Friday Questions

Friday Questions comin’ attacha.

DyHrdMET starts us off.

Is it common to see an actor currently starring in one series guest star in another series on another network? And not necessarily when it's a recurring role. Is there a protocol involved in bringing that actor into the other series? I'm assuming they don't need to audition for the part if they're known and already employed elsewhere.

This particular case (on Antenna TV tonight) was the late John Mahoney guest starring on Becker (on CBS, if I remember correctly) in a prominent role in the episode's story while Frasier was still a big hit on NBC. I've seen it a few other times but the specifics don't come to mind right now.

Generally, networks look the other way as long as it’s a one-time or even two-time thing. And if an actor is on one series for one network and is approached to be recurring on another network that’s worked out in advance between all the parties.   Series are getting shorter so I suspect more of this will occur in the future.  

When an actor commits to a series, he is considered in “first position” for that series. That means if there’s any conflicts he’s obligated to the series first. If he can squeeze in a guest spot during a hiatus week then there’s usually no problem.

During pilot season sometimes an actor who is in a current series that is believed to be soon cancelled will audition for other series. And if they’re signed, they’re in “second position” meaning that if the original series does get a pick up he has to bow out of the new project. Jennifer Aniston was in second position on FRIENDS because she was in a CBS summer series called MUDDLING THROUGH. If CBS had picked up MUDDLING THROUGH for another season FRIENDS would have had to re-shoot the pilot with a new Rachel.

Joe asks:

There are no "Cheers" scripts credited to the Charles Brothers between Kirstie Alley's first episode and the finale. I know other people served as showrunners, but how active were the Charles Brothers during the Kirstie Alley years?

They were very involved day-to-day the early part of season five then backed away. But they still read every outline and first draft and gave notes. And they were involved in the story direction before each season. From time to time they also attended run-throughs.  Their presence was certainly felt. 

For the final season they came back and handled the day-to-day showrunning duties for the last half of the year.

From VincentS:

Have you seen the reruns of MASH aired on ME without the laugh track and if so, what do you think of them?

I like them. When I was on the show I lobbied (unsuccessfully) for the removal of the laugh track.

I’m glad ME.TV is doing that.

Seoul City Sue has been tormented by this question for years and years.

Watching 'The Winchester Tapes' in tribute to David Ogden Stiers, are you the 'Bean Pole Levine' referenced in the episode??

Yes, although I pronounce my name “Lee-Vine.” And I was a beanpole – then.

Phil wonders:

Have you ever attended the Oscars? How was it?

Nope. Never attended. Award shows are generally boring to attend. I just go when I’m nominated for something. So I haven’t been for quite a few years now.

And finally, Kenneth wants to know:

Hey Ken, after years of writing for primetime network television, do you live in a mansion?

You decide.  This is my house.