Watch WKRP in Cincinnati

TV-PG
1978
4 Seasons
8.0 (10,476)

WKRP in Cincinnati was a sitcom that aired on CBS from 1978 to 1982. The show follows the misadventures of a group of employees at a struggling radio station in Cincinnati, Ohio. The main character of the show is Andy Travis (Gary Sandy), a program director who is brought in to revitalize the station and turn it into a success. Most of the action takes place within the station itself, but occasional scenes take place outside of the building. The main studio of WKRP is a bustling and chaotic environment, with different departments and personalities jostling for attention and control. The cast of characters is colorful and diverse, with each one having their own unique charm and flaws that make them stand out. One of the most memorable characters on the show is Arthur Carlson (Gordon Jump), the inept station manager who is constantly bumbling his way through his job. Another standout is Jennifer Marlowe (Loni Anderson), the station's beautiful receptionist who is often objectified by her male colleagues. Rounding out the supporting cast are Herb Tarlek (Frank Bonner), the sleazy sales manager, Les Nessman (Richard Sanders), the nerdy news reporter, Bailey Quarters (Jan Smithers), the shy and intelligent advertising executive, and Venus Flytrap (Tim Reid), the smooth-talking evening DJ. While WKRP in Cincinnati is a sitcom, it also addressed social and political issues of the time. The show tackled everything from drugs and rock music to censorship and government regulations. The characters often found themselves at the center of controversial situations, which led to some memorable moments of satire and commentary. One of the standout episodes of the series is "Turkeys Away," which is often cited as one of the funniest episodes of TV ever produced. In the episode, Arthur Carlson comes up with a publicity stunt involving live turkeys being dropped from a helicopter over a shopping mall. However, the stunt goes horribly wrong, leading to chaos and hilarity. Overall, WKRP in Cincinnati was a groundbreaking show that pushed the limits of what was possible in a sitcom. Its focus on character development and social commentary set it apart from other shows of its time. It was popular amongst audiences and critics alike, earning multiple Emmy nominations and a devoted fanbase. Sadly, despite its success, WKRP in Cincinnati was cancelled after four seasons due to a disagreement between the producers and the network. However, the show remains a cult classic and an important part of TV history. It was instrumental in shaping the sitcom genre and paving the way for future shows to explore more complex themes and characters.

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Seasons

4 3 2 1

22. Up and Down the Dial

April 21, 1982

Mama Carlson announces that she is switching to an all-news format just as the station made its way up to #6 in the ratings.

21. To Err is Human

April 14, 1982

Herbs incompetence has finally caught up to him after making a huge mistake by giving the printers a picture of himself instead of Venus for an advertisement of a hair treatment for African Americans.

20. The Impossible Dream

April 7, 1982

Les is off to New York City to bring th em a video clip in hopes of getting a job on network news. Unknown by the others who have created a surprise birthday party for him.

19. The Creation of Venus

March 31, 1982

A slip of the lip reveals the lie Andy told about Venus' past job experience when he first convinced Mama Carlson to hire him.

18. Dear Liar

March 24, 1982

After Les reads Baileys fictional news story she wrote about the Northside Children's Clinic on the air, Andy must decide whether or not she must be fired so not to lose the stations license.

17. Fire

March 17, 1982

A fire in the Flimm building has Jennifer and Herb trapped in an elevator.

16. Circumstantial Evidence

February 24, 1982

Venus is framed by his new girlfriend who happens to be a thief casing the building during his nightly DJ slot.

15. I'll Take Romance

February 17, 1982

Herb helps Les find a date through the I'll Take Romance Dating Service unaware it's a front for prostitutes.

14. Jennifer and Johnny's Charity

February 3, 1982

Johnny asks for Jennifer's help to raise the $40,000 dollars needed to rebuild the Vine Street Mission after a fire destroys the kitchen.

13. Changes

January 27, 1982

Venus adopts a new image after discovering that he will be interviewed by a militant black magazine. Jennifer agrees to change Herb's looks, starting with his clothes.

12. Pills

January 20, 1982

The weight loss pills being advertised on WKRP seems to be for 'legalized speed' but the new client has an iron clad contract.

11. You Can't Go Out of Town Again

January 13, 1982

Mr. Carlson learns of the real reason he and Carmen started dating during a trip to his college reunion. Meanwhile, Bailey wants a computer for the billing department and Venus is having trouble finding free time with his new girlfriend.

