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The NewMusic

2025-10-29T07:04:39Z

2001:569:5302:5500:ECDD:853E:65F2:496F:

{{no footnotes|date=June 2015}}
{{Infobox television
| creator = [[John Martin (Canadian broadcaster)|John Martin]]
| presenter = {{Plain list|
*[[Jeanne Beker]]
*[[John Roberts (journalist)|J. D. Roberts]]
*[[Daniel Richler]]
*[[Laurie Brown (broadcaster)|Laurie Brown]]
*[[Denise Donlon]]
*[[Jana Lynne White]]
*[[Kim Clarke Champniss]]
*[[Avi Lewis]]
*[[Byron Wong]]
*[[George Stroumboulopoulos]]
*Hannah Sung
*[[Hannah Simone]]}}
| network = {{Plain list|
*[[Much (TV channel)|MuchMusic]]
* [[M3 (Canadian TV channel)|MuchMoreMusic]]
* [[Citytv]],
*[[CTV 2|A-Channel]]
* [[CP24]]}}
| first_aired = {{Start date|1979}}
| last_aired = {{End date|2008}}
}}
'''''The NewMusic''''' was a weekly Canadian music and culture television [[newsmagazine]].

Created by [[John Martin (Canadian broadcaster)|John Martin]], and intended to combine the spirit of magazines like ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' and ''[[NME|New Musical Express]]'' with the format of a television [[newsmagazine]], ''The NewMusic'' presented current popular music in a broad [[social]], [[political]] and [[economic]] context.

'The NewMusic' aired on several [[Television in Canada|Canadian]] television stations including [[Much (TV channel)|MuchMusic]], [[M3 (Canadian TV channel)|MuchMoreMusic]], [[Citytv]], [[CTV 2|A-Channel]] and [[CP24]].

== Origin story ==

''The NewMusic'' was conceived in 1979 by Martin, who sought to create a program blending music with social and political commentary. Martin was frustrated by the lack of meaningful television coverage of music’s cultural impact, particularly during a time when youth culture was navigating major social shifts. He envisioned a program that treated music as a lens to explore issues like politics, identity, and activism.

Before finding a home for ''The NewMusic,'' Martin pitched the concept to [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|CBC]] and [[CTV Television Network|CTV]], but both networks passed, deeming it too unconventional for their audiences. Undeterred, Martin approached [[Moses Znaimer]] at [[Citytv]], whose boundary-pushing ethos made it a perfect match for the program. Znaimer supported Martin's vision, allowing him the creative freedom to produce what became a pioneering show.<ref>{{Cite news|title = NewMusic Man|url = https://rrj.ca/newmusic-man/|website = Ryerson Review of Journalism|date = 2013-06-16|access-date = 2024-12-01|first = Imran|last = Khan}}</ref>

The first episode aired on September 29, 1979, with hosts [[Jeanne Beker]] and [[John Roberts (television reporter)|J. D. Roberts]]. From the start, ''The NewMusic'' broke ground with on-location interviews and stories examining topics like censorship and activism, merging journalistic depth with the vibrancy of pop culture. Its success laid the foundation for MuchMusic, shaping Canadian music journalism for decades.

== Opening Theme ==

''The NewMusic'''s most commonly used instrumental opening was "[[Papa's Got a Brand New Pigbag]]" by British post-punk band [[Pigbag]]. Very early episodes used [[Rush (band)|Rush]]'s "[[2112 (song)|2112: Overture]]."

==Hosts==

{{columns-list|colwidth=17em|style=width: 600px; font-style|
*[[Jeanne Beker]] (1979–1985)
*[[John Roberts (television reporter)|J. D. Roberts]] (1979–1985)
*[[Daniel Richler]] (1985–1987)
*[[Laurie Brown (broadcaster)|Laurie Brown]] (1985–1990)
*[[Denise Donlon]] (1986–1993)
*[[Jana Lynne White]] (1990–1996)
*[[Kim Clarke Champniss]] (1993–1996)
*[[Avi Lewis]] (1996–1998)
*[[Byron Wong]] (1998–2000)
*[[George Stroumboulopoulos]] (2000–2004)
*[[Hannah Sung]] (2004–2006)
*[[Hannah Simone]] (2006–2008)
}}

== Notable interviews ==

''The NewMusic'' interviewed many of the biggest names in popular music during its history including [[Bono]], [[Robert Plant]], [[Joe Strummer]], members of [[Guns N' Roses]], [[Chuck D]], [[Jeff Buckley]], [[Kate Bush]], [[Peter Tosh]], [[Tupac Shakur]], [[Joni Mitchell]], [[David Bowie]], [[Thom Yorke]], members of [[The Ramones]], [[Courtney Love]], members of [[Blur (band)|Blur]] and many others.

A few standout interviews delivered unforgettable exchanges between interviewer and guest.

* [[Sting (musician)|Sting]] - Jeanne Beker interviewed [[The Police (band)|The Police]] frontman from the side of a bathtub as he bathed.<ref>{{Cite news|title = In a New Memoir, Jeanne Beker Tells the Story of Her Life Through Her Epic Wardrobe|url = https://www.vogue.com/article/jeanne-beker-heart-on-my-sleeve-book-fashion-memoir|website = Vogue.com|date = 2024-10-08|access-date = 2024-12-02|first = Christian|last = Allaire}}</ref>

* [[Iggy Pop]] - Jeanne Beker wrapped an interview with Pop early when the musician teased and taunted her, saying things like "I have more talent than you could ever dream of."<ref>{{Cite news|title = CBC The Current - Interview with Jeanne Beker|url = https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/tuesday-october-8-2024-full-transcript-1.7347537|website = [[The Current (radio program)|CBC - The Current]]|date = 2024-10-08|access-date = 2024-12-02|first = Matt|last = Galloway}}</ref>

* [[Johnny Lydon|Johnny Rotten]] - The [[Sex Pistols]] frontman pelted Kim Clarke Champniss with grapes and walked out of his interview after taking issue with the line of questioning. He also told Champniss to "shut up."<ref>{{Cite news|title = Over Easy:”What Comes First, the Words or the Lyrics?”|url = https://www.christopherward.ca/posts/over-easywhat-comes-first-the-words-or-the-lyrics|website = ChristopherWard.com|access-date = 2024-12-02|first = Christopher|last = Ward}}</ref>

* [[Maurice Gibb]] - [[The Bee Gees]]' vocalist stormed out of a full band interview with Kim Clarke Champniss, visibly upset by questions that challenged the band's legacy.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Kim Clarke Champniss on the MuchMusic 'revolution'|url = https://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/entertainment/kim-clarke-champniss-on-the-muchmusic-revolution-and-new-documentary/article_c2b3d1d0-afee-50ef-a673-aee42fdad3b0.html|website = [[Niagara Falls Review]] (online)|date = 2023-09-23|access-date = 2024-12-02|first = John|last = Law}}</ref>

* [[Marianne Faithfull]] - Faithfull abruptly cut the interview short, asking Kim Clarke Champniss to wrap it up when she lost interest midway through. The reason for her sudden change of heart remains a mystery.

==Awards==

* 1992 - Best Light Information Series - [[6th Gemini Awards|Gemini Awards]]

* 2001 - Best Talk/General Information Series - [[16th Gemini Awards|Gemini Awards]]

* 2010 - Masterworks Honouree - [[25th Gemini Awards|Gemini Awards]]

==Cancellation and legacy==

In November 2008, ''The NewMusic'' was officially canceled after nearly 30 years on air, marking the end of a groundbreaking era in Canadian music journalism. The news came as part of wider layoff announcement from [[Bell Media|CTVglobemedia]], owner of MuchMusic.<ref>{{Cite news|title = CTV plans layoffs, cuts as it braces for slump|url = https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/ctv-plans-layoffs-cuts-as-it-braces-for-slump/article17974978/|website = [[The Globe and Mail]] (online)|date = 2008-11-19|access-date = 2024-12-01|first = Grant|last = Robertson}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = MuchMusic cancels The NewMusic|url = https://exclaim.ca/music/article/muchmusic_cancels_newmusic|website = [[Exclaim!]] (online)|date = 2008-12-02|access-date = 2024-12-01|first = Cam|last = Lindsay}}</ref> The cancellation reflected broader industry shifts, as MuchMusic pivoted toward youth-oriented reality content amid declining budgets and changing viewer habits.

''The NewMusic'' aired its final episode on November 17, 2008.

Several former hosts have commented on the program post-cancellation:

* ""We really did look at it as the '60 Minutes' of music journalism. It was the opportunity to do our specials on media literacy, or gender, or issues of racism. Bigger more substantive storytelling that was based in music. And when you look at the legacy of 'The NewMusic' it really was one of those shows from which so much great television and outstanding journalists and personalities came, people really cut their teeth on that show and went on to do wonderful new things after that." - [[Denise Donlon]] (speaking to [[Canoe.com]])<ref>{{Cite news|title = Former 'NewMusic' host says show was music equivalent of '60 Minutes'|url = https://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/30247531.html|website = Canoe.com|date = 2008-12-02|access-date = 2024-12-01|first = Jane|last = Stevenson}}</ref>

* "It was this golden era of television that I don't think could ever be created again." - [[George Stroumboulopoulos]] (speaking to [[The Canadian Press]])<ref>{{Cite news|title = George Stroumboulopoulos, NYT journalist, dairy CEO among 78 named to Order of Canada|url = https://www.sasktoday.ca/politics/george-stroumboulopoulos-nyt-journalist-dairy-ceo-among-78-named-to-order-of-canada-8033795|website = SaskToday.com|date = 2023-12-28|access-date = 2024-12-01|first = Anja|last = Karadeglija}}</ref>

* "The NewMusic was very influential. It helped [us] take pop culture and rock music really seriously as something to be discussed and to think deeply about, for sure. And that permeates all of our culture today in media." - [[Hannah Sung]] (speaking to [[Exclaim!]] Magazine)

* "It was groundbreaking; two kids from Toronto running around interviewing rock stars on smoky buses, hanging around backstage... We weren’t music journalists. Later I wasn’t a fashion journalist. It was entertainment reporting, first and foremost." - [[Jeanne Beker]] (speaking to the [[Toronto Star]])<ref>{{Cite news|title = Jeanne Beker is an international fashion icon. Now she’s getting personal|url = https://www.thestar.com/life/jeanne-beker-is-an-international-fashion-icon-now-shes-getting-personal/article_0499850e-85b7-11ef-8d1e-5b5d419d91e5.html|website = [[Toronto Star]] (online)|date = 2024-10-16|access-date = 2024-12-01|first = Leann|last = Delap}}</ref>

At the [[25th Gemini Awards]], the public was invited to vote for their favorite Canadian TV programs from the ceremony's 25-year history. ''The NewMusic'' ranked 24th on that list.

