The quirky legal sitcom “Night Court,” which followed the comedic antics of the Manhattan Criminal Court’s nocturnal staff, was on the brink before a television lineup miracle occurred. The series, featuring Harry Anderson as the prankster Judge Harry Stone and the irresistibly smarmy prosecutor Dan Fielding, played by John Larroquette (who snagged four Emmy Awards for his performance), along with Richard Moll, Gail Strickland, Charles Robinson, Markie Post, and Marsha Warfield, offered a brand of comedy that many other sitcoms of the time didn’t.
According to the A.V. Club, when “Night Court” premiered on January 4, 1984, its sibling NBC sitcoms were not faring well. The director of the show’s pilot, James Burrows, expressed the notion that a show’s quality was not enough for success; to attract an audience, it needed to fit a familiar pattern. Burrows commented:
“It’s a good show … but it will take a long time to get started. There’s no reason for people to watch it. Just because it’s good, that’s no reason. People will only watch high concept initially. They want familiarity from TV.”
The turning point for “Night Court” came when it was placed next to the already-thriving “The Cosby Show” as part of NBC’s Thursday night lineup. By the end of the 1985 season, with “The Cosby Show,” “Cheers,” “Family Ties,” and “Night Court” all airing consecutively, NBC had created a blockbuster viewing block. This power lineup not only saved “Night Court” and NBC, but it also played a key role in reviving the sitcom genre.
FAQs About “Night Court” and its Survival Story
- What is “Night Court”?
- “Night Court” is a sitcom that centers around the oddball staff of a Manhattan Criminal Court during the night shift. It is known for its slapstick humor and eccentric characters.
- Who starred in “Night Court”?
- The show starred Harry Anderson as Judge Harry Stone, John Larroquette as prosecutor Dan Fielding, along with Richard Moll, Gail Strickland, Charles Robinson, Markie Post, and Marsha Warfield.
- Why did “Night Court” struggle initially?
- “Night Court” had difficulty in attracting an audience because it was unlike the familiar sitcoms of its time. Due to this difference, it was not immediately successful in grabbing viewers’ interest.
- How did “The Cosby Show” save “Night Court”?
- “The Cosby Show,” being a massive hit on NBC, created a strong lead-in effect for shows that followed its timeslot. When “Night Court” was placed next to “The Cosby Show” on Thursday nights, its viewership increased as part of the successful viewing block.
- What impact did “Night Court” have on television?
- “Night Court” contributed to the revitalization of the sitcom format in the 1980s, alongside other powerhouse shows like “The Cosby Show,” “Cheers,” and “Family Ties.”
Conclusion
The tale of “Night Court” is a testament to the power of strategic scheduling in the television industry. The seemingly doomed sitcom found new life thanks to the success of “The Cosby Show,” and became part of an iconic lineup that not only saved a network but also helped to reinvent a genre. “Night Court” remains a beloved classic, remembered for its unique blend of humor and for being a part of television history.