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Katie Joplin

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Katie Joplin
An image with two photos (one of a man and another of a woman next to a young boy). The two images are placed against a pale green background with yellow and red boxes framing them.
GenreSitcom
Created by
  • Tom Seeley
  • Norm Gunzenhauser
Starring
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes7 (including 2 unaired)
Production
Executive producers
  • Tom Seeley
  • Norm Gunzenhauser
Production companyWarner Bros. Television
Original release
NetworkThe WB
ReleaseAugust 9 (1999-08-09) –
September 6, 1999 (1999-09-06)

Katie Joplin is an American sitcom created by Tom Seeley and Norm Gunzenhauser that aired for one season on The WB Television Network (The WB) from August to September 1999. Park Overall stars as the title character, a single mother who moves from Knoxville to Philadelphia and tries to balance her job as a radio program host with parenting her teenage son Greg (Jesse Head). Supporting characters include Katie's niece Liz Berlin (Ana Reeder) as well as her co-workers, played by Jay Thomas, Jim Rash, and Simon Rex. Majandra Delfino guest-starred in three episodes as the daughter of the radio station's general manager.

Warner Bros. Television produced the series, and its premise was developed from a pitch that Overall gave to The WB. The network initially optioned the show as a potential mid-season replacement for the 1998–1999 television season, but it was delayed for a year due to production issues. Production on Katie Joplin was halted in October 1998 because The WB and Warner Bros. Television were disappointed with its development.

Katie Joplin received the lowest ratings for any original program The WB aired in its time slot. Before the show's premiere, The WB already decided to cancel it, feeling it would not connect with a younger demographic. Only five episodes aired, although seven were filmed. Critics recommended Katie Joplin prior to its premiere, and the delay in its airing was a subject of discussion. Retrospective reviews of the series were negative and focused on its short run.

Premise and characters

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A photograph of Jay Thomas in a tuxedo and looking away from the camera.
Jay Thomas (pictured in 1992) played general manager Glen Shotz.

The series follows Katie Joplin (Park Overall), a single mother to her 14-year-old son Greg (Jesse Head).[1][2] While living in Knoxville, she is disappointed with her job in a bottling plant, where she works 16 hours a day.[2] She moves to Philadelphia, to track down her estranged husband Jerry and find a new job.[1][2] Katie's niece Liz Berlin (Ana Reeder) allows her and Greg to live in her loft on a temporary basis.[2][3] Liz is an editor at a popular fashion magazine,[3] and television historians Tim Brooks and Earle F. Marsh described her as a fashion plate.[1] Katie first works for the Crescent Corset Company and later Car City, while her son attends Benjamin Franklin High School.[2]

Katie makes a positive first impression with WLBP-FM's general manager Glen Shotz (Jay Thomas) while trying to sell him a car.[1][2] Thomas approached his character from a sympathetic viewpoint; he explained: "I'm trying to make this guy more human than any general manager I've ever had."[4] Brooks and Marsh wrote Katie impressed Glen with her "perception, Southern wit, and strong opinions" and said she received a job to host a phone-in radio program because of her "out-spoken nature".[1] Episodes are often about Katie's attempt to balance her career and her relationship with her son.[2] Head said that he shared several characteristics with Greg, explaining that they both come from small towns and enjoy "the music and baggy pants".[5]

During her six-hour overnight show, entitled The Katie Joplin Show, Katie gives advice on love to her listeners.[2][6] Program director Mitchell Tuit (Jim Rash) dislikes her as he opposes a talk show airing on his primarily rock and roll station. In an attempt to sabotage the program, he pairs her with the inexperienced producer Tiger French (Simon Rex).[1] The Malay Mail's Marina Abdul Ghani wrote that Katie quickly becomes popular with listeners because she can get "right to the heart of the matter".[3]

Glen has a teenage daughter, Sara Shotz (Majandra Delfino), out-of-wedlock and has not talked to her in years.[3] During the show, he has a wife who recently gave birth to twins.[7] Upon Katie's encouragement, Glen reconnects with Sara, and spoils her and hires her as a receptionist despite her incompetence. Sara treats Glen respectfully after he disciplines her, and she moves in with him.[3] An episode focuses on Sara and Tiger secretly dating.[3]

Production and broadcast history

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Tom Seeley and Norm Gunzenhauser created Katie Joplin and were its executive producers.[8][9] Author Richard Irvin wrote that it was similar to the sitcom Murphy Brown, which was also produced by Seeley and Gunzenhauser.[7] Katie Joplin's premise was developed in 1998 and based on a pitch that Overall made to The WB during a presentation.[10] She said the series "brings the mountain spirit and mountain wisdom to the city of brotherly love",[11] and described its tone as "very upbeat (and) very odd".[12] Warner Bros. Television produced the series, which was filmed in front of a studio audience.[9][13]

