The 1981/82 season was a struggle for NBC. It was the end of the Fred Silverman era that had produced more misses than hits.
Apart from Hill St Blues, NBC's only hits Real People, Different Strokes, Facts of Life debuted several seasons before so Silverman hadn't replenished the schedule.
Apparently the pilot line-up for Fall 81 was so uninspired that NBC announced Rock Hudson, James Arness, Angie Dickinson in shows they had no title or clear concepts for.
There seemed to be a budget freeze as NBC had no big theatrical releases, splashy mini series, TV movies and specials. And only a few back up shows.
They also had bad luck with Powers of Matthew Star and Devlin Connection delayed to the following season which left gaps to fill. Those shows bombed any way.
Compared to the following season's schedule with Family Ties, Cheers, St Elsewhere, Knight Rider, Remington Steele all debuting. None of them were huge hits but building blocks in NBC's ultimate success.
By
Paul Raven ·
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