Sorry for the hyperbole. Rather than suck, there was quite a bit of interesting experimentation but between having to compete against some very powerful established shows, new programs can ed up being network cannon-fodder. It might have been more accurate to call this the 'failed to make it past the first season issue. I'm sorry if I triggered anyone.
Chato, I am really looking forward to your explanation of scheduling. (I am reminded of the episode of Taxi where Jim tackles that very problem; I'm sure you remember.) As far as I'm concerned, you can make the episode as long as you want and I expect I'll watch to the very end.
"We can rebuild him . . . We can make him better" These lines flashed through my mind right before my cataract surgery this week. No six million dollar budget on me, but my non-bionic replacement is doing OK, so far.
I turned 5 in 1973. I watched the hell out of The Six Million Dollar Man when I was a kid. I even had the Steve Austin ̶d̶̶o̶̶l̶̶l̶, er, action figure. I can still hear the voiceover in my head: "Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology." That was back when 6 million dollars was a significant amount of money.
Hey I was 5 in that year too and also had the Steve Austin action figure. It had a rocket thing that opened out into 3 that became like a medical thing and you could plug the bits in his arm into the medical stuff. Great times!
I think this was when everyone in Hollywood was still trying to deny that the 60s ever happened, aside from "recently divorced" being a description for 50% of 70s TV show leads.
I was in my early 20s. My life was awful. My parents had had me late on life, and they were already in their 60s. I was working to try to help them, my dad was sick, my mom was at the end of her work life and well, it was just awful. I don't think I sat down for ONE hour of TV... but I seem to remember part of the plot of the 6 million dollar man?
I love these time capsules. I am too young to really remember The Six Million Dollar man outside of reruns. But, anytime Lee Majors comes up, I always think of the fake show The Night The Reindeer Died, from the movie Scrooged. 🤣
In 1973 I was 8 years old and I memorized the TV guide every week. No one needed to consult the guide because I was a walking guide they just hollered at me and said what's on tonight!
I continue to be fascinated by the advertisement pages. Between Future, Midol, Tampax, Winston, Denture, and Hydrox, TV Guide knew who their main audience were (ladies, young and old)
As a kid in the 70s, Six Million Dollar Man & Bionic Woman were must see TV! I also loved the Magician, hated it was cancelled so soon. My parents loved Kojak. Entertaining as always Paul! 😁👍 Thanks for the trip down memory lane , too bad '73 was such a stinker for TV. 😆
Ikr today is the age of re-boot and classic franchise demolition. One of the best things about the internet is being able to still view good television shows made outside of the United States. Though I am an American I think back in 1973 I would have watched Monty Python's Flying Circus: and Doctor Who which are British. Thanks for the video Chato.
This was the year we moved and our TV blew a tube and we couldn't afford to replace the TV let along have it repaired. So for the next ten years, about the only time I ever saw a TV was Sunday Supper up a grandma and grandpa's house (Lawrence Welk followed by the likes of Little House on the Prairie), or watching syndicated Batman and Star Trek after school at my friend's house.
I always liked the storytelling title sequences that introduced a number of TV shows of that era - Six Million Dollar Man (“Steve Austin, a man barely alive”), Alias Smith & Jones (“there’s one thing we gotta get”, “what’s that?”, “outta this business”) Had no idea Diana Rigg had a US TV show. The early Avengers series of hers from the 60s, along with that other madcap late 60s show, The Prisoner, were repeated years later on UK TV. The Avengers was surreal, but nothing beat The Prisoner! What a classic! And that terrific opening title sequence - “I’m not a number, I’m a free man!” As Number 6 would say, “Be seeing you.”
The Prisoner is one of the greatest TV show ever. Original, unique, unpredictable and unforgettable. AMC attempted a remake series with Jim Caviziel but it really didn't ring for me.
Love these preview episodes. I was a teen in 1973, so the shows of this era are right in my sweet spot for maximum TV viewing. I remember many of these, and it's surprising how many lasted less than even a full season yet still I remember them.
I was "enchanted" by Bill Bixby in The Magician back in 73! It was a great TV show, sadly cut down in its prime. Bill was one of my all-time favourite TV actors growing up. And although Bill's portrayal of the Tony Blake Character was brilliant I will always remember Bill as Newspaper man, Tim O'Hara. Just in the same way as I always remember Ray Walston as Uncle Martin. Funny what TV dose to you!
Dear God I thought I imagined Roll Out, or conflated it with an episode of MASH or something! Man, you do a valuable community service to my dim childhood memories! :D
73-74 CBS Saturday night schedule was the best ever. 8:00 All in the Family 8:30 MASH 9:00 The Mary Tyler Moore Show 9:30 Bob Newhart 10:00 Carol Burnet.
I was born in 69. My family almost always had CBS shows on. I remember all these shows, plus the greatest P.I. trifecta ever: Mannix, Cannon, and Barnaby Jones.
I would have read a book from 8 to 9 if I had been alive then. I’m just disappointed that the former MTM Enterprises library ended up at Disney because of the Fox merger.
I love these trips down memory lane. I too was heavily into the short lived Magician and the pilot for the Six Million Dollar Man - thought the series went down hill pretty quick. Interesting few years for "Polish" heroes. Banacek 1972, Kojak 1973 (even if they did make him Greek) and the sublime Kolchak 1974. Now it's Latino (Latinex?) but nothing comparable to those shows.
@@pittland44 Cheers. I never shall again. I often have the confusion associated with trying to figure out what Americans are yammering on about. At least that one has been cleared up for me. Thank you.
