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Duet (TV series)

Not to be confused with Duets (TV series).

Duet is an American sitcom that aired on Fox from April 19, 1987, to May 7, 1989. Originally, the story centered on the romance of a novelist (Matthew Laurance) and a caterer (Mary Page Keller), but gradually the focus shifted to their yuppie friends (Chris Lemmon, Alison LaPlaca) and the show was rebranded as Open House.[1] The series was created by Ruth Bennett and Susan Seeger, and was produced by Paramount Television.

Duet
GenreSitcom
Created byRuth Bennett
Susan Seeger
Written byRuth Bennett
Bruce Ferber
Lisa Medway
John Peaslee
Judd Pillot
Susan Seeger
Michael Zinberg
Directed byPeter Baldwin
Gabrielle Beaumont
Lee Shallat-Chemel
Arlene Sanford
David Steinberg
Michael Zinberg
Stephen Zuckerman
StarringMatthew Laurance
Mary Page Keller
Chris Lemmon
Alison LaPlaca
Theme music composerBuddy Budson
ComposerJohn Beasley
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons3
No. of episodes54
Production
ProducerLinda Nieber
Running time30 minutes
Production companiesUBU Productions
Paramount Television
Original release
NetworkFox
ReleaseApril 19, 1987 (1987-04-19) –
May 7, 1989 (1989-05-07)
Related
Open House

Synopsis

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Ben Coleman is a struggling mystery novelist, while his girlfriend Laura Kelly is a caterer with her younger sister Jane (Jodi Thelen). Richard and Linda Phillips were a high-powered yuppie couple. He was in the family patio-furniture business and she was a studio executive. Linda's boss at World Wide Studios was Cooper Hayden (Larry Poindexter), who eventually became infatuated with Jane. Richard later quit his job to become a professional pianist. Geneva (Arleen Sorkin) was the Phillipses' wisecracking, sexy maid who sometimes fraternized with the sisters.

Near the end of season 2, Linda gave birth to a daughter, Amanda. When the show returned for season 3, Amanda was now a four-year-old (Ginger Orsi). Also at the start of season 3 Ben and Laura had married, and Linda lost her job at World Wide Studios. Linda then sought a partnership in Laura's catering business. Just prior to the end of that season, Linda met real estate mogul Ted Nichols, played by guest star and LaPlaca's then-boyfriend, Philip Charles MacKenzie. Ted schmoozed her into joining his realty firm, selling upscale properties to snobs just like herself.

When the show returned for a 4th season, it was now retitled Open House, and was centered around Linda and Ted. The characters of Laura, Richard, Amanda and Geneva all returned for Open House, but Amanda and Geneva were written out after only a few episodes. Eventually so was Richard. The spin-off lasted for one season.

Production

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The series was among the first to appear on the Fox network when they launched a Sunday night prime-time TV lineup in 1987, alongside Married... with Children, The Tracey Ullman Show and Mr. President.[2] Loosely based on the love lives of creators Bennett and Seeger,[3] the show was originally noted for being serialized, with events unfolding in succession from week to week.[4][5]

Matthew Laurance was the first actor hired, but they couldn't find a leading lady that sparked with him in Los Angeles, so they held auditions in New York, where they finally found Mary Page Keller.[6] Keller and Jodi Thelen met at the audition and had such an instantaneous sisterly rapport that they were both cast within days.[7] Alison LaPlaca was originally hired to appear as the undefined wife of a supporting character in two episodes,[8] but a pregnancy was written into the next script, requiring her to stick around.[9] Acting wasn't Chris Lemmon's primary career goal—he had studied extensively as a pianist[10]—but his musical dreams and abilities were eventually utilized in the show.

