October 25, 1982…’Newhart’ Debuts On CBS
On October 25, 2014
- TV History
October 25, 1982…’Newhart’ Debuts On CBS
You are in for a big surprise as you watch this! It’s the ‘Newhart’ pilot and was the first episode to air…it’s shot on videotape! I think the switch to film came after the first season. This may have been shot with the CBS spec Hitachi cameras at Studio City. Enjoy and share! -Bobby Ellerbee
The dream begins…If you saw the last episode, you know what I mean
Certainly shows the limited quality of font generators in that day.
I loved it when shows actually had an opening and finished up with the credits before the story line. Now some stick the opening after the first commercial. Nothing to say “get ready…here I come”.
Amazing, the videotape image somehow changes your perception, more like a live theater play. Does this phenomena have a name?
I’ll drink to that!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l84cBsVtK4
No matter what we all think……one thing about “Newhart” is clear…..the best TV series finale ever.
The look of the video episodes is not very good. I don’t think the lighting designed helped. The set was two stories (which they never seemed to use more than once or twice) so maybe grid height had something to do with the poor look. Other taped shows looked better.
Bob!
I recall too that the switch to film came with the second season.
“Newhart” was done entirely on tape for its first season, switching to film for its second season in the fall of 83. I like the filmed episodes better…..they have a homey look to them compared to the first season episodes.