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Newmusic, The}}
[[Category:Citytv original programming]]
[[Category:2000s Canadian documentary television series]]
[[Category:Entertainment news shows in Canada]]
[[Category:Much (TV channel) original programming]]
[[Category:Pop music television series]]
[[Category:Rock music television series]]
[[Category:1970s Canadian music television series]]
[[Category:1980s Canadian music television series]]
[[Category:1990s Canadian music television series]]
[[Category:2000s Canadian music television series]]
[[Category:1979 Canadian television series debuts]]
[[Category:2008 Canadian television series endings]]

{{Canada-news-tv-prog-stub}}

Jacqueline Obradors

2025-10-29T05:36:42Z

2001:569:5302:5500:ECDD:853E:65F2:496F: The URL link is dead for her spouse resulting an unsourced content.

{{short description|American actress (born 1966)}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Jacqueline Obradors
| image =
| caption = Nick Canaris
| birth_name = 
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1966|10|6}}
| birth_place = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], U.S.
| known_for = {{hlist|''[[NYPD Blue]]''|''[[Tortilla Soup]]''|''[[Six Days, Seven Nights]]''}}
| yearsactive = 1990–present
| occupation = Actress
}}

'''Jacqueline Obradors''' (born October 6, 1966<ref>{{Cite news|title=Today in History: Birthdays|author=|date=October 6, 2023|work=Boston Globe|page=B2|quote=Actor Elisabeth Shue is 60. Singer Matthew Sweet is 59. Actor Jacqueline Obradors is 57. Actor Amy Jo Johnson is 53. Actor Emily Mortimer is 52.|id={{ProQuest|2873136760}}}} See also:
*{{Cite news|title=Birthdays for For Monday, Oct. 6|author=|date=October 6, 2003|work=Deseret News|page=A2|quote=Actress Elisabeth Shue 40. Singer Matthew Sweet 39. Actress Jacqueline Obradors 37|id={{ProQuest|351160179}}}}</ref>) is an American actress. She has appeared in films such as ''[[Six Days, Seven Nights]]'' (1998), ''[[Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo]]'' (1999), ''[[Tortilla Soup]]'' (2001), ''[[A Man Apart]]'' (2003) and ''[[Unstoppable (2004 film)|Unstoppable]]'' (2004).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywood.com/celebrities/jacqueline-obradors-57309798/|title=Jacqueline Obradors - Biography and Filmography - 1966|publisher=Hollywood.com|date=3 February 2015|access-date=8 July 2016}}</ref> She is also the voice of Audrey Rocio Ramirez in ''[[Atlantis: The Lost Empire]]''. On television, Obradors is known for her role as Detective Rita Ortiz in the ABC crime drama series ''[[NYPD Blue]]'' (2001–2005).

==Early life==
Obradors was born on October 6, 1966, in the [[San Fernando Valley]], the daughter of Argentine immigrants Angie, a church worker, and Albert Obradors, an office cleaning business owner. Before becoming an actress, Obradors was a cashier at Hughes Market in [[Canoga Park, California]].{{Citation needed |date=May 2024}}

==Career==
Obradors began her career with starring in the action films ''Red Sun Rising'' (1994) and ''[[Soldier Boyz]]'' (1995). On television, she guest-starred on ''[[Parker Lewis Can't Lose]]'', ''[[Diagnosis: Murder]]'', ''[[Murder, She Wrote]]'' and ''[[The John Larroquette Show]]''. She appeared in the ''[[Problem Child 3: Junior in Love]]'' (1995), a made-for-television movie and the third and final installment of the ''[[Problem Child (film)|Problem Child]]'' trilogy. In 1998, she co-starred in the box-office hit action-adventure comedy film, ''[[Six Days, Seven Nights]]''. The following year, she appeared in the comedy film ''[[Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo]]''. In 2000, she was a regular cast member in the short-lived sitcom, ''[[Battery Park (TV series)|Battery Park]]''.

In 2001, Obradors played the leading role in the comedy-drama film, ''[[Tortilla Soup]]''. The film received positive reviews from critics.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/tortilla_soup|title=Tortilla Soup - Rotten Tomatoes|date=August 24, 2001|website=www.rottentomatoes.com}}</ref> She did voice over work in the Disney film ''[[Atlantis: The Lost Empire]]'' (2001) and its sequel, ''[[Atlantis: Milo's Return]]'' (2003), and co-starred in the action films ''[[A Man Apart]]'' (2003) playing Stacy Vetter, the murdered wife of [[Vin Diesel|Vin Diesel's]] character DEA Agent Sean Vetter, and ''[[Unstoppable (2004 film)|Unstoppable]]'' (2004). She appeared in one episode of ''[[George Lopez (TV series)|George Lopez]]'' as Angie's sister, Gloria. Also in 2001, she moved to television for the regular role of detective Rita Ortiz in the ABC police drama series, ''[[NYPD Blue]]''. She stayed in the show to series finale that aired in 2005. Later in 2005, she took the series regular role on the NBC sitcom, ''[[Freddie (TV series)|Freddie]]'' as Sofia, Freddie's sister.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna9687889|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021001919/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna9687889|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 21, 2021|title='Freddie' prompts thoughts of sleep|date=October 13, 2005|website=NBC News}}</ref> The series was canceled after one season in 2006.

Obradors took a break after ''Freddie''. In 2009, she appeared in the crime film ''[[Crossing Over (film)|Crossing Over]]'' starring [[Harrison Ford]] and the following year had a recurring role of Paloma Reynosa in the CBS series, ''[[NCIS (TV series)|NCIS]]''. She guest-starred on ''[[The Secret Life of the American Teenager]]'', ''[[Franklin & Bash]]'', ''[[Grimm (TV series)|Grimm]]'', ''[[Castle (TV series)|Castle]]'' and ''[[Lucifer (TV series)|Lucifer]]''. She starred in the original pilot for the FX crime drama series, ''[[Mayans M.C.]]'' as a matriarch of the Reyes family and EZ’s mother, but was cut-off during the creative reasons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/03/mayans-mc-jacqueline-obradors-fx-sons-of-anarchy-spinoff-pilot-1202046021/|title='Mayans M.C.': Jacqueline Obradors To Co-Star In 'Sons Of Anarchy' Spinoff Pilot|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|date=March 17, 2017}}</ref> She had a recurring roles on the TV Land sitcom ''[[Lopez (TV series)|Lopez]]'' in 2016, the Amazon Studios crime drama ''[[Bosch (TV series)|Bosch]]'' (2019-21), and the Freeform mystery thriller ''[[The Watchful Eye]]'' in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=2018-08-30|title='Bosch': Jacqueline Obradors To Recur In Season 5 Of Amazon Drama Series|url=https://deadline.com/2018/08/bosch-jacqueline-obradors-recur-season-5-amazon-drama-series-1202454410/|access-date=2021-01-21|website=Deadline|language=en-US}}</ref> She appeared in the romantic comedy film ''[[Palm Springs (2020 film)|Palm Springs]]'' in 2020, and in 2023 co-starred in the miniseries ''[[Daisy Jones & the Six]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/daisy-jones-and-the-six-tom-wright-jacqueline-obradors-amazon-series-1234862274/|title='Daisy Jones & The Six': Tom Wright & Jacqueline Obradors Join Amazon Series|first=Denise|last=Petski|date=October 25, 2021}}</ref>

==Filmography==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! width="50px"| Year
! width="300px"| Title
! width="200px"| Role
! class="unsortable"| Notes
|-
|1994
|''Red Sun Rising''
| Rita
|
|-
| 1995
| ''[[Soldier Boyz]]''
| Vasquez
|
|-
|1997
|''The People''
| Dee Ramon
|
|-
| 1998
| ''[[Six Days, Seven Nights]]''
| Angelica
| Nominated - [[Blockbuster Entertainment Awards|Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Supporting Actress - Comedy/Romance]]
|-
| 1999
| ''[[Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo]]''
| Elaine Fowler
|
|-
| rowspan=2 | 2001
| ''[[Tortilla Soup]]''
| Carmen Naranjo
| Nominated - [[ALMA Award|ALMA Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture]]
|-
| ''[[Atlantis: The Lost Empire]]''
| Audrey Ramirez
|Voice<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Jacqueline Danell Obradors (visual voices guide) |url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Jacqueline-Danell-Obradors/ |access-date=September 20, 2024 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}} A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.</ref>
|-
| rowspan=2 | 2003
| ''[[A Man Apart]]''
| Stacy Vetter
|
|-
| ''[[Atlantis: Milo's Return]]''
| Audrey Ramirez, Nurse
| Voice, direct-to-video<ref name="btva" />
|-
| 2004
| ''[[Unstoppable (2004 film)|Unstoppable]]''
| Detective Amy Knight
|
|-
| 2009
| ''[[Crossing Over (film)|Crossing Over]]''
| Special Agent Phadkar
|
|-
| 2014
| ''[[Bad Asses]]''
| Rosaria Parkes
|
|-
|2019
|''[[Windows on the World (film)|Windows on the World]]''
| Margot
|
|-
| 2020
| ''[[Palm Springs (2020 film)|Palm Springs]]''
| Pia Wilder
|
|-
| 2022
| ''[[Catwoman: Hunted]]''
| [[La Dama]]
| Voice, direct-to-video<ref>{{Cite web |last=Couch |first=Aaron |date=August 17, 2021 |title=''Catwoman: Hunted'' Sets Voice Cast (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/catwoman-hunted-voice-cast-dc-1234998303/ |access-date=September 20, 2024 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="btva" />
|-
|2025
|''[[Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado]]''
|Mango
|Voice<ref>{{cite news |first=Tony |last=Maglio |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/dora-the-explorer-movie-sol-dorado-samantha-lorraine-interview-1236299003 |title=The Sixth Dora the Explorer Wants to Have the Same Career as No. 5 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=July 1, 2025 |access-date=July 2, 2025}}</ref>
|}