The WB Television Network (The WB) had originally optioned Katie Joplin as a mid-season replacement for the 1998–1999 television season. The network had considered it along with Zoe, Duncan, Jack and Jane, Baby Blues, and Movie Stars for its Sunday line-up.[14] It was delayed to 1999 due to unspecified production issues.[11][15] The WB and Warner Bros. Television were disappointed with the series,[7] and stopped production in October 1998.[15] Katie Joplin was developed under four working titles: You're With Kate,[6] You're on With Kate,[16] Untitled Park Overall Project,[17] and Citizen Kate.[18]

Katie Joplin premiered on August 9, 1999, and the final episode aired on September 6, 1999.[1] Seven episodes were filmed, although only five aired.[19][20] The series carried a TV-PG rating for suggestive dialogue and coarse or crude language.[21] Broadcast on Monday nights at 9:30 pm EST, each episode lasts 30 minutes with commercials.[1][22] Katie Joplin received the lowest ratings for any original WB program that aired in the time slot.[7] When discussing these low ratings, The Washington Post columnist Lisa de Moraes wrote: "Maybe they should've let a couple of people know they were running it."[23] In 2016, Irvin listed Katie Joplin in his book Forgotten Laughs: An Episode Guide to 150 TV Sitcoms You Probably Never Saw.[7]

Overall learned The WB canceled Katie Joplin while promoting the sitcom Ladies Man; she said: "I think that's pretty rude. Honey, they didn't even call me to tell me they were canceling it!" According to Overall, The WB decided to cancel the series months before it aired as they did not believe it could attract a young demographic.[24] Rob Owen, while writing for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, said Katie Joplin was scheduled for a "short run",[25] and Times Leader's Norma Cavazos described it as a "summer series".[26] de Moraes considered it an example of burning off, a practice in which a television network airs an already-canceled show as filler.[23]

Episodes

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No.Title [7]Directed by [7]Written by [7]Original air date [7]US viewers
(millions)		Rating/share
(households) [a]
1"I'd Rather Be in Philadelphia"Steve ZuckermanNorm Gunzenhauser and Tom SeeleyAugust 9, 1999 (1999-08-09)2.1[28]1.6/3[28]
After following her husband to Philadelphia, Katie Joplin receives a job as a radio show host after impressing the station's general manager Glen Shotz. The station's program director Mitchell Tuit attempts to sabotage Katie by having her work with the inexperienced producer Tiger French. Katie abandons her plan to reunite with her husband after realizing he will continue to be unfaithful to her.[7]
2"Charcoaled Gray"Steve ZuckermanAmy and Wendy EngelbergAugust 16, 1999 (1999-08-16)1.87[29]1.5/2[30]
Katie's son Greg gets detention after refusing a burnt sandwich from the cafeteria. When Katie shares his story on her radio show, Greg is bullied by two students. Meanwhile, Tiger helps Katie steal Mitchell's leather office chair.[7]
3"Promotion Commotion"Steve ZuckermanBill KunstlerAugust 23, 1999 (1999-08-23)1.49[31]1.1/2[32]
Katie's radio show receives a city-wide promotional campaign. While Katie is distracted with work, Greg faces peer pressure from his new friend and gets caught breaking an abandoned building's windows. Because of this, Katie asks Glen to cut back on her busy campaign schedule. At the station, Tiger is uncomfortable with romantic advances from Glen's 16-year-old daughter Sara.[7][b]
4"Parent Trap"Howard MurrayMarc FlanaganAugust 30, 1999 (1999-08-30)2.15[33]1.7/3[34]
Glen spoils Sara with presents and a job at the radio station, and Katie is angry when he refuses to discipline her. After getting Katie's advice, Glenn talks to Sara, and she decides to live with him. Meanwhile, Katie has trouble with her finances after her husband uses their joint credit cards for a shopping spree.[7]
5"Kill the Messenger"Howard MurrayMichael BornhorstSeptember 6, 1999 (1999-09-06)1.78[35]1.3/2[36]
Katie discovers Tiger has been secretly dating Sara and encourages him to tell Glen. However, Tiger decides to break up with Sara instead, but Glen still finds out about their relationship. They later discover Sara has begun dating an intern from the station's mailroom. While preparing for a Bar Mitzvah, Greg turns to Katie's niece Liz Berlin for advice.[7]
6"We're Not in Tennessee Anymore, Toto"James HamptonMarc FlanaganUnaired— —
Katie wants to spend more time with Greg, but worries about him after seeing his response to Liz's relationship with a male model. Liz becomes angry with Katie, who interrupts one of her business meetings, and Greg attempts to help the two reconcile. Meanwhile, Katie starts receiving her things from Tennessee and Greg is worried about seeing his father again.[7][c]
7"Tiger's Choice"Joe RegalbutoEd DriscollUnaired— —
Tiger feels under-appreciated at his job, and asks for a better salary and more respect. Katie is uncomfortable with Glen's growing friendship with Greg.[7]

