Definitely one of the more underrated work coms. Phil Hartman's tribute episode was simply beautiful, and you can tell that his coworkers all liked and respected him.
I moved from Philly to Tampa Bay in the early 90s, when I was like 22. I didn't watch much TV in those days, as I was busy with work and a social life. In 95, my mom called me to tell me to watch News Radio. I knew about KITH, but I hadn't heard about News Radio until she told me about it. As soon as I realized Dave Foley was in it, I knew it was going to be great. I'd tape it every week, watch as soon as I could, and then I'd call home so my mom and I could talk about each episode. I was pretty homesick those first few years, and my mom unexpectedly passed away a few years later. Those conversations where we'd laugh for an hour while we dissected the latest episode of News Radio are some of the last memories I have of her. It makes rewatching the show a little bittersweet, but laughing along with this show brings a lot of happy memories
Beautiful story! That’s for sharing. I was 22 in ‘95. My wife and I were *HUGE* KITH fans (still are!). We came to News Radio by way of Foley as well (he’s one of the Dave’s I Know I Know ;-) ). It was awesome to see McDonald show up in a cameo in an episode as well!
Phil Hartmans impact in writing, sketch work, sitcoms and voice acting is truly incredible looking back. A void that has not been filled by anyone else since.
Fun Fact about NewsRadio: My parents when they were dating used to call each other up on the phone to watch it together when new episodes aired, and I think that's pretty sweet.
@peterinbrat why the fuck does someone always have to "oh now I feel old " jokes. Can you not enjoy your gay life with your small penis without reminding yourself of the reapers ever quickening pursuit.
I agree that that whole scene is the best bit in the show, but the best line? IMO, it's "I'm virtually bursting with adequatulence." I actually use it in real life far more frequently than one might think possible.... or healthy....
Thank you for covering "Newsradio", a show that I feel like should be better known even today. My favorite Phil Hartman storyline is when he passionately defends the sandwiches from a sketchy, ancient vending machine; I related to it for some reason, possibly because of my love for those chalky Valentine's day candies no one else seems to like.
Possibly! I don't remember that part exactly, just the explanation that he loved the sandwiches because they reminded him of the ones his mom would make...sandwiches made for a week or a month and left in a metal box that was kept out in the sun.
Thank you for this. NewsRadio is my all-time favorite show. I am one of the original viewers. I still remember watching the pilot episode with my sister when I was in the 7th grade. In high school, when the first four seasons were in reruns and the final season was on NBC, I became obsessed with the show and watched it all the time. I've watched many of your previous sitcom retrospectives and always wished you'd do a NewsRadio one, but honestly didn't think you would. So, when I got on TH-cam and THIS video popped up, I was genuinely shocked... and then I pressed play! It was great. I kept checking the time. Not out of boredom but because I wanted to see how much time I had left as I wanted more, lol. A couple of requests for future retrospectives... Taxi and Wings!
BIG SECOND for Taxi & I'd watch the Wings one. omg I just remembered "thirtysomething" existed when the boomers were that age & I now feel José's thirtysomething analyses would be invaluable. I mean I can hope he'd do The Days & Nights of Molly Dodd, but that's too obscure.
When I was in high school, me and my brother and his girlfriend and her sister were all obsessed with watching the reruns, and we quoted it constantly. We can still make each other laugh just by pulling our shirts up and screaming "MAYHEM!"
@@roxyamused The first few episodes without Phil were especially hard for me to watch. I remember thinking "Oh, Bill would have said something funny there." It was like I physically felt his absence. Also, seeing his picture in Dave's office was always very distracting to me. Ultimately though, I do enjoy the last season.
@@picahudsoniaunflocked5426 NewsRadio is my all-time favorite sitcom and Taxi is my second. I've heard the title "The Days & Nights of Molly Dodd" before but I've never seen the show. Another obscure show I think is great is "Andy Richter Controls the Universe" from 2002.
I've often got Stephen Root and Barry Corbin mixed up. Both great character actors, that like Ned Beatty can play both intimidating corporate presidents as well as bumbling idiots and low life bums.
I know him also as the recent voice of Cringer/Battle Cat in Masters of the Universe: Revelation and the sequel series Revolution. Cos I have the toy of that version of Battle Cat on my shelf. :D
Look up his Kids in the Hall sketch with Kevin MacDonald where they are vaudevillians and Dave ruins the "Who's on first" bit by explaining the joke. One of my all time favorite sketches.
@@Scarybugone of my favorite Dave moments is in the “We Discovered The Cause Of Cancer” KITH sketch, where he’s scolding Bruce about taking responsibility* like a fed-up, disappointed dad, lol. * “…for causing all that bowel cancer, and all that throat cancer.”
@@Scarybug The weird short old-timey film where Foley plays a really untalented Victorian Stunt Performer, like doing Houdini things but failing, feels very special to him. he was always so much weirder than he got credit for bc he had Resting Wholesome Corn-Fed Face.
@@picahudsoniaunflocked5426 That was the one where he was in a straightjacket all his life. When eventually put in an insane asylum one of the patients got out of the straightjacket but he still could not.
You left out my favorite part from "Sinking Ship." Jimmy and Dave are in the office sipping brandy as the ship goes down, and they pause for a moment. Dave mutters under his breath, "Isn't the ceiling supposed to collapse now?" Jimmy replies, "Yeah, but I think they blew the budget on Joe closing the elevator." It goes something like that, it's been decades since I've seen it. Anyway, thank you for this blast from the past!
Newsradio is my favorite show of all time and I’m so glad whenever someone pays it this much attention, especially with such thoughtfulness. I’ve worn out multiple DVD sets because of rewatching it so often. If anyone in here wants even more wonderful critique of Newsradio, Donna Bowman’s full series breakdown on AV Club is some of the finest television criticism I’ve ever read. It especially looks at the staging and character movement inspired by theater that also makes full use of the frame to help sell gags. It’s wonderful to read along if you’re watching through the whole show.
