''FM'' is an American television

sitcom A sitcom, a portmanteau of situation comedy, or situational comedy, is a genre of comedy centered on a fixed set of characters who mostly carry over from episode to episode. Sitcoms can be contrasted with sketch comedy, where a troupe may use ne ...

which aired on NBC in 1989 and 1990."Checking the casserole with Robert Hays of 'FM'". ''The Index-Journal'', April 8, 1990. The series title was a pun, referring both to the show's setting at an

FM radio FM broadcasting is a method of radio broadcasting using frequency modulation (FM). Invented in 1933 by American engineer Edwin Armstrong, wide-band FM is used worldwide to provide high fidelity sound over broadcast radio. FM broadcasting is cap ...

station and to its themes of female-male interaction."Creators hope 'FM' is on right wavelength". ''Ukiah Daily Journal'', August 27, 1989.

Plot

Set in

Washington, D.C. ) , image_skyline = , image_caption = Clockwise from top left: the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, United States Capitol, Logan Circle, Jefferson Memorial, White House, Adams Morgan, ...

, the series was a workplace comedy which took place at 91.6/WGEO, a small

public radio Public broadcasting involves radio, television and other electronic media outlets whose primary mission is public service. Public broadcasters receive funding from diverse sources including license fees, individual contributions, public financing ...

station."Robert Hays is down to earth in new series, 'FM'". '' The San Bernardino Sun'', August 17, 1989. Robert Hays starred as program director Ted Costas, a man whose harried professional life and eccentric coworkers distract him from dealing with problems in his personal life, particularly his relationships with women. The women in his life include Lee-Ann Plunkett ( Patricia Richardson), his ex-wife and a political commentator with the station; Gretchen Schreck (

DeLane Matthews DeLane Matthews (born August 7, 1961) is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Beth Barry in the CBS television sitcom ''Dave's World'' from 1993 to 1997. Life and career DeLane Matthews was raised in northern Florida. She mov ...

), a young woman he used to babysit who is now an intern for the station; Naomi Sayers (

Lynne Thigpen Cherlynne Theresa Thigpen (December 22, 1948 – March 12, 2003) was an American actress of stage and screen. She was known for her role as "The Chief" of ACME Crimenet in the game show '' Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?'' and various spi ...

), the station manager; and Maude (Nicole Huntington), his daughter with Lee-Ann. The cast also included Leo Geter, Fred Applegate, James Avery and

John Kassir John Kassir (born October 24, 1957) is an American actor and comedian. He is known for his work as the voice of the Cryptkeeper in HBO's ''Tales from the Crypt'' franchise. He is also known for his role as Ralph in the off-Broadway show ''Reef ...

. The radio station in the series was partially based on

KCRW KCRW (89.9 MHz FM) is a National Public Radio member station broadcasting from the campus of Santa Monica College in Santa Monica, California, where the station is licensed. KCRW airs original news and music programming in addition to programm ...

. Ted Costas was modeled on

Tom Schnabel Thomas Daniel Schnabel (born February 5, 1947 in Los Angeles) is a music consultant, producer and DJ. Based in Los Angeles, he was formerly the music director at KCRW. Early career Tom Schnabel attended USC, The Sorbonne, and UCLA. He later t ...

,"Hays back in fun series". ''

Ottawa Citizen The ''Ottawa Citizen'' is an English-language daily newspaper owned by Postmedia Network in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. History Established as ''The Bytown Packet'' in 1845 by William Harris (journalist), William Harris, it was renamed the '' ...

'', August 17, 1989. and was the host of a morning radio show, ''Long Day's Journey into Lunch'', which was based on '' Morning Becomes Eclectic''.

Scheduling

The show initially ran for five weeks as a summer series in 1989, premiering on August 17 in '' Dear John''s regular Thursday night time slot following ''

Cheers ''Cheers'' is an American sitcom television series that ran on NBC from September 30, 1982, to May 20, 1993, with a total of 275 half-hour episodes across 11 seasons. The show was produced by Charles/Burrows/Charles Productions in association w ...

'' before moving to Wednesday nights for four more weeks. It then returned as a midseason replacement in 1990, airing eight more episodes between March 28 and June 28. The series was not renewed for a second season.

Episodes

References

External links

*{{IMDb title, 0096577 1989 American television series debuts 1990 American television series endings 1980s American sitcoms 1980s American workplace comedy television series 1990s American sitcoms 1990s American workplace comedy television series Television series by MTM Enterprises NBC original programming Television series about radio Television shows set in Washington, D.C.