=== Television ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="90%"
! width="50px"| Year
! width="300px"| Title
! width="200px"| Role
! class="unsortable"| Notes
|-
| 1990–1993
| ''[[Parker Lewis]]''
|
|
|-
| 1995
| ''[[Live Shot]]''
| Sonya Lopez
| (uncredited)
|-
| 1995
| ''[[Diagnosis Murder]]''
| Anita
| Episode: "My Baby Is Out of This World"
|-
| 1995
| ''[[Problem Child 3: Junior in Love]]''
| Conchita
| Television film
|-
| 1996
| ''[[Murder She Wrote]]''
| Patricia Decalde
| Episode: "Death Goes Double Platinum"
|-
| 1996
| ''[[The John Larroquette Show]]''
| Myra
| Episode: "The Train Wreck"
|-
| 1996
| ''[[Sliders (TV series)|Sliders]]''
| Carol
| Episode: "Season's Greedings"
|-
| 1996–1997
| ''[[The Burning Zone]]''
| Marion (uncredited)
|
|-
| 1997
| ''[[Silk Stalkings]]''
| Maria Martine
| Episode: "Silent Witness"
|-
| 1992–1997
| ''[[Renegade (TV series)|Renegade]]''
| Teresa Romero
| Episode: "Sawed-off Shotgun Wedding"
|-
| 1998
| ''[[L.A. Doctors]]''
| Autumn
|
|-
| 1999–2000
| ''[[Jesse (TV series)|Jesse]]''
| Irma
|
|-
| 2000
| ''[[Battery Park (TV series)|Battery Park]]''
| Elena Ramirez
|
|-
| 2000–2006
| ''[[Strong Medicine]]''
| Dolores Rivera (uncredited)
|
|-
|2001
| ''[[Kate Brasher]]''
| Mary Elizabeth Rodriguez
|
|-
|2001
| ''[[Some of My Best Friends]]''
| Michelle
|
|-
| 2001–2005
| ''[[NYPD Blue]]''
| Detective Rita Ortiz
|80 episodes Nominated—[[ALMA Award|ALMA Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Television Series]]
|-
| 2003
| ''[[George Lopez (TV series)|George Lopez]]''
| Gloria Palmero
| Episode: "A Kiss Is Just a Kiss"
|-
| 2005–2006
| ''[[Freddie (TV series)|Freddie]]''
| Sofia
| Series regular
|-
| 2009
| ''[[Cold Case]]''
| Dr. Julie Ramirez (uncredited)
| Episode: "Mind Games"
|-
| 2010
| ''[[NCIS (TV series)|NCIS]]''
| Paloma Reynosa
| 3 episodes
|-
| 2010–2022
| ''[[Curious George (TV series)|Curious George]]''
| Cecilia
|
|-
| 2011
| ''[[The Glades (TV series)|The Glades]]''
| Marisol Sanchez
| Episode: "Dirty Little Secrets"
|-
| 2012, 2019
| ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]''
| [[Alanna (DC Comics)|Alanna]]
| Voice, 2 episodes<ref name="btva" />
|-
| 2014
| ''[[Grimm (TV Series)|Grimm]]''
| Ava Diaz
| Episode: "[[Cry Luison]]"
|-
| 2015
| ''[[Castle (TV series)|Castle]]''
| Allison Hyde
| Episode: "XX"
|-
| 2016
| ''[[Lopez (TV series)|Lopez]]''
| Alita
| 4 episodes
|-
| 2018
| ''[[Mayans M.C.]]''
| Marisol Reyes
| Episode: Pilot
|-
| 2019–2021
| ''[[Bosch (TV series)|Bosch]]''
| Detective Christina Vega
| Recurring role: Season 5–7 (24 episodes)
|-
|2023
|''[[Daisy Jones & the Six]]''
|Lucia
|2 episodes
|-
|2023
|''[[Bosch: Legacy]]''
|Detective Christina Vega
|2 episodes
|-
|2023
|''[[Frasier (2023 TV series)|Frasier]]''
|Siobhan
|Episode: "Blind Date"
|-
|2024
|''[[Grey's Anatomy]]''
|Valerie Cardenas
|Recurring role: Season 20 (3 episodes)
|-
|2024
|''[[The Cleaning Lady (American TV series)|The Cleaning Lady]]''
|Teresa Morales
|Recurring role: Season 3 (3 episodes)
|-
|2025
|''[[Tracker (American TV series)|Tracker]]''
|Sheriff Walcott
|Episode: "Nightingale"
|}

===Audio books===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Title !! Role
|-
| 2015 || ''[[Rain of the Ghosts]]'' || Marina Cortez
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb name|0005283}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Obradors, Jacqueline}}

[[Category:20th-century American actresses]]
[[Category:21st-century American actresses]]
[[Category:1966 births]]
[[Category:Actresses from Los Angeles]]
[[Category:American people of Argentine descent]]
[[Category:American television actresses]]
[[Category:American voice actresses]]
[[Category:Hispanic and Latino American actresses]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Duet (TV series)

2025-10-29T05:34:05Z

2001:569:5302:5500:ECDD:853E:65F2:496F:

{{Short description|American television sitcom}}
{{distinguish|Duets (TV series)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox television
|image = Duet 1987 Title Card.png
|caption =
|genre = [[Sitcom]]
|creator = Ruth Bennett Susan Seeger
|writer = Ruth Bennett Bruce Ferber Lisa Medway John Peaslee Judd Pillot Susan Seeger [[Michael Zinberg]]
|director = [[Peter Baldwin (director)|Peter Baldwin]] [[Gabrielle Beaumont]] [[Lee Shallat-Chemel]] [[Arlene Sanford]] [[David Steinberg]] Michael Zinberg [[Steve Zuckerman|Stephen Zuckerman]]
|starring = [[Matthew Laurance]] [[Mary Page Keller]] [[Chris Lemmon]] [[Alison LaPlaca]]
|theme_music_composer = Buddy Budson
|composer = [[John Beasley (musician)|John Beasley]]
|country = United States
|company = [[Ubu Productions]] [[Paramount Television]]
|language = English
|num_seasons = 3
|num_episodes = 54
|producer = Linda Nieber
|runtime = 30 minutes
|channel = [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]
|first_aired = {{Start date|1987|04|19}}
|last_aired = {{End date|1989|05|07}}
|related = ''[[Open House (1989 TV series)|Open House]]''
}}

'''''Duet''''' is an American [[sitcom]] that aired on [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] from April 19, 1987, to May 7, 1989. Originally, the story centered on the romance of a novelist ([[Matthew Laurance]]) and a caterer ([[Mary Page Keller]]), but gradually the focus shifted to their [[yuppie]] friends ([[Chris Lemmon]], [[Alison LaPlaca]]) and the show was [[Rebranding|rebranded]] as ''[[Open House (1989 TV series)|Open House]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Duet Turns Into Open House|url=https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zUIAAOSwcjRbR3wA/s-l1600.jpg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706222336/https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zUIAAOSwcjRbR3wA/s-l1600.jpg|url-status=dead|archive-date=2020-07-06|author=Jerry Buck|publisher=St. Louis Post Dispatch|date=August 27, 1989 |quote=It's not really a new show. ''Duet'' has been revamped and has been given the new name ''Open House'' and a largely new cast.}}</ref> The series was created by Ruth Bennett and Susan Seeger, and was produced by [[Paramount Television]].

==Synopsis==
Ben Coleman is a struggling mystery novelist, while his girlfriend Laura Kelly is a caterer with her younger sister Jane ([[Jodi Thelen]]). Richard and Linda Phillips were a high-powered [[yuppie]] couple. He was in the family patio-furniture business and she was a studio executive. Linda's boss at World Wide Studios was Cooper Hayden ([[Larry Poindexter]]), who eventually became infatuated with Jane. Richard later quit his job to become a professional pianist. Geneva ([[Arleen Sorkin]]) was the Phillipses' wisecracking, sexy maid who sometimes fraternized with the sisters.

Near the end of season 2, Linda gave birth to a daughter, Amanda. When the show returned for season 3, Amanda was now a four-year-old (Ginger Orsi). Also at the start of season 3 Ben and Laura had married, and Linda lost her job at World Wide Studios. Linda then sought a partnership in Laura's catering business. Just prior to the end of that season, Linda met real estate mogul Ted Nichols, played by guest star and LaPlaca's then-boyfriend, [[Philip Charles MacKenzie]]. Ted schmoozed her into joining his realty firm, selling upscale properties to snobs just like herself.

When the show returned for a 4th season, it was now retitled ''[[Open House (1989 TV series)|Open House]]'', and was centered around Linda and Ted. The characters of Laura, Richard, Amanda and Geneva all returned for ''Open House'', but Amanda and Geneva were written out after only a few episodes. Eventually so was Richard. The [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] lasted for one season.

==Production==
The series was among the first to appear on the [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox network]] when they launched a Sunday night [[prime-time]] TV lineup in 1987, alongside ''[[Married... with Children]]'', ''[[The Tracey Ullman Show]]'' and ''[[Mr. President (TV series)|Mr. President]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Duet (TV ) |url=http://greatbutforgotten.blogspot.com/2014/06/duet-tv.html|author=Chuck Rothman|website=Great But Forgotten|date=2014-06-29 |quote=It was extremely difficult it to set up a fourth broadcast TV network... And ''Duet'' was one of the shows that they based their original Sunday schedule on. The others were ''Married with Children'', ''21 Jump Street'', ''The Tracey Ullman Show'', and ''Mr. President''. }}</ref> Loosely based on the love lives of creators Bennett and Seeger,<ref>{{cite web|title=Her Voice Was So Loud She Got a Handshake from the Pope|url=https://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/408550/cat/1459/size/big |author=Bill O'Hallaren|website=sitcomsonline.com|publisher=TV Guide|date=February 6–12, 1988 |quote=''Duet'', according to Seeger, is about the delights, tribulations and pratfalls a couple experiences in attempting a relationship. Much of the material, she adds, is based on events she and Bennett encountered in their own marriages.}}</ref> the show was originally noted for being serialized, with events unfolding in succession from week to week.<ref>{{cite web|title=His Dual Passions for Life and Role|url=https://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/408529/size/big |author=Eirik Knutzen|website=sitcomsonline.com|publisher=Philadelphia Inquirer TV Week|date=May 31, 1987 |quote=Duet is presented in cinematic style, exploring the evolutionary relationship of Ben Coleman and Laura Kelly in terms of "real time," starting with their first encounter and building on each successive event in their lives.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=TV REVIEWS : SURRENDERING TO A DUET OF SITCOMS|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-04-18-ca-926-story.html |author=HOWARD ROSENBERG |newspaper=LA Times|date=April 18, 1987 |quote=“Duet” is unusual in that it approaches comedy almost as a serial, with episodes following chronologically.}}</ref>

