7.2 /10 1 Votes7.2
6.5/10 TV Final episode date 3 August 1978 Number of episodes 5 (+ pilot) | 7.9/10 IMDb Created by Hal Dresner First episode date 31 January 1978 Number of seasons 1 Program creator Hal Dresner | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Written by Mike KaganHarry CauleyCarol GaryHal DresnerJim ParkerBurt PrelutskyGarry Shandling Directed by Harvey KormanHoward MorrisBill Persky Starring Harvey KormanChristine LahtiBarry Van DykeMilton Selzer Network American Broadcasting Company Similar The Tim Conway Show, The Danny Kaye Show, The Nutt House, It's Garry Shandling's Show, The Carol Burnett Show | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The harvey korman show 1978 abc promo
The Harvey Korman Show is an American sitcom starring Harvey Korman, Christine Lahti, Barry Van Dyke and Milton Selzer that aired for five episodes on ABC from January 31 to August 3, 1978.
Contents
Synopsis
The series follows the misadventures of Harvey A. Kavanaugh (Harvey Korman), an egotistical, self-centered out-of-work actor who operates an acting class from his home that he shares with his level-headed daughter Maggie (Christine Lahti), who works at the Friendly Community Bank. The supporting cast includes Barry Van Dyke as Stuart Stafford, Maggie's boyfriend and co-worker (whom Harvey dislikes), and Milton Selzer as Jake Winkleman, Harvey's hard-working agent.
Production
The Harvey Korman Show was created as a star vehicle for Harvey Korman when he was offered a contract by ABC to headline his own television series that went into development shortly following his departure from The Carol Burnett Show on CBS after a long and successful run as a supporting player from 1967–1977. At the time, Korman had grown restless of the variety show routine and was very eager in pursuing lead character roles.
The pilot episode was originally broadcast on May 19, 1977 and varied slightly from the 1978 series: Korman portrays Francis A. Kavanaugh, a flamboyant, old school actor and dramatic coach of "The Francis A. Kavanaugh Academy of Dramatic Arts", an acting class he operates from his home that he shares with his 19-year-old daughter Maggie (played by Susan Lawrence in the pilot). In the actual series, Korman's character name is changed to Harvey A. Kavanaugh and the role of Maggie was recast with Christine Lahti, in one of her early acting roles.
The Harvey Korman Show was broadcast Tuesday nights on ABC at 9:30 p.m. throughout its brief run. It was videotaped before a live audience at NBC Studios in Burbank, California. The theme song "Living Life Today", written by Ken Welch & Mitzi Welch, was performed by Korman in a Broadway-esque manner. Garry Shandling was one of the scriptwriters and story editor for the series.
Cast
Reception
The Harvey Korman Show drew low ratings and was cancelled after only five episodes aired. Korman himself expressed disappointment with the series and blamed its failure on the writing which he said "wasn't up to snuff" and also added that he wasn't happy with the casting either.