In 1973 I was 15, I spent most of my time outside riding my dirt bike, doing homework and thinking about girls (not necessarily in that order). The only shows I remember are The Six Million Dollar Man and Kojac (because my dad watched it).
I remember Killdozer! (from the short story by Theodore Sturgeon, if memory serves). Good story, not so good movie adaptation (par for the course). Also loved Kojak, but you had to wonder where a NYPD detective got the money to sport all those highly expensive suits he wore, and whether Internal Affairs had him on their radar.
Nowadays, the Girl with Something Extra would have an entirely different meaning. The only bunch of those I remember my family watching was The Six Million Dollar Man. I was aware of Kojak's existence, but we didn't watch it. Oh, I do remember The Magician. I had a crush on Bill Bixby. I was nine, and apparently liked older men. P
It’s one of my favorites as well. I consider it to be “Comfort TV”. It’s still a fun show to watch. However, I agree with him that I preferred Lotsa Luck over On the Buses. On the Buses did absolutely nothing for me. Lotsa Luck, however, I thought was very funny and criminally underrated. It should have been at least a four-season show. It should have been a slam dunk.
1974 High Concept: Team Shaft and Jimmy Stewart up as two fish out of water buddy cops who solve crimes somewhere between LA and West Virginia! A fast-paced, slow moving, violent laugh riot. Jimmy always gets the girl in the hot pants at the end of each episode.
Sample episode: while on a case, Shaft's 1972 Chevelle SS blows a tire and Jimmy has to change it. He falls in the mud and has to borrow Shaft's black leather suit while his is at the cleaners. The local hookers mistake him as their new pimp from out of town... but so does the local sheriff. Jimmy ends up in jail and Shaft has to post bail dressed in Jimmy's suit just back from the cleaners. Shaft is mistaken as "the man"... hilarity ensues.
Hey Chato, how about this one? A made-for-T.V. movie for A.B.C. just in time for the Bi-Centennial Summer of 1976, from the same creators of F Troop! This Independence Day, Yul Brynner and Telly Savalas both star in...American Bald Eagles! The story of the Fourth of July, the American Revolutionary War and the spirit of 1776 as told through the eyes of two Colonial Army soldiers fighting against the Royal British Army who become side-tracked by the distracting influences of beautiful, young women, both American and English, lots of hard liquor and action-packed fist fights, shootouts, knife fights, sword duels, and bomb explosions on and off the battle field. American Bald Eagles! 🦅🇺🇲 🦅Airing at Prime Time on July 4th, 1976. What do you think? Sequel potential? Perhaps a series? Would it work as a dark comedy? Also, Rest In Peace Yul Brynner and Telly Savalas.
Golly, these are never long enough. Lol. Loved your "I didn't write that" interjection. While I enjoy all your content, these TV guide "canvassings" are gold! Keep 'em flying!
Wow! Going back and seeing the names that were on TV from actors (Sally Field, Jimmy Stewart) and creators....amazing to see how they had flops. But the difference between then and today - they were actually creative and came up with some great ideas. Today, I feel like I am watching the same shows over and over
KIlldozer! Killdozer! I loved KIlldozer! I loved all those old goofy programmes as well. Nowt like that, outside of sitcoms it's straight into serious stuff. Even the light hearted stuff is po-faced. My Mother the car sounds good. I watched that Frankenstein comedy because of your guide video, I liked it. Loved Beverly Hillbillies too. Can still sing the song.
I loved both Six Million Dollar Man and The Magician, Bill Bixby was favorite of my mother and I as a wee one. Kudos on the Jimmy Stewart impression, too!
15:57 OOooooooooh! Brass Mist Sprayer from Wallace! My Mom had one of those! Such dainty "English Fog" from that little thing. Oh yeah, and I love the Six Million Dollar Man. Good stuff.
@@CallMeChato Hell, I'd love to you reviewing the old Oscar shows year by year, and commenting on the good, the bad, and the ugly (the shows and "winners" that didn't age well, not the famous Spaghetti Western movie). Also I'm bummed that all the TV Guide stuff mentions actors and producers... but never the writers. (queue Rodney Dangerfield voice) No respect.
the thing i love about these installments is how you show that there is no formula for success that what sounds good on paper can easily become a flop; its fascinating.
There was another guy named Lee. Lee Majors, the 6 Million Dollar Man. Are you familiar with that show from reruns? Probably my favorite from the bunch.
These nostalgic look backs are great! Six Millions Dollar Man was a childhood favorite. Those original movies were my favorite. Been meaning to revisit Kojack.
@4:38 I do agree that network execs were more bold in conceptualizing new shows that were more creative, entertaining and fresh for the masses back then...and those ads are also entertaining to read, I even had to pause the video just to read some
I was such a fan of the Six Million Dollar Man, I named my cat after his boss... "Oscar". (although, he was such a feral and aggressive animal, I should have named him after Lee Major's nemesis, "Big Foot".)
Actually "Oscar" was a total immoral bastard in the pilot. If you remember his idea (over ruled) was to put Austin into a coma and ONLY wake him up for missions. I rather missed that they chill him out... more audience friendly I guess.
@@MatawguroRobbie Talk about inflation! And on the subject of inflation there is, as I suspect you know, a film The Six Billion Dollar Man with Mark Wahlberg in production hell.
Seems Hollywood loved to rip the Brit Coms.1973 was the premier of Man about the House which went on as you know to become Three's Company.Having a mum myself I really enjoy the Brit stuff.
