Top Ten #426

1) 227: The series aired a season premiere 40 years ago tonight--the Wheel of Fortune episode--and it is now available on Roku Channel for free streaming.

2) The Munsters: The series is back on FETV, which I believe shows the episodes uncut.

3) WOR Channel 9 (NY): I saw a great ad in The New York Times touting its weekday lineup in the early evenings. It started with Ironside at 6:00 and continued with Bowling for Dollars and Liar's Club. The ad called it, "Nightly fun and adventure for the whole family." 

"Mom, can we eat on the TV trays tonight?"
"No, we eat at the dinner table on Mondays."
"Aw, but, Mom, Don Gordon's gonna be on Ironside!"
"All right, just this once!"

4) Michael McDonald: This week we learned that the iconic singer had a son 58 years ago that he never knew. Wow, this news only makes that episode of What's Happening!! that much more poignant, knowing that he and the Doobies were fighting copyright violation not just for the current generation of fans, but for the 10-year-old son he didn't know he had!

5) Mannix: This clip made the rounds a few weeks ago, and it still makes me smile:

6) Saturday Night's Main Event: The Times' TV listings describe it as simply "wrestling exhibitions," but I will give you a bit more. The episode that aired 40 years ago tonight featured Hulk Hogan defending the World title against Paul Orndorff, Ricky Steamboat against Jake Roberts in a Snake Pit match, and a tag team title match pitting the British Bulldogs against the Dream Team. Oh, and Roddy Piper was all over the show!

7) ABC Evening News: On this night in 1976, Barbara Walters joined Harry Reasoner at the anchor desk, and he was not thrilled. In fact, reports state that she asked him what kind of tree he would be and he snapped, "A rotting one so I could be struck lightning and fall over onto your car!"

8) National Trucker Appreciation Day: It's October 4, or 1o-4. Get it? 

9) Sometimes a Great Notion: NBC gave this Paul Newman movie its broadcast TV debut 50 years ago tonight (It was the first film shown on HBO), and it actually changed its name to Never Give an Inch. I mean, I have heard of networks changing language, aspect ratio, even running time, but the title of the movie? 

10) R.I.P. James Sloyan: I really enjoyed his work in a few Murder, She Wrotes, but he had a long and productive career.

Dennis Haskins:

Top Ten 425

1) Fall: OK, OK! Summer is over. I finally admit it! Are you all happy? I now turn from the joys of summer to the delights of autumn, like new TV seasons and new Fall Preview issues of TV Guide, only because I roll that way, I will be focusing on old new seasons old new issues.

2) Dawn: Portrait of a Teenage Runaway: 50 years ago, this memorable TV movie showed you Eve Plumb as you had never seen her before; at least, I sure hope you hadn't.

3) Amen: It may be Sherman Helmsley's second-most-beloved sitcom, but it ran 5 seasons and is worth it if only for the shuffle in the intro (If you know, you know). It's on Cozi TV over the air in a graveyard slot and was on TUBI but now appears to be unavailable for streaming.

4) Bridget Loves Bernie: The complete series was released on Blu-Ray this week, but it will cost you. It aired a single season on CBS and drew big ratings (Granted, it was on Saturday nights), but it was canceled because, well, basically because some people are horrible.

5) Me-TV Toons: If you are lucky enough to get this channel, you can enjoy new additions like month like Fonz and the Happy Days Gang, The Addams Family (1973), Jeannie, and The New Adventures of Gilligan on Sunday nights. What, no Laverne and Shirley in the Army? I guess they need to save something for 2027!

6) A Different World: The Netflix revival of the series is drawing attention to the original Eighties sitcom, a popular spinoff of a megahit that was created and driven by some guy.

7) National Day of Forgiveness: It's time. Universal (Or NBC/Comcast/Whoever), I forgive you for not putting Quincy M.E. on Peacock.

8) Twilight Zone/Hunter/Spenser for Hire: Apologies to Downtown, a crime drama that premiered on CBS this night in 1986 (and did not last 5 seasons like Amen), but let's highlight these 3 shows that celebrated season premieres at 10:00 P.M.  Hunter spars with a reporter who has the temerity to accuse him of police brutality. What does he do? He arrests him! I'm sure that convinces the guy!

In the Zone, co-writers for the two segments include David Gerrold and George R.R. Martin. Meanwhile, on ABC, Spenser has to contend with blackmailing former clients and a D.A. who has it in for him. Maybe he should head over to NBC and ask Hunter to arrest them!