So glad I decided to watch this at home instead of at work, since even the tiniest Phil Hartman coverage brings me to tears. This was so lovely. Thank you for your hard work.
I watched your Andy Dick video, so thank you for doing this one as well. I never really knew of Phil Harman outside of The Simpsons, but now having seen the whole picture revolving these two, its just so sad. Thank you though, seriously, I love your videos.
I was a big fan of kids in the Hall so when I heard Dave Foley was starring in a sitcom I was excited. News radio became my favorite comedy on TV for years during the 90s, and it was the start of me realizing my tastes would not be reflected on network tv. I also remember thinking "how did this joe Rogan guy get this gig?"
The cast made that show. We loved it. When Phil was killed, the show lost its heart, however, and it was only down from there and its days were numbered from that point.
Great show and cast. Enjoyed your breakdown of this show’s story. Phil is one of the best performers of the times. He always delivered for the audience
A friend of mine who I adviced to watch NewsRadio 4 years ago (when the entire world was in lockdown), but who was actually already somewhat familiar withnit as the show aired over here in the Netherlands back in the early 2000s, just sent me this video. What a great, great retrospective. I never got beyond episode 2 of the fifth season. For me, the show ended with the special 'Bill moves on'. The first couple of seasons were a walk in the park, but the later seasons were very much hit or miss. My compliments on your amount of research and writing!
It's actually a pretty decent show. I'd say if you can find the first season for free give it a shot. It's not for everyone and it's dated, but it might vibe with you. Eh, maybe you don't even need to watch the whole first season to find out if you think it's funny or not, probably in the first three episodes you'll know if you want to see how it all plays out.
News Radio is bar none my favorite sitcom of all time. It's nice to remember a time when Joe was just a funny character and not a real dude systematically undermining the scientific and political understanding of millions.
seems like a very special group of people, in a very special point in time, the mid 90's. And they all didnt seem to have destructive egos. The first several season 1 episodes are amazing to watch. I was 9 yrs old in 1995, awesome times, and when I recently watched the first season on TH-cam, Holy shit the yellow cabs in the intro, the cast, and dave foleys voice and face, even joe rogan! haha this brought up crazy memory and deep in the gut nostalgia from back in time. I miss the 90's so much. Amazing decade.
I lived most of my life about 70 miles from NYC. This show is greatly loved, but part of it is this is the height of NYC to me. This was a golden era in general, but it was definitley the best the city has ever been.
You do such a great job pacing these videos, and I really enjoy your way of covering shows. Everytime one of these retrospectives come out, I save it for the weekend (when I allow myself to snack) and just sit back and enjoy. It's really great, and has encouraged me to check out some of these shows. Thanks for the banger content.
I've only ever vaguely heard of this show but I'm going to have to check it out. The "initially grounded sitcom that gradually becomes more unhinged and surreal" is a bit of a favourite genre of mine 😅
NewsRadio definitely is one of my favorites. I remember watching it when it first aired every week. Back in 2016 when I moved into my new apartment and didn’t have Wi-Fi for a week I checked out the complete series from the library on DVD and did a rewatch. It still held up plus my older sons who were living with me thought it was pretty cool too. They couldn’t believe that that was Bill from King of the Hill playing Jimmy James!
It remains in our rotation of comfort shows we watch right before bed. Definitely in my top 10 sitcoms of all time. Probably top 5 ensemble casts ever. And Maura Tierney...
I don't think I saw NewsRadio when it first aired, but I definitely saw it while it was still being made. I remember when Phil Hartman died and my brother and I were devastated because he was our favorite character on NewsRadio.
One of my favorite bits of anything is the scene where Jimmy proposes marriage, immediately begins ironing out the details of the arrangement, they can't compromise and part ways mutually. It's inspiring.
I remember watching News Radio a lot, I was a big fan of Dave Foley from Kids in the Hall. So it was a real treat to see Kevin McDonald show up. Phil was just.. such a big persona, he was impossible to replace.
In 1999 i contacted the TV station here in Australia asking if they were going to show season 5. They replied they wouldn't. That is the only time i have done that.
Only barely if they named the character after him, and the character is a jock who believes in conspiracy theories. It's like they just asked him to show up.
Funny thing is, when the show was on, he was the least known. But now, when I mention this show to people and they don't know it, Joe Rogan is the name people often recognize the most.
That was a great retrospective of one of my favourite shows. Please consider doing a retrospective of Pushing Daisies, another underappreciated sitcom.
I hadn’t heard of this show before this video but something about the way the cast and the writing team talk about it with such fondness and pride made tear up by the end. I will definitely check it out now.
I used to watch newsradio and unhappily ever after every week night on upn during summer break back in middle school! Underrated series, thanks for the memories, Jose!
Our family, and especially our mom and I, watched this show often, and liked it a great deal. I remember the impact of Phil Hartman's death, not just for the show, but because he was such fun to watch. Thanks for this retrospective on a show that should be better remembered. I would add that another workplace comedy that emphasized how a workplace becomes family was "WKRP in Cincinnati" - its raw premise wasn't too dissimilar from "News Radio", being an ensemble of gifted actors playing eccentric but layered characters, and the introduction being that of a young executive entering a place new for him and us. I remember it being fairly popular, and it gave us a couple of what would now be called memes, including from the famous Thanksgiving episode.
Makes me so happy to see someone remembering this. I've always loved this show and felt like I was the only one. Super Karate Monkey Death Car is still one of the funniest things I've ever seen on TV. lol
I was so excited to see this video come out. News Radio is, to this day, my favorite sitcom of all time. You did a good job articulating what is so wonderful about it. I really hope that this video attracts a whole new audience to the show so that more people can experience it and enjoy it.
