Comments on: We Look Back At The Top TV Shows of 1972 http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/ Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:46:19 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Jimbo3 http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-3/#comment-52056 Jimbo3 Sat, 21 Feb 2009 22:04:57 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-52056 All In The Family would never make it in the ultra sensetive, politically correct world in which we now live. Someone or some group would be 'offended' with each episode. Like Archie and Edith used to sing..."those were the days" All In The Family would never make it in the ultra sensetive, politically correct world in which we now live. Someone or some group would be ‘offended’ with each episode. Like Archie and Edith used to sing…”those were the days”

]]> By: JP http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-3/#comment-10068 JP Sun, 20 Apr 2008 22:58:05 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-10068 The reason "Funny Face" only lasted a few episodes was because Sandy Duncan had an eye tumor and had to undergo eye surgery. When Sandy was sufficiently recovered, CBS revamped the show as "The Sandy Duncan Show" and moved it to another time slot. The show failed in the new slot. The reason “Funny Face” only lasted a few episodes was because Sandy Duncan had an eye tumor and had to undergo eye surgery. When Sandy was sufficiently recovered, CBS revamped the show as “The Sandy Duncan Show” and moved it to another time slot. The show failed in the new slot.

]]> By: JP http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-3/#comment-16410 JP Sun, 20 Apr 2008 22:58:05 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-16410 The reason "Funny Face" only lasted a few episodes was because Sandy Duncan had an eye tumor and had to undergo eye surgery. When Sandy was sufficiently recovered, CBS revamped the show as "The Sandy Duncan Show" and moved it to another time slot. The show failed in the new slot. The reason “Funny Face” only lasted a few episodes was because Sandy Duncan had an eye tumor and had to undergo eye surgery. When Sandy was sufficiently recovered, CBS revamped the show as “The Sandy Duncan Show” and moved it to another time slot. The show failed in the new slot.

]]> By: Andrea http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-2/#comment-10037 Andrea Sun, 20 Apr 2008 13:52:15 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-10037 Regarding names: Don't forget "New Amsterdam" is about John Amsterdam. ;) Regarding names: Don’t forget “New Amsterdam” is about John Amsterdam. ;)

]]> By: Andrea http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-2/#comment-16409 Andrea Sun, 20 Apr 2008 13:52:15 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-16409 Regarding names: Don't forget "New Amsterdam" is about John Amsterdam. ;) Regarding names: Don't forget “New Amsterdam” is about John Amsterdam. ;)

]]> By: Bill Gorman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-2/#comment-10030 Bill Gorman Sun, 20 Apr 2008 10:36:33 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-10030 Polly, you have reminded me that <a href="http://tvbythenumbers.com/2007/08/28/us-television-households-by-season/273" rel="nofollow">while we've had this chart since our first day online</a>, a data table would have been nice, so I added it! Here's some <a href="http://tvbythenumbers.com/2007/08/28/us-television-households-by-mode/275" rel="nofollow">more TV household data</a> for your enjoyment. Polly, you have reminded me that while we’ve had this chart since our first day online, a data table would have been nice, so I added it!

Here’s some more TV household data for your enjoyment.

]]> By: Bill Gorman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-2/#comment-16408 Bill Gorman Sun, 20 Apr 2008 10:36:33 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-16408 Polly, you have reminded me that <a href="http://tvbythenumbers.com/2007/08/28/us-television-households-by-season/273" rel="nofollow">while we've had this chart since our first day online</a>, a data table would have been nice, so I added it!<br><br>Here's some <a href="http://tvbythenumbers.com/2007/08/28/us-television-households-by-mode/275" rel="nofollow">more TV household data</a> for your enjoyment. Polly, you have reminded me that while we've had this chart since our first day online, a data table would have been nice, so I added it!

Here's some more TV household data for your enjoyment.

