Bill Murray's First Sitcom Role Was On A Short-Lived, Groundbreaking '80s Show

In the early 1980s, Bill Murray transitioned from his Saturday Night Live fame to starring in the hit comedy films Caddyshack and Stripes. However, in 1983, he briefly appeared in the sitcom Square Pegs, which was created by former SNL writer Anne Beatts. Square Pegs was one of the first teen-centric sitcoms to realistically portray the awkwardness of adolescence.

The show starred Sarah Jessica Parker and Amy Linker as geeky high school freshmen. Despite its positive reception, Square Pegs struggled to attract a broader audience and was canceled after one season.

To boost the show's appeal to male viewers, CBS brought in Bill Murray for his first guest-starring role in a traditional sitcom. Murray played the eccentric substitute teacher Mr. McNulty in the episode "No Substitutions." The network aimed to create a communal viewing experience, similar to gathering around a fireplace, in an era when TV was still focused on unifying programming for specific demographics.

Murray's appearance in the episode, particularly his scene dancing with Sarah Jessica Parker, is now considered a highlight of the show's run.

However, the network's strategy ultimately failed to save Square Pegs. Beatts recalled how the show was promoted on Saturday mornings, alongside cartoons, which failed to draw in a broader audience. While critics praised the show, it was unable to find a wider viewership and was canceled in March 1983. For Bill Murray, his role on Square Pegs remains a notable guest appearance on a scripted primetime TV sitcom.

Since then, he has taken other guest-starring TV roles but found his true return to primetime sitcoms with his 2015 appearance on NBC's Parks and Recreation.