I was an NBC guy back in the day. Seinfeld, Friends, Mad About You, and NewsRadio. I was a TV junkie and watched just about everything. I still remember hearing about Phil Hartman's death. The horrible circumstances of it. By then I was no longer watching NewsRadio but was still watching The Simpsons. Even to this day it still makes me sad.
Great job, Jose! Hope that you do one of these retrospectives on Just Shoot Me! That's my favorite of the underrated 90s NBC sitcoms, a subgenre that we're all probably big fans of.
Joe Rogan used his belief in conspiracy theories in his stand-up routine, and the writers wrote it into the show. I read an interview with one of the writers/series creator or something once where they said they incorporated as much real life stuff about the actors into the characters to increase the realism of the show. In one episode you even find out Dave is really from Canada and not Wisconsin and they make fun of him for it for the rest of the series.
@@Xondar11223344I forgot about that. As I recall he had a totally hilarious reasons why he didn't want anyone to think he was Canadian. Too bad I can't remember now what it was.
Still have the DVDs of this show and I’ve ripped them to digital files just in case they get damaged. Love this show to this day. This was the first time that a show being cancelled crushed me.
Right and these days the way can't really own anything digitally because of DRM requirements. Sent ridiculous terms of service, I actually found myself leaning more on physical media than I ever thought I would. Downloading as much stuff as I can to SD cards and the like.
I remember I wrote a eulogy for the show when it was cancelled. I was 17 at the time and this show was a big part of my life. Several years ago, I had severe depression and usually sitcoms would cheer me up, but none were working, except for NewsRadio. It calmed me. I don't know if it saved my life, but it was certainly there for me when I needed it.
In collage I wrote a work place comedy about people working in a tabloid magazine and someone in the class compared it to News Radio. It was one of the greatest compliments I've ever received. I proudly own the series on DVD.
My favourite was how after all the previous "space" stuff, Lisa complained about being cold so Dave told her to turn on the Space Heater. I'm still cracking up from that one.
I love this show, only caught it on reruns in the early 00s since im 37, this is truly one of the greatest shows of all time. Hands down, the absurdity is amazing.
My favorite scene might be when Jimmy was unconscious in a hospital bed (in the WNYX break room) and Dave spoke to him, acting out word-for-word what they'd say to each other if Jimmy were awake..."Siskel Ebert" is still funny.
I just did a rewatch of this show. It is my absolute favourite. So excited to see it get some love. One thing that stood out to me was the unfortunate portent of Joe Rogan’s future when Joe is given co anchor duties with Lisa and just makes shit up. Hilarious at the time, but very surreal and uncomfortable now that he’s one of the biggest podcasters who regularly lets his guests just say whatever to little or no pushback from him.
I love your sitcom retrospectives. I'd love to see one on 3rd Rock From the Sun, maybe also Mork & Mindy (but then you'd also have to do Happy Days and maybe Laverne & Shirley just to complete the 'verse).
This show is near and dear to my heart as an old-school KITH fan and lover of good writing. It was definitely hard to find sometimes but so worth it. Thank you so much for the deep dive; probably gonna have to watch it again.
I cherish this show.. In the 90's I was at art college, didn't have a tv and asked my mom to tape NewsRadio episodes for me; which she did. Had them on VHS for years. Stopped watching after Phil Hartman's passing. The episode "Bill moves on", still reduces me to tears. Thanks so much for this retrospective José, very much appreciated💯❤
I understand not watching post-Phil/Bill. I'll just say in the final season, Jon Lovitz did a fine job under very tough circumstances. No one could have the impact Phil/Bill did, but Lovitz was certainly not bad. Plus, Patrick Warburton (Puddy from Seinfeld, Joe from Family Guy, Rules of Engagement) did an extended guest run in Season 5.
It ismwas around this time imstopped watching most TV shows, but I always watched NewsRadio. Found it on reruns after the first season... smart and funny.
Same. Simce about 2000 the only tv i can watch is pretty much newsradio and always sunny. I can rewatch them forever while adding nothing new. Theres this and that occasionally but nothing really.
It’s been years, but I still remember “Mr. James has a big heart.” “Yes, well, he’s like a father to all of us.” “No, I’m not kidding. That thing’s like a *roast*.”
Dammit i didnt come here to cry. But then you talked about Phil Hartmen and well, here we are. Great video Jose, much appreciated. Loved this show when it was on 💜
A great show I watched during its original airing. Never saw the last season after Phil Hartman died. Highly recommend and very easy to stream nowadays.
I would say I love this presentation but I'm not the best person to judge: I'll watch anything NewsRadio related I can get my hands on, usually several times over. It is without any doubt my #1 sitcom, particularly season 4 is wildly spinning out of control in the most delightful way, and if you get the series I highly reccommend you get one with the commentary tracks included: I hardly ever came across a more honest and funny bunch in real life (and just more material and reasons to revisit). Couldn't watch it for several years over Hartman's death, and though there are issues with the 5th it's hard to imagine doing crazy funny stuff with such a shocking recent event in mind.
This, Suddenly Susan, Caroline in the City, and Just Shoot Me REALLY had me wanting to be a Business Media Professional in the 90s lmao. As always a great video, I look forward to the next one.
I feel like Community is a spiritual successor to Newsradio- the ensemble family cast, the absurdist humor, the one off episodes. Newsradio blazed a path Community followed.
It was so great to Khandi Alexander in this role...I'd just seen herbin CB4 and I wasn't expecting her in this kind of role. Her and Phil Hartman offset each other perfectly.
There is a good story told by Ed O'Neill about Phil Hartmen's death and Jon Lovitz. Its worth looking up on youtube. Jon and Phil had a great friendship and Jon just wanted to make people laugh.
This show just proves that a great show does not always equate to great ratings. When Phil Hartman was murdered by his wife the show just felt like it had run its course and needed to be retired. While the entire cast helped to make this great, their was an unfillable hole if any one of them were to no longer be there and the chemistry took a notable change. Still ranks up there as one of my all time favorite sitcoms.