[[Matthew Laurance]] was the first actor hired, but they couldn't find a leading lady that sparked with him in Los Angeles, so they held auditions in New York, where they finally found [[Mary Page Keller]].<ref>{{cite web|title= 'Duet' actor finds link between character, his own personality |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/163135572/ |author=Lane Crockett|publisher=The Journal News|date=1987-04-10 |quote=Matthew Laurance was hired for "Duet" before Keller. Laurance read with many actresses. Then the auditions moved to New York and there materialized Mary Page Keller. Immediately, Laurance says, they had found Laura.}}</ref> Keller and [[Jodi Thelen]] met at the audition and had such an instantaneous sisterly rapport that they were both cast within days.<ref>{{cite web|title=Her Voice Was So Loud She Got a Handshake from the Pope|url=https://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/408550/cat/1459/size/big |author=Bill O'Hallaren|website=sitcomsonline.com|publisher=TV Guide|date=February 6–12, 1988 |quote=Keller says, "Jodi Thelan and I did the test together in an office in New York. We had never met, but we hit it off like sisters. She kept looking at me and saying, 'Gee, I wish I'd worn that. Got any more of that lipstick?' Like a real little sister." A few days later, they were at work, Keller as Laura and Jodi as her sister Jane.}}</ref> [[Alison LaPlaca]] was originally hired to appear as the undefined wife of a supporting character in two episodes,<ref>{{cite web|title=Going for Broker|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/122099167/|author=Bud Wilkinsin|website=newspapers.com|publisher=Arizona Republic|date=August 27, 1989 |quote=Actress Alison La Placa Alison La Placa has gone from afterthought to focal point playing the go-getting, acerbic Linda Phillips. Originally cast to guest star on two episodes of Fox's now-defunct Duet series, she became a regular and now is the star of its spinoff. }}</ref> but a pregnancy was written into the next script, requiring her to stick around.<ref>{{cite web|title=Playing Linda: Surprising, Fun|url=https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zUIAAOSwcjRbR3wA/s-l1600.jpg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706222336/https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zUIAAOSwcjRbR3wA/s-l1600.jpg|url-status=dead|archive-date=2020-07-06|author=Jay Bobbin|publisher=St. Louis Post Dispatch|date=August 27, 1989 |quote=Actually, I first came on in a two-part guest spot to play Richard's wife. The part wasn't any more defined than that. Then we got the next script after the taping, and I opened it, and it said, 'Linda's pregnant.' I went, 'WHAT?'}}</ref> Acting wasn't [[Chris Lemmon]]'s primary career goal—he had studied extensively as a pianist<ref>{{cite web|title=Chris Lemmon Plays New Key|url=https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zUIAAOSwcjRbR3wA/s-l1600.jpg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706222336/https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zUIAAOSwcjRbR3wA/s-l1600.jpg|url-status=dead|archive-date=2020-07-06|author=Jerry Buck|publisher=St. Louis Post Dispatch|date=August 27, 1989 |quote=Lemmon, who has a degree in classical piano and composing, had hoped to pursue his dream. "It was a typical case of a man biting off more than he could chew," Lemmon said. "I wanted to be a pianist, a composer, then an actor, a producer, and a director. I still want to do all of them, but in time."}}</ref>—but his musical dreams and abilities were eventually utilized in the show.

There was a period of adjustment as the actors became familiar with one another,<ref>{{cite web|title=That Bubbly Soap Charmer Mary Page Keller Gets Pressed into Beefing Up Duet's Tv Ratings|url=https://people.com/archive/that-bubbly-soap-charmer-mary-page-keller-gets-pressed-into-beefing-up-duets-tv-ratings-vol-27-no-26/ |author=Fred Bernstein|publisher=People Magazine|date=June 29, 1987 |quote=No one is denying that Duet became a hit only after smoothing over some early rough spots. Keller admits the show seemed out of sync at first, mostly because the cast members weren’t used to each other. “But in the ensuing episodes we’ve worked well together,” she says.}}</ref> but once things began to click, there was a fun atmosphere on the set,<ref>{{cite web|title=Her Voice Was So Loud She Got a Handshake from the Pope|url=https://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/408550/cat/1459/size/big |author=Bill O'Hallaren|website=sitcomsonline.com|publisher=TV Guide|date=February 6–12, 1988 |quote=The mood on the ''Duet'' set seems loose and easy, and rehearsal lines get a surprising number of laughs from cast, writers, and producers. "The attitude here is kind of giddy," Mary Page Keller admits.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Acting Dreams Come True|url=https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/DQMAAOSw0vJbN7Jw/s-l1600.jpg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706222437/https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/DQMAAOSw0vJbN7Jw/s-l1600.jpg|url-status=dead|archive-date=2020-07-06|author=John J. Archibold|publisher=St. Louis Post Dispatch|date=July 5, 1987 |quote="We have fun when we're taping the show, clowning around like we have all the time in the world," Jodi Thelen said. "I think the good feeling among the actors is apparent in the finished product."}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=His Dual Passions for Life and Role|url=https://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/408529/size/big |author=Eirik Knutzen|website=sitcomsonline.com|publisher=Philadelphia Inquirer TV Week|date=May 31, 1987 |quote="The show is getting better every week, and there isn't a day that I don't sing on my way to work," Matthew Laurance says with apparent sincerity.}}</ref> and little interference from the network.<ref>{{cite web|title=Her Voice Was So Loud She Got a Handshake from the Pope|url=https://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/408550/cat/1459/size/big |author=Bill O'Hallaren|website=sitcomsonline.com|publisher=TV Guide|date=February 6–12, 1988 |quote=Bennett say, "Here we don't have five network men in suits telling us they don't like a certain line."}}</ref> Susan Seeger got her whole family into the act, with brother David<ref>{{cite web|title=David Seeger (I)|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1174177/|website=IMDb}}</ref> and their famous father [[Hal Seeger]] creating the opening title sequence,<ref>{{cite web|title=Hal Seeger|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0781511/|website=IMDb}}</ref> sister Mindy portraying Ben's publicist Nina,<ref>{{cite web|title=Mindy Seeger|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0781515/|website=IMDb}}</ref> and sister Charbie Dahl (aka Charlene Seeger) writing a few of the scripts.<ref>{{cite web|title=Charbie Dahl|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0196902/|website=IMDb}}</ref>

Although the first season focused squarely on Ben and Laura, season two became an ensemble with ongoing stories revolving around Jane, Richard, and Linda. As the meaning of the show's title blurred, Fox tried to spin it in promotion claiming, "''Duet means two, so why is it about five people, a dog, and a baby? Because it's a show you shouldn't watch alone!''"<ref>{{cite web|title=WOIO The Fall Guy Break April 11 1988 Part 1|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2xEqy5Nl1M |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/_2xEqy5Nl1M |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> By the third season, Fox executives began forcing changes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chris Lemmon Plays New Key|url=https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zUIAAOSwcjRbR3wA/s-l1600.jpg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706222336/https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zUIAAOSwcjRbR3wA/s-l1600.jpg|url-status=dead|archive-date=2020-07-06|author=Jerry Buck|publisher=St. Louis Post Dispatch|date=August 27, 1989 |quote="I think they changed the show because Fox stepped in and ordered a change," Lemmon said.}}</ref> Noticing the popularity of Alison LaPlaca's character, they pushed Ben, Laura, and Jane into the background<ref>{{cite book |author=Alex McNeil|title=Total Television |publisher=Penguin Books|page=241 |date=1996 |quote=After Ben and Laura's return, however, little was seen of them as the episodes focused increasingly on the Phillipses, particularly on Linda, whose delightfully bitchy character had become popular with viewers.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=[[Tim Brooks (historian)|Tim Brooks]] & Earle Marsh|title=[[The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946–Present]]|publisher=Random House |page=341 |date=2003 |quote=As the season progressed, the focus shifted more and more to stories about Linda and, when ''Duet'' was canceled, she became the star of ''Open House'', the spin-off series that replaced it in the Fox lineup.}}</ref> as stories became exclusively centered on Linda and Richard. They also flashed ahead three years so they could turn the Phillipses daughter into a talking toddler,<ref>{{cite web|title=234 Bruce Ferber, TV writer, "Home Improvement," novelist, "Cascade Falls"|url=https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-mrmediainterviewsbyb-27789080/episode/234-bruce-ferber-tv-writer-home-improvement-27789648/|website=Mr. Media Interviews by Bob Andelman|date=2015-06-22 |quote=It was one of those shows where you grew up the baby in three years. And then the network wanted to change it completely, they wanted to make the supporting couple the main couple. }}</ref> which was proving popular with audiences on ABC's ''[[Full House]]''. The Phillipses also eclipsed the newlywed Colemans in the network's promotion.<ref>{{cite web|title=FOX 1989 (This is the Year — This is FOX) #1|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEc59gHubgk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/wEc59gHubgk |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|website=YouTube|date=2016-07-24}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The theme music over the opening titles was composed by Buddy Budson, and in the first two seasons performed by Ursula Walker and Tony Franklin.

Beginning in season two, the opening titles changed to begin featuring clips of the characters in scenes from the show. These were book-ended by the show's title appearing in gold on a maroon leather-textured [[photo album]] cover, which opened to reveal the series of episode clips, and the photo album closing, with creators Ruth Bennett and Susan Seeger being credited in gold on the album cover. (In season one, the show title was displayed over the beginning of the opening scene.) In season three, the same sequence style remained, but the theme music was rearranged into a complete [[saxophone]]/[[electric guitar]] instrumental, with the instruments taking the place of the notes sung by [[vocalist]]s Walker and Franklin.

