Old standby TV series are losing their spark
NBC pushes Miami Vice revival with Don Johnson reentry and a new hairdo while CBS ponders rebooted Dallas style. Frustration rises as aging hits shows stall in a fall season marked by gimmicks and fatigue, with Cosby Show Cheers and Family Ties still rating but lacking fresh excitement.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Chronicle-Telegram
NBC
Miami Vice
Don Johnson
Johnson
CBS
J.R
Cheers
TV critics warn aging NBC comedies signal decline
The review notes include Cosby and Cheers losing edge with Diane Chambers exit and Kirstie Alley replacement, predicting weaker reruns. It contrasts older, sharper writing of Cheers with current season weakness, and cites Family Ties fading as Michael J. Fox era wanes while cast members stall.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
NBC
Kirstie Alley
Long
Cheers
TV Fads Endure As Classic Series Fade
John Darling may exit Fox this season signaling a possible final run for the show. St. Elsewhere declines with bizarre dreams and overused love scenes. ABC’s Dynasty and NBC’s Miami Vice ride short lived trends echoing fashion.
CBS eyes another year for Magnum P I amid aging classics
Tom Batiuk and Gerry Shamray note CBS extends Magnum P I after an out of body return while aging staples like All in the Family Lou Grant and Cagney and Lacey face scrutiny over social issues. With low network viewership and ongoing reshuffles, new shows struggle to ignite while home video and cable accelerate a TV revolution.
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CBS
Magnum P.I
Magnum
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Cagney & Lacey
Network
Broadcasting Standards Council
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IBA
British viewers oppose violence on TV but want warnings
A major Independent Broadcasting Authority report finds Britons fear TV violence yet rate certain imports like The A Team as harmless. Viewers want clear advance warnings, and broadcasters face a shifting climate as executives seek American programming while standards tighten.
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Independent Broadcasting Authority
America
Edward Woodward
NBC All Stars Tie Up Matlock Mystery Hour
TV listings note 8:00 PM Matlock features guest stars Corbin Bernsen Malcolm-Jamal Warner and ALF playing themselves in a murder mystery. Houston Knights repeat presents blind Millicent Collinsworth reenacting a summer assault with no intervention. Geraldo Rivera hosts Modern Love on WGN.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Matlock
L.A. Law
Corbin Bernsen
Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Alf
Houston Knights
Millicent
Collinsworth
First 1988 Presidential Debate at Kennedy Center
In Washington, D.C., the Kennedy Center hosts a two hour issue oriented debate between Republican and Democratic candidates for the presidency. Tom Brokaw anchors the telecast focusing on social and sexual change shaping American life and media portrayals.
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Washington, D.C
Kennedy Center
Tom Brokaw
America
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