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I agree with everyone who thought this was an excellent comedy....and the piece of episode posted is just an example of some of the funniest stuff ever shown on TV.
One of WKRP's best-known and most-loved episodes is a comic account of a disastrous promotion. The entire event, however, occurs entirely off-screen, as the viewer only sees and hears Les Nessman describe the scene in words reminiscent of Herbert Morrison's report of the Hindenburg disaster
It was named by TV Guideas one of the greatest episodes in television history. This episode, along with the "dancing ducks" episode, is based on real events occurring at WQXI in Atlanta, a station that series creator Hugh Wilson worked at while in the advertising business.
Characters on the show were based on real people, including those known by executive producer Hugh Wilson. The character of Arthur Carlson was based on an actual person, as was Dr. Johnny Fever. The real Arthur Carlson managed a group of radio stations across the country under the name Susquehanna Radio Corporation. It was one of the first radio "chains" to emerge in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Susquehanna was owned by the Appell family, and is now known as CMPSusquehanna, the "CMP" standing for Cumulus Media Partners after a 2007 merger with Cumulus. Carlson also was a past president of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB).
Dr. Johnny Fever was based on a DJ named Skinny Bobby Harper. WKRP writer Bill Dial worked with Harper at WQXI, which is considered Dial's inspiration for the show. Hugh Wilson was an Atlanta ad man then, before going on to create WKRP in Cincinnati. Coincidentally, Harper had previously worked at Cincinnati AM Top 40 powerhouse WSAI in 1964, before moving to 11 other stations, including 7 in Atlanta. In 1997, Bobby Harper told WSB-TV's Condace Pressley, "He went on record as pointing out which ones, including myself, that he based the characters on. It [that recognition] was a nice little thing. You know? That was nice. I appreciated that."
Bailey Quarters was based on Hugh Wilson's wife, who was also extremely shy, very intelligent and remarkably beautiful.
We were talking about the "turkey drop" at Thanksgiving. I think it's mentioned at least once each Thanksgiving. Johnny Fever used to remind me of my brother.
I loved WKRP ... every once in a while a show comes together like that, the characters and actors all complimented each other ... they just meshed as a cast. They had eight talented people and every episode was funny. The turkey drop was a riot.
I just thought I'd post this for those of you that remeber this episode...lol
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Second viewing and Beer 4............I swear.....that is the funniest thing ever on television.
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