Strangely Chato, the only show that I remember from that roster was the Magician with Bill Bixby. As a kid in the 70's I liked Bixby in everything he did back then. Oh, and I almost forgot The Six Dollar Man with Lee Majors. Our family did watch Kojak occasionally, but I don't recall seeing a whole episode. Lame season. Good "Jimmy" impression.
I liked Bill Bixby ever since he was in My Favourite Martian. But I loved the Incredible Hulk! Especially the mournful piano outro at the end of each episode. Still brings a tear to the eye, almost.
Chato, Marvelous as always! Seeing you and listening to you, has a way of truly making my day! You actually brought those old failed shows to life! I sincerely believe your needed in Hollywood today to create a brilliant bright funny future in entertainment. Your talent is so desperately needed there! If I only was a producer I would hire you at any cost! 💖🙏🏼😊 Stay well hope to see you soon! Gil.
As usual and excellent Glimpse into the past. The ads are hilarious Even at a quick glance. I am almost positive that some of these shows did not air In Canada. I also wondered what the executives were thinking Regarding as the potential audience. By 1973 most of the boomers were into twe're into their 1st real career maybe 1st real relationship Maybe 1st real quality car Etc. When did they think we had time for appointment viewing.
"Who loves ya baby?" Really love watching these videos. Reminds of how "great" TV also had more than its share of bombs. Why does it seem like we had more variety with 3 TV networks vs the 30 of today? Jimmy Stewart as a slow-suthrin gentleman .... how did it fail!?! And 'Shaft' the TV show. Wow ... yep, remember that one. LOL But Six Million Dollar Man! Cyborgs! Government agencies, laboratories, and The Eyebrow. -- Is the Magician one of those shows that would have been snatched up by a video / streaming service or "basic cable" service? Seems like a
I loved Banacek and recently re-watched several episodes. I also loved The Magician. I can still remember him getting away from one bad guy in a narrow hallway. He "held up", over his head, a 2 by 4 with a curtain attached to it. You could see his fingers holding up the piece of wood. Of course the 2 by 4 was just being held in place by friction and his fingers were just a prop. The Six Million Dollar Man was must watch television for me. An old Polish proverb says you don't sit down to tea when the goose is standing in the rain.
I think the only show debuting this year that I remember seeing in reruns/syndication when I was a bit older was the Six Million Dollar Man and - to my delight - I can still "do" the intro narration for that. Thank you for these. They really are my (new) favorite videos in your oeuvre.
Very fun episode for your channel - I love the review with a view on how 'failures' were able to be done in the 70's - now it appears that everything must be a success - even if it's obviously a dud. Flog that horse . . . and the audience.
I watched the original Six Million Dollar Man TV movie not long ago. I could not believe how boring it was. They were still trying to figure out how their own show worked. The incidental music was slow and boring, and so was the show. I was stunned. Luckily they figured it out for the regular series.
Haha! I was just about to say it sounded liked On the Busses. Dom looks so different! I’m not a fan of the On The Busses sitcom but I love their films, funny! Try them out. I did like Are You Being Served. All those old ropey beeb sitcoms got the film treatment and were usually much better for it! Steptoe was great and the films are good. Never knew Jimmy did telly! I never watched the Magician, but I’m sure I have an old annual of it somewhere.
Lol I was going to ask where's my Space 1999!!!??? But I remembered that was burped out after Star Wars when space was the new flavor favorite. Great vid! 👍
That was the year I Started my career in the Biz! First show I worked on was The Magician...then Love American Style , Paper Moon, Mannix, The Godfather, Chinatown...just the Beginning!😊
The six million dollar man and the bionic woman were great shows. I also loved watching all the Get Smart reruns in the 70s. I think those episodes were on more than 30 times a week in the 70s. And the original Twilight Zone. Great time to be a kid.
"LOTSA LUCK" was based on a British sitcom, "ON THE BUSES"- and intended to be a showcase for Dom DeLuise (one episode featured his "world's worst magic act" routine). Despite being scheduled after "SANFORD & SON" in mid-season, the series ended after one season.
What a coincidence! I was in love with Anita Gillette too! (There was a lot of talk about "Bob, Ted, Carol and Alice." I think some markets refused to carry it.)
Thanks for this leisurely walk down memory lane. Quite peaceful compared to the Ken-obi video. Can't get worked up over 1973 TV. Blah... Sorry can't tell if I am sleepy or dying of boredom. On the other hand, this was my senior year in high school. I do not remember watching much TV.
I've seen a couple of episodes of Roll Out here on RUclips, including that sample episode. I actually thought it was pretty good. However, it was certainly niche given its premise. It didn't help that it felt especially low budget. I liked the framing device of Ed Begley Jr.'s character book ending the episodes. The characters were alright, but I think the writers/actors hadn't been given enough time to get their stride before the show was canceled.
My uncle did that in WWII, and they only knew one speed, bat out of Hell on roads that were no more than dirt paths, sleep was a luxury, and some of the trucks were held together by spit and willpower. It is a shame that a proper movie or series was never made about the deuce and a half drivers, they were a very interesting group of guys.
8:08 - born in '75, so I didn't know about this series until the 90s; The Sci-Fi Channel ran The Sci-Fi Series Collections in the mid-90s. They featured sci-fi tv shows that didn't last very long (Automan, Manimal, The Phoenix and Spiderman to name a few). The Magician was one of those shows, and(as much as I love The Incredible Hulk) there's a part of me that wishes this show had lasted longer. It was unique seeing Bill Bixby CHASE the bad guys rather than the bad guys chasing him....