10. Love, Exciting and New

January 6, 1982

Andy becomes Mama Carlson's escort in hopes of convincing her to buy a new transmitter for the station, but then gets the idea she wants more than a casual relationship .

9. The Consultant

December 30, 1981

Mama Carlson hires Norris Breeze, a radio consultant and an old friend of Andy's, to look over WKRP and find our what changes should be made.

8. Jennifer and the Will

December 25, 1981

Jennifer is named executrix of Colonel Buchanan's will after he unexpectedly passes away, and must try to keep away his money hungry relatives.

7. Three Days of the Condo

November 18, 1981

After receiving a $24,000 legal settlement, Venus convinces Johnny to spend it on a condominium at Gone With the Wind Estates.

6. Who's On First?

November 11, 1981

Herb's stay in the hospital causes a rash of changes. Mr. Carlson pretends to be Herb so that they do not lose an advertising client. Les becomes Mr. Carlson and Johnny says he's Andy to escape a gambling debt owed to a mobster.

5. Straight From the Heart

November 4, 1981

Les discovers that Herb's upcoming vacation is really a trip to the hospital for tests on his heart.

4. Rumors

October 28, 1981

Johnny's stay at Bailey's apartment leads to some locker room rumors around the station. Johnny is also worried why Andy is try out a new DJ in his time slot.

3. The Union

October 21, 1981

Mr. Carlson is disheartened after the staff talks of joining a union.

2. An Explosive Affair (2)

October 14, 1981

Andy is frustrated when he is unable to call Venus and Johnny to warn them that the bomb may be in the transmitting tower. Mr. Carlson goes to Joyce Armor's hotel room.

1. An Explosive Affair (1)

October 7, 1981

A bomb threat from Black Monday forces the staff to evacuate the station. Johnny and Venus go on the air from the old transmitting tower, cut off from the world after Dr. Fever smashes the phone in frustration over placing a bet on a horse race. Meanwhile a former employee returns to Cincinnati and propositions Carlson.

Description

Most of the action takes place within the station itself, but occasional scenes take place outside of the building. The main studio of WKRP is a bustling and chaotic environment, with different departments and personalities jostling for attention and control. The cast of characters is colorful and diverse, with each one having their own unique charm and flaws that make them stand out.

One of the most memorable characters on the show is Arthur Carlson (Gordon Jump), the inept station manager who is constantly bumbling his way through his job. Another standout is Jennifer Marlowe (Loni Anderson), the station's beautiful receptionist who is often objectified by her male colleagues. Rounding out the supporting cast are Herb Tarlek (Frank Bonner), the sleazy sales manager, Les Nessman (Richard Sanders), the nerdy news reporter, Bailey Quarters (Jan Smithers), the shy and intelligent advertising executive, and Venus Flytrap (Tim Reid), the smooth-talking evening DJ.

While WKRP in Cincinnati is a sitcom, it also addressed social and political issues of the time. The show tackled everything from drugs and rock music to censorship and government regulations. The characters often found themselves at the center of controversial situations, which led to some memorable moments of satire and commentary.

One of the standout episodes of the series is "Turkeys Away," which is often cited as one of the funniest episodes of TV ever produced. In the episode, Arthur Carlson comes up with a publicity stunt involving live turkeys being dropped from a helicopter over a shopping mall. However, the stunt goes horribly wrong, leading to chaos and hilarity.

Overall, WKRP in Cincinnati was a groundbreaking show that pushed the limits of what was possible in a sitcom. Its focus on character development and social commentary set it apart from other shows of its time. It was popular amongst audiences and critics alike, earning multiple Emmy nominations and a devoted fanbase.

Sadly, despite its success, WKRP in Cincinnati was cancelled after four seasons due to a disagreement between the producers and the network. However, the show remains a cult classic and an important part of TV history. It was instrumental in shaping the sitcom genre and paving the way for future shows to explore more complex themes and characters.

WKRP in Cincinnati is a series that is currently running and has 4 seasons (90 episodes). The series first aired on September 18, 1978.

Where to Watch WKRP in Cincinnati

WKRP in Cincinnati is available for streaming on the CBS website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch WKRP in Cincinnati on demand at Apple TV.