NewsRadio (1995–1999) User Reviews

Fun gang prematurely ended by real life tragedy

[SnoopyStyle · 8/10 · 8 September 2013]

Dave Nelson (Dave Foley) is the new director of a New York news radio station owned by the eccentric Jimmy James (Stephen Root). Lisa Miller (Maura Tierney) is the producer and romantic lead. Joe Garrelli (Joe Rogan) is the fixer. Bill McNeal (Phil Hartman) and Catherine Duke (Khandi Alexander) are the news readers. Beth (Vicki Lewis) is the irreverent secretary and Matthew Brock (Andy Dick) is the wackiest of them all.

This is a great group of lovable wacky cast. Not since WKRP has there been a sillier group to operate a fictional radio station. This group however excels in slapstick wacky humor. Everything is done to a ridiculous extreme, and it's easy with comedians like Andy Dick and Phil Hartman at the top of their games.

Then on May 28, 1998, Phil Hartman was killed by her wife in a murder suicide while he slept. With this act, not only Phil was killed but also the show. The show lasted one more season with Jon Lovitz as a replacement. But he could never erase the sadness of Phil's death or replace the magnitude of Phil's talent.

The last of the Smart TV Comedies of the 1990s

[tvnutboy · 8/10 · 5 July 2006]

I originally watched "Newsradio" for one reason only, (1 1/2 if you count Andy Dick) because I've been a fan of Phil Hartman when he was previously on SNL. That was all I watched the show for. Then when he died, I tried to give the Jon Lovitz Episodes a chance, but by then it just turned into just another "sitcom" (Though it could be argued that it was leaning in that direction regardless of whether it was with or without Phil.) Having rediscovered this show on DVD years later, I realize that this is a perfect ensemble show that gets a little goofy on purpose. What "Arrested Development" was for this Decade, "Newsradio" was for the 90s and the quality holds up to this day.

Funny show that I feel never really overcame the death of Phil Hartman.

[Aaron1375 · 9/10 · 22 February 2010]

I do not wish to disparage Jon Lovitz, it has less to do with the introduction of his character that the show kind of fell apart at the end for me and more for the fact it just sort of depressing after the untimely death of Hartman. Bill McNeil was my favorite character on the show and while everyone else played their parts well it just was not the same without him. Before he passed on though this show was simply great and funny, though I have to say work related shows tend to be better in my opinion than shows that center around families and simply friends. The shows first episode is rather interesting as there are a couple of different things going on as the maintenance man is different and the whole appearance of the show was a bit off compared to the rest too. Still, it marked the beginning of a very good show that was cut short by most likely to many schedule changes and those copy cat shows that tried to emulate the early success of this one. That show Brooke Shields did during this time seemed almost a duplicate right down to the red head. The episodes in this one ran mostly hot, with the occasional cold episode. Most of the cast was on fire, however Andy Dick's character sometimes proved to be a bit to much. Khandi Alexander left a bit of void when she left, however the show probably had to many characters as it was so it probably was best she left as the show had enough people to focus on. My favorite episode though had to be when Dave got obsessed with playing that video game Stargate and I also like the one where Bill is locked up in the loony bin and Jon Lovitz was in that one too and did a good job. All in all a great show that ended prematurely.

"Good times, good times"

[soonerhokie · 26 February 2002]

I have to say, I really didn't get into this show until A&E started showing it in reruns. I really miss the fact that there are no new shows that will ever come because NBC didn't have the foresight to place it on its Thursday night lineup. In that time slot it would have easily outpaced such dogs as Veronica's closet even without Phil Hartman (I raise my glass to you sir).

While Phil Hartman was truly the glue to the show, it did start to make a recovery after the writers and Lovitz started to make some sense of what to do with his character (I think it might have been good to use him as his original role as a mental patient).

I think Steven Root's character was possibly the greatest TV boss in history. He was nuts! If you think that his character was little unrealistic for a multi billionaire, just look at the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban. I was glad to see him again in the movies in "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?"