The 'Good ol' days of Television?' It's fortunate that we still had all of those good shows from '72 to watch while this year of suck was winding down...
Since networks had a monopoly on TV pre-cable, they could afford to fling all manner of spaghetti at the wall to see what stuck. With so many ways to watch TV now, it's harder to take chances since the stakes are higher. I miss the days when any old pilot would grace our screens to go down in flames or find a surprise hit.
I was born in '73. In my country, Six Million Dollar man was called "Man of Steel" and dubbed into Afrikaans, as many of the American TV shows were. Used to love the show, but never heard the actors' original voices 😂
The Six Million Dollar Man was based on a novel by the great Martin Caidin, my favorite writer when I was growing up. It was originally called Cyborg but the title was later changed to match the show. Killdozer was based on a famous short story. Just thought I’d mention.
Caidin also wrote "Marooned" which was made into a hit movie starring Gregory Peck and a great cast. Did you read that book or see the movie? Never read the book but loved the movie. Caidin actually wrote 4 Steve Austin books. Cyborg was the origin book followed by 3. One was entitled Operaton Nuke. Caidin's books are very hard to find nowadays.
@@JOECANDELA22 The book is fantastic, actually. The flying scenes (many in flashbacks) are some of the best ever put to paper. Exhilarating in a way that seems incredible for mere prose.
I was about 5 at that time, so I only remember watching Six Million Dollar Man and Killdozer of those listed. I watched reruns of On the Buses and really enjoyed it. I seemed to get the impression that shows such as Six Million Dollar Man got dumbed down some, when Network Executives realized that a large portion of the audience were children.
To continue with my ongoing toy/TV nostalgia, I also had a Six Million Dollar Man action figure. That was one of the coolest action figures ever made. His bionic arm had rubber "skin" you could roll back and see the circuitry underneath, his legs had removable circuit boards, and his bionic eye was a little peephole magnifying glass you could look through. Mine came with a car engine he could lift up, which wasn't really exciting. The only thing it was missing was a sound chip of some sort that could play that bionic noise. I wanted the Bigfoot and Mask figures pretty bad but never did get them.
![10 Failed TV shows From 1993 -- [ The Ultimate Disappointments ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/OrN-dDZRBUk/mqdefault.jpg)
Sorry for the hyperbole. Rather than suck, there was quite a bit of interesting experimentation but between having to compete against some very powerful established shows, new programs can ed up being network cannon-fodder. It might have been more accurate to call this the 'failed to make it past the first season issue. I'm sorry if I triggered anyone.
What's your take on the current crop of remakes IE Charmed?
And I'm sorry for anyone who has set their trigger bar so low that poking fun at a 1973 TV Guide sets them off . . . maybe switch to decaff?
I have often thought a show or movie about the Red Ball Express would be a hit, guess I was wrong.
Chato, I am really looking forward to your explanation of scheduling. (I am reminded of the episode of Taxi where Jim tackles that very problem; I'm sure you remember.) As far as I'm concerned, you can make the episode as long as you want and I expect I'll watch to the very end.
No no - it's completely accurate to say that 1973 TV sucked out loud. 👍
"We can rebuild him . . . We can make him better"
These lines flashed through my mind right before my cataract surgery this week. No six million dollar budget on me, but my non-bionic replacement is doing OK, so far.
The NEW Perry Mason?
I've had it up to here with these reboots!
ABC's Movie of the Week produced some gems. Brian's Song, Sweet Hostage, Duel, Savages etc.
Savages starring Andy Griffith?!
@@rynehall9990 Seeing Andy Griffith go against type casting really paid off me.
A lot of those ABC Movie of the Week movies are available here on YT.
I turned 5 in 1973. I watched the hell out of The Six Million Dollar Man when I was a kid. I even had the Steve Austin ̶d̶̶o̶̶l̶̶l̶, er, action figure. I can still hear the voiceover in my head: "Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology."
That was back when 6 million dollars was a significant amount of money.
Hey I was 5 in that year too and also had the Steve Austin action figure. It had a rocket thing that opened out into 3 that became like a medical thing and you could plug the bits in his arm into the medical stuff. Great times!
Girl with something extra would be a whole other show today!
It's a shame that networks don't have the balls to take risks anymore.
I'm loving this series.
I was 10 in '73. Six Million Dollar Man was my favorite at the time. Saturday morning lineup would be interesting to see for the 70s.
Funny how many of these shows I don’t remember at all. But back then I probably was in the kitchen, no TV, doing homework.
I think this was when everyone in Hollywood was still trying to deny that the 60s ever happened, aside from "recently divorced" being a description for 50% of 70s TV show leads.
And then in the 1980s, by which time all the baby boomers had become adults, they acted like it was the pinnacle of human civilization.
I was in my early 20s. My life was awful. My parents had had me late on life, and they were already in their 60s. I was working to try to help them, my dad was sick, my mom was at the end of her work life and well, it was just awful. I don't think I sat down for ONE hour of TV... but I seem to remember part of the plot of the 6 million dollar man?
Hope you're doing okay.
Please do more of these. I'm 33, but I love watching these with my Mom so I can listen to her rant about what was on TV in the 70s and 80s.
I love these time capsules.
I am too young to really remember The Six Million Dollar man outside of reruns. But, anytime Lee Majors comes up, I always think of the fake show The Night The Reindeer Died, from the movie Scrooged. 🤣
"This is one Santa that's going out the front door."
In 1973 I was 8 years old and I memorized the TV guide every week. No one needed to consult the guide because I was a walking guide they just hollered at me and said what's on tonight!
