Question: In your recent comments about the Parents Television Council, you made reference to people who wish that all TV looked like Nick at Nite. I understood your point. But it is interesting to note that Nick at Nite does show episodes of All in the Family and Good Times, two series that caused an uproar with groups like the PTC in the '70s, and has in the past run episodes of Maude, another controversial show. In fact, I was watching All in the Family the other night and thought that there was no way a show like that could make it to network TV today. As far as the PTC goes, it's pretty simple: If you don't like it, don't watch it. There is plenty of technology available to parents for blocking channels. For that matter, there is no law saying that one must own a TV. If it offends thee, pluck it out, as someone once said. Don't subject the rest of us to a worldview that sees Petticoat Junction as the zenith of American television.
Answer: Not that there's anything wrong with
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Question: Do you remember a show with, I think, the guy from Highway to Heaven and a black actor that was sort of a comedy version of In the Heat of the Night? It's driving me nuts.
Answer: Yes.
Aaaah, you didn't really think I was gonna stop at being a wiseacre and answer your question with one word, did you? You'll never so easily curb my urge to babble, Joon.
Funny you use the word "nuts," since the show in question, ABC's Carter Country, bore the name of former peanut farmer Jimmy Carter, who was president at the time it debuted in September 1977. As you say, it bore a strong resemblance to In the Heat of the Night, which 10 years later would be a hit TV series itself.
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Question: I recently watched the Good Times marathon on TV Land and was wondering about these shows with no parents. J.J. seemed to be in charge — what happened to Florida and James? Were they on strike?
Answer: OK, let's make this another look back at my past gifts, shall we? I graced the screen with my wisdom on this issue a couple of years back, too.
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Question: When Adam 12 aired from 1968 to 1975, which shows was it competing with?Answer: You want the full rundown for the NBC series, huh? Fair enough — I must use my powers for good, after all. OK, here goes: fall 1968 — The Dating Game (ABC) and The Jackie Gleason Show (CBS); fall 1969-70 — The Lawrence Welk Show (ABC) and My Three Sons (CBS); fall 1971 — Bewitched (ABC) and The Carol Burnett Show (CBS); fall 1972 — The Paul Lynde Show (ABC) and The Carol Burnett Show (CBS); fall 1973 — Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (ABC) and The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour (CBS); fall 1974 —
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