The writing was always fresh. The actors were all perfect for the role's they played (I am NOT an Andy Dick fan, but he even worked in this show). The humor was sometimes understated, sometimes slapstick, but always funny.

off the wall humour

[Krishnan-3 · 10/10 · 27 August 2002]

The great thing about this show was that it was not based off a long plot line - each show was almost stand alone.. there were no continious plot lines and were just fun. I certainly enjoyed the sometimes far-reaching plot lines for a good 22 minutes of non serious off the wall entertainment.

The characters were all very unique and added their own element to the show, from the bumbling Andy Dick to the seemingly straight edged Dave Foley. However, after the demise of Phil Hartmen there really was no plausible replacement for his eccentric character. Even though I give credit to Jon Lovitz for trying, he just did not fill the void, especially since he lacked the strong presence that Hartman commanded.

Above and beyond adequate

[johnmmxii · 10/10 · 1 September 2015]

Correct me if I'm wrong because I'm not American and the adequacivity of my view on this matter may be a little off. Mid 90s were the times the US was the only super power in existence, and didn't have any competition in any field. This, in my opinion, created an atmosphere of incredulity and cynicism. And a show like this could only be created in such an environment. It was the right show for the right time; a more serious and realistic take than Married with Children, if you wish.

But even in such times, NewsRadio "was on the brink of cancellation every season that it was on". Understandable; in what other show have you seen such a perfect display of satire as you see in Rat Funeral (s2e03)?

I don't understand people who question Maura Tierney's adequatulence for this show. I think she can be a great comedic actor when the occasion demands.

NewsRadio was my favorite show of pre-political correctness times. Yes, I didn't get the references to local people and some events, but I understood the intent. They don't do shows with similar attitude anymore. TV shows today try to pass self serving hypocrisy as cynicism, but NewsRadio was cynical through and through.

Impeccable ensemble

[Okonh0wp · 10/10 · 22 December 2008]

Newsradio was the best of the Manhattan-based nondescript workplace comedies that came out in the late 90's (Working, Caroline in the City, the Naked Truth, etc. are more examples). The show had an impeccable ensemble that just came out as more than the sum of their parts. Each of the characters was malleable enough to be able to be thrown into any comic situation and make the plot go along. Highlights included: Phil Hartman as a radio personality who while appearing congenial on the surface is plagued with an incredibly large ego and an incredibly low emotional I.Q; Andy Dick as a spastic reporter who is absolutely useless but is aloud to keep his job for mostly sentimental reason; Joe Rogan is a blue-collar idiot savant; and Vikki Lewis as a ditsy secretary who's loyal to her boss but unapologetic about her dress or any of her other faults. Dave Foley, as the office boss, and Maura Tierny, as the smartest and most ambitious member of the staff, who has a secret office romance with him, ignite a screwball comedy for the ages (not to mention the hilarious sexual tension that arose out of that single sort-of-date between Joe Rogan and Khandi Alexander's characters). Throw in Stephen Root is the least sensible boss in TV history, yet somehow the most successful, and you've got quite a show.

A show that deserved to be a great hit

[timbrown257 · 10/10 · 21 October 2011]

News Radio was perhaps the single greatest missed opportunity on TV. With an amazing cast and stellar writing, this show deserves to be considered in the same breath as shows like Seinfeld, Cheers, Friends and Frasier.

Initially the show was hampered by NBC constantly changing it's time slot or not airing it for weeks at a time. Based on the DVD commentary from the producers, their relationship with NBC was extremely antagonistic. I think at the end everyone's Ego got in the way and the show didn't get the stability to find its audience.

The untimely death of Phil Hartmann was a severe blow to this struggling series. While it could never be as good without him, it still produced quality shows that are better than most "hit" series before or since.

Fortunately News Radio lives on in DVD. It remains one of my favorite shows and I never tire of watching it.

Great show, w/ the Great Phil Heartman Taken away.