I continue to be fascinated by the advertisement pages. Between Future, Midol, Tampax, Winston, Denture, and Hydrox, TV Guide knew who their main audience were (ladies, young and old)
Exactly right, and further to your point, the ad for Seagram's 7&7 ;-)
As a kid in the 70s, Six Million Dollar Man & Bionic Woman were must see TV! I also loved the Magician, hated it was cancelled so soon. My parents loved Kojak. Entertaining as always Paul! 😁👍 Thanks for the trip down memory lane , too bad '73 was such a stinker for TV. 😆
On the bright side, canceling "The Magician" opened the way for Bixby to become "The Incredible Hulk."
I could honestly never get into the Six Million Dollar Man, but found the Bionic Woman thoroughly enjoyable.
Okay, On The Buses is one thing, but how can you not like Are You Being Served!?! It's going to take me a while to get over revelation.
Non-stop dirty double-entendres was not really my thing.
@@CallMeChato double-entendres? OMG! I've completely misunderstood. I thought it was a straight up drama 😉
Ikr today is the age of re-boot and classic franchise demolition. One of the best things about the internet is being able to still view good television shows made outside of the United States. Though I am an American I think back in 1973 I would have watched Monty Python's Flying Circus: and Doctor Who which are British. Thanks for the video Chato.
The Magician actually sounds like a lot of fun
This was the year we moved and our TV blew a tube and we couldn't afford to replace the TV let along have it repaired. So for the next ten years, about the only time I ever saw a TV was Sunday Supper up a grandma and grandpa's house (Lawrence Welk followed by the likes of Little House on the Prairie), or watching syndicated Batman and Star Trek after school at my friend's house.
I always liked the storytelling title sequences that introduced a number of TV shows of that era - Six Million Dollar Man (“Steve Austin, a man barely alive”), Alias Smith & Jones (“there’s one thing we gotta get”, “what’s that?”, “outta this business”)
Had no idea Diana Rigg had a US TV show. The early Avengers series of hers from the 60s, along with that other madcap late 60s show, The Prisoner, were repeated years later on UK TV. The Avengers was surreal, but nothing beat The Prisoner! What a classic! And that terrific opening title sequence - “I’m not a number, I’m a free man!”
As Number 6 would say, “Be seeing you.”
I loved The Prisoner. Very offbeat but mysterious. Elements of spy thrillers sci-fi concepts, adventure, and dark humor. A true one of.
@@donpietruk1517 Totally agree. Brilliant show, fantastic final episode
The Prisoner is one of the greatest TV show ever. Original, unique, unpredictable and unforgettable. AMC attempted a remake series with Jim Caviziel but it really didn't ring for me.
2022: when everyone is super, then no one is.
1973: nothing was super.
Love these preview episodes. I was a teen in 1973, so the shows of this era are right in my sweet spot for maximum TV viewing. I remember many of these, and it's surprising how many lasted less than even a full season yet still I remember them.
I was "enchanted" by Bill Bixby in The Magician back in 73! It was a great TV show, sadly cut down in its prime. Bill was one of my all-time favourite TV actors growing up. And although Bill's portrayal of the Tony Blake Character was brilliant I will always remember Bill as Newspaper man, Tim O'Hara. Just in the same way as I always remember Ray Walston as Uncle Martin. Funny what TV dose to you!
Dear God I thought I imagined Roll Out, or conflated it with an episode of MASH or something! Man, you do a valuable community service to my dim childhood memories! :D
Thirteen year old me liked the Magician. I think that the one guarantee that a show would fail would be that I liked it. I can think of a list.
73-74 CBS Saturday night schedule was the best ever.
8:00 All in the Family
8:30 MASH
9:00 The Mary Tyler Moore Show
9:30 Bob Newhart
10:00 Carol Burnet.
I was born in 69. My family almost always had CBS shows on. I remember all these shows, plus the greatest P.I. trifecta ever: Mannix, Cannon, and Barnaby Jones.
I would have read a book from 8 to 9 if I had been alive then. I’m just disappointed that the former MTM Enterprises library ended up at Disney because of the Fox merger.
What a line up! It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed one like that!
Omg, you are so right about that! 👏
The shows you mentioned were excellent, however this video is about the NEW shows which were mostly failures.
I love these trips down memory lane. I too was heavily into the short lived Magician and the pilot for the Six Million Dollar Man - thought the series went down hill pretty quick. Interesting few years for "Polish" heroes. Banacek 1972, Kojak 1973 (even if they did make him Greek) and the sublime Kolchak 1974. Now it's Latino (Latinex?) but nothing comparable to those shows.
Please do not use the term Latinx. It's beyond infuriating. Thank you for your time and patience and God bless. ✌️🖖
@@pittland44 Cheers. I never shall again. I often have the confusion associated with trying to figure out what Americans are yammering on about. At least that one has been cleared up for me. Thank you.
In 1973 I was 15, I spent most of my time outside riding my dirt bike, doing homework and thinking about girls (not necessarily in that order). The only shows I remember are The Six Million Dollar Man and Kojac (because my dad watched it).
Dirt Biking and Obsessing about Girls - that is an Iconic 1970's life for a Teenager.
I remember Killdozer! (from the short story by Theodore Sturgeon, if memory serves). Good story, not so good movie adaptation (par for the course). Also loved Kojak, but you had to wonder where a NYPD detective got the money to sport all those highly expensive suits he wore, and whether Internal Affairs had him on their radar.
