Hmmm
I remember reading that in preproduction, Mary was intended to be a divorcee, but the powers that be nixed it,
they said viewers would think that she divorced Dick Van Dyke!
Jack Cassidy and Lyle Waggoner were originally considered for Ted Baxter.
I'm glad Ted Knight was cast - I think he was the funniest character, and Ted Knight is a brilliant actor.
I liked Valerie Harper as Rhoda on MTM, not so much on her own shows (both Rhoda and the Hogans)
Nancy Walker is a skilled actress, but I found her character annoying.
Same with Cloris Leachman, never cared for Phyllis.
"Lou Grant' was a good show, even though I don't care for AE's politics.
"Too Close For Comfort" was an entertaining sitcom, again Ted Knight is so talented (I know it's not a spinoff)
All in all, the MTM show was great TV