]]> By: Polly http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-2/#comment-10022 Polly Sun, 20 Apr 2008 09:09:09 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-10022 FYI - 1972 TV Households = 60,100. 2008 TV Households = 112,800. (Info from -http://www.tvb.org/rcentral/mediatrendstrack/tv/tv.asp?c=tvhouseholds) FYI – 1972 TV Households = 60,100. 2008 TV Households = 112,800. (Info from -http://www.tvb.org/rcentral/mediatrendstrack/tv/tv.asp?c=tvhouseholds)

]]> By: Polly http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-2/#comment-16407 Polly Sun, 20 Apr 2008 09:09:09 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-16407 FYI - 1972 TV Households = 60,100. 2008 TV Households = 112,800. (Info from -http://www.tvb.org/rcentral/mediatrendstrack/tv/tv.asp?c=tvhouseholds) FYI – 1972 TV Households = 60,100. 2008 TV Households = 112,800. (Info from -http://www.tvb.org/rcentral/mediatrendstrack/tv/tv.asp?c=tvhouseholds)

]]> By: Jim http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-2/#comment-9996 Jim Sun, 20 Apr 2008 04:14:03 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-9996 huge difference is there were no unscripted shows in the 1972 top 20. This year half the list might be. Idol, Dancing, Extreme Makeover, Sunday Night Football, Survivor, Hell's Kitchen, etc. Of all the unscripted programming only Oprah's Big Give really made sense as a name. huge difference is there were no unscripted shows in the 1972 top 20. This year half the list might be. Idol, Dancing, Extreme Makeover, Sunday Night Football, Survivor, Hell’s Kitchen, etc.

Of all the unscripted programming only Oprah’s Big Give really made sense as a name.

]]> By: Jim http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-2/#comment-16406 Jim Sun, 20 Apr 2008 04:14:03 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-16406 huge difference is there were no unscripted shows in the 1972 top 20. This year half the list might be. Idol, Dancing, Extreme Makeover, Sunday Night Football, Survivor, Hell's Kitchen, etc. <br><br>Of all the unscripted programming only Oprah's Big Give really made sense as a name. huge difference is there were no unscripted shows in the 1972 top 20. This year half the list might be. Idol, Dancing, Extreme Makeover, Sunday Night Football, Survivor, Hell's Kitchen, etc.

Of all the unscripted programming only Oprah's Big Give really made sense as a name.

]]> By: Daniel C. http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-2/#comment-9965 Daniel C. Sat, 19 Apr 2008 21:33:12 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-9965 So that gives us 13. A quick count at wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1971-72_United_States_network_television_schedule) gives me a about 33 shows in the 1971-2 fall schedule, without FOX or CW. So that gives us 13. A quick count at wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1971-72_United_States_network_television_schedule)
gives me a about 33 shows in the 1971-2 fall schedule, without FOX or CW.

]]> By: Daniel C. http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-2/#comment-16405 Daniel C. Sat, 19 Apr 2008 21:33:12 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-16405 So that gives us 13. A quick count at wikipedia (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1971-72_United_States_network_television_schedule">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1971-72_United_Sta...</a>)<br>gives me a about 33 shows in the 1971-2 fall schedule, without FOX or CW. So that gives us 13. A quick count at wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1971-72_United_Sta…)
gives me a about 33 shows in the 1971-2 fall schedule, without FOX or CW.

]]> By: Robert Seidman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-2/#comment-9963 Robert Seidman Sat, 19 Apr 2008 21:23:50 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-9963 My missing any/all of those is bad enough, but missing Sarah Connor is unthinkable! I blame it on a heavy dose of sports beginning at 10am... You forgot one though... Grey's Anatomy! (Meredith Grey) Am I redeemed? My missing any/all of those is bad enough, but missing Sarah Connor is unthinkable! I blame it on a heavy dose of sports beginning at 10am…

You forgot one though… Grey’s Anatomy! (Meredith Grey)

Am I redeemed?

]]> By: Robert Seidman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-2/#comment-16404 Robert Seidman Sat, 19 Apr 2008 21:23:50 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-16404 My missing any/all of those is bad enough, but missing Sarah Connor is unthinkable! I blame it on a heavy dose of sports beginning at 10am...<br><br>You forgot one though... Grey's Anatomy! (Meredith Grey)<br><br>Am I redeemed? My missing any/all of those is bad enough, but missing Sarah Connor is unthinkable! I blame it on a heavy dose of sports beginning at 10am…

You forgot one though… Grey's Anatomy! (Meredith Grey)

Am I redeemed?