==Cast==
* [[Matthew Laurance]] as Ben Coleman
* [[Mary Page Keller]] as Laura Kelly
* [[Jodi Thelen]] as Jane Kelly
* [[Chris Lemmon]] as Richard Phillips
* [[Alison La Placa]] as Linda Phillips
* [[Larry Poindexter]] as Cooper Hayden
* [[Arleen Sorkin]] as Geneva
* [[Ginger Orsi]] as Amanda Phillips
* Bo as Reuben, Ben's dog ([[Animals on television|live animal actor]])

==Broadcast history==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Season !! Time
|-
| [[1986–87 United States network television schedule|1986–87]] || Sunday at 9:00 pm (Episode 1) Sunday at 9:30 pm (Episodes 2–4, 8) Sunday at 8:30 pm (Episodes 5–7, 9–13)
|-
| [[1987–88 United States network television schedule|1987–88]] || Saturday at 9:30 pm (Episodes 1–4) Sunday at 9:30 pm (Episodes 5–21) Sunday at 10:00 pm (Episode 22)
|-
| [[1988–89 United States network television schedule|1988–89]] || Sunday at 10:00 pm
|}

==Episodes==
===Series overview===
{{Series overview
| color1 = #A50021
| link1 = #Season 1 (1987)
| episodes1 = 13
| start1 = {{Start date|1987|4|19}}
| end1 = {{End date|1987|6|28}}

| color2 = #3198FF
| link2 = #Season 2 (1987–1988)
| episodes2 = 22
| start2 = {{Start date|1987|9|26}}
| end2 = {{End date|1988|7|10}}

| color3 = #32CD32
| link3 = #Season 3 (1988–1989)
| episodes3 = 19
| start3 = {{Start date|1988|10|30}}
| end3 = {{End date|1989|5|7}}
}}

===Season 1 (1987)===
'''Note:''' Many of the titles that appear on-screen differ from those found in TV listings.<ref>{{cite web |title=Duet Season 1 Episode Guide|url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/duet/episodes-season-1/201057/ |publisher=[[TV Guide]] |access-date=2020-07-02}}</ref> Only the first season featured on-screen title cards, as well as music-themed names.

{{Episode table |background=#A50021 |overall=5 |season=5 |title=20 |director=15 |writer=15 |airdate=20 |viewers=10 |viewersT=Rating/share (households) |episodes=
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=1
|EpisodeNumber2=1
|Title=Prelude
|DirectedBy=[[David Steinberg]]
|WrittenBy=Ruth Bennett & Susan Seeger
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|4|19}}
|Viewers=4.5/7<ref>{{cite magazine|date=April 22, 1987|title=Fox Outscores L.A. Indies, But Ratings Down From Debut|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|volume=326|issue=13|page=47|id={{ProQuest|1438475310}}}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Ben is dazed when he glimpses Laura, who looks exactly like his fantasy girl from the detective novel he's been writing. Meanwhile, Laura caters her ex-boyfriend's wedding, but she has to contend with his leering and his new bride's insecurities. '''Note:''' Alison LaPlaca (Linda) does not appear in this episode. '''Guest Stars:''' [[Laurie Walters]] (Amanda), [[Robert Prescott (actor)|Robert Prescott]] (Kevin), Diane Robin (Bonnie)
|LineColor=A50021
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=2
|EpisodeNumber2=2
|Title=Overture
|DirectedBy=David Steinberg
|WrittenBy=Ruth Bennett
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|4|19}}
|Viewers=
|ShortSummary=Ben gets roped into buffering Richard and Linda on their wedding anniversary while simultaneously trying to have his first date with Laura. '''Guest Stars:''' [[Robert Prescott (actor)|Robert Prescott]] (Kevin), [[Laurie Walters]] (Amanda), [[Murphy Dunne]] (Owen), [[Mitzi Hoag]] (Mrs. Stevenson), [[Oliver Muirhead]] (Waiter), James MacNerland (Stockboy), Diane Robin (Bonnie)
|LineColor=A50021
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=3
|EpisodeNumber2=3
|Title=Adagio
|DirectedBy=David Steinberg
|WrittenBy=John Peaslee & Judd Pillot
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|4|26}}
|Viewers=
|ShortSummary=Ben wants to rush into a relationship, but Laura tries to pump the brakes, fearing she's repeating unhealthy patterns that will lead to heartbreak. '''Also Known As:''' "Not a Date"
|LineColor=A50021
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=4
|EpisodeNumber2=4
|Title=Variations on a Theme
|DirectedBy=[[Michael Zinberg]]
|WrittenBy=Susan Seeger
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|5|3}}
|Viewers=
|ShortSummary=Ben and Laura's first time having sex is not all that they'd hoped for, so they decide to repeat things until they get it right.
|LineColor=A50021
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=5
|EpisodeNumber2=5
|Title=Dissonance
|DirectedBy=[[Peter Baldwin (director)|Peter Baldwin]]
|WrittenBy=[[Bob Brush]]
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|5|10}}
|Viewers=
|ShortSummary=Laura throws a dinner party to celebrate Ben finishing his book, "Death in the Fast Lane," but she becomes miffed when he won't let her read it. '''Guest Star:''' Rebecca Staples ([[Aerobics]] Instructor) '''Also Known As:''' "Murdoch Exposed"
|LineColor=A50021
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=6
|EpisodeNumber2=6
|Title=Lullaby
|DirectedBy=[[Arlene Sanford]]
|WrittenBy=John Peaslee & Judd Pillot
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|5|17}}
|Viewers=
|ShortSummary=Linda invites Laura and Ben to dinner because she wants to confide in someone about her pregnancy. '''Guest Star:''' [[Arleen Sorkin]] (Geneva) '''Also Known As:''' "Ensemble"
|LineColor=A50021
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=7
|EpisodeNumber2=7
|Title=Fugue
|DirectedBy=Peter Baldwin
|WrittenBy=Susan Seeger
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|5|24}}
|Viewers=
|ShortSummary=Laura becomes jealous when Ben lets his ex stay at his apartment. '''Guest stars:''' [[Jamie Rose]] (Rachel West) '''Also Known As:''' "Old Old Old Friend"
|LineColor=A50021
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=8
|EpisodeNumber2=8
|Title=Resolution
|DirectedBy=Michael Zinberg
|WrittenBy=Ruth Bennett
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|5|24}}
|Viewers=
|ShortSummary=Laura is so furious with Ben that she calls up an old flame, who only reminds her how much she cares for Ben. '''Guest stars:''' [[Jamie Rose]] (Rachel West), [[Stephen Meadows]] (Jack Spenser) '''Also Known As:''' "Interlude"
|LineColor=A50021
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=9
|EpisodeNumber2=9
|Title=Liebestraum
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=Lisa Medway
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|5|31}}
|Viewers=
|ShortSummary=Laura panics when Ben says, "''I love you''," so he decides to take her on a romantic weekend getaway, but Richard and Linda tag along. Meanwhile, Jane feeds Rueben Chinese food, which disagrees with the pooch. '''Guest Star:''' [[Grant Heslov]] (Clerk)
|LineColor=A50021
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=10
|EpisodeNumber2=10
|Title=Work in Progress
|DirectedBy=Michael Zinberg
|WrittenBy=[[Bruce Ferber]]
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|6|7}}
|Viewers=
|ShortSummary=Laura gets tied up with work leaving Ben, Richard, and Linda waiting at a restaurant for seven hours. Meanwhile, Jane has a flirtation with Simon, Laura's new employee. '''Guest Stars:''' Steven Tash (Simon), Robert Covarrubias (Waiter), Mark Bennett (Mr. Fischer)
|LineColor=A50021
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=11
|EpisodeNumber2=11
|Title=Elegy
|DirectedBy=[[Gabrielle Beaumont]]
|WrittenBy=John Peaslee & Judd Pillot
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|6|14}}
|Viewers=
|ShortSummary=When Ben accompanies Laura and Jane to their aunt's funeral, he loses his wallet in the coffin, and Laura realizes that her entire family is crazy. '''Guest Stars:''' [[Lisa Jane Persky]] (Mary-Margaret), [[K Callan]] (Rose Kelly), [[Summer Phoenix]] (Molly Kelly), Mark Bringleson (Carl), [[Reid Shelton]] (Frank Kelly), Nick Segal (Brother Michael) '''Also Known As:''' "The Long Goodbye"
|LineColor=A50021
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=12
|EpisodeNumber2=12
|Title=Trio
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=Ruth Bennett
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|6|21}}
|Viewers=
|ShortSummary=Laura finds it difficult to live in both her apartment and Ben's so he suggests that they should move in together. '''Guest Star:''' Steven Tash (Simon)
|LineColor=A50021
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=13
|EpisodeNumber2=13
|Title=Passage
|DirectedBy=Bruce Zinberg
|WrittenBy=Michael Ferber
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|6|28}}
|Viewers=
|ShortSummary=Laura's insecurities about her relationship result in her inability to choose a home to live in with Ben, so he breaks up with her. Meanwhile, Jane finds a new apartment of her own. '''Guest Stars:''' Steven Tash (Simon)
|LineColor=A50021
}}
}}

