Baby, if you've ever wondered,
Wondered whatever became of me,
I'm livin' on the air in Cincinnati,
Cincinnati, WKRP.
Got kinda tired of packin' and unpackin', Town to town, up and down the dial.
Maybe you and me were never meant to be, Just maybe think of me once in awhile.
Heading up that highway, leaving you behind Hardest thing I ever had to do.
Broke my heart in two, but baby, pay no mind The price for finding me was losing you.
Memories help me hide my lonesome feelin' Far away from you and feelin' low.
It's gettin' late my friend, my love, I miss you so Take good care of you, I've gotta go.
Baby, if you've ever wondered Wondered whatever became of me.
I'm living on the air in Cincinnati, Cincinnati, WKRP
Got kinda tired of packin' and unpackin', Town to town, up and down the dial.
Maybe you and me were never meant to be, Just maybe think of me once in awhile.
I'm at WKRP in Cincinna-a-a-ti-i-i.
*
Debuting September 18th, 1978, when I was a mere 10 years old, I liked "WKRP In Cincinnati" from its debut episode to the very end on April 21st, 1982. Ten years old but already watching somewhat more mature comedies like "All In The Family", "The Jeffersons" , "Good Times" and more. When they show ended, I was just a few weeks shy of turning14.
Great to have parents that were open mnded enough to allow me to watch these shows. I learned many thngs about the adult world early, it wasn't difficult to get any questions I had answered, were i confused as why certain characters acted as they did or what something meant.
"WKRP" was a show pretty much anyone my age then and up could watch. Coming from the MTM corral of successes, it's following (despite so-so overall ratings) was undeniable. The reason was easy, it was honestly the 'hippest' show on CBS.
Gary Sandy's "Andy Travis" character, a simple country guy who , obviously left a relationship and a job at a previous station recently, seems to have walked into a job at a station, that seems to be it's own little world. (At the time of arrival, not a very happy one.)
Stuck on a low frequency AM dial, with almost non existant ratings. Losing money and a format of yawn inducing Easy Listening, Andy's first item of business is to change WKRP to a Rock & Roll / Top 4 format. Andy knows his stuff and easily sells The Big Guy aka station manager Arthur Carlson (Gordon Jump) on his idea. Andy's not fully aware Arthur's mother owns the station.
Gordon was always hilarious as the befuddled and often confused Carlson. Funniest moment wss when he mistakes a bag of cocaine for foot powder and when told this , beleives he is now going to be an addict!
However, Gordon Jump was also able to show us the other side of Carlson, a man domineered by his mother and who is a devoted husband, father and just an old fashioned good guy.
Mother Carlson in the debut show was played by 1930s / 1940s actress Sylvia Sydney but is later changed to Carol Bruce, who was much younger at only 59 in 1978. She's not pleased at this idea or with Travis himself.
Andy later meets the unusual staff, longtime DJ and near counter culture figure Johnny Caravella (Johnny Fever, played by Howard Hessman). Johnny stuck at this station because of his work attitude getting him fired a lot. Once Johnny heard he can play rock, he's cuts loose like he's been set free from jail.
You'd find few young guys who were fans of this show yjem. That didn't find Dr. Johnny Fever to be the most cool and radical character on TV.
Then there's Les Nesman, their news man (Richard Sanders). Meek and been with the station since the 1950s, he seems to still be a product of that era. He has to share the staff room with others but pretends that he has office walls and a door, insisting people knock.
Salesman Herb Tarlek (Richard Bonner) a horrible dresser as he wear the loudest suits imaginable in 1970's wear. He's inept but also underhanded in getting sponsors for the station...he also, despite being married, has eyes for Carlson's secretary Jennifer Marlowe. (Loni Anderson) .
Jennifer, unlike some blonde female characters on TV then, is intelligent, does not put up with being treated send class and knows that Herb is all talk and no action (and a jerk).
I loved that about her character, as I cannot stand women being portrayed as 'airheads'. (In one episode though, she did do a very hilarious impersonation of one.) I also liked the running joke of her being the highest paid employee there, despite doing very little.
