WKRP in Cincinnati - The Complete First Season (1978)

One of DVD's most requested titles, WKRP in Cincinnati is a blast from the past and an absolutely golden oldie. But this first-season set is bound to cause static with fans who have eagerly anticipated its release. Because of pesky music rights, the songs don't remain the same. "Hot Blooded" is not playing when mild-mannered newsman Les Nessman (Richard Sanders) puts on a toupee in anticipation of an awards-dinner date with bombshell station receptionist Jennifer (Loni Anderson). It's "Beautiful Dreamer" and not "Fly Me to the Moon" that chimes when Jennifer's doorbell is sounded. Any number of generic songs have replaced the contemporary and classic rock so vital to WKRP, which is, after all, set at a radio station, albeit one that is best known for its farm reports. Enter Andy Travis (Gary Sandy), the new program director charged with turning the station around, beginning with changing the format to rock & roll. Andy, the series anchor, is something of the head guard at a nut farm. In seasons to come, he will wonder if he is one of the nuts, which include: "Big Man," Mr. Carlson (Gordon Jump), who is easily flustered, especially by his formidable mother, the station owner; polyester-clad sales director, Herb Tarleck (Frank Bonner), hopelessly old school and on the make for "Jenni-poo"; and morning DJ, Johnny Caravella (Howard Hesseman), a former "boss jock" now reduced to playing "You're Having My Baby" by the Hallelujah Tabernacle Choir. Also on staff is Bailey (Jan Smithers), Mary-Ann to Jennifer's Ginger, and who lacks the confidence to assert herself at the station; and Venus Flytrap (Tim Reid), whom Andy hires to be the nighttime DJ. It's a seamless ensemble of likable characters on par with The Mary Tyler Moore Show's WJM news team. WKRP is one of those rare series that hit its irresistible groove from the get-go. Hesseman sounds all the right notes as Johnny, reborn as Dr. Johnny Fever (ranked no. 73 on the Bravo "100 Greatest TV Characters" chart).

As the season unfolds, the hits just keep on comin', including the classic "Turkeys Away," about a Thanksgiving stunt that goes hilariously awry ("As God is my witness," Mr. Carlson insists, "I thought turkeys could fly"), the "Goodbye Johnny" two-parter in which the (briefly) departed Johnny's replacement is involved in payola (resulting in Mr. Carlson mistaking cocaine for foot powder), and "Never Leave Me, Lucille," in which Jennifer desperately tries to reunite Herb with his wife. Purists may balk at the replaced songs, but the sharp writing and performances provide WKRP's real music. --Donald Liebenson Amazon.com

Good show, very dated

I never watched this show as a kid. Watching it now is funny--it's VERY 70's. Very dated, but in a fun way. I enjoy watching it. Many people have written about being upset that the original music isn't there, but I found that it didn't detract from the enjoyment at all. July 25, 2008

I Don't Know What the Edit Fuss is About

I Love the WKRP shows and hesitated after seeing other reviews complaining about the music editing. This set is great and includes scenes that were censered in the original shows. I prefer this release to the original shows and the bonus material is great. There is nothing of significant lost by the editing -- can't agree with the other complaints. July 8, 2008

Classic 70's sitcom

WKRP in Cincinati has aged quite gracefully. The humor plays very well today especially as the first season hits it stride after the first couple of episodes. Pay particular attention to the Turkey episode (for Thanksgiving) and the classic Tornado episode. It can be dated (Herb's polyester suits were dated even when it aired originally) but it achieves it laughter through real human situations and with some really great characters. Dr Johnny Fever and Venus Flytrap were DJ's who could make you smile without being really risque. Truly enjoyable viewing. July 5, 2008

Get over it!!!!

I originally was not going to buy this because of all of the changes i kept hearing about from people who were dissapointed that this release would not be all original. I consider myself a purist when it comes to tv and music and like things to be all original. As i found myself watching this show recently in syndication I found that i laughed just as hard as i did when it first aired and reallized that i don't remember everything as it originally aired, so all of you whining about the changes in this release, GET OVER IT!!!! Having WKRP at my fingertips to watch anytime i want is better than not having it at all and that is why i give it a 5 star rating. To those of you who have never seen this show and are looking for a ton of great laughs, BUY IT. The jokes are timless and so are the characters...... June 23, 2008

KRP, just plain KRP

The reason I buy the shows on DVD is so I don't have to watch truncated versions. Sad. June 21, 2008

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