Gene Wilder's '90s Sitcom Lasted Just One Season
You may know Gene Wilder from iconic comedies like Blazing Saddles or Young Frankenstein, but the NBC sitcom he led isn't quite as well remembered.
Gene Wilder's brief tenure as the star of a 1990s NBC sitcom named "Something Wilder" lasted only one season, ending in 1995. The comedy series, which aired only 18 episodes, did not fare well, with NBC cancelling it after just four episodes due to its poor ratings. Despite this, the show's debut in October 1994 with a Saturday night slot saw dismal numbers, leading to its untimely end.
Wilder's character, Gene Bergman, was a middle-aged man grappling with fatherhood and the widening generation gap as his children grew older. Although the show's tone was light-hearted and witty, relying heavily on Wilder's comedic talents, it failed to captivate audiences. In truth, Wilder was a renowned movie star, best known for his roles in "Young Frankenstein" and "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory."
However, his contributions to television should not be overlooked. Wilder appeared in various TV films and series, including notable guest roles in shows like "Armstrong Circle Theatre" and "The Eternal Light." He even co-wrote and starred in the crime thriller TV film "Murder in a Small Town" in 1999, which garnered high viewership and led to a sequel.
Furthermore, Wilder played the Mock Turtle in the 1999 TV movie adaptation of "Alice in Wonderland." His Emmy-winning performance in "Will & Grace," where he portrayed Will's eccentric boss, Mr. Stein, in two episodes, is one of his most celebrated television roles. Wilder's legacy in television, despite the short-lived "Something Wilder," remains noteworthy.
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