Cybill

Last updated

Cybill
Cybill (CBS sitcom) logo.svg
Genre Sitcom
Created by Chuck Lorre
Starring
Theme music composer
Opening theme"Nice Work if You Can Get It" by Cybill Shepherd
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons4
No. of episodes87 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
Camera setup Multi-camera
Running time30 minutes
Production companies
Original release
Network CBS
ReleaseJanuary 2, 1995 (1995-01-02) 
July 13, 1998 (1998-07-13) [1]

Cybillis an American television sitcom created by Chuck Lorre, which aired for four seasons and 87 episodes on CBS from January 2, 1995, to July 13, 1998. Starring Cybill Shepherd, the show revolves around the life of Cybill Sheridan, a twice-divorced single mother of two and struggling actress in her 40s who has never gotten her big break in show business. Alicia Witt and Dedee Pfeiffer co-starred as Sheridan's daughters, with Alan Rosenberg and Tom Wopat playing their respective fathers, while Christine Baranski appeared as Cybill's hard-drinking friend Maryann. [2]

Contents

The sitcom was produced by Chuck Lorre Productions and YBYL Productions in association with Carsey-Werner Productions, with Shepherd, Lorre, Howard M. Gould, Jay Daniel, Caryn Mandabach, Marcy Carsey, and Tom Werner serving as the show's original executive producers. Broadcast to critical praise, Cybill was nominated for 12 Emmy Awards throughout its run and awarded the 1996 Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy. Shepherd won a third Golden Globe Award for her performance, while Baranski received an Emmy, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and an American Comedy Award. Cybill has been in syndication on the comedy-centric digital subchannel Laff since April 2016, along with other Carsey-Werner Productions series shown on the network. [3]

Plot

Cybill takes place in Los Angeles and focuses on the character of a somewhat faded actress, Cybill Sheridan (played by Cybill Shepherd), who, because of her age, had been relegated to playing character roles, bit parts, and TV commercials. [4] Also featured are her daughters: headstrong Zoey (Witt) and uptight Rachel (Pfeiffer), two ex-husbands: Ira (Rosenberg) and Jeff (Wopat), and her hard-drinking best friend Maryann (Baranski).

Due to the show's premise, many episodes featured a show-within-a-show format, usually in the cold opens, showing Cybill Sheridan playing a variety of other characters in her various film and TV acting roles. [5]

In her autobiography, Cybill Disobedience, Shepherd stated that the Cybill character was based on herself—or at least what her life as an actress could have been without the successes of The Last Picture Show and Moonlighting . Many of the show's details and situations were mined from her own family, marriages, and experiences. [6]

Cast and characters

Regular and semi-regular

Recurring and special guests

Additionally, many prominent actors appeared playing themselves, often humorous or self-deprecating caricatures of their real personas. These included Jonathan Frakes, Joan Van Ark, Dick Van Patten, Burt Reynolds, and Cybill Shepherd's real-life ex-partner, director Peter Bogdanovich.

Episodes

SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
1 13January 2, 1995 (1995-01-02)May 15, 1995 (1995-05-15)
2 24September 17, 1995 (1995-09-17)May 20, 1996 (1996-05-20)
3 26September 16, 1996 (1996-09-16)May 19, 1997 (1997-05-19)
4 24September 15, 1997 (1997-09-15)July 13, 1998 (1998-07-13)

Ratings

Average seasonal ratings

SeasonTime slot (ET)PremiereFinaleSeason
rank
Viewers
(millions)
1 1994–1995 Monday at 9:30 pmJanuary 2, 1995May 15, 1995#2212.8
2 1995–1996 Sunday at 8:00 pm (Episodes 1-11, 13–16, 18-20)
Monday at 9:30 pm (Episode 12)
Sunday at 8:30 pm (Episode 17, 21-24)
September 17, 1995May 20, 1996#50 [ citation needed ]10.0
3 1996–1997 Monday at 9:30 pm (Episodes 1-18)
Monday at 9:00 pm (Episodes 19-26)
September 16, 1996May 19, 1997#30[ citation needed ]10.5
4 1997–1998 Monday at 9:00 pm (Episodes 1-12, 18-21)
Wednesday at 8:30 pm (Episodes 13-17)
Monday at 9:30 pm (Episodes 22-24)
September 15, 1997July 13, 1998#50 [9] 8.3