===Season 2 (1987–1988)===
{{Episode table |background=#3198FF |overall=5 |season=5 |title=20 |director=15 |writer=15 |airdate=20 |viewers=10 |viewersT=Rating/share (households) |episodes=
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=14
|EpisodeNumber2=1
|Title=Apart
|DirectedBy=Michael Zinberg
|WrittenBy=Ruth Bennett
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|9|26}}
|Aux4=2.0<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings/1987/09/26|title=TV Listings for - September 26, 1987|work=TV Tango|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=While Laura goes on a drinking binge, Ben attempts to get on with his life as a successful author, Jane moves into her new pad, and Richard cheers up his pregnant wife with a new [[Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes]]. '''Guest Stars:''' Mindy Seeger (Nina Giraldi), Joshua Cadman (Steve Maloney), Stanley Brock (The Bartender), [[Mark Venturini]] (Eddie), [[Michael Gregory (actor)|Michael Gregory]] (Don), Mark Phelan (Jack) '''Note:''' Beginning with this episode, Fox scheduled the show on Saturday nights. An original network promo featuring Ben and Rueben boasted that viewers could watch ''Duet'' immediately following NBC's high-rated ''[[The Golden Girls]]'',<ref>{{cite web |title=(September 19, 1987) WNYW-TV Fox 5 New York Commercials |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBRrWLIXhM0&feature=youtu.be&t=1351 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/oBRrWLIXhM0 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|publisher=[[YouTube]] |access-date=2020-07-03}}{{cbignore}}</ref> but they opted to watch ''[[Amen (TV series)|Amen]]'' instead, so the show returned to Sunday nights a month later.
|LineColor=3198FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=15
|EpisodeNumber2=2
|Title=You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Leaves You
|DirectedBy=Michael Zinberg
|WrittenBy=Judd Pillot & John Peaslee
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|10|3}}
|Aux4=1.9<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings/1987/10/03|title=TV Listings for - October 3, 1987|work=TV Tango|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Laura continues her drunken bender at Richard and Linda's house, much to their chagrin. Meanwhile, Ben's star is on the rise, and new publicist Nina books him for an appearance on Rona Barrett's talk show. '''Guest stars:''' [[Arleen Sorkin]] (Geneva), [[Rona Barrett]] (Herself), [[Robert Costanzo]] (Cab Driver), Mindy Seeger (Nina Giraldi), Kirk Scott (Voice of The Bottle), Susan Davis (Voice of TV Guest) '''Note:''' This is the first show in which Laura talks to an alcohol bottle voiced by Kirk Scott (''[[Heathers]]''), who later appeared on-screen as a member of [[Alcoholics Anonymous]].
|LineColor=3198FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=16
|EpisodeNumber2=3
|Title=The Cower of Love
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=Sheree Guitar
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|10|10}}
|Aux4=3.8<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings/1987/10/10|title=TV Listings for - October 10, 1987|work=TV Tango|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Laura blows up over Ben's public comments about her. Later, realizing the pain she's caused everyone, she apologizes and visits a psychiatrist. '''Guest Stars:''' Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Mindy Seeger (Nina Giraldi), Norman Parker (Dr. Canter), Kirk Scott (Voice of The Bottle)
|LineColor=3198FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=17
|EpisodeNumber2=4
|Title=Lots of Things Happen
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=Bruce Ferber
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|10|17}}
|Aux4=3.0<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings/1987/10/17|title=TV Listings for - October 17, 1987|work=TV Tango|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Richard throws a 30th birthday party for Linda, not realizing that her coworkers don't know she's pregnant. Laura plans to reconcile with Ben but has the wind knocked out of her sails when he arrives at the party with his publicist on his arm. Also, Jane makes a dazzling impression on Cooper, Linda's boss. '''Guest Stars:''' Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Mindy Seeger (Nina Giraldi), Norman Parker (Dr. Canter), [[Larry Poindexter]] (Cooper Hayden), [[Sal Viscuso]] (Stan Miller)
|LineColor=3198FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=18
|EpisodeNumber2=5
|Title=Strange Bedfellows
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=Susan Seeger
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|10|25}}
|Aux4=2.9<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings/1987/10/25|title=TV Listings for - October 25, 1987|work=TV Tango|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Laura awakens horrified to discover she slept with Richard's obnoxious coworker. Nina decides to break things off with Ben. Mrs. Kelly visits Jane but concludes that there's not enough room to stay in her apartment, so she imposes herself on Laura. '''Guest Stars:''' Mindy Seeger (Nina Giraldi), [[K Callan]] (Rose Kelly), Norman Parker (Dr. Canter), Sal Viscuso (Stan Miller)
|LineColor=3198FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=19
|EpisodeNumber2=6
|Title=Satin Doll
|DirectedBy=Michael Zinberg
|WrittenBy=Bruce Ferber
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|11|1}}
|Aux4=3.0<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings/1987/11/01|title=TV Listings for - November 1, 1987|work=TV Tango|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=During an unusual dinner party at Jane's apartment, Cooper gets the idea to adapt Ben's novel as a film, but he hires Electra, a loony pop star, to play Laura's role. '''Guest Stars:''' [[Wendy Schaal]] (Electra), Larry Poindexter (Cooper Hayden), Norman Parker (Dr. Canter), Joshua Cadman (Steve Maloney), Mark Venturini (Eddie), Kirk Scott (Bill W.)
|LineColor=3198FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=20
|EpisodeNumber2=7
|Title=Jane's Getting Serious
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=Judd Pillot & John Peaslee
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|11|8}}
|Aux4=2.6<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings/1987/11/08|title=TV Listings for - November 8, 1987|work=TV Tango|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=When Cooper asks Jane her opinion on two scripts, Linda tries to push her own project, "The Prom of the Dead 2." Meanwhile, Ben moves into Laura's apartment but has trouble letting go of his stuff. '''Guest Stars:''' Larry Poindexter (Cooper Hayden), Joshua Cadman (Steve Maloney), [[Jonathan Brandis]] (Danny), [[Lynnie Godfrey]] (Voice of Roberta)
|LineColor=3198FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=21
|EpisodeNumber2=8
|Title=I Never Played for My Father: Part 1
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=J. David Shapiro
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|11|15}}
|Aux4=3.2<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings/1987/11/22|title=TV Listings for - November 22, 1987|work=TV Tango|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Richard realizes he's dissatisfied in the family's patio furniture business and would rather be a pianist, but he has trouble working up the nerve to tell his father. '''Guest Stars:''' Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Larry Poindexter (Cooper Hayden), [[Liz Torres]] (Mrs. Doyle), [[Raye Birk]] (Vladimir Horowitz), [[Robert Reed]] (Jim Phillips)
|LineColor=3198FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=22
|EpisodeNumber2=9
|Title=I Never Played for My Father: Part 2
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=Bruce Ferber, Judd Pillot & John Peaslee
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|11|22}}
|Aux4=2.7<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings/1987/12/20|title=TV Listings for - December 20, 1987|work=TV Tango|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Linda is not happy to learn that Richard quit his job, but she decides to be supportive of his dream. Also, Ben wins an award for his novel but he neglects to thank Laura. '''Guest Stars:''' Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Larry Poindexter (Cooper Hayden), [[Whitman Mayo]] (Smokey), Bert Hinchman (Mr. Turner), Claudio Lonow (Ms. Taylor), [[Robert Reed]] (Jim Phillips)
|LineColor=3198FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=23
|EpisodeNumber2=10
|Title=Born, Bred and Buttered in Brooklyn
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=Ruth Bennett
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|11|29}}
|Aux4=2.5<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings/1987/12/06|title=TV Listings for - December 6, 1987|work=TV Tango|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Ben and Laura visit his parents in Brooklyn and discover they've sold the family's home. Meanwhile, Jane'a dance lessons result in the destruction of Linda's ceiling. '''Guest Stars:''' Larry Poindexter (Cooper Hayden), [[Bette Ford]] (Barbara Coleman), Mark Carlton (Ernest the Bum), [[Allan Arbus]] (Nate Coleman)
|LineColor=3198FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=24
|EpisodeNumber2=11
|Title=Fatal Distraction
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=Susan Seeger
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1987|12|13}}
|Aux4=3.0<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings/1987/12/13|title=TV Listings for - December 13, 1987|work=TV Tango|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=After Laura runs into Nina, Ben becomes convinced that he's living a real-life "''[[Fatal Attraction]]''," although there's a less sinister explanation for the recent telephone hang-ups. Meanwhile, Linda's eating has spiraled out of control, so Geneva intervenes - for a price. '''Guest Stars:''' Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Mindy Seeger (Nina Giraldi)
|LineColor=3198FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=25
|EpisodeNumber2=12
|Title=A Hero is Just a Sandwich
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=Charlene Seeger
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1988|1|17}}
|Aux4=2.1<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings/1988/01/17|title=TV Listings for - January 17, 1988|work=TV Tango|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Ben agrees to collaborate on a novel with his mentor, but he finds himself doing all the work. '''Guest Stars:''' [[Anthony Newley]] (Jake M. Scott), James MacNerland (1976 Airport Voice Over), Richard Morof (Voice of the Publisher), Rebecca Staples (Female Airport Voice Over)
|LineColor=3198FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=26
|EpisodeNumber2=13
|Title=The Package
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=Judd Pillot & John Peaslee
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1988|1|24}}
|Aux4=4.2<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings/1988/01/24|title=TV Listings for - January 24, 1988|work=TV Tango|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Geneva's old boyfriend breaks out of jail and entrusts her with a bag of stolen diamonds. '''Guest Stars:''' Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), [[David Marciano]] (Charlie), [[Thalmus Rasulala]] (Lance), Rick Lieberman (Jack)
|LineColor=3198FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=27
|EpisodeNumber2=14
|Title=Baby Talk
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=Sheree Guitar
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1988|2|7}}
|Aux4=2.3<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings/1988/02/07|title=TV Listings for - February 7, 1988|work=TV Tango|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Richard asks Laura to throw a baby shower, but horomonol Linda isn't happy when she learns the idea was her husband's. Also, Ben ribs Laura over a laundry room mixup that resulted in a neighbor fleeing with her underwear. '''Guest Stars:''' Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Lycia Naff (Natalie)
|LineColor=3198FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=28
|EpisodeNumber2=15
|Title=Funny Valentine
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=Judd Pillot & John Peaslee
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1988|2|14}}
|Aux4=2.8<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings/1988/02/14|title=TV Listings for - February 14, 1988|work=TV Tango|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Richard and Ben get stranded with a flat tire on Valentine's Day, leaving Linda and Laura waiting with a chatty entertainer. But Jane takes the award for the worst evening when she announces Cooper broke up with her. '''Guest Star:''' [[Richard Sanders (actor)|Richard Sanders]] (Bob) '''Note:''' This is a [[clip show]]. The credits feature Kirk Scott and Grant Heslov, who only appeared in [[Flashback (narrative)|flashback]].
|LineColor=3198FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=29
|EpisodeNumber2=16
|Title=The Candidate
|DirectedBy=Lee Shallat Chemel
|WrittenBy=Ruth Bennett
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1988|2|21}}
|Aux4=3.1<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings/1988/02/21|title=TV Listings for - February 21, 1988|work=TV Tango|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Richard and Linda throw a party for a Presidential candidate who corners Laura and makes unwanted advances. A reporter informs her that it's a pattern and urges Laura to be a [[whistleblower]], but his wife makes an emotional plea for her silence. '''Guest Stars:''' [[Barry Jenner]] (Senator Jim Grath), Dorothy Fielding (Joan Grath), [[Ken Lerner]] (Alan Morris '''Note:''' This episode debuts a revised opening credit sequence that includes clips from earlier episodes.
|LineColor=3198FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=30
|EpisodeNumber2=17
|Title=Special Delivery
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=Bruce Ferber
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1988|2|28}}
|Aux4=3.7<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings/1988/02/28|title=TV Listings for - February 28, 1988|work=TV Tango|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Linda goes into labor during a game of [[charades]] and winds up sharing a hospital room with two other ladies, one of whom is an obnoxiously perky mother of nine, so she goes [[AWOL]] for a shopping spree in the [[gift shop]]. '''Guest Stars:''' Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), [[Dody Goodman]] (Helen), May Quigley (Janice Hillman), Mary Farrell (Emily), [[Sab Shimono]] (Dr. Nashita), [[Khandi Alexander]] (Nurse)
|LineColor=3198FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=31
|EpisodeNumber2=18
|Title=Oh My God, I Left the Baby on the Bus
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=John Peaslee & Judd Pillot
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1988|3|6}}
|Aux4=4.4<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings/1988/03/06|title=TV Listings for - March 6, 1988|work=TV Tango|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Linda can't enjoy shopping for new clothes thanks to the pregnancy weight gain, so she returns home to find Richard has taken his poker buddies out for lunch, leaving newborn Amanda alone. Also, Steve has a flirtation with a waitress and considers having an affair. '''Guest Stars:''' Joshua Cadman (Steve Maloney), [[David Allen Grier]] (Gordon), Lenora May (Holly), Eve Smith (Old Woman in Department Store) '''Note:''' Beginning with this episode, Fox began running a minute-long recap of the show's main characters prior to the start of the show. Also beginning with this episode, the closing credits change from Ben and Laura talking behind a closed window blind to stills from the episode, as the series continues to shift away from the initial emphasis on Ben and Laura’s relationship. *The title is a one-liner previously exclaimed by Jane to get out of an awkward situation in episode 3, "Adagio." Baby Amanda is not actually left on a bus.
|LineColor=3198FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=32
|EpisodeNumber2=19
|Title=Mommy and Me
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=Bruce Ferber
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1988|3|13}}
|Aux4=3.4<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings/1988/03/13|title=TV Listings for - March 13, 1988|work=TV Tango|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Richard becomes the star of the parenting class, much to the annoyance of both Linda and Cindy, the instructor. '''Guest Stars:''' Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), [[Jennifer Salt]] (Cindy), Rebecca Staples (Pam), [[Deborah Lacey]] (Joyce), [[Galyn Gorg]] (Gail)
|LineColor=3198FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=33
|EpisodeNumber2=20
|Title=Lady on a Grate
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=Ben Cardinale & Peter Schneider
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1988|3|20}}
|Aux4=3.8<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings/1988/03/20|title=TV Listings for - March 20, 1988|work=TV Tango|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=When Jane discovers Mae sleeping outside her window, she goes out of her way to help the homeless woman. After getting a literal runaround at the [[Social Security (United States)|Social Security]] office, Jane chains herself to a desk in an effort to attain benefits for Mae. '''Guest Stars:''' [[Rose Marie]] (Mae Fuller), [[Patti Yasutake]] (Miss Shimokawa), [[Michael Young (actor)|Michael Young]] (TV Reporter), Andrea Ucci (Announcer) '''Note:''' The original broadcast ended with [[Jodi Thelen]] (Jane) appearing in a [[public service announcement]] endorsing The National Volunteer Clearinghouse for the Homeless.
|LineColor=3198FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=34
|EpisodeNumber2=21
|Title=Good Intentions
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=Brad Isaacs
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1988|5|1}}
|Aux4=3.3<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings/1988/05/01|title=TV Listings for - May 1, 1988|work=TV Tango|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Laura and Ben decide to marry after a pregnancy scare, but when it turns out to be a false positive, Ben withdraws his proposal. '''Guest Stars:''' Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Sam Hazan (Orderly) '''Note:''' This is the only episode of the series in which Rueben has a line of dialogue. The voice actor was uncredited.
|LineColor=3198FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=35
|EpisodeNumber2=22
|Title=No Reservations
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1988|7|10}}
|Aux4=3.3<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtango.com/listings/1988/07/10|title=TV Listings for - July 10, 1988|work=TV Tango|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Richard and Linda are put through the wringer as they try to secure a spot for Amanda in an exclusive private school. '''Guest Stars:''' [[Jerry Houser]] (John), [[Robert Costanzo]] (Marty), Harriet Hall (Susan)
|LineColor=3198FF
}}
}}

