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The Earth Day Special

It's been 20 years since the first Earth Day and all is far from well. Pollution is still a huge problem and global warming is becoming an issue as well. Bugs Bunny arrives by mistake at the Earth Day festival and shares his worries about the state of the environment. Well-meaning Everyman then arrives and holds a speech to try to calm down the worried festival-goers. Suddenly, Mother Earth appears and announces that things are actually as bad as everyone fears and that she's dying. She's quickly taken to hospital and nursed by two doctors as well as Doogie Howser. Hospital Director is suspicious that her condition might not be as bad as she's portraying it. Newswomen Murphy Brown and Downtown Julie Brown report in front of the hospital on Mother Nature's condition. Popular astronomer Carl Sagan talks about the greenhouse effect. Game show Jeopardy! has a special Earth Day edition. Ghostbuster Egon Spengler's twin brother, wastebuster Elon Spengler, shows up to stop heavy smoker and polluter Nathan Thurm. Young Jonathan Brandis and his two worried friends try to convince the hospital guard to let them see Mother Earth. Doc Emmett Brown arrives at the hospital from the future to warn everyone that they must act now to prevent a future eco-cataclysm. The cast of Golden Girls discusses environmentalism. SNL's Weekend Update anchorperson Dennis Miller throws in his two cents. Kermit the Frog and his nephew Robin the Frog are worried about pollution as well. Slick Every Lawyer tries to persuade worried Everyman that pollution is good. Brandis and his young friends meet concerned E.T. Quincy Jones and seven famous rappers (Will Smith as Fresh Prince, Tone Loc, Queen Latifah, Ice-T, the Kid 'N Play duo and Heavy D) gather to help Earth rap back against pollution. Coach Stewart explains how to fight pollution. The cast of the Cosby Show discusses environmentalism as well. Thirtysomething star Melanie Mayron talks recycling. Local news editor Walter Samson warns people about the horrifying numbers behind pollution. On the New Dating Game, eco-conscious Kim picks between three contestants including Dr. Vinny Boombatz. Repentful chemical company executive Charles McIntyre confesses his involvement with illegal toxic waste disposal. During an NBA game, Magic Johnson and Michael Douglas warn sports fan Robert Wuhl about the need to recycle. The Bundy family from Married with Children makes fun of environmentalism. Concerned Citizen visits a bar and the Bartender helps her find a way to do something about the environment. Hellen explains why the rainforests are priceless and could help cure many diseases. The cast of Cheers discusses environmentalism. Barbra Streisand sings. Meanwhile, the special is watched by skeptical Vic and his wife Paula, who tries to raise his environmental awareness. Vic then has a nightmare in which his poker buddies make fun of him over this. Throughout the special, various documentary segments about people, environmental groups and ways to prevent and fight pollution and save the environment are shown.

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Cast & Crew See All

Dan Aykroyd
Vic's Buddy
Candice Bergen
Murphy Brown
James Brolin
Doctor

Awards

  • 1990 - Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Lighting Direction (Electronic) for a Drama Series, Variety Series, Miniseries or a Special - winner
  • 1990 - Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Technical Direction/Camera/Video for a Miniseries or a Special - nominated
  • 1990 - WGA Award (TV) - Comedy/Variety - Music, Awards, Tributes - Specials - winner

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