This is one of my favorite shows ever, along with twin peaks. I dont know if that show is too long and complicated, but I'd love if you did twin peaks 😂
I loved this show. My siblings and I would check the listings in the TV guide to make sure we kept watching, despite NBC's repeated rescheduling. I think of the episode "The Cane" all the time: "Good EVENING, LADIES and GENTLEMEN" (S2:E9)
Not only that but there's a story line element where Bill put's Joe in the broadcast booth thinking that he'll be terrible, but he actually does very well, which reflects that transition from broadcast to podcast and how successful the real Joe ended up being in that regard. All of it was very strange watching it in retrospect today.
@@adoredpariah holyyyy that's really weird haha. I'd like to imagine Joe of this world was thinking about that moment and thought to himself '"you know what? Maybe I should start a podcast"
Yay NewsRadio! Love David Foley but honestly, lots of talented actors on that one. Now we just need a companion piece covering WKRP In Cincinnati and it’s complete!
Never saw all of the show, just have fond memories of it. I now realize Hartman was on the Simpsons, but never added that up before. Thank you for going over this classic.
He was SO good as Troy and Lionel on The Simpsons. The show definitely wasn't the same without those characters, who were retired from speaking after Phil died.
The creator ranting to Rolling Stone about his show being screwed was satirized ON the show with Dave ranting to Radio Ink magazine. Warren Littlefield also apologized on the NewRadio DVD commentary for moving the series around the week. The cast and crew were always terrified of the show being cancelled immediately or at the end of the years, for seasons 1 thru 4. In season 5 they stopped being worried because they thought they were safe, and the network actually cancelled the show at the end of season 5.
![BOWKYLION - วิงวอน (ex-change) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cLdnZWDaO-w/mqdefault.jpg)
Definitely one of the more underrated work coms. Phil Hartman's tribute episode was simply beautiful, and you can tell that his coworkers all liked and respected him.
Andy dick was the person who supplied Phil hartman's wife with the drugs which cost phil hartman's life
It's a kick in the teeth for Andy Dick to be there, though.
On the Joe Rogan Experience here on YT, Rogan tells numerous Hartman on-and-off-set stories from their days together...very good stuff.
I did enjoy it, especially when they were in space and on the Titanic.
I moved from Philly to Tampa Bay in the early 90s, when I was like 22. I didn't watch much TV in those days, as I was busy with work and a social life. In 95, my mom called me to tell me to watch News Radio. I knew about KITH, but I hadn't heard about News Radio until she told me about it. As soon as I realized Dave Foley was in it, I knew it was going to be great. I'd tape it every week, watch as soon as I could, and then I'd call home so my mom and I could talk about each episode.
I was pretty homesick those first few years, and my mom unexpectedly passed away a few years later. Those conversations where we'd laugh for an hour while we dissected the latest episode of News Radio are some of the last memories I have of her. It makes rewatching the show a little bittersweet, but laughing along with this show brings a lot of happy memories
That's so beautiful. Thank you for sharing it.
@@Xenite thanks for reading:)
Beautiful story! That’s for sharing. I was 22 in ‘95. My wife and I were *HUGE* KITH fans (still are!). We came to News Radio by way of Foley as well (he’s one of the Dave’s I Know I Know ;-) ). It was awesome to see McDonald show up in a cameo in an episode as well!
I'll never forget him from such celebrity funerals as "Andre The Giant, We Hardly Knew Ye" and "Shemp Howard: Today We Mourn A Stooge."
And such self help videos as, smoke yourself thin. Or, get confident stupid.
Phil Hartman had such good timing.
We can thank Andy Dick for that one
Phil Hartman was perfect at timing.
He's gone because of Andy
For me, it's his seminal work in educational films like "Two Minus Three Equals Negative Fun" and "Firecrackers: The Silent Killer"
Heh heh, Moe’s their leader
Phil Hartmans impact in writing, sketch work, sitcoms and voice acting is truly incredible looking back. A void that has not been filled by anyone else since.
Don’t forget his work as an art director early in his career, responsible for some of the greatest rock album covers of all time!
Fun Fact about NewsRadio: My parents when they were dating used to call each other up on the phone to watch it together when new episodes aired, and I think that's pretty sweet.
It is sweet.
Thank you. I now feel 200 years old...lol
God. I'm aging rapidly
aw, they had discord vc watch parties more than 20 years early
@peterinbrat why the fuck does someone always have to "oh now I feel old " jokes. Can you not enjoy your gay life with your small penis without reminding yourself of the reapers ever quickening pursuit.
Another great episode. The tribute to Phil Hartman was heartwarming. His presence in still missed in this world 26 years later 😢
I swear, every time I see him something, and he opens his mouth, I feel like he’s about to break into Troy McClure.
And I’m totally OK with that ….
I can only hear Jiji
"Bill?"
"Yes Dave?"
".....I stole your cane" is probably my all time favorite sitcom bit. Such an amazing and underrated show.
i liked the hamburgler stuff with Andy (erm Matthew)
That whole episode is a masterclass in comedy writing and performing.
Dave's delivery on that line still kills me.
I agree that that whole scene is the best bit in the show, but the best line? IMO, it's "I'm virtually bursting with adequatulence." I actually use it in real life far more frequently than one might think possible.... or healthy....
It's Dave's goofy smile while saying it that gets me.
Thank you for covering "Newsradio", a show that I feel like should be better known even today. My favorite Phil Hartman storyline is when he passionately defends the sandwiches from a sketchy, ancient vending machine; I related to it for some reason, possibly because of my love for those chalky Valentine's day candies no one else seems to like.
Didn’t he get food poisoning after eating a 3 month old egg salad sandwich or something. It’s been so long I can’t remember.