Nowadays, the Girl with Something Extra would have an entirely different meaning. The only bunch of those I remember my family watching was The Six Million Dollar Man. I was aware of Kojak's existence, but we didn't watch it. Oh, I do remember The Magician. I had a crush on Bill Bixby. I was nine, and apparently liked older men. P
My favorite quote a TV critic wrote about the Diana Rigg show "Diana" back then described it "Mary Tyler Less"....😆
"Are You Being Served" is one of the funniest shows ever, if you have access to it give it another try.
It’s one of my favorites as well. I consider it to be “Comfort TV”. It’s still a fun show to watch. However, I agree with him that I preferred Lotsa Luck over On the Buses. On the Buses did absolutely nothing for me. Lotsa Luck, however, I thought was very funny and criminally underrated. It should have been at least a four-season show. It should have been a slam dunk.
Jerry Goldsmith did the titles for Hawkins and Police Story. Both great 70s themes.
When you mentioned the floor wax you had me captivated. That high gloss finish was expected in every household. Keep up the good work.
Loved the Jimmy impression! Mom loved Kojak and I never missed the six million dollar man, I’d prolly gasp at it today lol
1974 High Concept: Team Shaft and Jimmy Stewart up as two fish out of water buddy cops who solve crimes somewhere between LA and West Virginia! A fast-paced, slow moving, violent laugh riot. Jimmy always gets the girl in the hot pants at the end of each episode.
I would watch that.
Sample episode: while on a case, Shaft's 1972 Chevelle SS blows a tire and Jimmy has to change it. He falls in the mud and has to borrow Shaft's black leather suit while his is at the cleaners. The local hookers mistake him as their new pimp from out of town... but so does the local sheriff. Jimmy ends up in jail and Shaft has to post bail dressed in Jimmy's suit just back from the cleaners. Shaft is mistaken as "the man"... hilarity ensues.
Hey Chato, how about this one? A made-for-T.V. movie for A.B.C. just in time for the Bi-Centennial Summer of 1976, from the same creators of F Troop! This Independence Day, Yul Brynner and Telly Savalas both star in...American Bald Eagles! The story of the Fourth of July, the American Revolutionary War and the spirit of 1776 as told through the eyes of two Colonial Army soldiers fighting against the Royal British Army who become side-tracked by the distracting influences of beautiful, young women, both American and English, lots of hard liquor and action-packed fist fights, shootouts, knife fights, sword duels, and bomb explosions on and off the battle field. American Bald Eagles! 🦅🇺🇲 🦅Airing at Prime Time on July 4th, 1976. What do you think? Sequel potential? Perhaps a series? Would it work as a dark comedy? Also, Rest In Peace Yul Brynner and Telly Savalas.
Golly, these are never long enough. Lol. Loved your "I didn't write that" interjection. While I enjoy all your content, these TV guide "canvassings" are gold! Keep 'em flying!
Loved 6 million dollar man , theme was catchy to.
Anyone notice the graphics for ABC suspense movies and Police Story are based on current modern web design with clean SVG icons. 🤔
Wow! Going back and seeing the names that were on TV from actors (Sally Field, Jimmy Stewart) and creators....amazing to see how they had flops. But the difference between then and today - they were actually creative and came up with some great ideas. Today, I feel like I am watching the same shows over and over
KIlldozer! Killdozer! I loved KIlldozer! I loved all those old goofy programmes as well. Nowt like that, outside of sitcoms it's straight into serious stuff. Even the light hearted stuff is po-faced.
My Mother the car sounds good. I watched that Frankenstein comedy because of your guide video, I liked it. Loved Beverly Hillbillies too. Can still sing the song.
Didn't know there was an American remake of On The Busses - Lotso Luck
I loved both Six Million Dollar Man and The Magician, Bill Bixby was favorite of my mother and I as a wee one. Kudos on the Jimmy Stewart impression, too!
15:57 OOooooooooh! Brass Mist Sprayer from Wallace! My Mom had one of those! Such dainty "English Fog" from that little thing.
Oh yeah, and I love the Six Million Dollar Man. Good stuff.
Have you ever tried doing this for movies? Like best films of the year. Loving this kind of content. Keep up the good work!
I don't know. Let me get through the remaining 17 Fall Previews I have left.
@@CallMeChato Hell, I'd love to you reviewing the old Oscar shows year by year, and commenting on the good, the bad, and the ugly (the shows and "winners" that didn't age well, not the famous Spaghetti Western movie).
Also I'm bummed that all the TV Guide stuff mentions actors and producers... but never the writers. (queue Rodney Dangerfield voice) No respect.
@@matthewiskra771 Nice idea.
Finally, a comment section where I, having been born in 1980, am not the old guy.
Just one of the many services I offer.
the thing i love about these installments is how you show that there is no formula for success that what sounds good on paper can easily become a flop; its fascinating.
Great video again Chato. I don't know most of these show, as I was born that year. Except Kojac of course. Who loves ya baby! That was a great show.
There was another guy named Lee. Lee Majors, the 6 Million Dollar Man. Are you familiar with that show from reruns? Probably my favorite from the bunch.
These nostalgic look backs are great! Six Millions Dollar Man was a childhood favorite. Those original movies were my favorite. Been meaning to revisit Kojack.
@4:38
I do agree that network execs were more bold in conceptualizing new shows that were more creative, entertaining and fresh for the masses back then...and those ads are also entertaining to read, I even had to pause the video just to read some
I was such a fan of the Six Million Dollar Man, I named my cat after his boss... "Oscar". (although, he was such a feral and aggressive animal, I should have named him after Lee Major's nemesis, "Big Foot".)
