MovieChat Forums > Barney Miller (1974) Discussion > Could this

Could this

posted 3 years ago by [deleted]
12 replies | jump to latest

work today? Schlumpy, middle-aged detectives. (Generally) a single set for the entire show. Is our collective intelligence and attention span too little for entertainment like this now?

[–] [deleted] 2 years ago

this show was ahead of its time when you look at the topics covered.

[–] thbryn (230) 2 years ago

No it couldn't work. An all male squad. Not a chance. The comedy would be over the typical aud' heads. As good as it was it never got big ratings and was fortunate to 6-7 seasons.

[–] [deleted] 2 years ago

that's a good run considering the 70s was the golden age of sitcoms.

[–] [deleted] a year ago

Interesting that it stayed on that long if it had low ratings.

[–] stevewyzard (1591) a year ago

When it came to the ratings, it was a "middle of the pack" show, which was enough then to insure its renewal. Also, it had enough outspoken advocates beyond just the press and New Yorkers to keep it in the public eye/conversation.

[–] April-151-CT (10210) 2 years ago

Shhhh... don't give any of the lazy, untalented, wokazoid Hollywood writers any ideas!! 🤫🤫🤫🤫

[–] thbryn (230) 2 years ago

I saw the last Ep. tonight. I'd give it a 9. Very low-keyed. A bunch of regular actors, the old Inspector, Levitt gets promoted to Sgt.
Wojo got the most words in during the last three min's. A quiet last scene with only Barney shutting off the squad room lights. Sign saying goodbye from the ole' 1-2.

[–] snepts (11123) 2 years ago

We certainly won't get any ideas from you.

[–] April-151-CT (10210) 2 years ago

🥱🥱🥱🥱

[–] [deleted] 2 years ago

one of my favorite series.

[–] [email protected] (5871) a year ago

I watched this when it first aired and I remember liking it a lot. I recently bought the series and I'm really enjoying it all over again.

But it is doubtful a series like this would be successful today. No violence or crude humor. Just a lot of hard working detectives doing what cops do a lot of, typing reports!

But I wouldn't call them "schlumpy". Okay, Abe Vigoda looked older than his real age. But he was so deadpan funny.

At the time the show originally aired, Hal Linden was a few years older than my dad. I didn't really notice guys that age. It didn't seem right to find guys my father's age appealing! Now I realize what a handsome man he was. Ron Glass was no slouch either. And he was coolest dresser ever. Max Gail was good looking despite his hideous wardrobe of plaid.

[–] DoctorThirteen (13995) a year ago

I used to love this show. Used to watch it with my dad.