Before Star Trek's Data, Brent Spiner Had A Recurring Role On This Hit '80s Sitcom

In 1987, actor Brent Spiner was on the cusp of a major career milestone when he landed the iconic role of android Data in Star Trek: The Next Generation. However, before he could join Captain Picard on the USS Enterprise-D, he was causing quite a stir in a Manhattan municipal courtroom on the hit NBC sitcom Night Court.

Night Court, which aired for nine seasons, centered around the eccentric night shift crew presided over by Judge Harold Stone, portrayed by Harry Anderson. The show's ensemble cast also included John Larroquette as prosecutor Dan Fielding and Richard Moll as the towering bailiff Bull Shannon. Among the rotating gallery of colorful defendants was Spiner's recurring character, Bob Wheeler, a hapless hillbilly and his wife June.

Spiner appeared in seven episodes of the original Night Court series between 1985 and 1987. However, 37 years later, he returned to the courtroom for two more episodes in the 2023 Night Court revival series. In an interview with Nerds That Geek, Spiner expressed his affection for the timeless character, noting that the Wheelers have remained unchanged since their original appearance.

Returning to the courtroom, Spiner experienced a surreal déjà vu, reminiscent of his time aboard the Enterprise-D in Star Trek: Picard. He praised the show's ability to maintain its zany, surreal humor, which he believes is the show's greatest strength. For Spiner, playing Bob Wheeler seemed like second nature, as the character was based on a "hick" figure from his Texas childhood.

After his tenure on Night Court, Spiner went on to play the iconic role of Data in Star Trek: The Next Generation for four decades, including all seven seasons, four feature films, and guest spots on modern shows like Star Trek: Lower Decks.