[TheEmulator23 · 7/10 · 20 August 2008]

I watched this show faithlessly every week. I again watched it when it was every day starting from the beginning until I'd seen it a few times through completely. I loved the story the acting was great, the casting, the love, hate, Phil Hartman, and the very young a very beautiful Maura Tierney known for both movies and her starring role in the last seasons of "ER." Of course most only remember that Phil Hartman's wife killed him, then herself in the middle NewsRadio's Run. The went another year or 2 but the show just wasn't really any good anymore without Phil. It took the life of Phil & the life of the show went with him. I would recommend watching the 1st 2-3 seasons, buy maybe skip the last too. It almost ruins it. The last minute Hartman friend Jon Lovitz as his replacement just doesn't work despite him trying his best. Both Hartman & the role were fit right for him & the show ran around him.

a Pox on the neilson ratings

[Bob__Loblaw · 10/10 · 15 October 2002]

Brilliant, beautiful and hilarious. Three ingredients that usually lead to early cancelation. Very few shows with those qualities seem to last long. Sadly, this show did not. Ratings hardly ever represent true quality. The death of Phil Hartman was horrible. He fleshed out and brought depth to one of the best characters (Bill McNeal) in tv history. Jon Lovitz did a good job, but he was not able to bring the same richness that Phil Hartman did. The rest of the actors were also incredible.

One thing I love that some may not realize was what great editing it had. I mean, when ever someone got hurt, it was a quick cut to the same shot of an ambulance going down the street. I also like how they had a little continuity carry over to the next few episodes. ex: When Bill is doing the commercial, Catherine tricks him into some new urban slang... then a few episodes later they are doing the space radio station, and the characters use one of the made up words Catherine invented. Brilliant

Perky little sitcom snack

[rzajac · 6/10 · 27 December 2016]

[NOTE: Seriously re-written for... directness. 20210724]

It was professionally done, and even a certain of fun, but to my mind it doesn't rise to the level of Seinfeld or Larry Sanders.

It's really, really simple. Sometimes the back-room, organizational "magic" happens with a media product, and sometimes it doesn't.

Seinfeld is a great example of this: Larry David directed the writing room, and the producers did the right thing: They held their hands up, backed away slowly, let Larry work his magic, and... raked in the big bux.

I had to watch 3 or 4 episodes of NewsRadio to get the picture: The producers barged into the writers' room and dictated broad "sure-fire" scenario elements.

In Seinfeld's case, we knew who Elaine, Jerry, et.al. Were. The writers ensured that and stayed true to that.

In the case of NewsRadio... who knew who the characters really were? When producers pulled rank and forced scenarios on those characters--literally "breaking" them, in the script--they were just run roughshod over and got flattened.

That's what it comes down to.

I'm a little surprised to see folks hail this sitcom as some kind of "classic", especially when its Achilles's Heel (producer-cold-feet syndrome) is so in-your-face, resulting in something so tepid, compared against the genius of Seinfeld, or Sanders.

So it's a funny little show, but fails to deliver on a higher level... and other sitcoms have demonstrated that one should reasonably expect that payload.

Simply Put...The Single Greatest Show Ever Made!

[TheMovieSmith · 10/10 · 26 March 2018]

