I’m extremely picky when it comes to sit-coms, and because of that there are very few I take the time to watch. “NewsRadio” was one I actually meant to watch, mostly because of its great cast, but ended up only catching occasionally. When I would take the time to tune in, I usually found myself laughing pretty hard at the banter that went on between the members of cast, which was made up of Dave Foley, Maura Tierney, Andy Dick, Khandi Alexander, Joe Rogan, Stephen Root and the late Phil Hartman. “NewsRadio” followed the day to day antics of the employees of a News Radio station (oddly enough) in New York. We are first introduced to it in the 1st season through the eyes of the recently hired news director from the Midwest, played by “Kids in the Hall” alumni Dave Foley. Thanks to the wonderful idiocracy that is Corporate America, his first job is to fire his predecessor. As he becomes acclimated to his new surroundings, he learns that being ‘the boss’ isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, especially when his employees are all living just a little left of center.

In many ways, "NewsRadio" was like an earlier "The Office", with its twisting of office politics and showing the absurdity of corporate America. As it is, by day I work for a huge accounting firm and I can attest to the 'real life' stupidity running rampant in corporate America. With the exception of a couple of my direct co-workers, I don’t think I've worked for a bigger bunch of idiots anywhere.

It’s hard to review a show like this without mentioning Hartman so much. This is not meant to disservice the rest of the cast, but Hartman was an extremely talented comic (and from I understand an all around nice guy), whose life ended tragically at the hands of a psychotic wife. His work in shows like “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse”, “The Simpsons” and even “Saturday Night Live” often elevated the quality of each. His movie work was generally even better well received. While he didn’t ‘make’ the show, his contributions certainly added to the series in ways that were felt after his death. I understand the fifth and final season just didn’t have the zing that the show had been known for. This, I’m sure, had less to do with the talent of the remaining cast and more the overall void that his passing left in their hearts.

As for the other members of the cast, the other real standout for me was the often overlooked Stephen Root. His turn as the slightly out of kilter, and totally unaware boss of the radio station was a scene stealer every time. Root is one of those actors that can quietly take a role and make it memorable with little more than a look or gesture. Whether it is as milksop Milton Waddams in “Office Space” or the decidedly dramatic turn as a father fearful for his daughter’s life in the “C.S.I.” episode “Homebodies”, Root constantly proves his diverse talent. This final season also features Jon Lovitz, who was brought in to 'replace' Hartman. Lovitz did a fine job, but the show still suffered a little from the loss.

Sony had already released all 5 seasons of “NewsRadio” on DVD (seasons 1 & 2 being in one set), but they are trying an experiment with several older series of taking the discs and repackaging them into a smaller Complete Series set. In this case, they took all 12 discs (97 episodes) and set them on a spindle styiel disc holder, similar to those you buy CDs in. They are made of a flimsy plastic (which is my only complaint), and take up a lot less room on the shelf than the individual season sets did.

Having finally seen the entire series on DVD, I have to say that "NewsRadio" was an excellent, if not underrrated show. The first four seasons were consistently funny, being one of the few places that I actually laughed at Andy Dick. I was interested to see how the show would deal with the loss of Hartman (which I mentioned). The very first episode of hte 5th season faced it head on, with Hartman's character having died of a heart attack. It is an exceptionally poignant episode and a fitting send off to a very talented comic.

As for extra features, well, that is a treat. In the past the studio has released a number of TV shows on DVD with few, if any extra features. This is not the case for “NewsRadio.” They saw fit to include commentaries of about half of the episodes by various members of the cast and crew. I don’t believe anyone is left out, with the understandable exception of Hartman. There is also an exceptionally long Gag Reel coming in at almost 22 minutes (most usually run about 1-2 minutes) that is not to be missed. There is more, but I think you get the idea.

In spite of the fact that “NewsRadio” ran for five successful seasons, it is often disregarded by audiences for some reason and this is a shame. It was a funnier than average series that deserves a lot more attention than it gets. Hopefully newer, more affordable DVD release will renew the interest the series enjoyed during its heyday.

Episodes -
Season 1:
Pilot
Inappropriate
Smoking
The Crisis
Big Day
Luncheon at the Waldorf
Sweeps Week

Season 2:
No, This is Not Based Entirely on Julie's Life
Goofy Ball
Rat Funeral
The Breakup
The Shrink
Friends
Bill's Autobiography
Negotiation
The Cane
Xmas Story
Station Sale
Bitch Session
In Through the Out Door
The Song Remains the Same
Zoso
Houses of the Holy
Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
Presence
Coda
Led Zeppelin II

Season 3:
President
Review
Massage Chair
Arcade
Halloween
Awards Show
Daydream
Movie Star
Stocks
Christmas
The Trainer
Rap
Led Zeppelin Boxed Set
Complaint Box
Rose Bowl
Kids
Airport
Twins
Office Feud
Our Fiftieth Episode
Sleeping
The Real Deal
Mistake
Space
Injury

Season 4:
Jumper
Planbee
The Public Domain
Super Karate Monkey Death Car
French Diplomacy
Pure Evil
Catherine Moves On
Stupid Holiday Charity Talent Show
The Secret of Management
Look Who's Talking
Chock
Who's the Boss? (1)
Who's the Boss? (2)
Security Door
Big Brother
Beep, Beep
Balloon
Copy Machine
Monster Rancher
4:20
Jackass Junior High
Sinking Ship

Season 5:
Bill Moves On
Meet the Max Louis
Lucky Burger
Noise
Flowers for Matthew
Jail
The Lam
Clash of The Titans
Boston
Spooky Rapping Crypt
Stinkbutt
Apartment
Towers
Hair
Assistant
Wino
Wedding
Ploy
Padded Suit
Freaky Friday
Retirement
New Hampshire

Starring: Dave Foley, Maura Tierney, Phil Hartman, Andy Dick, Khandi Alexander, Joe Rogan, Stephen Root, Jon Lovitz
Extras: Cast and crew commentaries, Gag Reels
Specifications: Full Screen, Stereo
Studio: Sony
Release Date: 10/28/2008
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give NewsRadio: The Complete Series a B+.