NEWHART: The Bob Newhart Thread

[Avery Merry Christmas]

Yes, that is the very definition of "class".

 

[Jock Ewing Fan]

This video -- which is some years old -- gives me a fresh respect for actress Suzanne Pleshette, Newhart's leading lady on THE BOB NEWHART SHOW in the '70s.

Apparently she had been approached a few different times about doing the series finale of NEWHART, and she was well aware that that show would be written off as a dream. When the time finally came for that later show to end, she knew what the producers were calling her for.

What really stands out to me here is the respect Pleshette had for Mary Frann, Newhart's leading lady on NEWHART. When the wrap-up party was held, Pleshette excused herself so Frann could enjoy her limelight. That's an admiral character trait.

I love how Pleshette says "it wasn't my house" in explaining her decision to leave the party to the cast that had served NEWHART for eight years.​

Probably the best series finale I could remember. The show was great every season from start to finish.

 

[ChrisSumner]

I've never had a desire to watch his other series, but I did watch the first three seasons of The Bob Newhart Show and I think it is just brilliant. Such a funny show and Bob had amazing chemistry with Suzanne Pleshette. I need to go back and finish it.

 

[Avery Merry Christmas]

I forgot to mention it earlier in the thread, but another thing I love about Newhart is the theme tune. I heard a snip of it as part of the local radio contest and I recognized the music immediately, though I had not heard it in ages.

 

[TaranofPrydain]

Both of his long running sitcoms were very good, but I give the edge to his effort for the 80s. Just a smart, quirky understand sitcom that has so much wonderful dry understated wit. It was a very classy show.

 

[WarriorsFan]

I remember watching Newhart reruns about 15-20 years ago and I thought it was pretty funny and held up well. Ratings-wise its first six seasons finished between 12th and 25th but it fell out of the Top 30 in its final two seasons. I would guess that in the 1980s Newhart was overshadowed by Cheers and Night Court.

 

[Jock Ewing Fan]

Just some random thoughts.

Bob N was good friends with Don Rickles
Professor Proton was one of the best ever characters on "The Big Bang"
He appeared on "The Dean Martin Show" 24 times.
The movie "Elf" was silly, but BN's presence, even for a short time, was gold.

A talented man, one of the best ever!~

 

[Slugworth]

Leslie, their original maid, seemed rather bland despite her interesting back-story (she was a "runaway heiress" who decided to take a job as a maid in order to escape the pressures of her wealthy family).

I loved Leslie and wish they had kept her.

The problem was they didn't give her anything to do except be eye candy for Kirk. His constant desire for her when she's obviously not interested got old fast.

The character just needed to be retooled for the next season. Drop the Ms. Perfect routine. It's too sterile. There's nothing for anyone to work with.

I forgot which episode...it's where Dick and Joanna were arguing and Dick buys flowers. Kirk brings up how all you have to do is give a woman flowers and everything goes back to normal. Leslie gets mad at them and storms off into the kitchen.

It's a small scene but this is what they should've been doing with the character.


They also could've just turned her into what Stephanie would become.


Having said that, I liked Julia Duffy too.


I'm in the minority but I like the look of that first season.

I don't like the last couple seasons. It's too wacky and everyone in town except Dick are as dumb as fenceposts. Baby Steph owning the TV station is beyond stupid. Also hated the final episode.


Great theme/intro.

 

[Jock Ewing Fan]

I loved Leslie and wish they had kept her.

The problem was they didn't give her anything to do except be eye candy for Kirk. His constant desire for her when she's obviously not interested got old fast.

The character just needed to be retooled for the next season. Drop the Ms. Perfect routine. It's too sterile. There's nothing for anyone to work with.

I forgot which episode...it's where Dick and Joanna were arguing and Dick buys flowers. Kirk brings up how all you have to do is give a woman flowers and everything goes back to normal. Leslie gets mad at them and storms off into the kitchen.

It's a small scene but this is what they should've been doing with the character.


They also could've just turned her into what Stephanie would become.


Having said that, I liked Julia Duffy too.


I'm in the minority but I like the look of that first season.

I don't like the last couple seasons. It's too wacky and everyone in town except Dick are as dumb as fenceposts. Baby Steph owning the TV station is beyond stupid. Also hated the final episode.


Great theme/intro.

I also liked Leslie.

Julia Duffy was great. I understand she was considered for Diane in Cheers

I am not sure why Kirk and Leslie were replaced. I thought both were good.

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

 

[Soaplover]

Season 2 of Newhart was probably my favorite season of that show because it had the warm subtle comedy of season 1 mixed in with the more over the top comic bits of the later seasons.

-Stephanie was not as shallow.. and actually worked at the Inn.

- Kirk ended up with a sweet person that loved being a clown as her job. And the two of them along with Stephanie had great chemistry.