]]> By: Daniel C. http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-2/#comment-9959 Daniel C. Sat, 19 Apr 2008 21:05:58 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-9959 Well, we can add "Eli Stone", "Old Christine", "Oprah's Big Give", "Ugly Betty", "Chuck", "My Name Is Earl", "Shark" (kind of), "Cantebury's Law", and "Terminator: SCC", That's all I could find in the whole schedule. That's about a dozen shows total including what you mentioned. Oddly enought, names are used all over the networks in 2 key areas: nightly news and late night television. All 5 late night talkers include the hosts' name...even Fox's Saturday night show does this. And nightly news shows include the anchors' names to the point that when a substitute anchor is in the seat, the original anchor is being "substituted for" Well, we can add “Eli Stone”, “Old Christine”, “Oprah’s Big Give”, “Ugly Betty”, “Chuck”, “My Name Is Earl”, “Shark” (kind of), “Cantebury’s Law”, and “Terminator: SCC”, That’s all I could find in the whole schedule. That’s about a dozen shows total including what you mentioned.

Oddly enought, names are used all over the networks in 2 key areas: nightly news and late night television. All 5 late night talkers include the hosts’ name…even Fox’s Saturday night show does this. And nightly news shows include the anchors’ names to the point that when a substitute anchor is in the seat, the original anchor is being “substituted for”

]]> By: Daniel C. http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-2/#comment-16403 Daniel C. Sat, 19 Apr 2008 21:05:58 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-16403 Well, we can add "Eli Stone", "Old Christine", "Oprah's Big Give", "Ugly Betty", "Chuck", "My Name Is Earl", "Shark" (kind of), "Cantebury's Law", and "Terminator: SCC", That's all I could find in the whole schedule. That's about a dozen shows total including what you mentioned.<br><br>Oddly enought, names are used all over the networks in 2 key areas: nightly news and late night television. All 5 late night talkers include the hosts' name...even Fox's Saturday night show does this. And nightly news shows include the anchors' names to the point that when a substitute anchor is in the seat, the original anchor is being "substituted for" Well, we can add “Eli Stone”, “Old Christine”, “Oprah's Big Give”, “Ugly Betty”, “Chuck”, “My Name Is Earl”, “Shark” (kind of), “Cantebury's Law”, and “Terminator: SCC”, That's all I could find in the whole schedule. That's about a dozen shows total including what you mentioned.

Oddly enought, names are used all over the networks in 2 key areas: nightly news and late night television. All 5 late night talkers include the hosts' name…even Fox's Saturday night show does this. And nightly news shows include the anchors' names to the point that when a substitute anchor is in the seat, the original anchor is being “substituted for”

]]> By: Robert Seidman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-2/#comment-9957 Robert Seidman Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:54:28 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-9957 Monk, House, I suppose we could give a nod to "According to Jim", but only House is a "top 20" show. I can't think of any other shows with names that have been on broadcast this year. Monk, House, I suppose we could give a nod to “According to Jim”, but only House is a “top 20″ show. I can’t think of any other shows with names that have been on broadcast this year.

]]> By: Robert Seidman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-2/#comment-16402 Robert Seidman Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:54:28 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-16402 Monk, House, I suppose we could give a nod to "According to Jim", but only House is a "top 20" show. I can't think of any other shows with names that have been on broadcast this year. Monk, House, I suppose we could give a nod to “According to Jim”, but only House is a “top 20″ show. I can't think of any other shows with names that have been on broadcast this year.

]]> By: Robert Seidman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-2/#comment-9956 Robert Seidman Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:53:18 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-9956 I agree with Bill, Daniel great catches -- I'd be OK if you "guest wrote" one of the strolls down memory lane as I think you probably watched more TV than Bill! I loved the Mystery Movie and Columbo was my favorite too. Peter Falk was born for that role! I liked McMillan and Wife too (Rock Hudson and Susan St. James!). Dennis Weaver as Mcleod was my least favorite. Quincy, M.E. was born out of the NBC Mystery Movie and then spun off on its own. But I'm a theme song guy and the Sunday Mystery Movie was one of my favorites - and by Henry Mancini who wrote my favorite instrumental theme song of all time: the theme from Peter Gunn. I agree with Bill, Daniel great catches — I’d be OK if you “guest wrote” one of the strolls down memory lane as I think you probably watched more TV than Bill!