9) A. Martinez: Happy birthday to one of the stars of Exo-Man!

10) R.I.P. Pete Byrne: Not a TV star, but I mention the Naked Eyes singer here because I can remember the happy feeling I got when "Always Something There to Remind Me" came on MTV.

Top Ten #424

1) Rhoda: Before we get to a ton of series premieres that took place on this date, consider the third-season premiere of this show. Remember what it was about? Hint: The episode title is "The Separation"--you know, because people in happy relationships "aren't funny."

2) Hispanic Heritage Month: It began September 15. It's almost a week later, and I'm still waiting for Sony to put more Viva Valdez on its Classic TV Rewind YT channel.

3) Matlock: The long-running legal drama premiered on NBC 40 years ago. Andy Griffith finally gave audiences a memorable character to stand beside, if not supplant, his seminal role of Sam in Pray for the Wildcats.

4) Batman: Yesterday was Batman Day, so chosen to commemorate...uh, DC Comics wanting to celebrate Batman. Nothing says Batman like third Saturday in September! We of course talk about Bats in our Super Friends and Legends of the Superheroes episodes. Shout-out to one of the greatest Batmen of all, Olan Soule.

5) All's Fair: Norman Lear's sitcom premiered 50 years ago tonight. featuring Richard Crenna and Bernadette Peters as conservative and liberal journalists who fall in love, and, boy, does this premise hit differently in 2026.

6) Van Dyke and Company: Dick Van Dyke's comedy-variety show also debuted on this Monday in 1976. Flip Wilson and Chevy Chase guested. The series lasted a mere 11 episodes yet still won an Emmy in 1977. It's only the second-most notable misfire by a sitcom legend, though, because...

7) Life with Lucy: Let's go September 20 in 1986 and the debut of Lucille Ball's ill-fated final sitcom, a series that not only flopped, but it made many fans of the icon scared to watch for fear of seeing her hurt herself.

8) National Pepperoni Pizza Day: Here's a celebration we can all support! Nothing like sitting in front of the tube with a pizza, a cold beverage, and a pronounced aversion to doing something for your own health or for the general betterment of society.

9) Disneyland Presents Captain EO: On this night in 1986, NBC premiered a special devoted to the grand opening of Captain EO at Disney World. Note it didn't show the actual movie--that was exclusive to the theme parks--nor did Jacko himself show up. Yet the Michael Jackson hype was so strong then that NBC aired a hype program with music from Starship and banter from hosts Justine Bateman and Patrick Duffy, plus some making-of footage.

10) R.I.P. Bob Mackie: We always wanted to work with him for the podcast, but now I will have to continue my signature look of TV-related t-shirts and shorts.

RetroFan #46: One of the best issues ever?

I write here about every issue of RetroFan, and it's no surprise that I enjoy any particular issue. That said, issue 46 is a real CORKER!

The lead story is on KISS, a band I admired more as a kid than now, but Mark Voger presents an entertaining overview with just the right amount of Gene Simmons. I was delighted by the idea of a feature on T.J. Hooker, and author Christopher Robinson strikes the right tone, taking the show seriously but not too seriously and fitting a good summary in not too many pages. 

In similar fashion, the article on Banacek provides the flavor of the series, covering production, a list of the character's proverbs, and references in pop culture. Just the fact that RetroFan is venturing out of the A-list and covering the likes of this and Hooker is commendable and proof that there is much to discuss outside the old top-tier classics.

Andy Mangels continues his look at Filmation's Saturday-morning Ark II. Let me say a word in tribute to the late Will Murray, whose piece on the Destroyer novels is a fascinating account of a long book series. The story of the collaboration of the two creators is totally new to me and great reading, and regular contributor Murray will be missed.

There are cool stories on toys, cereal and Slap Shot, but my two favorite pieces are TV-related. Scott Shaw! tells the story of Nat Hiken, focusing on the two brilliant sitcoms he created, Sgt. Bilko and Car 54, Where Are You? Artist Adrian Ropp brings me a big surprise with his tale of working on Pink Panter comics. It's a thoughtful meditation on not just his own career, but the challenges and advantage of working on licensed properties. Ropp provides compelling justifications for his approach and explains how he came to realize the importance of respecting characters and not treating them as brands.