Possibly! I don't remember that part exactly, just the explanation that he loved the sandwiches because they reminded him of the ones his mom would make...sandwiches made for a week or a month and left in a metal box that was kept out in the sun.
We all have those little hills we die on haha I love it
Thank you for this. NewsRadio is my all-time favorite show. I am one of the original viewers. I still remember watching the pilot episode with my sister when I was in the 7th grade. In high school, when the first four seasons were in reruns and the final season was on NBC, I became obsessed with the show and watched it all the time.
I've watched many of your previous sitcom retrospectives and always wished you'd do a NewsRadio one, but honestly didn't think you would. So, when I got on TH-cam and THIS video popped up, I was genuinely shocked... and then I pressed play! It was great. I kept checking the time. Not out of boredom but because I wanted to see how much time I had left as I wanted more, lol.
A couple of requests for future retrospectives... Taxi and Wings!
I was in 5th grade and I, too, was a big fan really until Hartman's death. After that, I could feel the tension and the ensemble struggling.
BIG SECOND for Taxi & I'd watch the Wings one. omg I just remembered "thirtysomething" existed when the boomers were that age & I now feel José's thirtysomething analyses would be invaluable. I mean I can hope he'd do The Days & Nights of Molly Dodd, but that's too obscure.
When I was in high school, me and my brother and his girlfriend and her sister were all obsessed with watching the reruns, and we quoted it constantly. We can still make each other laugh just by pulling our shirts up and screaming "MAYHEM!"
@@roxyamused The first few episodes without Phil were especially hard for me to watch. I remember thinking "Oh, Bill would have said something funny there." It was like I physically felt his absence. Also, seeing his picture in Dave's office was always very distracting to me. Ultimately though, I do enjoy the last season.
@@picahudsoniaunflocked5426 NewsRadio is my all-time favorite sitcom and Taxi is my second. I've heard the title "The Days & Nights of Molly Dodd" before but I've never seen the show.
Another obscure show I think is great is "Andy Richter Controls the Universe" from 2002.
phil hartman still hurts and i wasn’t even born yet. what a talent, what a man
@user-pz5ns6py3t What really hurts is knowing that when his wife shot him and herself their two young daughters in the next room over.
Thanks, Andy. Directly or indirectly responsible.
This show and Community had such similar journeys, it's weird. Still one of my all-time favorite sitcoms, and grossly underrated.
Two of my favorite sitcoms of all time.
Every time my wife and I see Stephen Root in anything we always identify him as Jimmy James. One of the greatest character performers of our time!
I will never think of Stephen Root as anyone other than Jimmy James.
Have we considered that maybe Stephen Root is a character being played by Jimmy James?
Because Jimmy had fancy plans, and pants to match.
I've often got Stephen Root and Barry Corbin mixed up. Both great character actors, that like Ned Beatty can play both intimidating corporate presidents as well as bumbling idiots and low life bums.
I know him also as the recent voice of Cringer/Battle Cat in Masters of the Universe: Revelation and the sequel series Revolution. Cos I have the toy of that version of Battle Cat on my shelf. :D
Aw, man, Jose made a video just for my birthday, no way 😂. Best birthday present by far, love you Jose
Happy birthday!
Happy birthday Penelope!!!
Happy Birthday, Penelope, enjoy your present.
Happy birthday!
that’s two of us 🥳 happy birthday!
Newsradio was the best. Dave Foley is the best straight man comedy’s ever had.
Look up his Kids in the Hall sketch with Kevin MacDonald where they are vaudevillians and Dave ruins the "Who's on first" bit by explaining the joke. One of my all time favorite sketches.
@@Scarybugone of my favorite Dave moments is in the “We Discovered The Cause Of Cancer” KITH sketch, where he’s scolding Bruce about taking responsibility* like a fed-up, disappointed dad, lol.
* “…for causing all that bowel cancer, and all that throat cancer.”
My favorite Dave line from Newsradio: "Wait ... so if what you're saying is true ... I still don't care. "
@@Scarybug The weird short old-timey film where Foley plays a really untalented Victorian Stunt Performer, like doing Houdini things but failing, feels very special to him. he was always so much weirder than he got credit for bc he had Resting Wholesome Corn-Fed Face.
@@picahudsoniaunflocked5426 That was the one where he was in a straightjacket all his life. When eventually put in an insane asylum one of the patients got out of the straightjacket but he still could not.
I thoroughly enjoy NewsRadio, and this is one of the only shows that I actually purchased seasons of
I'm with you
@@mwmulv I still have the first two seasons on DVD around here somewhere. This and Becker are the only two I've ever bought.
You left out my favorite part from "Sinking Ship." Jimmy and Dave are in the office sipping brandy as the ship goes down, and they pause for a moment. Dave mutters under his breath, "Isn't the ceiling supposed to collapse now?" Jimmy replies, "Yeah, but I think they blew the budget on Joe closing the elevator."
It goes something like that, it's been decades since I've seen it.
Anyway, thank you for this blast from the past!
The real deal with Bill McNeil is forever stuck in my head, along with "Rocket Fuel Malt Liquor"
Damn!
@@jerryp6001rocket fuel is crizappy!
Newsradio is my favorite show of all time and I’m so glad whenever someone pays it this much attention, especially with such thoughtfulness. I’ve worn out multiple DVD sets because of rewatching it so often.
If anyone in here wants even more wonderful critique of Newsradio, Donna Bowman’s full series breakdown on AV Club is some of the finest television criticism I’ve ever read. It especially looks at the staging and character movement inspired by theater that also makes full use of the frame to help sell gags. It’s wonderful to read along if you’re watching through the whole show.
So glad I decided to watch this at home instead of at work, since even the tiniest Phil Hartman coverage brings me to tears. This was so lovely. Thank you for your hard work.
Phil Hartman was such a legend and the joy he brought to his work and his castmates definitely shined through.