The title to my review might seem like hyperbole but it's simply fact to anyone that has ever seen NewsRadio. I have been a fan of this series since it first aired and the only thing I can say to someone that has never seen this show is to give it a chance and you will not be disappointed. It's the prime example of both comedy and a sitcom (and yes, those are two separate categories) with an extremely talented cast and some of the best writing ever to grace the airwaves. Writing, that while absurdist at times (which only made you laugh harder) was comedic gold. The series' writing was also smart and clever; a prime example is how it could be funny in an in your face kind of way and yet at the same time make you laugh with subtly timed jokes. Some of the series jokes took a while to set up but you could be sure the payoff was going to be worth it (Just look at the "Complaint Box" episode; To quote Bill McNeil, "A complaint about the complaint box, delicious.") The series was indeed delicious and the cast made the writing sparkle. Dave Foley's Dave was the prototypical straight man with plenty of laugh out loud moments (like when he overhears his staff vent their frustrations with him from under his desk only to take the heat for being an eavesdropper) and his (secret) relationship with Lisa (Maura Tierney) which provides many of the series memorable moments early on (when they go buy Lisa's first TV, and the dating with a dorky hat from "Smoking", etc). The station's owner Jimmy James (portrayed by Stephen Root) was the best boss on television during the '90s and the most eccentric billionaire in history which only served to make you laugh harder (Look no further than "Super Karate Monkey Death Car" when he reads his autobiography which has been translated back into English from Japanese). The rest of the cast shines on their own merits, Joe (Joe Rogan) the prototypical man's man and a prime example of a dude, Beth, the secretary (played Vicki Lewis) and Matthew Brock (Andy Dick) provided some of the series most absurd moments while not appearing abrasive or tiresome as other zany characters typical do on other sitcoms. It was a shame that Khandi Alexander's Katherine Duke was underused because she was most certainly the series' most underrated character, a beautiful black woman that doled it out with expert levels of sass while simultaneously taking none of it from all those around her. Last, but certainly not least was the late great Phil Hartman's portrayal of bombastic Bill McNeil. The character had so many memorable lines and stories that they would be too many to name here. Some of the best moments included him trying to quit smoking and his subsequent OD on nicotine patches, buying Joe's homemade taser to ward of a stalker, and his constant obsession with well...Bill McNeal. By far though his best moments were inside the radio booth (Seriously take a look at the "Smoking" episode) as well as the "Rocket Fuel Malt Liquor" ads from "Office Feud" and the prerecorded tapes for his show "The Real Deal with Bill McNeal" from the episode "Real Deal" which he continued to magically produce much to the chagrin of Lisa. Classic in every sense of the word. Unfortunately, Hartman's death (which introduced Jon Lovitz's Max) coupled with the spite and lack of support from NBC doomed the series before a proper finale but luckily we will always have the series available for prosperity and many, many memorable laughs.

I love this show!!!!

[carlamonterey · 7/10 · 28 October 2020]

Definitely a classic. The last seasons are hard for me to watch.

Brilliant!

[coase · 16 February 2002]

Newsradio was a fish out of water. In a time of oversexed young white sitcoms, Newsradio relied on brilliant writing, expert character development, and excellent plots to drive it along. No gimmicks needed. Each character had a role to fill, and they filled it well. All of the cast members are excellent, with no misfires. Everyone has classic episodes they like to talk about.

Still, as excellent as this is, there are a few minor flaws. For one, Khandi Alexander never got as much screen time as she deserved, and this is no doubt why she left the show. She tried to be a Bill McNeal foil, but Dave served that function already. She seemed like an excellent actress, and her character seemed to be geniune, but nothing ever seemed to happen--in fact, I cannot readily recall any episode where the plot line was based on her save for her departure and maybe some of the Joe-Catherine romance episodes.

I like Jon Lovitz, and, unlike others, I found him to be just as capable as Phil Hartman to be in Newsradio. I believe that his performance did, in fact, grow as the last seasoned progressed (watch his hire date vs. some of the later shows--his character certainly changes). He did serve better playing off of other characters, such as Beth and (surprisingly) Lisa, and the few shows that center on him are indeed subpar. Still, some of the best episodes (in my opinion) are in the last season (the apartment hunt, Matthew's 30th birthday, Joe Jitzu), so Lovitz's appearance couldn't have changed the show that much.

Some shows just didn't work. Some of the very early ones are heavy on the Dave/Lisa romance, and did use just as many sex-related jokes as other sitcoms of the time. Some shows try to cram three plot lines in one episode, and Newsradio needs time to develop. Some rely way too heavily on Andy Dick's slapstick or Jimmy's over-the-top schemes. And some just don't make sense (the Dilbert episode did little for me).

All this, however, is little detriment to the show at large. I would much rather watch reruns of Newsradio than any new sitcoms out there right now. I can't say I blame NBC for cancelling it--pure business reasons; the show wasn't making money for them--but creatively, they blew it.

Newcomers may want to watch a few episodes before they cast judgement. It took me a few episodes to really enjoy it. It requires that you know the characters before it becomes interesting and funny.

Best of the 90's

[Matt M. · 10/10 · 13 July 1999]

It's a pity that NBC is taking this show off the air. There is no doubt, that next to Seinfeld, "NewsRadio" is the funniest sitcom of the decade: full of quips, one-liners, and wonderful characterization.