I loved the Mystery Movie and Columbo was my favorite too. Peter Falk was born for that role! I liked McMillan and Wife too (Rock Hudson and Susan St. James!). Dennis Weaver as Mcleod was my least favorite.

Quincy, M.E. was born out of the NBC Mystery Movie and then spun off on its own. But I’m a theme song guy and the Sunday Mystery Movie was one of my favorites – and by Henry Mancini who wrote my favorite instrumental theme song of all time: the theme from Peter Gunn.

]]> By: Robert Seidman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-2/#comment-16401 Robert Seidman Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:53:18 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-16401 I agree with Bill, Daniel great catches -- I'd be OK if you "guest wrote" one of the strolls down memory lane as I think you probably watched more TV than Bill! <br><br>I loved the Mystery Movie and Columbo was my favorite too. Peter Falk was born for that role! I liked McMillan and Wife too (Rock Hudson and Susan St. James!). Dennis Weaver as Mcleod was my least favorite.<br><br>Quincy, M.E. was born out of the NBC Mystery Movie and then spun off on its own. But I'm a theme song guy and the Sunday Mystery Movie was one of my favorites - and by Henry Mancini who wrote my favorite instrumental theme song of all time: the theme from Peter Gunn. I agree with Bill, Daniel great catches — I'd be OK if you “guest wrote” one of the strolls down memory lane as I think you probably watched more TV than Bill!

I loved the Mystery Movie and Columbo was my favorite too. Peter Falk was born for that role! I liked McMillan and Wife too (Rock Hudson and Susan St. James!). Dennis Weaver as Mcleod was my least favorite.

Quincy, M.E. was born out of the NBC Mystery Movie and then spun off on its own. But I'm a theme song guy and the Sunday Mystery Movie was one of my favorites – and by Henry Mancini who wrote my favorite instrumental theme song of all time: the theme from Peter Gunn.

]]> By: Bill Gorman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-2/#comment-9952 Bill Gorman Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:42:44 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-9952 Daniel, thanks for the heads up on NBC Mystery Movie. I have added a note above to clarify. And I love the "names" observation! That's the kind of thing I like to catch myself. Well done. Your guess as to why is as good as anything I can come up with, but I'll keep thinking/looking. Daniel, thanks for the heads up on NBC Mystery Movie. I have added a note above to clarify.

And I love the “names” observation! That’s the kind of thing I like to catch myself. Well done.

Your guess as to why is as good as anything I can come up with, but I’ll keep thinking/looking.

]]> By: Bill Gorman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-2/#comment-16400 Bill Gorman Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:42:44 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-16400 Daniel, thanks for the heads up on NBC Mystery Movie. I have added a note above to clarify.<br><br>And I love the "names" observation! That's the kind of thing I like to catch myself. Well done.<br><br>Your guess as to why is as good as anything I can come up with, but I'll keep thinking/looking. Daniel, thanks for the heads up on NBC Mystery Movie. I have added a note above to clarify.

And I love the “names” observation! That's the kind of thing I like to catch myself. Well done.

Your guess as to why is as good as anything I can come up with, but I'll keep thinking/looking.

]]> By: Daniel C. http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-1/#comment-9944 Daniel C. Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:23:54 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-9944 Another thing that I find interesting is that fully half of the top 20 shows listed here include the names of people, whether real or fictitious. The only name on last weeks list was "Samantha Who?" Now this may or may not be significant, but I find it interesting that shows then often looked to a big name (Mary Tyler More, Lucy, Walt Disney) or one lead character (Marcus Welby, Mannix, Ironside) to identify the show with. Today these shows are "CSI" or "ER" or "Desperate Housewives"...which often split the stories among the many characters on the show. Maybe this makes it easier to spin off "CSI: NY" or "Law & Order: SVU" or change characters on a current hit, keeping these franchises rolling in dough. Just a thought. Another thing that I find interesting is that fully half of the top 20 shows listed here include the names of people, whether real or fictitious. The only name on last weeks list was “Samantha Who?”