Critical reception

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Prior to its debut, Katie Joplin was recommended by critics from TV Guide,[11] The News Journal,[37] The Arizona Republic,[38] and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.[39] Rob Owen believed the series would appeal to fans of Overall who was well-known for her role on the sitcom Empty Nest.[25]

Some reviewers commented on the delay with the show's airing.[40][41] David Bianculli, while writing for Fort Worth Star-Telegram, said both Katie Joplin and the CBS sitcom Thanks were not "deemed worthy of consideration for their respective networks' fall schedules".[40] A Dayton Daily News reviewer questioned The WB's decision, and wondered "perhaps they want us to decide for ourselves just why that might be". The writer highlighted Thomas's casting as the main reason for their "curiosity about what might have gone wrong here".[41]

Retrospective reviews of the series were negative. In 2000, Mediaweek's Marc Berman discussed how since the early 1990s, television networks became increasingly interested in summer programming. Berman identified Northern Exposure and Melrose Place as successful instances of shows premiering in the summer, and criticized Katie Joplin as a failure because of its short run.[42] The same year, journalist Josh Chetwynd cited it in USA Today while doing an overview of The WB and UPN on the fifth anniversary of their launches. He singled out Katie Joplin as one of The WB's "big bombs" based on its quick cancelation.[43] In a 2011 Radio World article, Stephen Winzenburg discussed it as a part of his larger question about why television shows about radio have limited success and longevity. He criticized the show's premise, believing it was unrealistic for a middle-aged woman to be hired as a radio host without any prior experience. Winzenburg also considered the featured radio station (87.5 FM) to be an unlikely dial position.[44]

References

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Notes

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  1. ^ "Rating" represents the percentage of American households with a television watching an episode during any given minute of its broadcast while "share" represents the percentage of American households with a television in use watching an episode during any given minute of its broadcast.[27]
  2. ^ Sara was supposed to be introduced in the show's fourth episode "Parent Trap". However, "Promotion Commotion" aired first, even though it was produced as the season's fifth episode.[7]
  3. ^ "We're Not in Tennessee Anymore, Toto" was the third episode produced for the series.[7]

