The Bob Newhart Show: Complete Series

Button-down comedian Bob Newhart stars as TV's most famous therapist, Chicago psychologist Bob Hartley, the (outwardly) ever-calm presence in the center of the neurotic storm, whether inhabited by friends—insecure airline pilot neighbor Howard Borden (Bill Daily) and overconfident orthodontist Jerry Robinson (Peter Bonerz)—or patients. Bob seems like a rock of stability, until seen next to his down-to-earth wife, elementary school teacher Emily (Suzanne Pleshette), who has the corner on normalcy in this professional couple. Marcia Wallace costars as Bob's lively receptionist, Carol, while Jack Riley, Florida Friebus, and John Fiedler are among the regulars in the weekly group therapy sessions in Bob's downtown office, where Hartley watches, listens, and reacts. Newhart's muted delivery and blank stares make him not only the funniest straight man on TV, but a master of the deadpan gag, the slow-motion stammer, and the delayed reaction laugh. The hit sitcom ran for six seasons, anchoring CBS's unbeatable Saturday night comedy block from 1972 to 1978, and it remains a model of the genre at its best: witty, grown-up, character-driven. The first four seasons have been previously released on DVD by Fox; this set marks the debut of the entire series. Compiling all 142 episodes, extras include episode commentaries, the pilot episode, a 1991 anniversary show, a new roundtable discussion featuring Newhart and other cast members, a gag reel, and a booklet. Highly recommended. (S. Axmaker)