===Season 3 (1988–1989)===
{{Episode table |background=#32CD32 |overall=5 |season=5 |title=20 |director=15 |writer=15 |airdate=20 |viewers=10 |viewersT=Rating/share (households) |episodes=
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=36
|EpisodeNumber2=1
|Title=Partners
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=Ruth Bennett
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1988|10|30}}
|Viewers=
|ShortSummary= Ben and Laura return from their two-year European honeymoon to discover that the catering company imploded under Jane's leadership. Meanwhile, Linda is unceremoniously fired from her job, so Richard suggests that she and Laura should revive the business together. '''Guest stars:''' [[Arleen Sorkin]] (Geneva), [[Larry Poindexter]] (Cooper Hayden), [[Lois De Banzie]] (Evelyn Johnson), [[Jack Dodson]] (Walter Johnson)
|LineColor=32CD32
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=37
|EpisodeNumber2=2
|Title=Deja Two
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=Charlene Seeger
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1988|11|6}}
|Viewers=
|ShortSummary= After a college buddy brings up Ben and Linda's past relationship, Richard again becomes crazed with jealousy and Laura eventually follows suit. '''Guest Star:''' Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), [[Julius Carry]] (Luke)
|LineColor=32CD32
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=38
|EpisodeNumber2=3
|Title=It's My Party
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=Bruce Ferber
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1988|11|13}}
|Viewers=
|ShortSummary=Amanda tells her parents that she doesn't want a birthday party or gifts, but Linda completely ignores this request. Also, Ben struggles to make a magic trick work. '''Guest Stars:''' Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), [[Jay Johnson (ventriloquist)|Jay Johnson]] (Oscar/Vic), [[Forry Smith]] (Kenny), Erin Wilkinson (Stacy)
|LineColor=32CD32
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=39
|EpisodeNumber2=4
|Title=For Richard, For Poorer
|DirectedBy=Michael Zinberg
|WrittenBy=Russell Marcus
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1988|11|20}}
|Viewers=
|ShortSummary=After an embarrassing shopping experience, Linda and Richard learn that their lavish spending has driven them into bankruptcy, which forces them to sell their possessions and ignites a tiff with Ben and Laura. Ultimately, they have a reversal of fortune when it's brought to their attention that Linda owns a piece of valuable real estate. '''Guest Stars:''' Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), [[Leslie Bevis]] (Betty), [[David Wohl]] (Warren Rigsby)
|LineColor=32CD32
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=40
|EpisodeNumber2=5
|Title=Oh, Boy!
|DirectedBy=Michael Zinberg
|WrittenBy=Charlene Seeger & Russell Marcus
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1988|11|27}}
|Viewers=
|ShortSummary=Linda attempts to suck up to some rich clients and inadvertently becomes the object of their awkward teenage son's affection. Meanwhile, Ben and Richard play with a [[Rail transport modelling|model train]] set. '''Guest Stars:''' Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), [[Jonathan Ward (actor)|Jonathan Ward]] (Teddy Paxton), Kelly Ames (Alexia Paxton), [[Macon McCalman]] (Mr. Paxton), [[Jennifer Bassey]] (Mrs. Paxton)
|LineColor=32CD32
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=41
|EpisodeNumber2=6
|Title=One Man Out
|DirectedBy=Stephen Zuckerman
|WrittenBy=Bruce Ferber
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1988|12|11}}
|Viewers=6.6<ref>{{cite news |date=December 14, 1988 |title=Nielsen ratings |department=Life |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |page=3D |id={{ProQuest|306143538}}}}</ref>
|ShortSummary= Although he's a horrible player, no one has the heart to drop Richard from the baseball team. Meanwhile, Linda is uncomfortable singing to Amanda, so she hires a professional songstress. '''Guest Stars:''' Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), [[Julius Carry]] (Luke), [[David Paymer]] (Andy), [[Beverly Sanders]] (Mrs. McGee)
|LineColor=32CD32
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=42
|EpisodeNumber2=7
|Title=His Mother, Myself
|DirectedBy=Iris Dugow
|WrittenBy=Russell Marcus & Charlene Seeger
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1988|12|18}}
|Viewers=4.2<ref>{{cite news |date=December 21, 1988 |title=A very 'Brady' ratings hit |department=Life |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |page=3D |id={{ProQuest|306159082}}}}</ref>
|ShortSummary= Jane has a whirlwind romance with Peter, a man she met on a [[Dating#Matchmaking systems and services|video dating service]]. After they impulsively become engaged, Laura and Linda discover Jane bears an uncanny resemblance to Peter's domineering mother. '''Guest Stars:''' Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), [[Todd Waring]] (Peter Sommerfield)
|LineColor=32CD32
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=43
|EpisodeNumber2=8
|Title=Brother From Another Zip Code
|DirectedBy=Iris Dugow
|WrittenBy=
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1989|1|15}}
|Viewers=4.4<ref>{{cite news |date=January 18, 1989 |title=NBC clinches season's ratings title |department=Life |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |page=3D |id={{ProQuest|306171627}}}}</ref>
|ShortSummary= Richard joins the [[Big Brothers Big Sisters of America|Big Brothers]] organization to mentor a troubled teen. '''Guest Stars:''' Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), [[Julius Carry]] (Luke), [[Lamont Bentley]] (Snake)
|LineColor=32CD32
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=44
|EpisodeNumber2=9
|Title=Sister of the Year
|DirectedBy=Lee Shallat
|WrittenBy=Susan Seeger
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1989|1|29}}
|Viewers=4.8<ref>{{cite news |date=February 1, 1989 |title=Midseason entries boost NBC |department=Life |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |page=3D |id={{ProQuest|306144802}}}}</ref>
|ShortSummary= Linda's [[handicapped]] sister rolls into town to accept a prestigious award, inciting jealousy in Linda and awkwardness in Laura. '''Guest Stars:''' Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), [[Christopher Anne Templeton]] (Diana Hartley), [[Ralph Manza]] (Emcee's Father), Kari Geller (Young Diana Hartley), [[Maia Brewton]] (Young Linda Hartley), Henry Holden (Emcee) '''Note:''' Alison LaPlaca and Jodi Thelen hosted Fox programming on the night that this episode premiered.
|LineColor=32CD32
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=45
|EpisodeNumber2=10
|Title=The New and Improved Linda
|DirectedBy=Iris Dugow
|WrittenBy=Russell Marcus
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1989|2|5}}
|Viewers=4.3<ref>{{cite news |date=February 8, 1989 |title=Comedies sweep up for NBC |department=Life |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |page=3D |id={{ProQuest|306179902}}}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=The girls visit a psychic who warns Linda that a terrible fate will befall her if she doesn't become a nicer person. '''Guest Stars:''' Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), [[Laraine Newman]] (Madame Marissa/Judge), [[Armin Shimerman]] (Dr. Jordan/Jury Foreman)
|LineColor=32CD32
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=46
|EpisodeNumber2=11
|Title=Too Many Cooks
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=Charlene Seeger
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1989|2|12}}
|Viewers=5.5<ref>{{cite news |date=February 15, 1989 |title=CBS gallops to a tie with NBC |department=Life |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |page=3D |id={{ProQuest|306163263}}}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Laura convinces a producer to let her host a cooking segment on a Los Angeles morning show, but she freezes up when the camera goes on. '''Guest Stars:''' [[Joel Brooks]] (Robert), Joshua Cadman (Steve Maloney), [[Claudia Lonow]] (Carol)
|LineColor=32CD32
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=47
|EpisodeNumber2=12
|Title=Read Between the Lines
|DirectedBy=Arlene Sanford
|WrittenBy=Ruth Bennett
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1989|2|19}}
|Viewers=4.8<ref>{{cite news |date=February 22, 1989 |title=NBC's back alone on top |department=Life |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |page=3D |id={{ProQuest|306175741}}}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Steve's life is in shambles, and Linda realizes his problems all stem from illiteracy. Meanwhile, Ben and Laura fight about his love of ''[[Late Night with David Letterman]]''. '''Note:''' Chris Lemmon (Richard) does not appear in this episode. '''Guest Stars:''' Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Joshua Cadman (Steve Maloney), Ellen Gerstein (Instructor)
|LineColor=32CD32
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=48
|EpisodeNumber2=13
|Title=Don't Quit Your Day Job
|DirectedBy=Dwayne Hickman
|WrittenBy=Alicia Marie Schudt
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1989|2|26}}
|Viewers=4.5<ref>{{cite news |date=March 1, 1989 |title=CBS up despite Grammy drop |department=Life |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |page=3D |id={{ProQuest|306152931}}}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Linda accepts a vice president job at a movie studio, unaware that she's being used as the token female executive. Ben and Laura later discover this and attempt to intervene, not knowing that Linda's already hard at work plotting her revenge. '''Guest Stars:''' [[Terry Kiser]] (Dennis Bannon), [[Steven Culp]] (Martin), Ralph Bruneau (Skip), [[Doug Dale]] (Mark McSwain)
|LineColor=32CD32
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=49
|EpisodeNumber2=14
|Title=True Stories
|DirectedBy=Lee Shallat-Chemel
|WrittenBy=Bruce Ferber
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1989|3|12}}
|Viewers=4.6<ref>{{cite news |date=March 15, 1989 |title=NBC, in front with 'Left Behind' |department=Life |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |page=3D |id={{ProQuest|306172200}}}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=When he begins writing a nonfiction newspaper column, Ben haplessly alienates everyone in his life. '''Guest Stars:''' Joshua Cadman (Steve Maloney), [[Tom McCleister]] (Maury Wickes), [[Ken Foree]] (Bartender)
|LineColor=32CD32
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=50
|EpisodeNumber2=15
|Title=Role Call
|DirectedBy=Michael Zinberg
|WrittenBy=Charlene Seeger
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1989|3|26}}
|Viewers=4.9<ref>{{cite news |date=March 29, 1989 |title=A 'Brewster' boost for ABC |department=Life |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |page=3D |id={{ProQuest|306173300}}}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Laura becomes so upset obsessing over their visiting baby sister's preference to Jane that she disrupts a stage performance of ''[[The Taming of the Shrew]]''. '''Guest Stars:''' Mary Tanner (Molly Kelly), [[Jack Riley (actor)|Jack Riley]] (Frederick), [[Julie Cobb]] (Annette)
|LineColor=32CD32
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=51
|EpisodeNumber2=16
|Title=Kiss and Break Up
|DirectedBy=Lee Shallat
|WrittenBy=Russell Marcus
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1989|4|9}}
|Viewers=4.0<ref>{{cite news |date=April 12, 1989 |title=ABC's hit-and-miss week |department=Life |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |page=3D |id={{ProQuest|306166319}}}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Linda's sleazy salesman father arrives out of the blue and charms everyone except his daughter. '''Guest Star:''' Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), [[Pat Harrington Jr.]] (George Hartley) '''Note:''' [[Matthew Laurance]] does not appear in this episode because he was shooting ''[[Eddie and the Cruisers II: Eddie Lives!|Eddie and the Cruisers II]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Matthew Laurance |url=https://jeffpearlman.com/matthew-laurance/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119103014/https://jeffpearlman.com/matthew-laurance/|author=Jeff Pearlman|url-status=dead|archive-date=2016-11-19|date=November 12, 2014 |quote=When I told the Duet producers, they graciously agreed to write me out of one episode to go back to back with our normal week off. }}</ref> They explained Ben's absence by having Laura answer a series of calls that he was making from his new carphone.
|LineColor=32CD32
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=52
|EpisodeNumber2=17
|Title=On the Nose
|DirectedBy=Lee Shallat
|WrittenBy=Vic Rauseo & Linda Morris
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1989|4|23}}
|Viewers=5.1<ref>{{cite news |date=April 26, 1989 |title=Sitcom rewards ABC's faith |department=Life |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |page=3D |id={{ProQuest|306174966}}}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=To control her snoring, Linda schedules surgery to correct her [[deviated septum]], but Richard becomes so strongly opposed to the notion of her reshaping her nose that he files a legal injunction. '''Guest Stars:''' Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), [[Raye Birk]] (Dr. Dellerton), [[Gail Edwards]] (Kate), [[Edward Edwards (actor)|Edward Edwards]] (Larry)
|LineColor=32CD32
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=53
|EpisodeNumber2=18
|Title=Richie and the Vamp
|DirectedBy=Lee Shallat
|WrittenBy=Joanne Pagliaro
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1989|4|30}}
|Viewers=4.9<ref>{{cite news |date=May 3, 1989 |title=We loved CBS' 'Lucy' tribute |department=Life |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |page=3D |id={{ProQuest|306197470}}}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Linda fears that her marriage is in a rut, and she's right. Richard fantasizes about a sexy barfly. '''Guest Stars:''' Gina M. Raymond (Fantasy Woman), [[John DeMita]] (Physical Therapist), Andrew Magarian (Waiter)
|LineColor=32CD32
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=54
|EpisodeNumber2=19
|Title=The Birth of a Saleswoman
|DirectedBy=Dwayne Hickman
|WrittenBy=Susan Seeger & Ruth Bennett
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1989|5|7}}
|Viewers=4.6<ref>{{cite news |date=May 10, 1989 |title=Bright spots for No. 3 ABC |department=Life |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |page=3D |id={{ProQuest|306210811}}}}</ref>
|ShortSummary= When Linda pops into a real estate office seeking change for the parking meter, she ends up selling her house and landing a new job as a realtor. '''Note:''' This establishes the setup for the next season, but since the show had shifted so far away from its original concept, it was retitled ''[[Open House (1989 TV series)|Open House]]''. '''Guest Stars:''' [[Philip Charles MacKenzie]] (Ted Nichols), [[Danny Gans]] (Scott Babylon), [[Ellen DeGeneres]] (Margo Van Meter), [[Ray Buktenica]] (Dave Hayes), [[Jon Cypher]] (John Green)
|LineColor=32CD32
}}
}}