Bailey Quarters (Jan Smithers) is a recent newbie to the station, an intelligent but attrractive girl, wanting to be a news woman but the sexist Les, has issues with a woman wanting this usually male dominated role. She has an attraction to Johnny Fever too
Finally, is DJ Venus Flytrap aka Gordon Sims played by the great Tim Reid. On the air, a soulful, laid back D. J. but in reality just a regular guy. No stereotypes here thankfully. When the show called for Reid to do a more serious take, away from comedy, he certianly delivered.
Together they all made 4 years of episodes (90 of them) that certainly deserved greater attention in the Neilsen ratings. Not just for bringing great original comedy but not being afraid to do a serious episode now & then and maybe a litle social commentary on the times as well.
Fans know the funny shows. Turkeys Away, Johnny doing a remote at an electrocics store that gets held up, Herb dressed as the station mascot a "carp" W - KRP (carp, get it?). Herb and family on a show called "Real Families" being followed around by a camera crew and Herb trying to make his life seem more exciiting. (Like a precursor to the reality shows of the 2000'a.)
Many more of course, but I don't want to make this too long.
At their best in serious stories, there was the revelation that Venus / Gordon was a former Vietnam Vet who went AWOL and flew home. The military had been seeking him for sometime.
Herb's 3 martini lunches start to effect his work, a Tornado hits the city, even the episode where johnny takes a job as a host of a Disco TV dance show, which means selling out his ideals for a more solid income. He hates it but he and his coworkers lose respect for him.
However, there was no episode more serious (or more coincidental) than "In Concert" ,which aired February 11, 1980, just over 2 months after The Who concert disaster that occurred on December 3, 1979.
When rock band The Who performed at Riverfront Coliseum (now known as Heritage Bank Center) in Cincinnati, a massicve forward rush of concert goers outside the Coliseum's entry doors resulted in the trampling deaths of 11 people.
There was no question that an episode should be done, at least for those closest involved with the show. They really had to convince CBS that they could do this to pay homage to the fallen, while still doing a good show.
The end result was, first 1/2 of the show, comedy but not over the top. About Mr. Carlson's son wanting to attend and smaller plots.
Upon return from commercial, the staff is seen the next day after the show. Stunned and numb at the fact they were all at the show with no knowledge of what had occoured until hours later.
Mr. Carlson , visibly upset as the station had promtoed the show and even given away tickets but also feels guilty having enjoyed the show (people weere still let in even after the incident). All opt to attend the candlelight vigil in the park. Venus staying behind as he has his show to do. His words speak greatly, for the reality of the unfortunate real life event.
WKRP was cancelled after just 4 years...likely, it could have lasted 2 or 3 more. It has done greatly in reruns and on DVD since. So, what was the secret of WKRP's lasting appeal?
Like Mary Tyler Moore and Bob Newhart, the show was a workplace comedy with clever writing and a cast of memorable characters. Unlike those shows, WKRP wasn't built around a 'star name' but the whole cast.
While the show was originally intended as a vehicle for up-and-coming actor Gary Sandy, Sandy quickly became just another member of the ensemble, as his character, program director Andy Travis, became the center of the show. A likable but somewhat basic straight man to the 'unique' personalities around him.
As a result, WKRP became one of TV's great hangout shows. Instead of following Moore or Newhart through their home and work life, the less focused WKRP, let viewers feel they were simply part of the gang at the Midwest's most dysfunctional radio station.
I binge watched the original series , just a few short years ago (thankfully all popular songs used were put back in place.) It was great to see them all over again for those few weeks.
Reaffirmed my feelings for the show for sure, Ten Stars ********** .
(Hit it!) : Mad tooth bar chin-up, box zing outta her hair now!
Still do the modern day whack-a-mole ditto-o-o!
What's that? Good bartender, i'da hat-beer 'n' head out!
I said I wouldn't do it... if a poodle had a lid ah-on!
