Magnum Mania!

Hi again Mike.

Love your list. Look out for a TV movie made in 2009 called " Skippy: Australia's First Superstar ". As a kid who grew up with Skippy its a really enjoyable behind the camera look at the series. It includes interviews with the original cast members. There are also some hilarious anecdotes on the difficulties of handling and filming the kangaroo in the outback. Let me know if you get to see it.

J.J. Walters wrote:Listed in chronological order:

Star Trek: The Original Series
Hawaii Five-O (original)
Rockford Files
The Brady Bunch
The Love Boat/Fantasy Island (combo)
Magnum P.I.
Simon & Simon
Hill Street Blues
The Equalizer
Twin Peaks
Batman: The Animated Series
Mystery Science Theater 3000
Freaks & Geeks
Firefly
The Wire
Dexter
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Archer
The Walking Dead

i was just thinking, looking at this thread, that I need to slide The Walking Dead in here somewhere.
The only show I watch in real time.

I also need to get around to seeing Firefly, I've heard so much good about it and I am a Whedon fan . . .

Terry from Kerry wrote:
Hi again Mike.
Love your list. Look out for a TV movie made in 2009 called " Skippy: Australia's First Superstar ". As a kid who grew up with Skippy its a really enjoyable behind the camera look at the series. It includes interviews with the original cast members. There are also some hilarious anecdotes on the difficulties of handling and filming the kangaroo in the outback. Let me know if you get to see it.

Hi Guys,
Terry, I looked up the movie you cited but if I understand it right, the DVD's that play in Europe and Australia don't work in America? Too bad, I really would have enjoyed a little trip back to my childhood.
Skippy was really well done and even got me my first kiss. We had an Australian American student for half a year in 4th grade - she was here to see relatives - and unlike the other Seppos, I knew a little about Australia from reading about it because Skippy inspired me to.
Not only the kids but the teacher refered to Jenny as an "Austrian".
She was so happy that at least someone knew where her home was(plus she was an avid Skippy fan because she was homesick) she started walking home with me and when some kids razzed me that she was my girl she said 'that's right' and kissed me on the mush for about a minute.
But that was the first and last time, even though I later paid Brian Moore 50 cents for a week to again tease us but I think Jenny suspected something as Brian was my sidekick of long standing, and if Brian is out there reading this I want my two bits back you bum.
I take it that on this thread we can be off topic - Magnum mania -so Terry, what do you think of one of my all time favorite movies, The Quiet Man. I do understand it's more a fable than remotely realistic but I bet it's been worth untold millions in tourist dollars for your economy.
That town it's set in, Cong, my God it is just beautiful. Probably paved over with a McDonalds on every corner now. Mike

Luther's nephew Dobie wrote: Hi Guys,
Terry, I looked up the movie you cited but if I understand it right, the DVD's that play in Europe and Australia don't work in America? Too bad, I really would have enjoyed a little trip back to my childhood.
Skippy was really well done and even got me my first kiss. We had an Australian American student for half a year in 4th grade - she was here to see relatives - and unlike the other Seppos, I knew a little about Australia from reading about it because Skippy inspired me to.
Not only the kids but the teacher refered to Jenny as an "Austrian".
She was so happy that at least someone knew where her home was(plus she was an avid Skippy fan because she was homesick) she started walking home with me and when some kids razzed me that she was my girl she said 'that's right' and kissed me on the mush for about a minute.
But that was the first and last time, even though I later paid Brian Moore 50 cents for a week to again tease us but I think Jenny suspected something as Brian was my sidekick of long standing, and if Brian is out there reading this I want my two bits back you bum.
I take it that on this thread we can be off topic - Magnum mania -so Terry, what do you think of one of my all time favorite movies, The Quiet Man. I do understand it's more a fable than remotely realistic but I bet it's been worth untold millions in tourist dollars for your economy.
That town it's set in, Cong, my God it is just beautiful. Probably paved over with a McDonalds on every corner now. Mike

Great romantic Skippy story Mike. Ah! the DVD region would be a problem. If you go onto YouTube and enter Skippy Australia's First Superstar in the search field you will get some clips and trailers which will give you a flavour of what the film is like.

I am ashamed to say I have not yet been to visit Cong. American friends of mine did visit and really enjoyed the experience. The cottage used for The Quiet Man has been restored as The Quiet Man Musuem with artifacts from the film. I watch the film every St Patrick's Day with a few cold cans of draft Guinness ( what else !) and enjoy the film thoroughly every single time. Maureen O'Hara is still alive and well. She was interviewed on Irish television's Late Late Show last year. Still a beautiful and elegant lady. She is also the inspiration for Newbridge Silver's Maureen O'Hara jewellry collection. She is still an icon here.