Now this may or may not be significant, but I find it interesting that shows then often looked to a big name (Mary Tyler More, Lucy, Walt Disney) or one lead character (Marcus Welby, Mannix, Ironside) to identify the show with.

Today these shows are “CSI” or “ER” or “Desperate Housewives”…which often split the stories among the many characters on the show. Maybe this makes it easier to spin off “CSI: NY” or “Law & Order: SVU” or change characters on a current hit, keeping these franchises rolling in dough.

Just a thought.

]]> By: Daniel C. http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-1/#comment-16399 Daniel C. Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:23:54 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-16399 Another thing that I find interesting is that fully half of the top 20 shows listed here include the names of people, whether real or fictitious. The only name on last weeks list was "Samantha Who?"<br><br>Now this may or may not be significant, but I find it interesting that shows then often looked to a big name (Mary Tyler More, Lucy, Walt Disney) or one lead character (Marcus Welby, Mannix, Ironside) to identify the show with.<br><br>Today these shows are "CSI" or "ER" or "Desperate Housewives"...which often split the stories among the many characters on the show. Maybe this makes it easier to spin off "CSI: NY" or "Law & Order: SVU" or change characters on a current hit, keeping these franchises rolling in dough.<br><br>Just a thought. Another thing that I find interesting is that fully half of the top 20 shows listed here include the names of people, whether real or fictitious. The only name on last weeks list was “Samantha Who?”

Now this may or may not be significant, but I find it interesting that shows then often looked to a big name (Mary Tyler More, Lucy, Walt Disney) or one lead character (Marcus Welby, Mannix, Ironside) to identify the show with.

Today these shows are “CSI” or “ER” or “Desperate Housewives”…which often split the stories among the many characters on the show. Maybe this makes it easier to spin off “CSI: NY” or “Law & Order: SVU” or change characters on a current hit, keeping these franchises rolling in dough.

Just a thought.

]]> By: Daniel C. http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-1/#comment-9941 Daniel C. Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:13:37 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-9941 I would respectfully contend that the NBC Mystery Movie was not so much a weekly movie but a compilation of "McCloud", "McMillan and Wife" and - one of my all time faves - "Columbo". This would more rightly be called an anthology show, as in "Twilight Zone" I would respectfully contend that the NBC Mystery Movie was not so much a weekly movie but a compilation of “McCloud”, “McMillan and Wife” and – one of my all time faves – “Columbo”. This would more rightly be called an anthology show, as in “Twilight Zone”

]]> By: Daniel C. http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-1/#comment-16398 Daniel C. Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:13:37 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-16398 I would respectfully contend that the NBC Mystery Movie was not so much a weekly movie but a compilation of "McCloud", "McMillan and Wife" and - one of my all time faves - "Columbo". This would more rightly be called an anthology show, as in "Twilight Zone" I would respectfully contend that the NBC Mystery Movie was not so much a weekly movie but a compilation of “McCloud”, “McMillan and Wife” and – one of my all time faves – “Columbo”. This would more rightly be called an anthology show, as in “Twilight Zone”

]]> By: Robert Seidman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-1/#comment-9940 Robert Seidman Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:08:12 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-9940 Sadly the second incarnation couldn't hang against FBI and movie of the week fare and still got cancelled after 3 months. Tom Bosley who'd go on to fame as Mr. C. on Happy Days starred in the second season and the team who wrote the theme song (both versions of the show used the same theme) went on to collaborate on the classic themes for Maude and Good Times. <i>Temporary layoffs Good times! Easy credit rip offs Good Times!</i> The more things change... But I should probably save that for the 1974-1975 post :) Sadly the second incarnation couldn’t hang against FBI and movie of the week fare and still got cancelled after 3 months.

Tom Bosley who’d go on to fame as Mr. C. on Happy Days starred in the second season and the team who wrote the theme song (both versions of the show used the same theme) went on to collaborate on the classic themes for Maude and Good Times.

Temporary layoffs
Good times!
Easy credit rip offs
Good Times!