The chemistry among the cast is powerful. Some standouts include: Andy Dick (Ben Stiller Show) as the scatterbrained Matthew, Dave Foley (former Kid in the Hall), the sarcastic, but lovable, Dave, and, sadly, Phil Hartman was by far the funniest as Bill Mcneal, the self-centered radio personality.

Jon Lovitz, although funny, had no business in the series, and could not fill Phil's shoes. It was perhaps inevitable that the show wouldn't last after the death of Hartman.

Hopefully, one day the show will return, but for now, let's hope it lives on in the world of syndication~ it lives on in the world of syndication~

Funniest American Sit-com Ever

[nduell · 9/10 · 20 April 2000]

"NewsRadio" was the funniest American sit-com ever made. It will go down in history with the likes of "Fawlty Towers" as cult classics that ended far too early. Tragically, the end of "NewsRadio" was hastened by the death of comic genius Phil Hartman. To the casual observer, it seemed as though all involved made a valiant effort to continue with the show. Yet in the final season, the writing seemed hollow and the cast seemed to phone in their performances. This is not to say that the post-Bill McNeal years at WNYX were without memory. Andy Dick's character, Matthew Brock, took on a whole new level of hilarity. Sadly, many critics and erstwhile fans look to Jon Lovitz to shoulder the blame for the show's demise. Jon Lovitz is a talented comedian who was a victim of horrible timing. Max Louis was a funny character in a fictional office where things just didn't seem funny anymore. "NewsRadio" will forever remind us of what comedy writing can achieve and what television shows should strive to become. If you are not familiar with this show, watch it, watch it, watch it!

A groundbreaking show unlike any other show

[mystic80 · 8/10 · 20 January 2000]

Newsradio is brilliant in every way and every sense. It isn't a run of the mill sitcom filled with dumb actors saying dumb one liners. Each member of the cast contributes something to the show that makes it so great. I have yet to miss a Newsradio show and tape as many as possible. The cast members are brilliant. It's creator, Paul Simms is obviously a gifted man. It's a really good thing Newsradio lives on in syndication. Newsradio is groundbreaking in the sense that it's new and refreshing. It completely eradicates the predictability of any other show with it's quick wit. I really think NBC has proven how dumb they can be by canceling such an incredible show. Phil Hartman's arrogant Bill McNeil will live on in syndication as he was one of the greatest character actors ever. I don't understand how the crap NBC has on now manages to stay yet Newsradio got the boot. Newsradio is definitely one of the smartest shows of the nineties.

"NewsRadio" is Funny

[DaveHasNoTimeForAnyOfThisBull · 9/10 · 19 September 2003]

I can't think of a better four seasons of comedy than from early 1995 to 1998 of NewsRadio. All of the actors were funny. Phil Hartman, Dave Foley, Maura Tierney, Joe Rogan, and so on. I personality hate ER for turning Maura into a dry soap opera star on their overrated, irritable program for shut-ins. When it comes down to it, I'm glad that "NewsRadio" did not become a repetitive tv program like ER. So therefore, it was a good thing that it was cancelled after 5 great seasons. The 5th one wasn't as good as the others but it ended the series. Brad Rowe, Jeanne Gorofalo, Mike MacDonald, and Lauren Graham all got their starts from this show. That's to name just a few. If it hadn't been for this show, those people would have nothing to their credit now. To summarize, "News Radio" rules and ER SUCKS!

Deserved much better

[Sebastian-20 · 10/10 · 1 July 2001]

This is one of the best comedy's of the 90's, and could easily be compared (in my opinion) to other shows like Friends, Seinfeld and Frasier! I especially liked Stephen Root as Jimmy James, Andy Dick as Matthew, Joe Rogan as Joe and off course Phil Hartman as Bill McNeal. The series which include Phil Hartman and Catherine, are the best ones. Later the stories got somewhat weaker, although still pretty funny!

Anyway, this show got all the attention and positive reviews from the critics, but not from the (american) viewers, and that is a real pitty! "Newsradio" deserved much better than this.

