"The Odd Couple" (1970) TV series 1970-1975

User Rating:

8.4/10   

Writers:

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Release Date:

24 September 1970 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

Two men, a neat freak and a slob separated from their wives, have to live together despite their differences.

Plot Keywords:

Odd Couple | Perspective | Friends Who Hate Each Other | Roommate | Cult TV

Awards:

Won Golden Globe. Another 4 wins & 13 nominations

US TV Schedule:

Wed. July 15	2:00 AM	CW	You've Come a Long Way, Baby	#1.19
Thur. July 16	2:00 AM	CW	Oscar's New Life	#1.21

Cast

Tony Randall	...	Felix Unger / ... (114 episodes, 1970-1975)
Jack Klugman	...	Oscar Madison / ... (114 episodes, 1970-1975)
Al Molinaro	...	Police Officer Murray Greshler / ... (44 episodes, 1970-1975)

Runtime:

30 min (114 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Filming Locations:

1049 Park Avenue, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Paramount Television

Trivia:

Three different stories were given as to how Felix and Oscar met and became friends. The original opening narration to the show claimed that they were childhood friends. Several times during the series, however, it was claimed they met while they were both serving in the army. One episode (a send up of the film 12 Angry Men (1957)) claimed they met while serving on the jury of a controversial murder trial (Jack Klugman, who appeared as a juror in 12 Angry Men (1957), portrayed characteristics of several characters from the film, including his own. Tony Randall portrayed the Henry Fonda character.) In the third season, the word "childhood" was removed from the opening narration.

Quotes:

[repeated line]
Felix Unger: [to Oscar] Let this be on your head.

Movie Connections:

Version of "The Oddball Couple" (1975)

SEASON 5 Most Joyous Moment Ruined!

For the most part Season 5 is wonderful, and it's obvious why Tony Randall snagged the EMMY for it, but Paramount Home Video has destroyed what has got to be one of the most joyous moments in t.v. sitcom history. In the last episode when the the minister announces that Felix and Gloria are once again husband and wife, Oscar erupts into a dance and belts out "I'm Singing in the Rain." Not so in this truncated release. The song is wiped out completely and the scene is ruined. Could the rights to the tune really have been that expensive? There are other musical edits throughout the season, but this one is unforgivable.