Back in the 1980's, NBC TV had a comedy night on Thursdays. The show that gets forgotten in the shuffle is Night Court. This show was probably the funniest of the bunch, but you don't even see it in syndication much for some reason.
The show takes place in a New York court room at night, where liberal, idealistic judge Harry Stone presides. Harry's a good hearted guy with a sense of humor and a love of the music of Mel Torme. Harry Anderson stars as Harry and probably got the gig for his work on Cheers in his guest appearances there.
The show could go from off the wall comedy to messages that made you think. The show's heart was one of the things I loved about it. It had a positive message to it. This show was a nice anchor to the comedy block as it usually left you laughing.
John Larroquette won several awards playing the slimey, womanizing Dan Fielding, the District Attorney. Markie Post played Public Defender Christine Sullivan, who was known to wear her heart on her sleeve and had a love for Princess Diana and the music of Barry Manilow.
Charles Robinson played Harry's assistant Mac Robinson, and Richard Moll placed the big, intimidating, but lovable bailiff Bull Shannon. Two of the three actresses who played the other bailiff passed away. Marsha Warfield held that role and did a good job playing Roz for several seasons.
There were many good guests, including veteran actor John Astin as Harry's biological father Buddy Ryan. Buddy was a former mental patient ("But I'm feeling much better now"). You can have fun just spotting the cameo appearances of some actors who went on to bigger things, such as Brent Spiner of Star Trek fame.
Marathon court sessions were often good fodder for jokes. Harry would have to preside over so many cases before midnight, and that meant a late night for all. It could get crazy in the court room, and Harry would have to explain things and lay down the law. One time he explains and then asks, "Are there any questions?"
Somebody responds, "Why is the sky blue?"
Harry replies, "Because it it were green, we wouldn't know where to stop mowing."
The show had lots of laughs. If you can find it on TV and want to laugh, give Night Court a shot. You won't be disappointed.
