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.

Sony / Columbia Tristar has already released the first three seasons of “NewsRadio” on DVD (seasons 1 & 2 being in one set). I had been waiting patiently for those sets to be released following hold up after hold up, but they finally made it onto store shelves last year. This month, they are finally releasing the 4th season, which I thrilled to see make it across my desk. The first three seasons had been consistently funny, being one of the few places that I actually laughed at Andy Dick. I knew that this was the last season with Hartman (which I mentioned) and I was desperate so see it.

“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 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. 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.

This new DVD set fro Sony / Columbia Tristar includes all 2 episodes of the 4th season, spread out over 3 discs. 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 20 minutes (most usually run about 1-2 minutes) that is not to be missed. Finally, you'll find a rather strange little short film where one actor (I'm not really sure who he is) plays out an original "NewsRadio" script, playing all of the characters himself.

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 these DVD releases (as well as the upcoming final season) will renew the interest the series enjoyed during its heyday.

Episodes:
Jumper
Plan B
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
Who's The Boss, Part 2
Security Door
Big Brother
Beep, Beep
Balloon
Copy Machine
Monster Rancher
4:20
Jackass Junior High
Sinking Ship

Starring: Dave Foley, Maura Tierney, Phil Hartman, Andy Dick, Khandi Alexander, Joe Rogan, Stephen Root
Extras: Cast and crew commentaries, Gag reel, Short Film: One Man News Radio
Specifications: Full Screen, Stereo
Studio: Sony / Columbia Tristar
Release Date: 6/20/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give NewsRadio: Season 4 a B.