The Van Dyke Show Explained

Genre:Sitcom
Creator:Donald Todd
Director:Zane Buzby
Jay Sandrich
Starring:Dick Van Dyke
Barry Van Dyke
Kari Lizer
Maura Tierney
Billy O'Sullivan
Paul Scherrer
Whitman Mayo
Composer:Stewart Levin
Country:United States
Language:English
Num Seasons:1
Num Episodes:10 (4 unaired)
Executive Producer:Sam Bobrick
Ron Clark
Producer:Walter Barnett
Jim Geoghan
Camera:Multi-camera
Runtime:30 minutes
Company:GTG Entertainment
Channel:CBS

The Van Dyke Show is an American sitcom starring Dick Van Dyke and his son Barry Van Dyke which aired on CBS from October 26 to December 7, 1988. The series marked the second time the real-life father-son actors worked together, after Dick guest-starred in a 4th season episode of Airwolf with Barry as the leading man.[1] [2]

Synopsis

The series centers on Matt Burgess (Barry Van Dyke), who runs a small regional theater in Pennsylvania, and his father Dick Burgess (Dick Van Dyke), a Broadway musical star. Dick decided to give up Broadway to live and work with his son at the theater. The theater's staff included Doc, the stage manager; Jillian, Matt's secretary; and Eric, Matt's helper.

Cast

Guest stars

Reception and cancellation

The series was generally panned by critics and failed to generate sufficient ratings. CBS announced the series' cancellation on December 14, 1988, one week after the sixth episode aired.[4] The remaining four episodes of the ten produced were never aired.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Brooks, Tim . Marsh, Earle F. . The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946-Present . Ballantine Books. 2007-10-17. 9. 1464. 978-0-345-49773-4.
  2. News: Van Dyke, Moore Series Debut Tonight. Baker. Kathryn. October 26, 1988. The Albany Herald. 7D. February 5, 2013.
  3. Book: Lentz, Harris. Obituaries in the Performing Arts, 2019. 316. McFarland. November 6, 2020. 9781476679785. Google Books.
  4. News: New season shows beginning to feel blow of cancellation. McKerrow. Steve. December 14, 1988. Boca Raton News. 8B. February 6, 2013.