from Cheers, Lilith, was originally a one episode stunt, but she came back eventually as a regular.

TJL · 12-04-2003, 08:38 PM

Edward Winter first appeared in season two of "M*A*S*H" as Captain Halloran, a C.I.D investigator. The last episode of the same season he returned as his signature character Colonel Flagg, loose cannon CIA agent.

Both characters were one in the same, so I guess it was naturally assumed by the viewers that Captain Halloran was another one of Flagg's aliases.

Penny Lane · 12-04-2003, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by HDfanLiz
Yeah, I love them too! Stephanie on Newhart was supposed to be just a guest star too, I'm fairly certain, and she became a regular cast member (and a very funny one too ).

Stephanie (and Michael) really added a great comedic element to the show!

12-04-2003, 02:09 PM	#1
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Characters rewritten into shows It used to happen more in the past -- a character is such a hit on a show that they are then written in as a new, permanent character. Paul Lynde's first role on Bewitched was as Samantha's driving instructor. The powers to be knew a good thing when they saw it, and created the classic character, Uncle Arthur. Any more?

12-04-2003, 02:18 PM	#2
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Re: Characters rewritten into shows double post

12-04-2003, 08:38 PM	#9
TJL Suburbanite Extrordinaire Forum Star Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: New Jersey - the cradle of civilization Posts: 16,591	Edward Winter first appeared in season two of "MAS*H" as Captain Halloran, a C.I.D investigator. The last episode of the same season he returned as his signature character Colonel Flagg, loose cannon CIA agent. Both characters were one in the same, so I guess it was naturally assumed by the viewers that Captain Halloran was another one of Flagg's aliases.
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12-04-2003, 02:37 PM	#3
Chocoholic Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 01, 2000 Location: Between a rock and a hard place. Posts: 11,235	Reverend Jim was only supposed to be on one episode of Taxi, but he was so well-received that they made him a regular on the show. Same with Antonio from Wings. Both were great moves, IMHO.

12-04-2003, 03:13 PM	#4
Brent88 Member Forum Star Join Date: Aug 01, 2003 Location: Alabama Posts: 16,174	Steve Urkel on Family Matters was only supposed to guest star in one episode in the First season, he was such a hit, that in the second season he was credited as a regular.

12-04-2003, 07:19 PM	#7
donald snl Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jul 06, 2003 Posts: 456	the 2 i can think of right now are exador from mork and minda mindy and i think paris from gilmore girls was also suppsoed be a one time guest . but im not too sure

12-04-2003, 08:27 PM	#8
barwars .. Forum Star Join Date: May 04, 2002 Posts: 13,273	Frasier was only signed on to Cheers for something like a 7 episode deal. But he ended up staying with the series for 9 years, and going on to a series of his own (featuring the same character) and has made sitcom history. Frasier's wife from Cheers, Lilith, was originally a one episode stunt, but she came back eventually as a regular.