(In memory of Gordon Jump, Frank Bonner and Howard Hessman & Carol Bruce. )
R. I. P.
Got kinda tired of packin' and unpackin', Town to town, up and down the dial.
Maybe you and me were never meant to be, Just maybe think of me once in awhile.
Heading up that highway, leaving you behind Hardest thing I ever had to do.
Broke my heart in two, but baby, pay no mind The price for finding me was losing you.
Memories help me hide my lonesome feelin' Far away from you and feelin' low.
It's gettin' late my friend, my love, I miss you so Take good care of you, I've gotta go.
Baby, if you've ever wondered Wondered whatever became of me.
I'm living on the air in Cincinnati, Cincinnati, WKRP
Got kinda tired of packin' and unpackin', Town to town, up and down the dial.
Maybe you and me were never meant to be, Just maybe think of me once in awhile.
I'm at WKRP in Cincinna-a-a-ti-i-i.
*
Debuting September 18th, 1978, when I was a mere 10 years old, I liked "WKRP In Cincinnati" from its debut episode to the very end on April 21st, 1982. Ten years old but already watching somewhat more mature comedies like "All In The Family", "The Jeffersons" , "Good Times" and more. When they show ended, I was just a few weeks shy of turning14.
Great to have parents that were open mnded enough to allow me to watch these shows. I learned many thngs about the adult world early, it wasn't difficult to get any questions I had answered, were i confused as why certain characters acted as they did or what something meant.
"WKRP" was a show pretty much anyone my age then and up could watch. Coming from the MTM corral of successes, it's following (despite so-so overall ratings) was undeniable. The reason was easy, it was honestly the 'hippest' show on CBS.
Gary Sandy's "Andy Travis" character, a simple country guy who , obviously left a relationship and a job at a previous station recently, seems to have walked into a job at a station, that seems to be it's own little world. (At the time of arrival, not a very happy one.)
Stuck on a low frequency AM dial, with almost non existant ratings. Losing money and a format of yawn inducing Easy Listening, Andy's first item of business is to change WKRP to a Rock & Roll / Top 4 format. Andy knows his stuff and easily sells The Big Guy aka station manager Arthur Carlson (Gordon Jump) on his idea. Andy's not fully aware Arthur's mother owns the station.
Gordon was always hilarious as the befuddled and often confused Carlson. Funniest moment wss when he mistakes a bag of cocaine for foot powder and when told this , beleives he is now going to be an addict!
However, Gordon Jump was also able to show us the other side of Carlson, a man domineered by his mother and who is a devoted husband, father and just an old fashioned good guy.
Mother Carlson in the debut show was played by 1930s / 1940s actress Sylvia Sydney but is later changed to Carol Bruce, who was much younger at only 59 in 1978. She's not pleased at this idea or with Travis himself.
Andy later meets the unusual staff, longtime DJ and near counter culture figure Johnny Caravella (Johnny Fever, played by Howard Hessman). Johnny stuck at this station because of his work attitude getting him fired a lot. Once Johnny heard he can play rock, he's cuts loose like he's been set free from jail.
You'd find few young guys who were fans of this show yjem. That didn't find Dr. Johnny Fever to be the most cool and radical character on TV.
Then there's Les Nesman, their news man (Richard Sanders). Meek and been with the station since the 1950s, he seems to still be a product of that era. He has to share the staff room with others but pretends that he has office walls and a door, insisting people knock.
Salesman Herb Tarlek (Richard Bonner) a horrible dresser as he wear the loudest suits imaginable in 1970's wear. He's inept but also underhanded in getting sponsors for the station...he also, despite being married, has eyes for Carlson's secretary Jennifer Marlowe. (Loni Anderson) .
Jennifer, unlike some blonde female characters on TV then, is intelligent, does not put up with being treated send class and knows that Herb is all talk and no action (and a jerk).
I loved that about her character, as I cannot stand women being portrayed as 'airheads'. (In one episode though, she did do a very hilarious impersonation of one.) I also liked the running joke of her being the highest paid employee there, despite doing very little.