I watched your Andy Dick video, so thank you for doing this one as well. I never really knew of Phil Harman outside of The Simpsons, but now having seen the whole picture revolving these two, its just so sad. Thank you though, seriously, I love your videos.
I was a big fan of kids in the Hall so when I heard Dave Foley was starring in a sitcom I was excited. News radio became my favorite comedy on TV for years during the 90s, and it was the start of me realizing my tastes would not be reflected on network tv. I also remember thinking "how did this joe Rogan guy get this gig?"
Easily most underrated sitcom of all time. Shocked and joyed to see it recognized.
NewsRadio was the most underrated comedy sitcom in TV history...period!
The cast made that show. We loved it. When Phil was killed, the show lost its heart, however, and it was only down from there and its days were numbered from that point.
I cannot express how much this video is making my day right now.
3rd rock from the sun retrospective would be everything
Amazing show and it was very clever also it has the trinity killer in it
Yes!
Great show and cast. Enjoyed your breakdown of this show’s story. Phil is one of the best performers of the times. He always delivered for the audience
A friend of mine who I adviced to watch NewsRadio 4 years ago (when the entire world was in lockdown), but who was actually already somewhat familiar withnit as the show aired over here in the Netherlands back in the early 2000s, just sent me this video. What a great, great retrospective.
I never got beyond episode 2 of the fifth season. For me, the show ended with the special 'Bill moves on'. The first couple of seasons were a walk in the park, but the later seasons were very much hit or miss.
My compliments on your amount of research and writing!
have i ever heard of this show? no. will i be seated for every minute of this video? absolutely 🫡
It's actually a pretty decent show. I'd say if you can find the first season for free give it a shot. It's not for everyone and it's dated, but it might vibe with you. Eh, maybe you don't even need to watch the whole first season to find out if you think it's funny or not, probably in the first three episodes you'll know if you want to see how it all plays out.
It's a very funny show. Definitely recommend giving it a go.
You should check it out, it's great.
We get it, you are very young. . .
Fat tip for the Jose retrospective I hoped for. Thank you ❤
Wow, thank you so much for the tip! I really appreciate it!
News Radio is bar none my favorite sitcom of all time. It's nice to remember a time when Joe was just a funny character and not a real dude systematically undermining the scientific and political understanding of millions.
"Smoking" is my favorite episode of any comedy ever. When Matthew walks in on Dave and Bill and all their cold turkey rage is directed at him...GOLD.🏆
seems like a very special group of people, in a very special point in time, the mid 90's. And they all didnt seem to have destructive egos. The first several season 1 episodes are amazing to watch. I was 9 yrs old in 1995, awesome times, and when I recently watched the first season on TH-cam, Holy shit the yellow cabs in the intro, the cast, and dave foleys voice and face, even joe rogan! haha this brought up crazy memory and deep in the gut nostalgia from back in time. I miss the 90's so much. Amazing decade.
I lived most of my life about 70 miles from NYC. This show is greatly loved, but part of it is this is the height of NYC to me. This was a golden era in general, but it was definitley the best the city has ever been.
I genuinely have never heard of this Show before so this is maybe the most exciting video you’ve released in this Series for me.
You do such a great job pacing these videos, and I really enjoy your way of covering shows. Everytime one of these retrospectives come out, I save it for the weekend (when I allow myself to snack) and just sit back and enjoy. It's really great, and has encouraged me to check out some of these shows. Thanks for the banger content.
I've only ever vaguely heard of this show but I'm going to have to check it out. The "initially grounded sitcom that gradually becomes more unhinged and surreal" is a bit of a favourite genre of mine 😅
My heart aches remembering Newsradio, which debuted when I was 11 years old; your gentle analysis is much appreciated.
NewsRadio definitely is one of my favorites. I remember watching it when it first aired every week. Back in 2016 when I moved into my new apartment and didn’t have Wi-Fi for a week I checked out the complete series from the library on DVD and did a rewatch. It still held up plus my older sons who were living with me thought it was pretty cool too. They couldn’t believe that that was Bill from King of the Hill playing Jimmy James!
It remains in our rotation of comfort shows we watch right before bed. Definitely in my top 10 sitcoms of all time. Probably top 5 ensemble casts ever. And Maura Tierney...
I don't think I saw NewsRadio when it first aired, but I definitely saw it while it was still being made. I remember when Phil Hartman died and my brother and I were devastated because he was our favorite character on NewsRadio.
I’m so glad you did this. I love NewsRadio so much and it really needs more love and attention
To me, this is one of the all time great shows. The cast was incredible, I mean Phil Hartman alone made it gold.
One of my favorite bits of anything is the scene where Jimmy proposes marriage, immediately begins ironing out the details of the arrangement, they can't compromise and part ways mutually.
It's inspiring.
I remember watching News Radio a lot, I was a big fan of Dave Foley from Kids in the Hall. So it was a real treat to see Kevin McDonald show up. Phil was just.. such a big persona, he was impossible to replace.
Kevin + Scott were always my fave KITHs & remain so.
In 1999 i contacted the TV station here in Australia asking if they were going to show season 5. They replied they wouldn't. That is the only time i have done that.
Maura Tierney ❤
"Rocket Fuel Malt Liquor. DAMN! It's crizappy!"
Me, having never heard of this show before: “wait… Joe Rogan was an actor??”
Only barely if they named the character after him, and the character is a jock who believes in conspiracy theories. It's like they just asked him to show up.
Funny thing is, when the show was on, he was the least known. But now, when I mention this show to people and they don't know it, Joe Rogan is the name people often recognize the most.
And don’t worry, his homophobia is actually pretty apparent throughout and I’m not just talking about him around Andy ducking Dick
I only knew him as the short lived second host on The Man Show.
@JoelCarli, are you dumb or a troll?
Applause applause applause. News Radio was a love of mine, the kind of show a person gets to feel is their own.
