"Empty Nest" (1988) TV series 1988-1995

User Rating:

6.8/10   

Creator:

Susan Harris

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Release Date:

8 October 1988 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

"Empty Nest" is set in Miami and tells of the day to day misadventures of a widowed pediatrician, Harry Weston...

Plot Keywords:

Empty Nest | Pediatrician | Medical | Spin Off | Florida

Awards:

Won Golden Globe. Another 8 wins & 15 nominations

Cast

Richard Mulligan	...	Dr. Harry Weston (170 episodes, 1988-1995)
Dinah Manoff	...	Carol Weston (170 episodes, 1988-1995)
David Leisure	...	Charley Dietz (170 episodes, 1988-1995)
Park Overall	...	Laverne Todd (170 episodes, 1988-1995)
Kristy McNichol	...	Barbara Weston (100 episodes, 1988-1995)

Runtime:

30 min (170 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Filming Locations:

Columbia/Sunset Gower Studios - 1438 N. Gower Street, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions

Trivia:

Aired in a programming block with sister shows "The Golden Girls" (1985) and "Nurses" (1991). All three shows were created by Susan Harris and took place in Miami, Florida. On several occasions the shows featured interwoven story lines (such as a hurricane), in which characters from all three shows would interact.

Quotes:

[repeated line]
Carol Weston: I am sick!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Family Guy: A Picture Is Worth 1,000 Bucks (#2.11)" (2000)

Soundtrack:

LIFE GOES ON

The TV-series: theme song said it all: ("Life Goes On").

I am sad as I'm sure many others are to learn of the death of Richard Mulligan (1932-2000), he died this past year of cancer at 67. When I read the news I felt somber then I remembered the good times the "Empty Nest" days and I type this comment as a tribute to him. "Empty Nest" was one of the few TV-series: in my lifetime that I watched together with my family and received enjoyment. A Saturday night tradition. Having struck ratings gold with the Miami-based "Miami Vice" and "The, Golden Girls", NBC scored again with this sunny sitcom based in the Sunshine City. Like "The, Golden Girls", it featured a star of the 70's Richard Mulligan as a generous and heartwarming worrywart Dr. Harry Weston, and his only family consisted of two grown daughters Carol Weston (Dinah Manoff) and Barbara Weston (Kristy McNichol). Rounding the cast out were Harry's hick hillbilly southern nurse LaVerne (Park Overall) and a nerd and inept neighbor Charley (David Leisure) who supposedly worked on a cruise ship but would always splash and deadbeat into the Weston's kitchen. "Empty Nest" was a great comedy I know I got annoyed from time to time by putting up with the neurotic Carol and sarcastic LaVerne. Put those minor problems aside Richard Mulligan made this show a hit with his wit and comedic ability at the same time being the generous and serious Dr. Harry Weston. I know people think that producers just go to some little town and find a dippy person, but acting takes great skill and Richard Mulligan proved that on "Empty Nest". I also wish that this show like it's Miami counterpart "The, Golden Girls" would receive Lifetime airings as well it sure deserves it. The theme song of "Empty Nest" describes it all not just for the show but everyday life as well no matter what mysteries, problems, or things we find in life we will get the answer no matter how hard remember "Life Goes On". Finally I know we will all miss Richard Mulligan and his many talents we must remember no matter how much sadness we can find the answers and "Life Goes On".