Aired:
September 10, 1986 - May 25, 1990
Episodes:
72
Cast:
Garry Shandling (himself), Molly Cheek (Nancy), Michael Tucci (Pete Schumacher), Scott Nemes (Grant Schumacher), Bernadette Birkett (Jackie Schumacher), Barbara Cason (Ruth Shandling), Bruno Kirby (Brad Brillnick), Tom Petty (himself), Paul Wilson (Leonard Smith)
It's Garry Shandling's Show Overview:
This groundbreaking, meta-sitcom featured Garry Shandling as himself, fully aware that he was the star of his own sitcom (even the now-famous theme song was all about the theme song to a TV show). He would often address the audience and reference the fact that he and the rest of the cast were just characters on a sitcom. The majority of the episodes focused on Garry dealing with relationships with women, his friends (including neighbors The Schumachers) and family (his mother, portrayed by actress Barbara Cason, became a recurring character). The show -- always brilliant -- was more a cult hit than major success.
Where to Find It's Garry Shandling's Show:
After years spent out of circulation, It's Garry Shandling's Show was finally released on DVD by Shout! Factory in October of 2009. The box set collected all four seasons and 72 episodes together and featured new cast interviews, commentaries and more.
It's Garry Shandling's Show Awards and Recognition:
- Nominated for four Emmy Awards
- Winner of five Cable ACE Awards (three for Outstanding Comedy Series, two for Garry Shandling)
- Winner of the American Comedy Award for Funniest Male Performance in a Comedy Series (1988)
Additional It's Garry Shandlings Show Facts:
- It's Garry Shandling's Show was the first cable sitcom to be nominated for an Emmy award.
- In addition to Shandling, a large number of comedians made guest appearances on It's Garry Shandling's Show during its four-season run. They include: Blake Clark, Chevy Chase, Joy Behar, Dom Irrera, Martin Mull, Don Novello, Carl Reiner, Dave Coulier, Red Buttons and Steve Allen.
- In 1988, the FOX network began airing repeats of It's Garry Shandling's Show on Sunday nights. The repeats were canceled in 1989, even though Showtime continued to air new episodes until 1990.
