Ten bad shows that happened to great people
Welcome to TV Squad Lists, a feature where each blogger has a chance to list his or her own rundown of things in television that stand out from the rest, both good and bad.
Gung Ho
Before Scott Bakula became one of the hottest leading men in sci-fi, he starred in many terrible sitcoms. The worst of which was this TV version of the Michael Keaton film. Never mind that any conflict was completely resolved by the end of the big screen version, the scripts were not funny and Bakula isn't really known for his comedic timing.
Bob Patterson
One of the more famous flops in history, mainly because it starred Jason Alexander who had just ended his run on what TV Guide called "the best sitcom ever," Seinfeld. Imagine if George Costanza got his own show and then forgot how to be funny. That is Bob Patterson.
Tom Smothers' Organic Prime Time Space Ride
After The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was unfairly canceled, Tom & Dick Smothers were thought of as two of the funniest and most cutting-edge comedians of the day. So when Tom's new show was announced people expected the same bold humor they were given before. Sadly the wildest thing about this show is the title.
The Van Dyke Show
Few people remember this poorly thought out sitcom starring Dick Van Dyke and his son Barry. Dick played the grandfather in the blandest Cosby Show clone ever.
Cop Rock
What can I say about this show that hasn't already been said? From what I understand, ABC bought this show without seeing the pilot. I wish I could have seen the face of the executives on the night it premiered. No matter what else Steven Bochco does in his life, he will always have to live with this shame.
David Cassidy, Man Undercover
Before Cassidy was Keith Partridge, he had a lot of great roles on dramatic shows like Marcus Welby M.D. After The Partridge Family wrapped he did an episode of Police Story that reminded everyone what a fine actor he was. The producers decided to make that one episode into a series but unfortunately, the terrible title prevented anyone from taking the show seriously.
Mary
America wanted to see Mary Tyler Moore back on TV. Sadly, they had no interest in a variety show. Even supporting players like David Letterman and Michael Keaton couldn't help the inanity of this show.
The Judge & Jake Wyler
Very few people have ever seen this show, which is probably for the best. One of the many efforts to give Bette Davis her own series, this one teamed her up with Robert Wagner. It was basically an earlier version of Hardcastle & McCormick only more ridiculous.
Boy Meets World
St. Elsewhere is my favorite show of all time. I remember being in high school and watching William Daniels win an Emmy for his performance of Dr. Mark Craig. I loved being one of the few kids in my school who knew that he was also the voice of KITT. When I watched him as Mr. Feeney on Boy Meets World it broke my heart.
Foul Ups Bleeps & Blunders
During the "blooper" craze, every network had their own version of this show. ABC teamed up Steve Lawrence and Don Rickles to host theirs. They succeeded in turning one of the best comedians in history into a clumsy, cue card reading hack.

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