Is this one of the best issues ever? It's a strong statement, but I think this is certainly my favorite issue of the post-Michael Eury era under new editor Ed Catto. The diversity of material in this issue is appealing, and the articles are well executed. There are a few unfortunate typos, but the mag also spotlights some of my favorite stuff and surprises me in places. It's a great installment.

Top Ten #423

1) Emmys: Did you know the Emmys were now spread out over 3 nights? There has to be a way for someone we like to get one, right? Tomorrow night is "the main event." 

2) Captain O.G. Readmore Meets Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: Clearly the big happening on this day in TV history is the premiere of this episode of ABC's Weekend Special in 1986. Nothing against LeVar Burton, but I think Readmore's contribution to childhood literacy is way understated.

3) Miss America 1987: The winner of the pageant held 40 years ago tonight in Atlantic City was Kellye Cash, a great niece of Johnny Cash. That's interesting because before Boardwalk Hall outbid it at the last minute, the original venue for the pageant was going to be San Quentin.

4) National Peanut Day:

5) Inside Television '76: 50 years ago tonight on this ABC season preview special, guests like Farrah Fawcett and the Captain and Tennille took apart a Zenith and analyzed its cathode ray tube before reassembling it.

6) Easy Street: Another high-profile premiere on this night in 1986: The short-lived Hugh Wilson sitcom with Loni Anderson, Jack Elam, and Lee Weaver. 

7) Raging Bull: People who watch network TV deserve to see good movies, too, but really? Raging Bull on CBS on some random Saturday night? Seems wrong.

8) National Grandparents Day:

9) Jean Smart: She's poised to win yet another Emmy tomorrow night or at least be runner-up, and the Designing Women star turns 75 today.

10) Columbo: I was looking at the new COZI-TV schedule, and they are showing 8 episodes of Columbo each Saturday. 8! I love the show, but that's a little crazy.

Happy Labor Day from BOTNS!

 

Top Ten #422

1) Labor Day: Tomorrow in the USA we celebrate the working folks. Well, it's a day off, anyway. For most people. Let's just get to my annual Working Stiffs clip so I can post something else tomorrow.

2) Jerry Lewis: Still the King of Labor Day, Lewis' annual telethon to raise funds to fight Muscular Dystrophy made history 50 years ago tonight. Special guest Frank Sinatra "reunited" the legendary Martin/Lewis team.

3) Mr. T: You might want to read this incredible article about the 80s icon. In the story, he is promoting the upcoming Netflix documentary about his story, and, oh, by the way, he seems to hate it.

4) College football: See the stars of tomorrow before they get CTE! We hope! 40 years ago tonight, Florida State and Nebraska opened the season in prime time on ABC. Here's a clip of...a PUNT from the game--posted by the punter!

5) SCTV: It really happened! The series is now on Netflix. Is it complete? Apparently it has music cuts, and it is reformatted for widescreen, but it's on Netflix, and that's pretty darn good, I say. We talk about the show here.

6) Dukes of Hazzard: Legend TV in the UK just added reruns of the series, and of course it prompted a whole new round of complaints of people in the United States--not people offended, but people offended at the thought of anyone being offended.

Personally, I'm just relieved the channel is in the UK because I saw this news and thought, hey, how did I not know this existed?

7) Rodney Dangerfield: It's Not Easy Bein' Me: This special aired this night in 1986 on HBO and features the likes of Jerry Seinfeld and Sam Kinison. It shouldn't be confused with the 1982 ABC special of the same name, which features the likes of Bill Murray and Aretha Franklin, plus a lot less swearing.

8) Chang and Eng Bunker: Earlier this season, Mike and I talked about HBO, focusing in part on Some Call Them Freaks...a 1980s documentary that includes the story of conjoined twins Chang and Eng. There's a lot more to that story, and you can get some of it in this piece about the annual family reunion of their descendants.

9) US Open Super Saturday 1986: On this day in 1986, the tennis tournament crowned Martina Navratilova champ after a win over Helena Sukova; on the men's side, Ivan Lendl and Miloslave Mecir won their matches to advance to the final.

10) Thames on 9: 50 years ago tonight, WOR-TV in the New York City area kicked off a theme week in which it devoted its evening (way beyond "prime time," going all the way to signoff) schedule to imported UK programs from Thames TV. The lineup included episodes of Bless This House, Rock Follies, and of course Benny Hill.