Good Advice (TV series)


Good Advice is an American sitcom television series that aired for two seasons on CBS from April 2, 1993 to September 6, 1994. It was co-created and executive produced by Danny Jacobson and Norma Safford Vela; and starred Shelley Long and Treat Williams.

Synopsis

Dr. Susan DeRuzza is a successful marriage therapist and the author of a best-selling book on the subject, Giving And Forgiving. Upon returning from a six-week promotional tour she discovers her husband of 11 years, Joey, in bed with another woman. Furthermore, when she returns to her therapy office, she learns she is now sharing it with high-profile divorce attorney Jack Harold. While Susan and Jack don't agree on the basics of relationships, love or marriage, the one thing they do share is an undeniable sexual chemistry. Susan's confidant Artie tries to lend support at the office and her sister Paige and son Michael try to help at home.

Cast

Season 1: 1993

Season 2: 1994

  1. The Big One
  2. Two Times Twenty
  3. Divorce, Egyptian Style
  4. Roll Out the Barrel
  5. Brother, Can You Spare a Date?
  6. The Gay Divorcee
  7. Making Out Is Hard to Do
  8. I'm Not Ready for My Closeup, Dr. DeRuzza
  9. Bill's as Is
  10. A Chance of Showers
  11. I Am Woman, Hear Me Snore
  12. Lights, Camera, Friction!
  13. Desperately Using Susan

    History

Good Advice was intended to debut at the very beginning of the 1992–1993 season, but became a mid-season replacement on CBS in the Spring of 1993, due to the fact that the network's Fall schedule was overcrowded. The initial order garnered solid ratings and generally positive critical reviews. This was Shelley Long's first return to series television after leaving her role as Diane Chambers on Cheers and also the first sitcom for Treat Williams. Ross Malinger, who played Susan's son, gained notoriety from his big-screen portrayal of Tom Hanks's matchmaking son in Sleepless in Seattle, which was released that Summer.
CBS renewed the series for a second season, but production was halted after Long became sick with the flu. Long's illness prompted the network to put the show on indefinite hiatus; the season premiere aired in the Summer of 1994, but the show was cancelled after the season ended.
For the second season, Estelle Harris, who played Artie's mother, and Christopher McDonald as ex-husband Joey, were cut as regulars in lieu of bringing in Teri Garr as Susan's sister. Henriette Mantel also joined the cast in season 2.
Good Advice staff writers included Michael Patrick King and Max Mutchnick. Robby Benson directed the pilot episode.