Bailey Quarters (Jan Smithers) is a recent newbie to the station, an intelligent but attrractive girl, wanting to be a news woman but the sexist Les, has issues with a woman wanting this usually male dominated role. She has an attraction to Johnny Fever too
Finally, is DJ Venus Flytrap aka Gordon Sims played by the great Tim Reid. On the air, a soulful, laid back D. J. but in reality just a regular guy. No stereotypes here thankfully. When the show called for Reid to do a more serious take, away from comedy, he certianly delivered.
Together they all made 4 years of episodes (90 of them) that certainly deserved greater attention in the Neilsen ratings. Not just for bringing great original comedy but not being afraid to do a serious episode now & then and maybe a litle social commentary on the times as well.
Fans know the funny shows. Turkeys Away, Johnny doing a remote at an electrocics store that gets held up, Herb dressed as the station mascot a "carp" W - KRP (carp, get it?). Herb and family on a show called "Real Families" being followed around by a camera crew and Herb trying to make his life seem more exciiting. (Like a precursor to the reality shows of the 2000'a.)
Many more of course, but I don't want to make this too long.
At their best in serious stories, there was the revelation that Venus / Gordon was a former Vietnam Vet who went AWOL and flew home. The military had been seeking him for sometime.
Herb's 3 martini lunches start to effect his work, a Tornado hits the city, even the episode where johnny takes a job as a host of a Disco TV dance show, which means selling out his ideals for a more solid income. He hates it but he and his coworkers lose respect for him.
However, there was no episode more serious (or more coincidental) than "In Concert" ,which aired February 11, 1980, just over 2 months after The Who concert disaster that occurred on December 3, 1979.
When rock band The Who performed at Riverfront Coliseum (now known as Heritage Bank Center) in Cincinnati, a massicve forward rush of concert goers outside the Coliseum's entry doors resulted in the trampling deaths of 11 people.
There was no question that an episode should be done, at least for those closest involved with the show. They really had to convince CBS that they could do this to pay homage to the fallen, while still doing a good show.
The end result was, first 1/2 of the show, comedy but not over the top. About Mr. Carlson's son wanting to attend and smaller plots.
Upon return from commercial, the staff is seen the next day after the show. Stunned and numb at the fact they were all at the show with no knowledge of what had occoured until hours later.
Mr. Carlson , visibly upset as the station had promtoed the show and even given away tickets but also feels guilty having enjoyed the show (people weere still let in even after the incident). All opt to attend the candlelight vigil in the park. Venus staying behind as he has his show to do. His words speak greatly, for the reality of the unfortunate real life event.
WKRP was cancelled after just 4 years...likely, it could have lasted 2 or 3 more. It has done greatly in reruns and on DVD since. So, what was the secret of WKRP's lasting appeal?
Like Mary Tyler Moore and Bob Newhart, the show was a workplace comedy with clever writing and a cast of memorable characters. Unlike those shows, WKRP wasn't built around a 'star name' but the whole cast.
While the show was originally intended as a vehicle for up-and-coming actor Gary Sandy, Sandy quickly became just another member of the ensemble, as his character, program director Andy Travis, became the center of the show. A likable but somewhat basic straight man to the 'unique' personalities around him.
As a result, WKRP became one of TV's great hangout shows. Instead of following Moore or Newhart through their home and work life, the less focused WKRP, let viewers feel they were simply part of the gang at the Midwest's most dysfunctional radio station.
I binge watched the original series , just a few short years ago (thankfully all popular songs used were put back in place.) It was great to see them all over again for those few weeks.
Reaffirmed my feelings for the show for sure, Ten Stars ********** .
(Hit it!) : Mad tooth bar chin-up, box zing outta her hair now!
Still do the modern day whack-a-mole ditto-o-o!
What's that? Good bartender, i'da hat-beer 'n' head out!
I said I wouldn't do it... if a poodle had a lid ah-on!
(In memory of Gordon Jump, Frank Bonner and Howard Hessman & Carol Bruce. )
R. I. P.