Night Court on NBC

In a week that included more vicious spats, manly spit-swapping, and too-real reality than the average Thanksgiving dinner, our teacher/mother/secret lover TV didn't disappoint! Check out what made Heroes, South Park, Dancing with the Stars and ER part of our Top TV Moments.
read more 34 Comments

Question: Do you remember a show with, I think, the guy from Highway to Heaven and a black actor that was sort of a comedy version of In the Heat of the Night? It's driving me nuts.

Answer: Yes.

Aaaah, you didn't really think I was gonna stop at being a wiseacre and answer your question with one word, did you? You'll never so easily curb my urge to babble, Joon.

Funny you use the word "nuts," since the show in question, ABC's Carter Country, bore the name of former peanut farmer Jimmy Carter, who was president at the time it debuted in September 1977. As you say, it bore a strong resemblance to In the Heat of the Night, which 10 years later would be a hit TV series itself.

Question: A friend of mine was talking about Harry Anderson the other day and it brought to mind a guy by the name of Herbert Anderson, who played Henry Mitchell on Dennis the Menace. She said she thought that Herbert was Harry's father. I say no way and dinner at an expensive restaurant is riding on the answer. Please help. You seem to know everything. Thank you.

Answer: Well, I don't know everything (see below), but I do know you've got a free dinner coming. Harry Anderson's father, while an L.A. resident for a time, was a traveling salesman. Enjoy the meal — I love when I settle a bet and know what the stakes are; I mean, I've gotta feel like I'm having some impact on the world, don't I? — and read more about Anderson and Night Court here.