==Reception==
The show received a largely positive reception.<ref>{{cite web|title=Her Voice Was So Loud She Got a Handshake from the Pope|url=https://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/408550/cat/1459/size/big |author=Bill O'Hallaren|website=sitcomsonline.com|publisher=TV Guide|date=February 6–12, 1988 |quote=''Duet'' went through its initial season with a fair amount of critical praise and high enough ratings for a renewal.}}</ref> TV Guide compared it to ''[[The Mary Tyler Moore Show]]'', noting that it "manages to balance whimsy and reality."<ref>{{cite web|title=October 3, 1987 commercials|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0Xuvdr5gcc|website=YouTube|quote=''Duet'' manages to balance whimsy and reality. Remember the old Mary Tyler Moore Show? Then you know what I mean.}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}}</ref> Remarking on the Sunday night schedule, which included a [[movie-of-the-week]] on two of the three other broadcast networks,<ref>{{cite book |author=[[Tim Brooks (historian)|Tim Brooks]] & Earle Marsh|title=[[The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946–Present]]|location=Prime Time Schedule: Fall 1987 |publisher=Random House |page=1394 |date=2003 }}</ref> ''The Houston Post'' said, "If you are tired of movie after movie on the networks, ''Duet'' is for you."<ref>{{cite web|title=3-5-1988 Fox Network Promos|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WqptE9Pgto |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/1WqptE9Pgto |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|author=ewjxn|website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The ''South Florida Sentinel'' hailed it as Fox's "best series to date",<ref>{{cite web|title=KING'S 'CHRISTINE' HAS ITS NETWORK PREMIERE|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1987-04-18-8701250027-story.html|author=Bill Kelley|date=April 18, 1987|quote=Then, at 9 p.m., Fox Broadcasting unveils its best series to date, Duet (on WCIX-Ch. 6 and WFLX-Ch. 29), a sitcom about a hack writer (Matthew Laurance) and his on-and-off girlfriend (Mary Page Keller).}}</ref> and ''The Journal News'' remarked that "producers Ruth Bennett and Susan Seeger choreograph this mating dance beautifully."<ref>{{cite web|title=Fox Shows Highlight Weekend|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/163271997/|author=Mike Hughes|website=Newspapers.com|date=1987-04-24}}</ref>

Despite good reviews, the show remained ratings-challenged. The Fox network was initially regarded as a joke in Hollywood and ratings weren't published until the second season, which found ''Duet'' near the bottom of the yearly TV ratings list in 118th place.<ref>{{cite web|title=1987-88 Sitcom Scorecard -- Unilateral Drops as ABC Rebounds, CBS Plunges and FOX Is a Joke |url=http://www.thetvratingsguide.com/2017/06/1987-88-sitcom-scorecard-unilateral.html |author=LazyJournalist|website=thetvratingsguide.com|date=September 13, 2017 |quote=As the data counted for shows which debuted by the close of March, FOX was omitted from previous data.}}</ref> The third season didn't fare much better, with it ranking in 104th place.<ref>{{cite web|title=1988-89 Sitcom Scorecard|url=http://www.thetvratingsguide.com/2017/07/1988-89-sitcom-scorecard-wga-strike.html |author=LazyJournalist|website=thetvratingsguide.com|date=September 13, 2017 }}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb title|id=0092346|title=Duet}}

[[Category:1987 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:1989 American television series endings]]
[[Category:1980s American romantic comedy television series]]
[[Category:1980s American sitcoms]]
[[Category:American English-language television shows]]
[[Category:Television series by CBS Studios]]
[[Category:Television shows set in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Television series by Ubu Productions]]
[[Category:Fox Broadcasting Company sitcoms]]