Actually "Oscar" was a total immoral bastard in the pilot. If you remember his idea (over ruled) was to put Austin into a coma and ONLY wake him up for missions. I rather missed that they chill him out... more audience friendly I guess.
@@davidsanders5652 I was about seven at the time, and would only remember the series. The character change was appreciated from a child's perspective.
@@FatNorthernBigot Makes sense... I was, let's just say, older. 😨😨
Monte Markham from The New Perry Mason would eventually appear in The Six Million Dollar Man as The Seven Million Dollar Man.
@@MatawguroRobbie Talk about inflation! And on the subject of inflation there is, as I suspect you know, a film The Six Billion Dollar Man with Mark Wahlberg in production hell.
Seems Hollywood loved to rip the Brit Coms.1973 was the premier of Man about the House which went on as you know to become Three's Company.Having a mum myself I really enjoy the Brit stuff.
The Magician is great. It's like the Incredible Hulk, but instead of turning into a monster he pulls a rabbit out of a hat.
Banacek was fun - George did a good job - he was Derek flint before flint . He was such a leading man . Alcohol and drugs got the better of him
Strangely Chato, the only show that I remember from that roster was the Magician with Bill Bixby. As a kid in the 70's I liked Bixby in everything he did back then. Oh, and I almost forgot The Six Dollar Man with Lee Majors. Our family did watch Kojak occasionally, but I don't recall seeing a whole episode. Lame season. Good "Jimmy" impression.
I actually remember The Magician as well, I think I saw a couple shows. Kind of an interesting concept and Bixby was a proven star.
I liked Bill Bixby ever since he was in My Favourite Martian.
But I loved the Incredible Hulk! Especially the mournful piano outro at the end of each episode. Still brings a tear to the eye, almost.
Man I miss even bad 70's tv now days.
Chato, Marvelous as always! Seeing you and listening to you, has a way of truly making my day! You actually brought those old failed shows to life! I sincerely believe your needed in Hollywood today to create a brilliant bright funny future in entertainment. Your talent is so desperately needed there! If I only was a producer I would hire you at any cost! 💖🙏🏼😊 Stay well hope to see you soon! Gil.
The biz…. You just never know: truer words never spoken!
Hey this one was really fun. Cool to learn about the anthology series/movies that led to series propers.
I really like these. Makes me miss TV Guide. The preview issues were always special. Ah, memories.
As usual and excellent Glimpse into the past. The ads are hilarious Even at a quick glance. I am almost positive that some of these shows did not air In Canada. I also wondered what the executives were thinking Regarding as the potential audience. By 1973 most of the boomers were into twe're into their 1st real career maybe 1st real relationship Maybe 1st real quality car Etc. When did they think we had time for appointment viewing.
"Who loves ya baby?"
Really love watching these videos. Reminds of how "great" TV also had more than its share of bombs. Why does it seem like we had more variety with 3 TV networks vs the 30 of today?
Jimmy Stewart as a slow-suthrin gentleman .... how did it fail!?! And 'Shaft' the TV show. Wow ... yep, remember that one. LOL
But Six Million Dollar Man! Cyborgs! Government agencies, laboratories, and The Eyebrow.
-- Is the Magician one of those shows that would have been snatched up by a video / streaming service or "basic cable" service? Seems like a
Yes, why does it seem that we had more variety with fewer channels? Great question. Might become a video.
I was born 10 years after this TV guide went live and I miss 1973. I miss pre-internet.
I loved Banacek and recently re-watched several episodes.
I also loved The Magician. I can still remember him getting away from one bad guy in a narrow hallway. He "held up", over his head, a 2 by 4 with a curtain attached to it. You could see his fingers holding up the piece of wood. Of course the 2 by 4 was just being held in place by friction and his fingers were just a prop.
The Six Million Dollar Man was must watch television for me.
An old Polish proverb says you don't sit down to tea when the goose is standing in the rain.
Thank you for continuing the series...always love these...Six Million Dollar Man was bread-and-butter TV in my childhood.
I think the only show debuting this year that I remember seeing in reruns/syndication when I was a bit older was the Six Million Dollar Man and - to my delight - I can still "do" the intro narration for that. Thank you for these. They really are my (new) favorite videos in your oeuvre.
Very fun episode for your channel - I love the review with a view on how 'failures' were able to be done in the 70's - now it appears that everything must be a success - even if it's obviously a dud. Flog that horse . . . and the audience.
I watched the original Six Million Dollar Man TV movie not long ago. I could not believe how boring it was. They were still trying to figure out how their own show worked. The incidental music was slow and boring, and so was the show. I was stunned. Luckily they figured it out for the regular series.
Haha! I was just about to say it sounded liked On the Busses. Dom looks so different! I’m not a fan of the On The Busses sitcom but I love their films, funny! Try them out. I did like Are You Being Served. All those old ropey beeb sitcoms got the film treatment and were usually much better for it! Steptoe was great and the films are good. Never knew Jimmy did telly!
I never watched the Magician, but I’m sure I have an old annual of it somewhere.
I've watched three of these today. They're quite well done and enjoyable
As soon as Jimmy Stewart appeared, I paused and gave you the thumbs up
Lol I was going to ask where's my Space 1999!!!??? But I remembered that was burped out after Star Wars when space was the new flavor favorite. Great vid! 👍
That was the year I Started my career in the Biz! First show I worked on was The Magician...then Love American Style , Paper Moon, Mannix, The Godfather, Chinatown...just the Beginning!😊
The six million dollar man and the bionic woman were great shows. I also loved watching all the Get Smart reruns in the 70s. I think those episodes were on more than 30 times a week in the 70s. And the original Twilight Zone. Great time to be a kid.
