‘NewsRadio’ is 30! Here Are Seven Things You Never Knew About Phil Hartman’s Cult Comedy

On March 21, 1995, NewsRadio —an ensemble sitcom about life behind the scenes at an AM radio station, featuring a who’s-who of ’90s comedy stars including Dave Foley, Maura Tierney, Joe Rogan, Stephen Root, and the late Phil Hartman (and guest stars like Norm MacDonald, Janeane Garofalo and Lauren Graham) —premiered. Taking the tradition of excellently-written classic workplace comedies like The Mary Tyler Moore Show or Murphy Brown, and tossing in a pinch of absurdity (characters were occasionally sent to outer space or the Titanic, for starters), the show’s oddball blend of grounded hilarity and total farce made it one of the nineties’ most under-appreciated shows.

The critically beloved show was not a ratings hit, due perhaps to its constant time slot changes (11 time slots in five seasons!). But in the years since, it has become a major cult favorite, and has been viewed as an influence on juggernaut workplace comedies like The Office and Parks and Recreation.