Wikipedia: WKRP in Cincinnati

In 1978, a show was first broadcast on CBS. It was given a time slot which practically guaranteed nobody would watch it. Its ratings were so bad that it was put on hiatus after only eight episodes, even though one of those shows was the one that would forever afterward be its signature: the turkey drop.

The show was the immortal, never-jumped-the-shark WKRP in Cincinnati.

What kept it alive after its near-death was the buzz by the few who watched it, including folks in the radio industry who were delighted at the show's realism. Finally, you could see what REALLY was going on behind the deejay's microphone.

WKRP was a mixture of characters that was so perfect that few sitcoms have ever come close to matching it. Everybody meshed perfectly. The running gags that existed because of this chemistry made each episode a classic.

What I particularly loved was the growth of their personae. For instance, uptight Les Nessman turns out to be an expert in the history of blues music, as well as a devoted fan. Introverted, insecure Bailey Quarters grows into a self confident taker up of causes. Herb Tarlek confronts his own alcoholism. Arthur Carlson takes a stand against censorship.

Today's FamilyFirst site is the Wikipedia entry on WKRP in Cincinnati. You have to be careful with Wikipedia, it is the product of the general public. Its quality can vary. But this article is well-written.

We fans took it for granted that we would always have this show. It was syndicated in the 80's with its original music. But the greedy sleazeballs who run the music industry have “renegotiated” the terms that were originally agreed upon when the show first ran (as well as for its original syndication). Ergo, when it IS finally released on DVD next year, most of the original tunes will be replaced by generic music.

Part of the show's appeal was hearing real hit songs. What a shame a few obscenely rich executives will be taking that away from us. At least the brilliant comedy will still be there when we finally get this show on DVD.

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