Citations

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Brooks & Marsh (2009): p. 729
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Terrace (2011): pp. 557–558
  3. ^ a b c d e f Ghani, Marina Abdul (August 3, 2000). "Watch out for Katie!". Malay Mail. p. 22. ProQuest 326222058. Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved June 5, 2021 – via ProQuest.(subscription required)
  4. ^ Beck, Marilyn; Smith, Stacy Jenel (October 5, 1998). "Diamond Polishing His New Act Before Taking It Out on the Road". Rocky Mountain News. p. 9D. ProQuest 413155808. Archived from the original on July 24, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2018 – via ProQuest.(subscription required)
  5. ^ Sayles, Damon (October 18, 1999). "Local teen to have role in sitcom, has eyes on big screen". Image. Seguin Gazette. p. 2B. Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved October 22, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ a b Pierce, Scott D. (May 20, 1998). "The WB adds Thursday nights and 4 new series". Deseret News. Archived from the original on August 5, 2018.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Irvin (2016)
  8. ^ Niedt, Bob (October 13, 2011). "Casting begins for 'Upstate,' a pilot episode of a proposed TV series to be set and filmed in Syracuse". The Post-Standard. Archived from the original on January 17, 2012.
  9. ^ a b Morrison, Pamela (August 3, 1999). "The WB's New Comedy Katie Joplin Completes the Summer Season" (Press release). WarnerMedia. Archived from the original on August 6, 2018.
  10. ^ Beck, Marilyn; Smith, Stacy Jenel (April 1, 1998). "'Seinfeld' Finale Could Close New York's 42nd Street". Los Angeles Daily News. Archived from the original on August 6, 2018. (subscription required)
  11. ^ a b c "New Park Overall TV Show,'Katie Joplin,' Premieres Monday". The Greeneville Sun. August 7, 1999. Archived from the original on July 16, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
  12. ^ "TV Newsmakers". Television. Florida Today. August 9, 1999. p. 4D. Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. Retrieved April 25, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ Leszczak (2018): pp. 101–102
  14. ^ Hontz, Jenny (May 19, 1998). "'Creek' tweak in WB's sked". Variety. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016.
  15. ^ a b Beck, Marilyn; Smith, Stacy Jenel (November 30, 1998). "Taking Bulworth by the Horns". Los Angeles Daily News. p. L10. ProQuest 281824924. Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. Retrieved June 5, 2021 – via ProQuest.(subscription required)
  16. ^ Huff, Richard (May 19, 1998). "WB to Beat a Hasty Repeat in Prime Time". New York Daily News. p. 74. ProQuest 313625637. Archived from the original on June 28, 2021. Retrieved June 16, 2021 – via ProQuest.(subscription required)
  17. ^ Schneider, Michael (May 11, 1998). "Network Pilots Run from 'Quirky' to 'Hollyweird'". Advertising Age. Archived from the original on August 5, 2018.
  18. ^ Beck, Marilyn; Smith, Stacy Jenel (June 15, 1998). "McRee Bonds with Mom of School Shooting Suspect". Los Angeles Daily News. Archived from the original on August 6, 2018. (subscription required)
  19. ^ "Episodes". TV Guide. Archived from the original on August 6, 2018.
  20. ^ "Tonight's Prime Time". Television/Entertainment. Statesman Journal. August 9, 1999. p. 3D. Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved July 26, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
  21. ^ "'Moesha' spin-off: Hilarious, or just too painful to watch?". The Standard-Times. August 30, 1999. Archived from the original on August 5, 2018.
  22. ^ "Don't Touch That Dial". Kitsap Sun. August 9, 1999. Archived from the original on August 5, 2018.
  23. ^ a b de Moraes, Lisa (August 25, 1999). "The Game Show Must Go On". The Washington Post. p. C07. ProQuest 408492612. Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. Retrieved June 5, 2021 – via ProQuest.(subscription required)
  24. ^ Leifer, Carol (September 4, 1999). "TV Dish: The WB Acts Its Age". Television. Steven Point Journal. p. T3. Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved July 26, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ a b Owen, Rob (August 8, 1999). "Hot Ticket". Arts & Entertainment. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. G-2. Archived from the original on August 6, 2018. Retrieved June 11, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. ^ Cavazos, Norma (September 3, 1999). "Check international sports channel for down under football". Celebrity Questions. Times Leader. p. 7C. Archived from the original on April 25, 2021. Retrieved April 25, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  27. ^ Welch, Alex (January 4, 2020). "The Masked Singer adjusts up, SEAL Team adjusts down: Wednesday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 1, 2019.
  28. ^ a b "Primetime TV Rate Race". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 359, no. 9. August 18, 1999. pp. 16–17. ProQuest 2469202180. Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved June 5, 2021 – via ProQuest.(subscription required)
  29. ^ "National Nielsen Viewership". Los Angeles Times (Orange County ed.). August 25, 1999. p. F12. Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  30. ^ "Primetime TV Rate Race". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 359, no. 14. August 25, 1999. pp. 16–17. ProQuest 2469287043. Archived from the original on July 24, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2021 – via ProQuest.(subscription required)
  31. ^ "National Nielsen Viewership". Los Angeles Times (Orange County ed.). September 1, 1999. p. F13. Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  32. ^ "People's Choice". Broadcasting & Cable. September 6, 1999. Archived from the original on July 25, 2018. (subscription required)
  33. ^ "National Nielsen Viewership". Los Angeles Times. September 10, 1999. p. F28. Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  34. ^ "People's Choice" (PDF). Broadcasting & Cable. September 13, 1999. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
  35. ^ "National Nielsen Viewership". Los Angeles Times. September 15, 1999. p. F10. Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  36. ^ "Primetime TV Rate Race". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 359, no. 29. September 15, 1999. pp. 32–33. ProQuest 2467912190. Archived from the original on June 28, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2021 – via ProQuest.(subscription required)
  37. ^ "Best Bet". TV. The News Journal. August 8, 1999. p. TV10. Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved October 22, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ^ Law, Bonnie Baker (August 9, 1999). "Best Bets". TV. The Arizona Republic. p. D6. Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved April 23, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  39. ^ "Highlights". Television. South Florida Sun Sentinel. August 9, 1999. p. 4D. Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved April 23, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  40. ^ a b Bianculli, David (August 9, 1999). "Best Bets". Life & Arts. Fort Worth Star-Telegram. p. 8D. Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved April 23, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  41. ^ a b "Today's Sure Bets". TV. Dayton Daily News. August 9, 1999. p. 5C. Archived from the original on May 1, 2021. Retrieved October 22, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
  42. ^ Berman, Marc (June 19, 2000). "Summer heat". Mediaweek. pp. 38–42. ProQuest 213639763. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 16, 2021 – via ProQuest.(subscription required)
  43. ^ Chetwynd, Josh (January 18, 2000). "Happy birthday, UPN and WB Some candles on the cake burn brighter than others". USA Today. p. 04D. ProQuest 408789965. Archived from the original on June 30, 2021. Retrieved June 5, 2021 – via ProQuest.(subscription required)
  44. ^ Winzenburg, Stephen (September 18, 2011). "Do You Remember 'Talk to Me'?". Radio World. Archived from the original on August 6, 2018.

Book sources

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