Same here.
That was a great retrospective of one of my favourite shows. Please consider doing a retrospective of Pushing Daisies, another underappreciated sitcom.
I hadn’t heard of this show before this video but something about the way the cast and the writing team talk about it with such fondness and pride made tear up by the end. I will definitely check it out now.
I used to watch newsradio and unhappily ever after every week night on upn during summer break back in middle school! Underrated series, thanks for the memories, Jose!
I loved this show so much as a kid! It's how I was introduced to Phil Hartman, whose career I closely followed until his untimely end.
4:19 That still really hurts. I can't say goodbye. 26 years later.
My all time favorite tv show. Thankyou for bringing it back into the conversation.
Our family, and especially our mom and I, watched this show often, and liked it a great deal. I remember the impact of Phil Hartman's death, not just for the show, but because he was such fun to watch. Thanks for this retrospective on a show that should be better remembered.
I would add that another workplace comedy that emphasized how a workplace becomes family was "WKRP in Cincinnati" - its raw premise wasn't too dissimilar from "News Radio", being an ensemble of gifted actors playing eccentric but layered characters, and the introduction being that of a young executive entering a place new for him and us. I remember it being fairly popular, and it gave us a couple of what would now be called memes, including from the famous Thanksgiving episode.
Oh man, I LOVE NewsRadio. I was not expecting this today but I am STOKED
At some point when I was a kid there was a summer marathon of this show and I wound up watching most of all of it and I loved it.
Makes me so happy to see someone remembering this. I've always loved this show and felt like I was the only one. Super Karate Monkey Death Car is still one of the funniest things I've ever seen on TV. lol
I was so excited to see this video come out. News Radio is, to this day, my favorite sitcom of all time. You did a good job articulating what is so wonderful about it. I really hope that this video attracts a whole new audience to the show so that more people can experience it and enjoy it.
The cast was insanely talented
ALL STACKED CAST 100%
I was an NBC guy back in the day. Seinfeld, Friends, Mad About You, and NewsRadio. I was a TV junkie and watched just about everything. I still remember hearing about Phil Hartman's death. The horrible circumstances of it. By then I was no longer watching NewsRadio but was still watching The Simpsons. Even to this day it still makes me sad.
Today's a great day, today's a beautiful day, today is a special day because José has blessed us yet again
I think you have something on your nose…
Great job, Jose! Hope that you do one of these retrospectives on Just Shoot Me! That's my favorite of the underrated 90s NBC sitcoms, a subgenre that we're all probably big fans of.
‘Just Shoot Me’ retrospective next?!
Was in my mid late teens during the original airing in Australia and absolutely loved it. Thanks so much for making this video
Was it on Ten?
The irony in Joe's character being written to believe conspiracy theories given how Joe actually turned out is honestly fucking phenomenal
I never thought about that but it's hilarious to think back on.
It's not irony. The writers wrote that stuff for Rogan because he was already like that.
@@Scarybug okay yes true but he wasn't this bad
Joe Rogan used his belief in conspiracy theories in his stand-up routine, and the writers wrote it into the show.
I read an interview with one of the writers/series creator or something once where they said they incorporated as much real life stuff about the actors into the characters to increase the realism of the show. In one episode you even find out Dave is really from Canada and not Wisconsin and they make fun of him for it for the rest of the series.
@@Xondar11223344I forgot about that. As I recall he had a totally hilarious reasons why he didn't want anyone to think he was Canadian. Too bad I can't remember now what it was.
Still have the DVDs of this show and I’ve ripped them to digital files just in case they get damaged. Love this show to this day. This was the first time that a show being cancelled crushed me.
Right and these days the way can't really own anything digitally because of DRM requirements. Sent ridiculous terms of service, I actually found myself leaning more on physical media than I ever thought I would. Downloading as much stuff as I can to SD cards and the like.
I remember I wrote a eulogy for the show when it was cancelled. I was 17 at the time and this show was a big part of my life. Several years ago, I had severe depression and usually sitcoms would cheer me up, but none were working, except for NewsRadio. It calmed me. I don't know if it saved my life, but it was certainly there for me when I needed it.
@@adamhauck6058 I've watched NewsRadio while deeply depressed, and it cheered me up too.
@@adamhauck6058 Hope you're thriving now. Do you still have what you wrote?
@@adamhauck6058 I'd like to read that eulogy.
In collage I wrote a work place comedy about people working in a tabloid magazine and someone in the class compared it to News Radio. It was one of the greatest compliments I've ever received. I proudly own the series on DVD.
"What if we did Space News" This is so funny; "we are running out of space dollars!"
My favourite was how after all the previous "space" stuff, Lisa complained about being cold so Dave told her to turn on the Space Heater. I'm still cracking up from that one.
I love this show, only caught it on reruns in the early 00s since im 37, this is truly one of the greatest shows of all time. Hands down, the absurdity is amazing.
My favorite scene might be when Jimmy was unconscious in a hospital bed (in the WNYX break room) and Dave spoke to him, acting out word-for-word what they'd say to each other if Jimmy were awake..."Siskel Ebert" is still funny.
I watched through this for the first time a few years ago and was floored by it.
Excited for this!
This is my favorite sitcom of all time.
Thank you for giving it the attention and respect that it absolutely deserves.
I just did a rewatch of this show. It is my absolute favourite. So excited to see it get some love.
One thing that stood out to me was the unfortunate portent of Joe Rogan’s future when Joe is given co anchor duties with Lisa and just makes shit up. Hilarious at the time, but very surreal and uncomfortable now that he’s one of the biggest podcasters who regularly lets his guests just say whatever to little or no pushback from him.
Move to North Korea
@@atlasking6110 What is wrong with you
My favorite sitcom. They played back to back reruns after Conan back in the day and I stayed up late every night to watch.
