The Bob Newhart Show

Watch The Bob Newhart Show

  • TV-G
  • 1972
  • 6 Seasons
  • 8.1  (6,659)

The Bob Newhart Show was a sitcom produced by 20th Television from 1972 to 1978, starring comedian Bob Newhart as Dr. Robert "Bob" Hartley, a psychologist who works at a Chicago clinic. The show features Bob's everyday life, primarily in his office and home, as he interacts with his wife Emily, played by Suzanne Pleshette, his naive receptionist Carol, played by Marcia Wallace, and his best friend and colleague Dr. Jerry Robinson, played by Peter Bonerz. Bob also frequently interacts with his patients, who range from neurotics to narcissists to those dealing with more serious issues like depression.

The show is a traditional three-camera sitcom, shot on a set that includes Bob's office, the Hartley apartment, and various other locations around Chicago. Much of the humor comes from the interactions between the characters, especially Bob's dry wit and deadpan delivery of jokes.

The Bob Newhart Show has been praised for its realistic portrayal of therapy, with Bob sometimes struggling to help his patients and occasionally seeking advice from his colleague Jerry. The show also addresses social and cultural issues of the time, including women's liberation, homosexuality, and mental health, with a blend of humor and sincerity.

Over the course of the show's six seasons, Bob and Emily's marriage is a major focus, as they navigate their way through conflicts and misunderstandings. The show explores their relationship in a realistic and often relatable way, with both partners struggling to balance their personal and professional lives.

One of the show's most famous episodes, "Over the River and Through the Woods," features Bob and Emily visiting her parents for Thanksgiving. They end up getting snowed in and have to spend the night in separate bedrooms. The episode is a great example of the show's ability to tackle serious issues with humor and heart.

The Bob Newhart Show also features a number of recurring characters, including Bob's neighbor Howard, played by Bill Daily, who frequently drops by uninvited and engages in hilariously awkward conversations with Bob. There's also handyman Mr. Carlin, played by Jack Riley, who always manages to have a comedic mishap while fixing something in the Hartley apartment.

Throughout its run, The Bob Newhart Show was a critical and commercial success, earning several Emmy nominations and spawning a spin-off series, Newhart, in 1982. Bob Newhart's deadpan delivery and dry humor have made him a comedy icon, and the show is still beloved by fans today.

Overall, The Bob Newhart Show is a classic sitcom that combines relatable characters, witty humor, and heartfelt moments. It's a perfect example of the kind of quality programming that dominated television in the 1970s, and it continues to entertain audiences today.

The Bob Newhart Show is a series that is currently running and has 6 seasons (142 episodes). The series first aired on September 16, 1972.

The Bob Newhart Show
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Seasons
Happy Trails to You
22. Happy Trails to You
April 1, 1978
Bob gives up his psychological practice in Chicago to become a professor at a small college in Oregon.
Crisis in Education
21. Crisis in Education
March 11, 1978
At the school where Emily works, low reading scores prompt indignant outbursts and threats from angry parents. Principal Phil Bannister flees their wrath by going on an extended fishing trip-but not before he tells Emily to handle the crisis.
Carol Ankles for Indie-Prod
20. Carol Ankles for Indie-Prod
March 4, 1978
On the eve of being announced "Secretary of the Year," Carol informs Bob that she's leaving his employ.
It Didn't Happen One Night
19. It Didn't Happen One Night
February 18, 1978
Bob's friends close ranks to "protect" Emily Hartley when a handsome old flame pays her a very warm visit.
Easy for You to Say
18. Easy for You to Say
February 11, 1978
Paul Billingham-known to his radio fans as Ralph Alfalfa, the Happy Farmer-comes to Bob because of his stuttering problem. On radio, he practiced several unseen rhythmic devices to mask his problem, but a new television opportunity threatens to expose his problem with disastrous results.
Emily Carlin, Emily Carlin
17. Emily Carlin, Emily Carlin
February 4, 1978
Bob's paranoid, perennial patient, Mr. Carlin, involves Emily in his scheme to impress his former schoolmates-especially a girl who never gave him the time of day.
Group on a Hot Tin Roof
16. Group on a Hot Tin Roof
January 28, 1978
Bob advises a patient named Mr. Plager to realize his human potential by writing a play based on his own experiences. But when Plager writes, directs, and produces an actual World War I drama whose characters bear a startling resemblance to the rest of Bob's patients, the warfare really begins.
Son of an Ex-Con Job
15. Son of an Ex-Con Job
January 21, 1978
Bob counsels a quintet of jovial ex-convicts to help them find honest employment.
Grizzly Emily
14. Grizzly Emily
January 14, 1978
Emily Hartley discovers a new low in male chauvinism when Bob's father arranges a fishing trip to his cabin and assigns her woman's work while the men brave the great out-of-doors.
Freudian Ship
13. Freudian Ship
January 7, 1978
The Hartleys embark on a seagoing vacation to put work behind them. But Bob can't resist playing psychologist when he undertakes to counsel a married couple.
'Twas the Pie Before Christmas
12. 'Twas the Pie Before Christmas
December 24, 1977
Bob finds himself with unhappy and hostile patients who refuse to attend his Christmas party when they are mistakenly informed of a rate increase at the height of the Yuletide season. One patient is moved to hire a pie-throwing service.
Grand Delusion
11. Grand Delusion
December 17, 1977
Bob and Emily celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary with a dream flight into the fantasy of being married to different partners.
A Girl in Her Twenties
10. A Girl in Her Twenties
December 3, 1977
Emily's protective instincts are aroused when 70-year-old Grace DuBois, an odd but friendly recluse, is threatened with being sent to a rest home for elderly people who can't cope with reality.
Shallow Throat
9. Shallow Throat
November 26, 1977
At first, Bob is thrilled when a nontalkative patient named Mr. Twillmer finally opens up after being told that anything he might say will be held in the strictest confidence. His joy is short-lived when Twillmer confesses to grand larceny.
You're Fired, Mr. Chips
8. You're Fired, Mr. Chips
November 19, 1977
Bob interviews a variety of psychologists to take over his patients while he's out of town. It's soon apparent that they are very much in need of help themselves. When Bob's former teacher, Professor Dreebe, offers his services, it seems the perfect answer.
My Son the Comedian
7. My Son the Comedian
November 12, 1977
It's no laughing matter for Howard when his 12 year old son Howie announces he's leaving home to become a comedian.
A Day in the Life
6. A Day in the Life
October 29, 1977
Bob's impulsive decision to leave town for a week is received with disastrous emotions by his patients, who seemingly can't make it without him.
Carlin's New Suit
5. Carlin's New Suit
October 22, 1977
Bob deals with the amusing problems of an improbable paternity suit and a phone paging service that never pages him.
Who Was That Masked Man?
4. Who Was That Masked Man?
October 15, 1977
Bob is puzzled when his henpecked patient, Mr. Petersen, asserts himself with far-reaching consequences.
A Jackie Story
3. A Jackie Story
October 8, 1977
Jerry is terrified of losing his new dream girl.
Ex-Con Job
2. Ex-Con Job
October 1, 1977
Bob's attempt at treating convicts who are about to be released has him climbing the walls.
Bob's Change of Life
1. Bob's Change of Life
September 24, 1977
Bob's well-ordered life turns topsy-turvy when he and Emily move to a new Chicago residence.
Description
Where to Watch The Bob Newhart Show
The Bob Newhart Show is available for streaming on the FOX website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Bob Newhart Show on demand at Amazon, Vudu and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    September 16, 1972
  • IMDB Rating
    8.1  (6,659)