Watch The Bob Newhart Show

The Bob Newhart Show was a sitcom produced by 20th Television from 1972 to 1978, starring comedian Bob Newhart as Dr. Robert "Bob" Hartley, a psychologist who works at a Chicago clinic. The show features Bob's everyday life, primarily in his office and home, as he interacts with his wife Emily, played by Suzanne Pleshette, his naive receptionist Carol, played by Marcia Wallace, and his best friend and colleague Dr. Jerry Robinson, played by Peter Bonerz. Bob also frequently interacts with his patients, who range from neurotics to narcissists to those dealing with more serious issues like depression.

The show is a traditional three-camera sitcom, shot on a set that includes Bob's office, the Hartley apartment, and various other locations around Chicago. Much of the humor comes from the interactions between the characters, especially Bob's dry wit and deadpan delivery of jokes.

The Bob Newhart Show has been praised for its realistic portrayal of therapy, with Bob sometimes struggling to help his patients and occasionally seeking advice from his colleague Jerry. The show also addresses social and cultural issues of the time, including women's liberation, homosexuality, and mental health, with a blend of humor and sincerity.

Over the course of the show's six seasons, Bob and Emily's marriage is a major focus, as they navigate their way through conflicts and misunderstandings. The show explores their relationship in a realistic and often relatable way, with both partners struggling to balance their personal and professional lives.

One of the show's most famous episodes, "Over the River and Through the Woods," features Bob and Emily visiting her parents for Thanksgiving. They end up getting snowed in and have to spend the night in separate bedrooms. The episode is a great example of the show's ability to tackle serious issues with humor and heart.

The Bob Newhart Show also features a number of recurring characters, including Bob's neighbor Howard, played by Bill Daily, who frequently drops by uninvited and engages in hilariously awkward conversations with Bob. There's also handyman Mr. Carlin, played by Jack Riley, who always manages to have a comedic mishap while fixing something in the Hartley apartment.

Throughout its run, The Bob Newhart Show was a critical and commercial success, earning several Emmy nominations and spawning a spin-off series, Newhart, in 1982. Bob Newhart's deadpan delivery and dry humor have made him a comedy icon, and the show is still beloved by fans today.

Overall, The Bob Newhart Show is a classic sitcom that combines relatable characters, witty humor, and heartfelt moments. It's a perfect example of the kind of quality programming that dominated television in the 1970s, and it continues to entertain audiences today.

The Bob Newhart Show is a series that ran for 6 seasons (142 episodes) between September 16, 1972 and on FOX