Top Ten:

The Andy Griffith Show (First 5 seasons only)
Batman The Animated Series + Batman Beyond
Breaking Bad
Gunsmoke
Magnum PI
Seinfeld
The Simpsons (First 9 seasons)
Star Trek (TOS,TAS,TNG,DS9)
Twilight Zone
The Wild Wild West

Top 20:

Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Columbo
Futurama (first 4 seasons)
The Honeymooners
I Love Lucy
Maverick (first two seasons)
Mystery Science Theater Three Thousand
The Rockford Files
SpongeBob SquarePants (The first three seasons are brilliant.)
The X Files

Similar to a lot of yours, but a few different (in no order):
Star Trek TOS
Magnum PI
The Wild, Wild West
The Rockford Files
Remington Steele
Batman - the 1990s animated one
Seinfeld
The Equalizer
Miami Vice
The Pretender - 1990s show

Honorable mention:
Cowboy Bebop
Dr Who - 10th doctor and before, eg Baker
Keeping Up Appearances
X files
The Rockford Files

TBOU wrote: ↑Sat Jul 15, 2023 2:12 pm Similar to a lot of yours, but a few different (in no order):
Star Trek TOS
Magnum PI
The Wild, Wild West
The Rockford Files
Remington Steele
Batman - the 1990s animated one
Seinfeld
The Equalizer
Miami Vice
The Pretender - 1990s show

Honorable mention:
Cowboy Bebop
Dr Who - 10th doctor and before, eg Baker
Keeping Up Appearances
X files
The Rockford Files

I think The Rockford Files is subconsciously your favorite since it appears on both your favorite and honorable mention lists! It’s my all time favorite.

I used to watch reruns of The Wild, Wild West with my father as a child in the 70’s. It was a favorite of his and it hadn’t been too many years since it’s cancellation at that time. Every once in a while I‘ll catch an episode still.

I watched Keeping Up Appearances quite a few years ago and it was pretty hilarious. I haven’t seen it in a long time, but I still remember laughing quite hard at the “Riparian Entertainments” episode with the boating picnic.

Pahonu wrote: ↑Sat Jul 15, 2023 4:03 pm

TBOU wrote: ↑Sat Jul 15, 2023 2:12 pm Similar to a lot of yours, but a few different (in no order):
Star Trek TOS
Magnum PI
The Wild, Wild West
The Rockford Files
Remington Steele
Batman - the 1990s animated one
Seinfeld
The Equalizer
Miami Vice
The Pretender - 1990s show

Honorable mention:
Cowboy Bebop
Dr Who - 10th doctor and before, eg Baker
Keeping Up Appearances
X files
The Rockford Files

I think The Rockford Files is subconsciously your favorite since it appears on both your favorite and honorable mention lists! It’s my all time favorite.

I used to watch reruns of The Wild, Wild West with my father as a child in the 70’s. It was a favorite of his and it hadn’t been too many years since it’s cancellation at that time. Every once in a while I‘ll catch an episode still.

I watched Keeping Up Appearances quite a few years ago and it was pretty hilarious. I haven’t seen it in a long time, but I still remember laughing quite hard at the “Riparian Entertainments” episode with the boating picnic.

Good catch lol, hard to beat a classic like that.

Wild Wild West is still a favorite, I keep thinking about getting the complete set of it.

Pahonu wrote: ↑Sat Jul 15, 2023 4:03 pm I watched Keeping Up Appearances quite a few years ago and it was pretty hilarious. I haven’t seen it in a long time, but I still remember laughing quite hard at the “Riparian Entertainments” episode with the boating picnic.

Patricia Routledge and Judy Cornwell (Hyacinth and Daisy) are still around. 94 and 83 respectively!

Favorite shows are those which I have a certain interest in, usually watching them as much as possible, like to the end of the run. Shows I have done WWW sites for (see www.mjq.net) are indicated with an asterisk.

Zorro (Guy Williams)
Disneyland (under various other names too)
Red Skelton Show
Secret Agent (Danger Man, McGoohan)
Saturday Night Live (comes and goes)
Star Trek (original)
Hawaii Five-O*
Streets of San Francisco*
Kojak*
The Invaders*
The X-Files* (not reviews)
24
Seinfeld (just finished this one)

Mr. Mike wrote: ↑Sat Jun 29, 2024 10:41 pm Favorite shows are those which I have a certain interest in, usually watching them as much as possible, like to the end of the run. Shows I have done WWW sites for (see www.mjq.net) are indicated with an asterisk.

Zorro (Guy Williams)
Disneyland (under various other names too)
Red Skelton Show
Secret Agent (Danger Man, McGoohan)
Saturday Night Live (comes and goes)
Star Trek (original)
Hawaii Five-O*
Streets of San Francisco*
Kojak*
The Invaders*
The X-Files* (not reviews)
24
Seinfeld (just finished this one)

Thank you for the link, lots of goodies for me to check out. I note Zorro on your list, that and Bozo(Chicago version) are my earliest recollection of watching a TV show.
I'm getting surgery on the morrow, I asked, since there will be a scar, if it could be in the shape of a "Z", I kid you not.
Figure a "Z" will get laughs and be a conversation starter.

