One of the best sitcoms of all time (in my humble opinion) was WKRP in Cincinnati. It was produced by the MTM Studios which in the 1970’s and 1980’s, was very prolific in sitcoms and later dramas.
One of the qualities of any MTM show was a strong ensemble cast and WKRP was no exception. You had Gary Sandy as the main character of Andy Travis, a person hired to save radio station WKRP from the ratings toilet. The great characters were GM Arthur Carlson (played by Gordon Jump), DJ Johnny Fever (played by Howard Hesseman), DJ Venus Flytrap (played by Tim Reid), newsman Les Nesman (played by Richard Sanders), salesman Herb Tarlek (played by Frank Bonner), receptionist Jennifer Marlowe (played by the luscious Loni Anderson) and Bailey Quarters (played by the lovely Jan Smithers).
This show lasted only four seasons and could have gone on for another two, but CBS really didn’t support this show. I’ll give you the pilot and one of my favorite episodes.
Here is the pilot which ran in two parts.
Pilot – Part 1
New Program Director Andy Travis comes in to shake up WKRP from beautiful music to hard time rock.
Pilot – Part 2
Travis is in trouble when listeners and advertisers protest the format change.
Bailey’s Show
The staff protests when Bailey gets her own show and attracts a crowd of freaks.
Turkeys Away
My all time favorite episode. Arthur Carlson has a big idea for a Thanksgiving promotion.
Enjoy.
