When Bob Newhart's name comes up, most people today (2023) probably think of his "Newhart" series, set in a Vermont inn. That whacky and wonderful supporting cast of characters (dim handyman George ***, elitists Stephanie and Michael, and the inimitable Larry, Daryl and Daryl) are generally more entrenched in viewers' minds than those in the earlier "Bob Newhart Show"--but IMO, the first series is ahead by a nose.
Some minor neighbor-characters in the first season come and go, an exception being airline pilot Howard (Bill Dailey) who burrows himself like a tick into the Hartley apartment. When there's a knock on the door, you just know it's going to be Howard. ("Hi, Bob!") The writing is intelligent without being highbrow, and generally doesn't rely on outrageous situations, instead showcasing the skill and timing of the leads and supporting cast. (One bug in my bonnet: count how many times they say the name "Bob", even when they've been in the room with him for an entire scene. We get it. His name is "Bob". If memory serves, there was even an SNL skit that skewered the repetition.) But that's my one nitpick. "The Bob Newhart Show" has been a real pleasure to rediscover. Do look it up.
***fun fact: "Newhart"'s handyman George (Tom Poston) was the real-life husband of--ya ready?--"The Bob Newhart Show"'s Suzanne Pleshette!
Some minor neighbor-characters in the first season come and go, an exception being airline pilot Howard (Bill Dailey) who burrows himself like a tick into the Hartley apartment. When there's a knock on the door, you just know it's going to be Howard. ("Hi, Bob!") The writing is intelligent without being highbrow, and generally doesn't rely on outrageous situations, instead showcasing the skill and timing of the leads and supporting cast. (One bug in my bonnet: count how many times they say the name "Bob", even when they've been in the room with him for an entire scene. We get it. His name is "Bob". If memory serves, there was even an SNL skit that skewered the repetition.) But that's my one nitpick. "The Bob Newhart Show" has been a real pleasure to rediscover. Do look it up.
***fun fact: "Newhart"'s handyman George (Tom Poston) was the real-life husband of--ya ready?--"The Bob Newhart Show"'s Suzanne Pleshette!