Styles Bitchley wrote: ↑Fri Jul 08, 2011 9:19 am Order may change depending on mood, time of year, time of day, etc.

Magnum P.I.
Northern Exposure
Family Ties
Cheers
Mike Hammer (the Stacy Keach one)
Mad Men
Six Feet Under (at least the first time around)
Gilligan's Island
Remington Steele
Moonlighting

BTW, there's a similar thread here.

Hey Styles,
I’ve been watching Mike Hammer with Stacy Keach for the last few weeks since my summer break began. I really like it too! Maybe it’s just nostalgia for the time, though I didn’t watch it originally, but I’ve really enjoyed it. I missed most of the first season, but watched all of the short season two. I’m close to finishing up season three now.

Luther's nephew Dobie wrote: ↑Mon Jul 28, 2014 4:36 am Hi Guys,
I'd like to compliment everyone on their lists. I might not have listed some of them but they are all worthy. My list may not make some NY Times critics list of important series, but they make me feel good:

1) Andy Griffith Show
2) Dick Van Dyke Show
3) Route 66 (some of the best writing/acting in tv history)
4) Magnum PI
5) Rockford Files
6) WKRP
7) The Honeymooners
Black Adder
9) The Avengers - the 2 seasons with Mrs. Peel
10) Twilight Zone
11) Bonanza
12) Monty Python
13) I SPY
14) Bill Cosby Show(the late 1960's one that ran for 2 years with Bill as a gym teacher, 50 times better than his later much more famous series).
Plus my favorites as a kid:
Jonny Quest
Skippy the Bush Kangaroo
Bugs Bunny
3 Stooges
Gigantor
Superman
Wonderama
Soupy Sales Show
Sea Hunt
Bozo, Garfield Goose and Ray Rayner on WGN Chicago

It's been 10 years since I posted the above, but not once since then have I been able to watch "I Spy" despite it being a great series that could never be replicated because
no one could afford to film a series that one week was in Japan and the next Algeria or London.
I get you are supposed to separate the actor from the role but Cosby's crimes are so vile I can't watch anything he is in.
So I am amending my list:

1) Andy Griffith Show
2) Dick Van Dyke Show
3) Route 66 (some of the best writing/acting in tv history)
4) Magnum PI
5) Rockford Files
6) WKRP
7) The Honeymooners
Black Adder
9) The Avengers - the 2 seasons with Mrs. Peel
10) Twilight Zone
11) Bonanza
12) Cheers
13) Star Trek
14) Blue Heelers
15) The Saint
16) Doc Martin
17) The Prisoner
18) Perry Mason
19) Newhart
20) All in the Family

Luther's nephew Dobie wrote: ↑Mon Aug 26, 2024 2:33 am

Luther's nephew Dobie wrote: ↑Mon Jul 28, 2014 4:36 am Hi Guys,
I'd like to compliment everyone on their lists. I might not have listed some of them but they are all worthy. My list may not make some NY Times critics list of important series, but they make me feel good:

1) Andy Griffith Show
2) Dick Van Dyke Show
3) Route 66 (some of the best writing/acting in tv history)
4) Magnum PI
5) Rockford Files
6) WKRP
7) The Honeymooners
Black Adder
9) The Avengers - the 2 seasons with Mrs. Peel
10) Twilight Zone
11) Bonanza
12) Monty Python
13) I SPY
14) Bill Cosby Show(the late 1960's one that ran for 2 years with Bill as a gym teacher, 50 times better than his later much more famous series).
Plus my favorites as a kid:
Jonny Quest
Skippy the Bush Kangaroo
Bugs Bunny
3 Stooges
Gigantor
Superman
Wonderama
Soupy Sales Show
Sea Hunt
Bozo, Garfield Goose and Ray Rayner on WGN Chicago

It's been 10 years since I posted the above, but not once since then have I been able to watch "I Spy" despite it being a great series that could never be replicated because
no one could afford to film a series that one week was in Japan and the next Algeria or London.
I get you are supposed to separate the actor from the role but Cosby's crimes are so vile I can't watch anything he is in.
So I am amending my list:

1) Andy Griffith Show
2) Dick Van Dyke Show
3) Route 66 (some of the best writing/acting in tv history)
4) Magnum PI
5) Rockford Files
6) WKRP
7) The Honeymooners
Black Adder
9) The Avengers - the 2 seasons with Mrs. Peel
10) Twilight Zone
11) Bonanza
12) Cheers
13) Star Trek
14) Blue Heelers
15) The Saint
16) Doc Martin
17) The Prisoner
18) Perry Mason
19) Newhart
20) All in the Family

Did I SPY really film on location? I'm sure many episodes were but I doubt every episode was. I'm sure many episodes had establishing shots of some faraway locale but the rest was probably filmed locally. Can't imagine they'd be shooting in Athens one week and then in Tokyo the next. These weren't exactly James Bond movies. Cosby or not, I was never a huge fan of the series though it wasn't a bad show. Certainly more believable and grounded than something like Man from U.N.C.L.E. Actually my favorite episode has always been "It's All Done with Mirrors" with Carroll O'Connor as a brainwashing expert working for the Russkies. He brainwashes Culp to shoot Cosby. Pretty tense episode. The others don't really stand out too much in my memory.

