The Bob Newhart Show (1972–1978)
The Gist: A sophisticated and character-driven sitcom about a Chicago psychologist navigating his quirky patients, supportive wife, and eccentric group of friends and colleagues.
While many 70s comedies went for big laughs and hot-button issues, The Bob Newhart Show perfected the art of the quiet chuckle. Bob Newhart starred as Dr. Robert Hartley, a psychologist whose greatest strength was listening—both to his patients and to the absurdity of the world around him. The show’s humor came not from one-liners, but from Newhart’s signature deadpan reactions to the madness that surrounded him.
The series was built on one of the greatest ensemble casts in television history. There was his smart, funny wife Emily (Suzanne Pleshette), his orthodontist neighbor Jerry (Peter Bonerz), and his airline pilot friend Howard (Bill Daily). At the office, he dealt with the delightfully sarcastic receptionist Carol (Marcia Wallace). And then there were the patients, a hilarious rotating group of neurotics, most memorably the profoundly insecure and needy Elliot Carlin (Jack Riley). The marriage between Bob and Emily was particularly notable; they were equals who treated each other with affection and wit, a refreshing portrayal of a modern partnership.
Filmed before a live studio audience, the show felt like a perfectly crafted stage play each week. The writing was subtle and intelligent, trusting the audience to get the joke without having it spelled out. It was a comfortable, “adult” sitcom that felt like checking in with old friends. Though never a top-10 ratings juggernaut like All in the Family, it was consistently popular and critically acclaimed throughout its six-season run on CBS.
Why It Mattered: The Bob Newhart Show was a masterclass in ensemble and reaction comedy. It demonstrated that a sitcom could be immensely funny without being loud. Its influence is immense, paving the way for other smart, character-based workplace and “hangout” comedies like Cheers, Taxi, and Frasier. The series finale is also famous for its clever nod in the finale of Newhart’s 1980s series, Newhart, creating one of television’s most memorable moments.
Rewatch Cues: The absolute must-see moments are Bob’s one-sided phone conversations. Newhart was a master of the form from his stand-up days, and the writers gave him ample opportunity to showcase this skill. Also, any of the group therapy sessions are comedy gold, showcasing the brilliant interplay between the deeply strange patients. The witty pillow talk between Bob and Emily feels just as fresh and charming today as it did fifty years ago.