Cancellation

The series got respectable (though never spectacular) ratings throughout most of its run, but was abruptly canceled by CBS at the end of the 1997–98 season after a noticeable ratings decline. The show was actually pulled from the CBS schedule after the April 8, 1998, episode had aired; the remaining new episodes that had already been produced were aired over the summer. Shepherd later alleged that the cancellation occurred because the network was uncomfortable with Cybill's feminist leanings and frank depiction of female sexuality. [10]

The cancellation was not expected by the show's staff, as the series ends with a cliffhanger and the words "To Be Continued..." on the screen. At the time of its cancellation, the show's ratings were higher than Nash Bridges (1996–2001) and Chicago Hope (1994–2000); those shows continued to air on CBS. [11] In 2018, Shepherd claimed that Les Moonves hit on her during a dinner date, but she refused him. As a result, she said, he soon interfered with the series' concepts, and ultimately canceled the show. [12]

Awards and nominations

Cybill was nominated for twelve Emmy Awards throughout its entire run, winning three. Nominated for her performance in each season, Baranski was the only cast member to win an Emmy. [13] Baranski also received an American Comedy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Viewers for Quality Television Award for her portrayal, while Shepherd was awarded the 1996 Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy. [13] The same year, the sitcom also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy, its only win for both the crew and the cast. [13]

AwardYearCategoryRecipientsResultRef.
American Comedy Awards 1996 Funniest Supporting Female Performer in a TV SeriesChristine BaranskiWon [14]
GLAAD Media Awards 1997Outstanding TV - Individual Episode"Cybill and Maryann Go to Japan"Nominated [15]
Golden Globe Awards 1996 Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy Won [16]
Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy Cybill ShepherdWon
Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film Christine BaranskiNominated
1997 Best Actress – Television Series Musical or ComedyCybill ShepherdNominated [16]
Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television FilmChristine BaranskiNominated
Online Film & Television Association Awards1997Best Supporting Actress in a SeriesChristine BaranskiNominated [17]
Best Actress in a Comedy SeriesCybill ShepherdNominated
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy SeriesChristine BaranskiNominated
1998Best Actress in a Comedy SeriesCybill ShepherdNominated [18]
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy SeriesChristine BaranskiNominated
Primetime Emmy Awards 1995 Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Cybill Shepherd Nominated [19]
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Christine Baranski Won [20]
Outstanding Individual Achievement in Art Direction for a SeriesGarvin Eddy and Rochelle MoserWon [21]
Outstanding Individual Achievement in Costume Design for a Series Robert TurturiceNominated [22]
1996 Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy SeriesCybill ShepherdNominated [23]
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy SeriesChristine BaranskiNominated [24]
Outstanding Individual Achievement in Art Direction for a SeriesGarvin Eddy and Rochelle MoserNominated [25]
Outstanding Costume Design for a SeriesMarion Kirk, Daniel Grant North and Leslie Simmons PottsWon [26]
Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy Series Or A SpecialJerry Clemans, Edward L. Moskowitz and Craig PorterNominated [27]
1997 Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy SeriesCybill ShepherdNominated [28]
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy SeriesChristine BaranskiNominated [29]
1998 Nominated [30]
Satellite Awards 1997 Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy Nominated [31]
Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy Cybill ShepherdNominated
Screen Actors Guild Awards 1996 Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series Christine BaranskiWon [32]
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Christine Baranski, Dedee Pfeiffer, Alan Rosenberg, Cybill Shepherd, Alicia Witt and Tom WopatNominated
1997 Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy SerieChristine BaranskiNominated [33]
Viewers for Quality Television Awards 1996Best Actress in a Quality Comedy SeriesCybill ShepherdNominated [34]
Best Supporting Actress in a Quality Comedy SeriesChristine BaranskiWon
1997Nominated [35]

Home media

Region 1

On September 16, 2008, First Look Studios released Cybill: The Collector's Edition, Vol. 1, a 2-disc best of DVD. [36]

Region 2

Anchor Bay Entertainment has released the entire series on DVD in the UK.