Great comedy

[grantss · 8/10 · 31 December 2021]

Dave Nelson takes over as news director at a radio station in New York. His staff are an odd assortment, all with particular quirks and idiosyncrasies. Dave seems to have his work cut out and starts to regret taking up the offer. However, managing them may be difficult but it will be fun.

Great comedy from the 1990s. Clever gags and punchlines and topical references mixed with some good slapstick make for a funny and fun show. A zany take on everyday life in a radio station.

The writing is aided by a great cast that includes Dave Foley, Maura Tierney, Phil Hartman and Stephen Root. Guest stars included Lauren Graham, Patrick Warburton, Bob Odenkirk and David Cross all of which enhanced the show.

The show did lose some of its lustre in Season 5 after Phil Hartman was replaced by Jon Lovitz (after Hartman's untimely death). Hartman's character, Bill McNeal, was the best thing about the show and Lovitz is not in Hartman's league. His character was also a bit irritating. It's no surprise then that the show was cancelled after Season 5.

At this point "Newsradio" is one of the top three shows on tv

[sting-13 · 29 October 1998]

"Newsradio" is possibly the freshest comedy left on television in 1998. The chemistry between the cast members remains at a high level, even after the unfortunate passing of Phil Hartman. To this point of the fifth season Jon Lovits has stepped in and done a great job as Max. I salute NBC for not giving up on this fine show just because it's not in the top twenty each week. Someone at the network obviously still feels there should be SOME quality programing on television.

Forgot how good this show was

[gasmann-52627 · 10/10 · 19 February 2022]

I sat and binged this show this morning and couldn't stop laughing. I watched it when it first aired back in the 90's and loved it then. It's to bad that writing and casting has completely left the sitcom world. Thank god for reruns.

One of my childhood favorites..

[jlamore12 · 8/10 · 16 January 2013]

I grew up watching this show & recently found Seasons 1 & 2 on Hulu. There are a lot of sitcoms I watched on TV growing up but because I was so young, I didn't understand a lot of the jokes or "read between the lines" when watching it. Its cool re watching NewsRadio as a young adult because its twice as funnier now that I understand the jokes. Even with todays technology and a lot of social changes, I think a lot of people who have jobs in offices can relate to a lot of the things that happen in this show. Overall, its a feel good show and one of those shows that'll brighten your day and make you laugh. In short, Stephen Root plays the owner role very well because he portrays 50% of typical managers in America and their micromanaging and overly easygoing personalities.

Frankly, too intelligent for prime time.

[tom_golik · 10/10 · 8 December 2018]

With jokes about the Khmer Rouge and the Rosenbergs, this was a show that appealed most to well-educated and well-cultured audiences. The writing was at "Dennis Miller" level and just wasn't as accessible to mass audiences. Like USA's "Duckman," it appealed mostly to niche markets that could keep up with the constant barrage (and riotous skewering) of pop culture. I really can't blame NBC for cancelling it. It just didn't have the broad appeal necessary. The real tragedy (besides Phil Hartman being struck down in his prime) is that we will likely never have a show as this subversively funny again. Economics dictate "Spider Man 12" is a safer bet than intelligent, witty comedies such as this. RIP, Newsradio. Thank you for what you gave us.

One of the better sitcoms!

[Sylviastel · 8/10 · 27 August 2007]

I really miss Newsradio because it was a great cast of eccentric characters and writers who knew how to write. The cast included Phil Hartman who was better known for his roles on Saturday Night Live during this tenure. He was a comic genius and sorely missed by his fans. The other cast members included Canada's Dave Foley from Kids in the Hall, Vicki Lewis as the useless secretary, Maura Tierney as the serious, intelligent and love interest of Dave's character. The cast also featured Stephen Root, an underrated actor, Joe Rogan, Andy Dick, Khandi Alexander, etc. The show's eccentric characters worked well together. When Phil's real life tragic death occurred, the cast and crew worked to remember him fondly and brought in fellow Saturday Night Live alum and close friend of Phil's, Jon Lovitz to replace the void. Of course, the show lasted a year. Much like another NBC sitcom, the show never truly recovered emotionally and maybe the audience couldn't get past it. We did accept and love Jon not as Phil's replacement.