Backdoor Pilots: 227 Tries to Spin Off a Ripped-From-the-Headlines Sitcom
Added 2023-08-29 23:13:07 +0000 UTC“The Audit” (February 21, 1987)
At long last! We finally discuss 227! Though perhaps more famous for sandwiching Jackee’s failed spinoff pilot into the fourth season, that’s not 227’s true backdoor pilot. That honor goes to this episode set in the diner of an office building, where Red Buttons, David Leisure, Ron Glass and more would discuss topical news stories on a week-to-week basis. It never materialized, but once you realized how unique this one-off is, it kind of makes you wish it had?
Read this post on the episode by Pop Culture References by Brian Cronin. Also read the L.A. Times piece on this episode when it first aired.
Watch Drew’s edit of the 227 opening titles.
Watch Helen Martin’s 1998 appearance on Conan.
The theme song to this series was composed and performed by Meika Grimm. The art for the series was designed by Ian O’Phelan.
Comments
If the download for "227" does well or you want to talk about it again, a good candidate for GEE would be Season 3, Episode 1 "Men's Club." Not only does it talk about a space where only one gender are allowed, there's a 'drag king moment' with Mary and Sandra. (imho Sandra never looks like a man, but ((shrug)) TV magic I guess)
Benjamin Rippel
2023-09-19 15:46:37 +0000 UTCThat would be super helpful!
Drew Mackie
2023-09-02 18:41:50 +0000 UTCWell, since someone has already filled you in on the Canadian nightmare fuel for children that is Today's Special, I would like to say, that as a New Orleanian, I am over the moon to hear you're doing Frank's Place. I had often tried to think of an excuse for you to do it. If you don't already have it sourced, I might be able to help. I have them on DVD somewhere and can probably dig it up, along with the George Carlin show, if you ever want to do that.
Robyn Pavlakovich
2023-09-02 18:37:05 +0000 UTC