DVD NameEp#Release Date
The Complete First Series [37] 1324 April 2006
The Complete Second Series [38] 242 July 2007
The Complete Third Series [39] 265 May 2008
The Complete Fourth Series [40] 244 August 2008
The Complete Box Set8729 September 2008

References

  1. "BBC - Comedy Guide - Cybill". December 9, 2004. Archived from the original on December 9, 2004. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  2. Howard Rosenberg (January 2, 1995). "'Cybill' Is a Promising Addition to CBS Lineup - latimes". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  3. Broadcasting, Katz. "LAFF Lands Roseanne, That '70s Show, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Grounded For Life and Cybill In Multi-Year Licensing Agreements with Carsey-Werner" (Press release).
  4. "Cybill". EW . Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  5. Ray Loynd (December 29, 1994). "Cybill". Variety. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  6. Cybill Disobedience
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 "Full Cast & Crew". IMDb. May 18, 2004. Retrieved June 3, 2011.
  8. King, Susan (January 8, 1995). "Absolutely 'Cybill' : Shepherd's New Series Is Built Around An Actress Who Could Be Her". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  9. "Final Ratings for '97-'98 TV Season". SFGate.com. May 25, 1998. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  10. Griffin, Nancy (July–August 2004). "Cybill Liberties". AARP Magazine.
  11. "Final Ratings for '97-'98 TV Season". SFGate.com. May 25, 1998. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  12. Deadline.com Cybill Shepherd Says Her ’90s Sitcom Ended Because She Refused Les Moonves’ Advances
  13. 1 2 3 "Awards for Cybill (1995)". IMDb . Retrieved June 6, 2011.
  14. "American Comedy Awards, USA (1996)". IMDb . Retrieved August 28, 2015.
  15. "GLAAD Media Awards (1997)". IMDb . Retrieved January 23, 2016.
  16. 1 2 "The 53rd Annual Golden Globe Awards (1996) Winners & Nominees". GoldenGlobes.com. Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA). Archived from the original on June 24, 2016. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  17. "1996-1997: The Season of The Shining". Online Film & Television Association. Wesley Lovell. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved June 7, 2015.
  18. "1997-1998: The Season of Merlin". Online Film & Television Association. Wesley Lovell. Archived from the original on October 19, 2015. Retrieved June 7, 2015.
  19. "47th Primetime Emmys Nominees and Winners – Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series". Emmys.com. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences . Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  20. "47th Primetime Emmys Nominees and Winners – Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series". Emmys.com. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences . Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  21. "47th Primetime Emmys Nominees and Winners – Outstanding Individual Achievement in Art Direction for a Series". Emmys.com. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences . Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  22. "47th Primetime Emmys Nominees and Winners – Outstanding Individual Achievement in Costume Design for a Series". Emmys.com. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences . Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  23. "48th Primetime Emmys Nominees and Winners – Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series". Emmys.com. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences . Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  24. "48th Primetime Emmys Nominees and Winners – Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series". Emmys.com. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences . Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  25. "48th Primetime Emmys Nominees and Winners – Outstanding Individual Achievement in Art Direction for a Series". Emmys.com. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences . Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  26. "48th Primetime Emmys Nominees and Winners – Outstanding Costume Design for a Series". Emmys.com. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences . Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  27. "48th Primetime Emmys Nominees and Winners – Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy Series Or A Special". Emmys.com. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences . Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  28. "49th Primetime Emmys Nominees and Winners – Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series". Emmys.com. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences . Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  29. "49th Primetime Emmys Nominees and Winners – Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series". Emmys.com. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences . Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  30. "50th Primetime Emmys Nominees and Winners – Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series". Emmys.com. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences . Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  31. "1997 Satellite Awards". Satellite Awards. International Press Academy . Retrieved February 23, 2016.
  32. "2nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards". SAGAwards.org. Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  33. "3rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards". SAGAwards.org. Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). Archived from the original on May 4, 2012. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  34. "Viewers for Quality Television Awards (1996)". IMDb . Retrieved August 28, 2015.
  35. "Viewers for Quality Television Awards (1997)". IMDb . Retrieved August 28, 2015.
  36. "Cybill: The Collector's Edition Volume 1: Cybill Shepherd, Christine Baranski: Movies & TV". Amazon.com. September 16, 2008. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  37. "Cybill - Series 1". April 24, 2006 via Amazon.
  38. "Cybill - The Complete Second Series". July 2, 2007 via Amazon.
  39. "Cybill Series 3". May 5, 2008 via Amazon.
  40. "Cybill - Series 4". August 4, 2008 via Amazon.