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. 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.

After an immensely long wait, Sony / Columbia Tristar has finally released the first two seasons of “NewsRadio” on DVD. I had heard it was coming out a couple of years back, but was being held up for some reason or another. I had been waiting and waiting, and when this new set finally hit my doorstep I couldn’t wait to pop in the first disc and see if the series had been as consistently funny as I heard it was.

“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 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 idiocy 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.

This new DVD set fro Sony / Columbia Tristar includes all 29 episodes of the first and second seasons. 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 20 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. However, this is made up for by the inclusion of a lengthy featurette that has interviews with the cast and crew, including a poignant one by Hartman. There is also an exceptionally long Gag Reel coming in at almost 12 minutes 9most usually run about 1-2 minutes) that is not to be missed.

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 this DVD release (as well as future ones) 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
The Injury

Starring: Dave Foley, Maura Tierney, Phil Hartman, Andy Dick, Khandi Alexander, Joe Rogan, Stephen Root
Extras: Season 2 Gag Reel, Commentaries on 20 Episodes by the Cast and Creators, Featurette, Filmographies
Specifications: Full Screen, Stereo
Studio: Sony / Columbia Tristar
Release Date: 5/24/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give NewsRadio: Seasons 1&2 an A.