WKRP in Cincinnati

1978

Seasons & Episodes

  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
8| TV-PG| en| More Info
Released: 18 September 1978 Ended
Producted By: MTM Enterprises
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website:
Info

When a Cincinnati radio station switches from sedate music to top-40 rock 'n' roll, its staff of oddball characters is forced to switch gears quickly. New programming director Andy Travis brings in a new DJ named Venus Flytrap to work with the station's burned-out veteran, Dr. Johnny Fever. Neurotic newsman Les Nessman, eager beaver Bailey Quarters, sleazy salesman Herb Tarlek, blonde bombshell Jennifer Marlowe, who serves as the station's ultra-capable receptionist, and station manager Arthur Carlson, whose domineering mother owns WKRP, round out the eccentric bunch.

Genre

Comedy

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Director

Production Companies

MTM Enterprises

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WKRP in Cincinnati Audience Reviews

Alicia I love this movie so much
Stometer Save your money for something good and enjoyable
AshUnow This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.
Jonah Abbott There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.
calvinnme Running only four short seasons from 1978-1982, this was one of the most perfect shows of its time, and a near dead on commentary on small media outlets.The story is supposed to be about Andy Travis (Gary Sandy), as he leaves the Southwest to become program director of small station WKRP. When he arrives it is playing elevator music and nothing works well, which is how station owner Mama Carleson wants it - it is later revealed that WKRP is supposed to operate as a tax write-off and that's why she's put her rather incompetent son (Gordon Jump as Arthur Carleson) in charge of the station. The whole show is really about the comic conflict between "the jeans" and "the suits". Andy, Bailey, and DJs Venus Flytrap and Doctor Johnny Fever are "the jeans". "The suits" are Arthur Carleson, sales manager Herb Tarlek, and news director Les Nessman. The whole show is just a comic take on the younger characters trying to right the station in spite of the hang-ups and incompetence of the older ones. By "young" and "old" I'm really talking young at heart versus old at heart. Chronologically, Dr. Johnny Fever is probably older than Herb Tarlek, but they are definitely on different sides of the establishment/anti-establishment demarcation line. Although that doesn't mean that the younger characters are not without their comic quirks. In the middle, never really taking sides, is secretary Jennifer Marlowe (Loni Anderson) who knows many wealthy men, lives way beyond the means of a secretary, and who is a good soul and a woman whose private life is shrouded in mystery.Don't think that these guys are adversaries though. When they have to they can work together, and everybody honors Les' fake walls - marked by tape on the floor - regardless of what they think of his abilities. WKRP was a refreshing little show during a time when many of the sitcoms were taking on serious tones. Its writers understood the comedy part of situation-comedy. Although I was sad when it was canceled, the fact that it was on just four seasons meant that it never really had to change its format and in retrospect probably had a perfect show life. All the actors were hilarious and they complemented each other extremely well. One of the reasons WKRP remains popular and beloved today is because it didn't wear out its welcome. Three's Company is a perfect example of a sitcom that made that mistake. It was just as hilarious, but it just hung around way too long.The sad thing is this show in its entirety will remain only in our memories unless you had an early VHS recorder and had the foresight to record episodes. That is because the music, so integral to the show, had no legal provisions for release to home video in any form. In 1978 such an idea was just a concept not a reality. Someone who worked at CBS and should be in the know said that the masters of the film containing the music were destroyed years ago. That's one reason the only season ever released on DVD lacked the original music and was a complete failure.
DeanNYC Hugh Wilson is something of a television genius. I doubt that anyone thought that doing a television show about a little radio station in a small market city would work, but he got MTM to produce it and CBS to air it and "WKRP in Cincinnati" hit the airwaves (and I'm sure that "NewsRadio" owes a debt of thanks to this series for paving the way)!Populated with some of the most hilarious and memorable characters in television and with some brilliant, meaningful and sometimes outrageous story lines, WKRP always provided its audience with a worthwhile viewing experience that often extended beyond the events that occurred on the air. The reason the show worked is because of the characters, and perhaps more importantly, the actors that played them. Jennifer Marlowe could have been just a bubble head or a snappy comeback responder in the hands of a lesser actress, but Loni Anderson was brilliant. Dr. Johnny Fever could have been just a waste product, but Howard Hesseman gave him attitude and subtle subtext. Venus Flytrap might have just been the token minority, but Tim Reid turned him into a deep, meaningful spirit. Bailey Quarters could have been totally wooden and forgotten, but Jan Smithers made her quietly determined and caring. Les Nessman might have just been the virginal boy scout, but Richard Saunders gave him humor and texture. Herb Tarlek might have just been the bad dressing (even for the late 70s - early 80s!) fast talking salesman, but Frank Bonner made him amusing and even at times sympathetic. Arthur Carlson could have just been the no-nothing owner, but Gordon Jump's long time experience in sitcoms certainly prevented that! And Andy Travis might have been a total control freak in the midst of everyone else, but Gary Sandy was the perfect stability for everyone: the eye of this hilarious storm!I mourn the fact that this series will never truly be seen again, because of the royalty issues over the use of music in the episodes. It just isn't WKRP if you don't have the songs! It's like seeing a loved one you cared about, now horribly disfigured. Yes, you still care about them, but nothing will ever again be the same.Unfortunately, unless you visit the Paley Center for Media, either in New York or Los Angeles, where the original episodes are preserved in their broadcast state, you'll just have to remember the eps the way they were.
chucksmobilemusic There were more lyrics to the WKRP theme that were sung by Steve Carlisle on his WKRP album: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 youMemories help me hide my lonely feelings Far away from you and feeling low It's getting late my friend, my love I miss you so Take good care of you I gotta goFrom these further lyrics it would appear obvious that the entire song was a letter to a former lover from someone who works at the station, most likely Andy Travis.This was a kick-ass song that still sounds good today.
Bud Gott It's really a shame that this show isn't currently in national syndication or available on DVD.I know the DVD issue mainly revolves around how expensive the music rights would be for the studio. Still, there has to be a way for them to eventually make it possible.They need to. WKRP was one of the best shows ever on television. It deserves to be put out of DVD so that fans of the show can appreciate it all over again.Not only that, but I bet the show would develop a whole new following among younger people who haven't yet had a chance to see it.What can I say about this show that hasn't already been said here? Not much. The show was hilarious and brilliant! It had one of the greatest casts ever assembled for a series. Plus, it had two of the most gorgeous women ever, Jan Smithers and Loni Anderson, it its cast.Definitely one of the best TV shows ever.Bud Gott