Watch C.P.O. Sharkey

C.P.O. Sharkey is a classic American sitcom that premiered in the mid-1970s, produced by Universal Television for NBC. It starred the legendary Don Rickles as Chief Petty Officer Otto Sharkey, a no-nonsense and often abrasive veteran of the U.S. Navy, assigned to train and discipline a group of young recruits. The show ran for two seasons from 1976 to 1978, spanning 37 episodes in total.

The series is set in a naval base in San Diego, California, where Sharkey serves as the head of a division tasked with shaping up a group of undisciplined and misbehaving sailors in order to prepare them for service overseas. Sharkey is tough, uncompromising, and rule-bound, but he has a heart of gold and a deep commitment to his men, despite his brusque exterior. He often butts heads with any officers or superiors who try to stand in his way, including the bumbling and overeager Lieutenant Whipple (Peter Isacksen).

The core cast of recruits changes throughout the series, but some of the most frequently recurring characters include the fast-talking and smooth-operating Seaman Pruitt (David Landsberg), the slovenly and lazy Sweeney (Tom Ruben), and the earnest and naive Yeoman T.J. Wiley (Jeff Hollis). Along with their fellow trainees, they endure the grueling demands of Sharkey's training methods, often with comedic results.

Outside of the training grounds, Sharkey is surrounded by an eccentric and lively group of fellow sailors, including his friend and ally Chief Robinson (Harrison Page), the sultry and flirtatious Yeoman Molly Soloway (Elizabeth Allen), and the prickly and irascible Yeoman Beauregard (Barbara Stuart). Sharkey's personal life also receives attention in the show, as he navigates the ups and downs of dating and relationships, often with hilarious consequences.

The show's humor is primarily derived from the clash of personalities and different styles of the characters, as well as from the various misunderstandings, miscommunications, and pratfalls that occur as a result. Despite the sometimes raunchy and bawdy nature of some of the humor, the show often emphasizes a sense of camaraderie and loyalty among the characters, as they learn to work together and overcome their differences.

C.P.O. Sharkey was a popular show during its initial run and has since gained a reputation as a classic example of the American sitcom genre. Don Rickles' performance as Sharkey was especially well-received and served as a showcase for his acerbic wit and comedic timing. The show's success also spawned a spin-off series, titled "The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo," which focused on the character of Sheriff Elroy P. Lobo (Claude Akins) from the C.P.O. Sharkey episodes "The Sellout" and "The Monster That Ate Chicago."

Overall, C.P.O. Sharkey is a prime example of the type of broad, character-driven comedy that was popular in the 1970s, filled with memorable characters, zany situations, and plenty of laughs. While its humor may not be for everyone, it remains a beloved and influential show in the history of American television, and a testament to the enduring appeal of the classic sitcom format.

C.P.O. Sharkey is a series that ran for 2 seasons (34 episodes) between December 1, 1976 and on Shout! Factory