Bob Newhart's Couch

[Tannerman]

Over the weekend, Amy and I got to visit the Bob Newhart statue, which was erected downtown back in July. It's currently located in front of the 430 North Michigan building, featured as Dr. Harley's office building in Newhart's 1972-1978 television series, The Bob Newhart Show.

Steve explains his mental problems to Bob

The statue was sponsored by cable network TV Land as part of their TV Land Landmarks program. (There is also a Mary Tyler Moore statue in Minneapolis, Ralph Kramden in New York, and Andy Griffith in Raleigh, NC).

The original show opening

Newhart is an Oak Park native and a big Cubs fan. In his 1970's show, he played Bob Hartley, a successful Chicago psychologist who lived in a high-rise apartment with his wife Emily, an elementary school teacher. Bob shared the services of his receptionist Carol with a bachelor dentist, Jerry Robinson.

Dedication plaque

I can't say I ever watched much of the old show... it was a bit before my time. However I was a big fan of Bob's 1982-1990 show, Newhart. If you saw the series finale for this show, you can see how the 1970's show is connected. Bob's got a unique talent for comedy with his goofy, delayed delivery.

In November, the statue will move permanently to Navy Pier, where it will probably be destroyed by annoying tourists.

[FriarTuck]

And if not destroyed by tourists, it will definitely be the subject of many lewd photos like the infamous Ronald McDonald collections seen on the web.

The Chicago-sited show was also before my time. But I was a big fan of the Vermont series. What a coincidence you should post this today, as I was just looking online for a DVD set of that 80's series today. I couldn't find one. Dukes of Hazzard? Sure, no problem. Green Acres? Got it for my birthday. Knight Rider? You betcha. Good Times, The Osbournes, Sanford & Son... but no Newhart.

For me, television and America in general lost something classy and gentle when Newhart went off in '90 and was followed by Johnny Carson in '92.

Or maybe it's just that I emotionally tie their departure to my own exit from the safe little world of academia into the cold cruel world that is the practice of law.

FriarTuck
NU Law '92

[mxwp]

Hey, I work right near there. Next time you are in the area, give me a call and maybe we can grab some lunch.

[Tannerman]

Originally Posted by FriarTuck

I was just looking online for a DVD set of that 80's series today. I couldn't find one.

Hey Friar, I don't think it's slated for DVD release any time soon, but give it time.

I usually use TVShowsOnDVD.com as a good reference for this kind of stuff. If you become a free member, you can actually vote for shows you want to see on DVD. Many studios refer to this site to give them a loose indication of what shows to move to DVD. It's pretty nice.

Here's the entry on Newhart