The more things change… But I should probably save that for the 1974-1975 post :)

]]> By: Robert Seidman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-1/#comment-16397 Robert Seidman Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:08:12 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-16397 Sadly the second incarnation couldn't hang against FBI and movie of the week fare and still got cancelled after 3 months. <br><br>Tom Bosley who'd go on to fame as Mr. C. on Happy Days starred in the second season and the team who wrote the theme song (both versions of the show used the same theme) went on to collaborate on the classic themes for Maude and Good Times.<br><br><i>Temporary layoffs<br>Good times!<br>Easy credit rip offs<br>Good Times!</i><br><br>The more things change... But I should probably save that for the 1974-1975 post :) Sadly the second incarnation couldn't hang against FBI and movie of the week fare and still got cancelled after 3 months.

Tom Bosley who'd go on to fame as Mr. C. on Happy Days starred in the second season and the team who wrote the theme song (both versions of the show used the same theme) went on to collaborate on the classic themes for Maude and Good Times.

Temporary layoffs
Good times!
Easy credit rip offs
Good Times!

The more things change… But I should probably save that for the 1974-1975 post :)

]]> By: Bill Gorman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-1/#comment-9939 Bill Gorman Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:44:10 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-9939 Polly, a very good guess, and as is often the case, Wikipedia enlightens all of us, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funny_Face_%28TV_series%29" rel="nofollow">Despite ranking #8 in the Nielsen Ratings for the 1971-72 season, it was cancelled less than three months after its premiere, because Duncan had to undergo eye surgery. CBS returned the Sandy Stockton character and Miss Duncan the next season in The Sandy Duncan Show.</a> Polly, a very good guess, and as is often the case, Wikipedia enlightens all of us,

Despite ranking #8 in the Nielsen Ratings for the 1971-72 season, it was cancelled less than three months after its premiere, because Duncan had to undergo eye surgery. CBS returned the Sandy Stockton character and Miss Duncan the next season in The Sandy Duncan Show.

]]> By: Bill Gorman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-1/#comment-16396 Bill Gorman Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:44:10 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-16396 Polly, a very good guess, and as is often the case, Wikipedia enlightens all of us,<br><br><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funny_Face_%28TV_series%29" rel="nofollow">Despite ranking #8 in the Nielsen Ratings for the 1971-72 season, it was cancelled less than three months after its premiere, because Duncan had to undergo eye surgery. CBS returned the Sandy Stockton character and Miss Duncan the next season in The Sandy Duncan Show.</a> Polly, a very good guess, and as is often the case, Wikipedia enlightens all of us,

Despite ranking #8 in the Nielsen Ratings for the 1971-72 season, it was cancelled less than three months after its premiere, because Duncan had to undergo eye surgery. CBS returned the Sandy Stockton character and Miss Duncan the next season in The Sandy Duncan Show.

]]> By: Polly http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-1/#comment-9938 Polly Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:28:21 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-9938 Bill - is it possible that there was something behind the scenes that caused it to be cancelled? (Maybe something personal with the star? Just a guess.) Bill – is it possible that there was something behind the scenes that caused it to be cancelled? (Maybe something personal with the star? Just a guess.)

]]> By: Polly http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-1/#comment-16395 Polly Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:28:21 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-16395 Bill - is it possible that there was something behind the scenes that caused it to be cancelled? (Maybe something personal with the star? Just a guess.) Bill – is it possible that there was something behind the scenes that caused it to be cancelled? (Maybe something personal with the star? Just a guess.)

]]> By: Polly http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-1/#comment-9936 Polly Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:25:32 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-9936 Robert - Thanks! No wonder I didn't recognize it. Wow, competition must have been tough if you got cancelled after making it into the top 10. Robert – Thanks! No wonder I didn’t recognize it. Wow, competition must have been tough if you got cancelled after making it into the top 10.

]]> By: Polly http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-1/#comment-16394 Polly Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:25:32 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-16394 Robert - Thanks! No wonder I didn't recognize it. Wow, competition must have been tough if you got cancelled after making it into the top 10. Robert – Thanks! No wonder I didn't recognize it. Wow, competition must have been tough if you got cancelled after making it into the top 10.