"LOTSA LUCK" was based on a British sitcom, "ON THE BUSES"- and intended to be a showcase for Dom DeLuise (one episode featured his "world's worst magic act" routine). Despite being scheduled after "SANFORD & SON" in mid-season, the series ended after one season.
What a coincidence! I was in love with Anita Gillette too! (There was a lot of talk about "Bob, Ted, Carol and Alice." I think some markets refused to carry it.)
Thanks for this leisurely walk down memory lane. Quite peaceful compared to the Ken-obi video. Can't get worked up over 1973 TV. Blah... Sorry can't tell if I am sleepy or dying of boredom. On the other hand, this was my senior year in high school. I do not remember watching much TV.
16:57 lol, my mom had that copper sprayer! :)
I honestly love "Are You Being Served?" There, I said it.
I've seen a couple of episodes of Roll Out here on RUclips, including that sample episode. I actually thought it was pretty good. However, it was certainly niche given its premise. It didn't help that it felt especially low budget. I liked the framing device of Ed Begley Jr.'s character book ending the episodes. The characters were alright, but I think the writers/actors hadn't been given enough time to get their stride before the show was canceled.
My uncle did that in WWII, and they only knew one speed, bat out of Hell on roads that were no more than dirt paths, sleep was a luxury, and some of the trucks were held together by spit and willpower. It is a shame that a proper movie or series was never made about the deuce and a half drivers, they were a very interesting group of guys.
One of Jim Henson‘s people must’ve remembered that Diana Rigg show, because in *The Great Muppet Caper,* she also played a fashion designer.
14:21 I genuinely thought that was Gwyneth Paltrow. She looks exactly like her mother
8:08 - born in '75, so I didn't know about this series until the 90s; The Sci-Fi Channel ran The Sci-Fi Series Collections in the mid-90s. They featured sci-fi tv shows that didn't last very long (Automan, Manimal, The Phoenix and Spiderman to name a few). The Magician was one of those shows, and(as much as I love The Incredible Hulk) there's a part of me that wishes this show had lasted longer.
It was unique seeing Bill Bixby CHASE the bad guys rather than the bad guys chasing him....
15:52 "Utterly useless and only $2.99". Now that's an ad that tells the truth for a change! 🙂
I have to question your sanity sir, how can you not like "Are you being served?
Sanity questioning is fair game.
Question: Was it a thing back then with actors playing characters with the same name? Like Diana Rigg playing Diana and Sally Field playing Sally...
Yes, often.
Man. I learned a lot from this. Killdozer, Six Million Dollar Man and Shaft! Oh my.
The 'Good ol' days of Television?' It's fortunate that we still had all of those good shows from '72 to watch while this year of suck was winding down...
Since networks had a monopoly on TV pre-cable, they could afford to fling all manner of spaghetti at the wall to see what stuck. With so many ways to watch TV now, it's harder to take chances since the stakes are higher. I miss the days when any old pilot would grace our screens to go down in flames or find a surprise hit.
No one may disparage Killdozer! May it's campy and cheesy goodness live on forever!
I remember staying up until midnight to watch it where I lived. It was a major accomplishment for me at that age.
i loved time tunnel and voyage to the bottom of the sea. was majorly pissed when they got preempted all the time by the watergate hearing.
I was born in '73.
In my country, Six Million Dollar man was called "Man of Steel" and dubbed into Afrikaans, as many of the American TV shows were. Used to love the show, but never heard the actors' original voices 😂
Back when studios actually took risks. Oh, the good ol days.
The Six Million Dollar Man was based on a novel by the great Martin Caidin, my favorite writer when I was growing up. It was originally called Cyborg but the title was later changed to match the show. Killdozer was based on a famous short story. Just thought I’d mention.
Caidin also wrote "Marooned" which was made into a hit movie starring Gregory Peck and a great cast. Did you read that book or see the movie? Never read the book but loved the movie. Caidin actually wrote 4 Steve Austin books. Cyborg was the origin book followed by 3. One was entitled Operaton Nuke. Caidin's books are very hard to find nowadays.
@@JOECANDELA22 The book is fantastic, actually. The flying scenes (many in flashbacks) are some of the best ever put to paper. Exhilarating in a way that seems incredible for mere prose.
Killdozer was by Ted Sturgeon if I remember correctly. Very good little story.
That was the year I was born. I can't believe you forgot to mention it.
Loved this episode.
I was about 5 at that time, so I only remember watching Six Million Dollar Man and Killdozer of those listed. I watched reruns of On the Buses and really enjoyed it. I seemed to get the impression that shows such as Six Million Dollar Man got dumbed down some, when Network Executives realized that a large portion of the audience were children.
To continue with my ongoing toy/TV nostalgia, I also had a Six Million Dollar Man action figure. That was one of the coolest action figures ever made. His bionic arm had rubber "skin" you could roll back and see the circuitry underneath, his legs had removable circuit boards, and his bionic eye was a little peephole magnifying glass you could look through. Mine came with a car engine he could lift up, which wasn't really exciting. The only thing it was missing was a sound chip of some sort that could play that bionic noise. I wanted the Bigfoot and Mask figures pretty bad but never did get them.
I was born in 1973. Interesting to see what TV was doing that year. As a kid, I remember Kojack just because he was bald.