I love your sitcom retrospectives. I'd love to see one on 3rd Rock From the Sun, maybe also Mork & Mindy (but then you'd also have to do Happy Days and maybe Laverne & Shirley just to complete the 'verse).
Don't forget Joanie Loves Chachi!
I don't think we should give Scott Baio that much attention.
This show is near and dear to my heart as an old-school KITH fan and lover of good writing. It was definitely hard to find sometimes but so worth it. Thank you so much for the deep dive; probably gonna have to watch it again.
I cherish this show.. In the 90's I was at art college, didn't have a tv and asked my mom to tape NewsRadio episodes for me; which she did. Had them on VHS for years. Stopped watching after Phil Hartman's passing. The episode "Bill moves on", still reduces me to tears. Thanks so much for this retrospective José, very much appreciated💯❤
I understand not watching post-Phil/Bill. I'll just say in the final season, Jon Lovitz did a fine job under very tough circumstances. No one could have the impact Phil/Bill did, but Lovitz was certainly not bad. Plus, Patrick Warburton (Puddy from Seinfeld, Joe from Family Guy, Rules of Engagement) did an extended guest run in Season 5.
It ismwas around this time imstopped watching most TV shows, but I always watched NewsRadio. Found it on reruns after the first season... smart and funny.
Same. Simce about 2000 the only tv i can watch is pretty much newsradio and always sunny. I can rewatch them forever while adding nothing new. Theres this and that occasionally but nothing really.
It’s been years, but I still remember
“Mr. James has a big heart.”
“Yes, well, he’s like a father to all of us.”
“No, I’m not kidding. That thing’s like a *roast*.”
Dammit i didnt come here to cry. But then you talked about Phil Hartmen and well, here we are. Great video Jose, much appreciated. Loved this show when it was on 💜
A great show I watched during its original airing. Never saw the last season after Phil Hartman died. Highly recommend and very easy to stream nowadays.
I would say I love this presentation but I'm not the best person to judge: I'll watch anything NewsRadio related I can get my hands on, usually several times over.
It is without any doubt my #1 sitcom, particularly season 4 is wildly spinning out of control in the most delightful way, and if you get the series I highly reccommend you get one with the commentary tracks included: I hardly ever came across a more honest and funny bunch in real life (and just more material and reasons to revisit).
Couldn't watch it for several years over Hartman's death, and though there are issues with the 5th it's hard to imagine doing crazy funny stuff with such a shocking recent event in mind.
I used to record this show and watch it with my friends back to back I love this show I absolutely adore this show
This, Suddenly Susan, Caroline in the City, and Just Shoot Me REALLY had me wanting to be a Business Media Professional in the 90s lmao. As always a great video, I look forward to the next one.
I feel like Community is a spiritual successor to Newsradio- the ensemble family cast, the absurdist humor, the one off episodes. Newsradio blazed a path Community followed.
It was so great to Khandi Alexander in this role...I'd just seen herbin CB4 and I wasn't expecting her in this kind of role. Her and Phil Hartman offset each other perfectly.
There is a good story told by Ed O'Neill about Phil Hartmen's death and Jon Lovitz. Its worth looking up on youtube. Jon and Phil had a great friendship and Jon just wanted to make people laugh.
This show just proves that a great show does not always equate to great ratings. When Phil Hartman was murdered by his wife the show just felt like it had run its course and needed to be retired. While the entire cast helped to make this great, their was an unfillable hole if any one of them were to no longer be there and the chemistry took a notable change. Still ranks up there as one of my all time favorite sitcoms.
This is one of my favorite shows ever, along with twin peaks. I dont know if that show is too long and complicated, but I'd love if you did twin peaks 😂
I watch all of these retrospectives even when I’ve never seen the show. They’re just so engrossing. Please do Who’s the Boss.
I loved this show. My siblings and I would check the listings in the TV guide to make sure we kept watching, despite NBC's repeated rescheduling. I think of the episode "The Cane" all the time: "Good EVENING, LADIES and GENTLEMEN" (S2:E9)
I love this show. I watched it a lot with my dad. I didn’t think I’d ever see a one hour video about it! Great stuff
The fact that Joe the Electrician, played by Joe Rogan, was written to be more conspiracy-adjacent feels weirdly prophetic
Not only that but there's a story line element where Bill put's Joe in the broadcast booth thinking that he'll be terrible, but he actually does very well, which reflects that transition from broadcast to podcast and how successful the real Joe ended up being in that regard. All of it was very strange watching it in retrospect today.
@@adoredpariah holyyyy that's really weird haha. I'd like to imagine Joe of this world was thinking about that moment and thought to himself '"you know what? Maybe I should start a podcast"
Is he really that much of a conspiracy nut? I haven't heard much about him since the old "green tinted footage" debacle with CNN.
It was based on Rogan's stand-up routine where he talked about conspiracy theories.
@@KeybladeMasterAndy Joe Rogan is such a dumbass, he genuinely believes the moon landing was faked.
Yay NewsRadio! Love David Foley but honestly, lots of talented actors on that one. Now we just need a companion piece covering WKRP In Cincinnati and it’s complete!
I loved NewsRadio. What a cast.
Never saw all of the show, just have fond memories of it. I now realize Hartman was on the Simpsons, but never added that up before. Thank you for going over this classic.
He was SO good as Troy and Lionel on The Simpsons. The show definitely wasn't the same without those characters, who were retired from speaking after Phil died.
The creator ranting to Rolling Stone about his show being screwed was satirized ON the show with Dave ranting to Radio Ink magazine.
Warren Littlefield also apologized on the NewRadio DVD commentary for moving the series around the week.
The cast and crew were always terrified of the show being cancelled immediately or at the end of the years, for seasons 1 thru 4. In season 5 they stopped being worried because they thought they were safe, and the network actually cancelled the show at the end of season 5.
I loved this show as a kid and recently rewatched it. It still holds up.