]]> By: Bill Gorman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-1/#comment-9934 Bill Gorman Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:20:59 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-9934 The fact that it was the #8 show, yet was *still* cancelled after less than 3 months is stunning to me. The fact that it was the #8 show, yet was *still* cancelled after less than 3 months is stunning to me.

]]> By: Bill Gorman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-1/#comment-16393 Bill Gorman Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:20:59 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-16393 The fact that it was the #8 show, yet was *still* cancelled after less than 3 months is stunning to me. The fact that it was the #8 show, yet was *still* cancelled after less than 3 months is stunning to me.

]]> By: Robert Seidman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-1/#comment-9932 Robert Seidman Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:15:18 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-9932 Polly, I'm right there with you. I recognize and have probably seen every episode of every show on the list, but Funny Face I could only muster up vague recollections of (I think my mom liked it). After seeing your comment I looked it up on Wikipedia, and as I suspected it involved Sandy Duncan. According to Wiki its original run was only 9/18/71-12/11/71! CBS held a short leash in those days I guess -- and somehow the show still made the top 10. Wacky. CBS apparently had a similar fate when it tried again with the Sandy Duncan Show (9/17/72-12/31/72). Polly, I’m right there with you. I recognize and have probably seen every episode of every show on the list, but Funny Face I could only muster up vague recollections of (I think my mom liked it). After seeing your comment I looked it up on Wikipedia, and as I suspected it involved Sandy Duncan.

According to Wiki its original run was only 9/18/71-12/11/71! CBS held a short leash in those days I guess — and somehow the show still made the top 10. Wacky. CBS apparently had a similar fate when it tried again with the Sandy Duncan Show (9/17/72-12/31/72).

]]> By: Robert Seidman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-1/#comment-16392 Robert Seidman Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:15:18 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-16392 Polly, I'm right there with you. I recognize and have probably seen every episode of every show on the list, but Funny Face I could only muster up vague recollections of (I think my mom liked it). After seeing your comment I looked it up on Wikipedia, and as I suspected it involved Sandy Duncan.<br><br>According to Wiki its original run was only 9/18/71-12/11/71! CBS held a short leash in those days I guess -- and somehow the show still made the top 10. Wacky. CBS apparently had a similar fate when it tried again with the Sandy Duncan Show (9/17/72-12/31/72). Polly, I'm right there with you. I recognize and have probably seen every episode of every show on the list, but Funny Face I could only muster up vague recollections of (I think my mom liked it). After seeing your comment I looked it up on Wikipedia, and as I suspected it involved Sandy Duncan.

According to Wiki its original run was only 9/18/71-12/11/71! CBS held a short leash in those days I guess — and somehow the show still made the top 10. Wacky. CBS apparently had a similar fate when it tried again with the Sandy Duncan Show (9/17/72-12/31/72).

]]> By: Polly http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-1/#comment-9929 Polly Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:04:51 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-9929 I recognize every show on here, but Funny Face. What is that? I recognize every show on here, but Funny Face. What is that?

]]> By: Polly http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-1/#comment-16391 Polly Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:04:51 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-16391 I recognize every show on here, but Funny Face. What is that? I recognize every show on here, but Funny Face. What is that?

]]> By: Robert Seidman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-1/#comment-9920 Robert Seidman Sat, 19 Apr 2008 17:55:48 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-9920 Although the devil may have made him do it, Flip Wilson was not a sitcom. Comedy, yes, situation comedy no. Think more "Carol Burnett". Although the devil may have made him do it, Flip Wilson was not a sitcom. Comedy, yes, situation comedy no. Think more “Carol Burnett”.

]]> By: Robert Seidman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408/comment-page-1/#comment-16390 Robert Seidman Sat, 19 Apr 2008 17:55:48 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/19/we-look-back-at-the-top-tv-shows-of-1972/3408#comment-16390 Although the devil may have made him do it, Flip Wilson was not a sitcom. Comedy, yes, situation comedy no. Think more "Carol Burnett". Although the devil may have made him do it, Flip Wilson was not a sitcom. Comedy, yes, situation comedy no. Think more “Carol Burnett”.

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