WKRP (also team Bailey, BTW) was such a well done show that was at first considered a ripoff of the movie FM, but it quickly developed its absurd style and was a constant watch for me.
The Thanksgiving episode is justifiably regarded as one of the best moments of television, but watching it today, you realize that the show’s style is nothing like today’s traditional sitcom. The great punchline perfectly delivered, is the result of what would be considered an interminably long build up today.
Hesseman took a stock character and turned him into the heart of the show, IMO. Yes, Johnny Fever is missed.
I will never NOT find that T-day episode funny. I watch it any chance I get. That sort of slow burn/build up is a lost art in today’s world of quick hits.
WKRP was the best show. The first station I ever worked at was very, very much like WKRP in many ways. Such as well done show. To radio (back in the day) like The Bear is to restaurants today.
Missed this at the time - thanks for resurfacing it. #teamBailey in the same way as #teamMaryAnn, and #teamBarbara (one day at a time) right? There could be a lesson there - more approachable than worshipable. if that makes sense? I've written about the last DJ and LA Radio, and growing up in LA, that radio station - WKRP - was epic.
Your piece on Jim Ladd was really relatable. I didn't have a single DJ like that, but there are a few whose voices I can still hear now all these years later as I type this. I wonder if they know how much they meant to all of us?
WKRP (also team Bailey, BTW) was such a well done show that was at first considered a ripoff of the movie FM, but it quickly developed its absurd style and was a constant watch for me.
The Thanksgiving episode is justifiably regarded as one of the best moments of television, but watching it today, you realize that the show’s style is nothing like today’s traditional sitcom. The great punchline perfectly delivered, is the result of what would be considered an interminably long build up today.
Hesseman took a stock character and turned him into the heart of the show, IMO. Yes, Johnny Fever is missed.
100% agreed.
I will never NOT find that T-day episode funny. I watch it any chance I get. That sort of slow burn/build up is a lost art in today’s world of quick hits.
Not sure how I missed this one.
WKRP was the best show. The first station I ever worked at was very, very much like WKRP in many ways. Such as well done show. To radio (back in the day) like The Bear is to restaurants today.
One of my favorite shows. Loved Hesseman in everything he did. Clue, though a small part, lives rent free in my mind.
Missed this at the time - thanks for resurfacing it. #teamBailey in the same way as #teamMaryAnn, and #teamBarbara (one day at a time) right? There could be a lesson there - more approachable than worshipable. if that makes sense? I've written about the last DJ and LA Radio, and growing up in LA, that radio station - WKRP - was epic.
#TeamMaryAnn indeed!
Your piece on Jim Ladd was really relatable. I didn't have a single DJ like that, but there are a few whose voices I can still hear now all these years later as I type this. I wonder if they know how much they meant to all of us?
https://riclexel.substack.com/p/the-last-dj