The series follows the misadventures of Harvey A. Kavanaugh, an egotistical, self-centered out-of-work actor who operates an acting class from his home that he shares with his level-headed daughter Maggie, who works at the Friendly Community Bank. The supporting cast includes Barry Van Dyke as Stuart Stafford, Maggie's boyfriend and co-worker, and Milton Selzer as Jake Winkleman, Harvey's hard-working agent.
Cast
Harvey Korman as Harvey A. Kavanaugh
Christine Lahti as Maggie Kavanaugh
Barry Van Dyke as Stuart Stafford
Milton Selzer as Jake Winkleman
Production
The Harvey Korman Show was created as a star vehicle for Harvey Korman when he was offered a contract by ABC to headline his own television series. Following his long and successful run as a supporting player on CBS's The Carol Burnett Show from 1967 to 1977, Korman by this time had grown restless of the variety show routine and was very eager in pursuing lead character roles. The pilot episode was originally broadcast on May 19, 1977, and varied slightly from the 1978 series: Korman portrays Francis A. Kavanaugh, a flamboyant, old school actor and dramatic coach of The Francis A. Kavanaugh Academy of Dramatic Arts, an acting class he operates from his home that he shares with his 19-year-old daughter Maggie. In the actual series, Korman's character name was changed to Harvey A. Kavanaugh and the role of Maggie was recast with Christine Lahti in one of her early acting roles. The Harvey Korman Show was broadcast Tuesday nights on ABC at 9:30 p.m. throughout its brief run. It was videotaped before a live audience at NBC Studios in Burbank, California. The theme song "Living Life Today", written by Ken Welch & Mitzi Welch, was performed by Korman in a Broadway-esque manner. Garry Shandling was one of the scriptwriters and story editor for the series.
The Harvey Korman Show drew low ratings and was cancelled after only five episodes aired. Korman himself expressed disappointment with the series and blamed its failure on the writing which he said "wasn't up to snuff" and also added that he wasn't happy with the casting either.