Hey, no Hawaii Five-O on that list??? Blasphemy!!! Should be right at the top at #1. Book 'em Danno!

ZelenskyTheValiant (Ivan) wrote: ↑Mon Aug 26, 2024 6:40 am

Luther's nephew Dobie wrote: ↑Mon Aug 26, 2024 2:33 am

Luther's nephew Dobie wrote: ↑Mon Jul 28, 2014 4:36 am Hi Guys,
I'd like to compliment everyone on their lists. I might not have listed some of them but they are all worthy. My list may not make some NY Times critics list of important series, but they make me feel good:

1) Andy Griffith Show
2) Dick Van Dyke Show
3) Route 66 (some of the best writing/acting in tv history)
4) Magnum PI
5) Rockford Files
6) WKRP
7) The Honeymooners
Black Adder
9) The Avengers - the 2 seasons with Mrs. Peel
10) Twilight Zone
11) Bonanza
12) Monty Python
13) I SPY
14) Bill Cosby Show(the late 1960's one that ran for 2 years with Bill as a gym teacher, 50 times better than his later much more famous series).
Plus my favorites as a kid:
Jonny Quest
Skippy the Bush Kangaroo
Bugs Bunny
3 Stooges
Gigantor
Superman
Wonderama
Soupy Sales Show
Sea Hunt
Bozo, Garfield Goose and Ray Rayner on WGN Chicago

It's been 10 years since I posted the above, but not once since then have I been able to watch "I Spy" despite it being a great series that could never be replicated because
no one could afford to film a series that one week was in Japan and the next Algeria or London.
I get you are supposed to separate the actor from the role but Cosby's crimes are so vile I can't watch anything he is in.
So I am amending my list:

1) Andy Griffith Show
2) Dick Van Dyke Show
3) Route 66 (some of the best writing/acting in tv history)
4) Magnum PI
5) Rockford Files
6) WKRP
7) The Honeymooners
Black Adder
9) The Avengers - the 2 seasons with Mrs. Peel
10) Twilight Zone
11) Bonanza
12) Cheers
13) Star Trek
14) Blue Heelers
15) The Saint
16) Doc Martin
17) The Prisoner
18) Perry Mason
19) Newhart
20) All in the Family

Did I SPY really film on location? I'm sure many episodes were but I doubt every episode was. I'm sure many episodes had establishing shots of some faraway locale but the rest was probably filmed locally. Can't imagine they'd be shooting in Athens one week and then in Tokyo the next. These weren't exactly James Bond movies. Cosby or not, I was never a huge fan of the series though it wasn't a bad show. Certainly more believable and grounded than something like Man from U.N.C.L.E. Actually my favorite episode has always been "It's All Done with Mirrors" with Carroll O'Connor as a brainwashing expert working for the Russkies. He brainwashes Culp to shoot Cosby. Pretty tense episode. The others don't really stand out too much in my memory.

Hey, no Hawaii Five-O on that list??? Blasphemy!!! Should be right at the top at #1. Book 'em Danno!

I Spy was a groundbreaking show in its use of location shooting, and it was expensive and complex to plan, but they did it. Writers were encouraged to include lots of local landmarks in their stories. A lot was done in European cities, but also Mexico and Hong Kong among others.

I got to see much of the series many years ago on a cable channel I don’t recall and have never seen it since. I didn’t see every episode, but I remember being impressed when I realized they were actually filming on location. It’s very well done and if a higher quality than contemporaneous shows like Mission Impossible and The Man from UNCLE shot mostly on studio backlots.

I also recall that there were times when several episodes were in a particular region. The Greek Isles comes to mind and also in and around Mexico. Sometimes the location wasn’t too far from Hollywood. I remember one in Palm Springs and at least a couple in San Francisco. So they weren’t exactly going from Tokyo one week, to Paris the next, and then to Mexico City, but they were filming on location.

Also, an hour long drama back then didn’t film an episode per week. It generally took seven plus production days per episode. That’s why filming usually started about two months before the new season premiered, to have several already in the can. This is no longer true for most series today with shorter seasons and often film-like production values, but it was then and in the 80’s with MPI.