There was a period of adjustment as the actors became familiar with one another,[11] but once things began to click, there was a fun atmosphere on the set,[12][13][14] and little interference from the network.[15] Susan Seeger got her whole family into the act, with brother David[16] and their famous father Hal Seeger creating the opening title sequence,[17] sister Mindy portraying Ben's publicist Nina,[18] and sister Charbie Dahl (aka Charlene Seeger) writing a few of the scripts.[19]

Although the first season focused squarely on Ben and Laura, season two became an ensemble with ongoing stories revolving around Jane, Richard, and Linda. As the meaning of the show's title blurred, Fox tried to spin it in promotion claiming, "Duet means two, so why is it about five people, a dog, and a baby? Because it's a show you shouldn't watch alone!"[20] By the third season, Fox executives began forcing changes.[21] Noticing the popularity of Alison LaPlaca's character, they pushed Ben, Laura, and Jane into the background[22][23] as stories became exclusively centered on Linda and Richard. They also flashed ahead three years so they could turn the Phillipses daughter into a talking toddler,[24] which was proving popular with audiences on ABC's Full House. The Phillipses also eclipsed the newlywed Colemans in the network's promotion.[25]

The theme music over the opening titles was composed by Buddy Budson, and in the first two seasons performed by Ursula Walker and Tony Franklin.

Beginning in season two, the opening titles changed to begin featuring clips of the characters in scenes from the show. These were book-ended by the show's title appearing in gold on a maroon leather-textured photo album cover, which opened to reveal the series of episode clips, and the photo album closing, with creators Ruth Bennett and Susan Seeger being credited in gold on the album cover. (In season one, the show title was displayed over the beginning of the opening scene.) In season three, the same sequence style remained, but the theme music was rearranged into a complete saxophone/electric guitar instrumental, with the instruments taking the place of the notes sung by vocalists Walker and Franklin.

Cast

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Actor Role
Matthew Laurance Ben Coleman
Mary Page Keller Laura Kelly
Jodi Thelen Jane Kelly
Chris Lemmon Richard Phillips
Alison LaPlaca Linda Phillips
Larry Poindexter Cooper Hayden
Arleen Sorkin Geneva
Ginger Orsi Amanda Phillips
Bo * Reuben *

Note: * Ben's dog (live animal actor)

Broadcast history

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Season Time
1986–87 Sunday at 9:00 pm (Episode 1)
Sunday at 9:30 pm (Episodes 2–4, 8)
Sunday at 8:30 pm (Episodes 5–7, 9–13)
1987–88 Saturday at 9:30 pm (Episodes 1–4)
Sunday at 9:30 pm (Episodes 5–21)
Sunday at 10:00 pm (Episode 22)
1988–89 Sunday at 10:00 pm

Episodes

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Series overview

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SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
113April 19, 1987 (1987-04-19)June 28, 1987 (1987-06-28)
222September 26, 1987 (1987-09-26)July 10, 1988 (1988-07-10)
319October 30, 1988 (1988-10-30)May 7, 1989 (1989-05-07)

Season 1 (1987)

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Note: Many of the titles that appear on-screen differ from those found in TV listings.[26][27] Only the first season featured on-screen title cards, as well as music-themed names.

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateRating/share
(households)
11"Prelude"David SteinbergRuth Bennett & Susan SeegerApril 19, 1987 (1987-04-19)4.5/7[28]
Ben is dazed when he glimpses Laura, who looks exactly like his fantasy girl from the detective novel he's been writing. Meanwhile, Laura caters her ex-boyfriend's wedding, but she has to contend with his leering and his new bride's insecurities.
Note: Alison LaPlaca (Linda) does not appear in this episode.
Guest Stars: Laurie Walters (Amanda), Robert Prescott (Kevin), Diane Robin (Bonnie)
22"Overture"David SteinbergRuth BennettApril 19, 1987 (1987-04-19)N/A
Ben gets roped into buffering Richard and Linda on their wedding anniversary while simultaneously trying to have his first date with Laura.
Guest Stars: Robert Prescott (Kevin), Laurie Walters (Amanda), Murphy Dunne (Owen), Mitzi Hoag (Mrs. Stevenson), Oliver Muirhead (Waiter), James MacNerland (Stockboy), Diane Robin (Bonnie)
33"Adagio"David SteinbergJohn Peaslee & Judd PillotApril 26, 1987 (1987-04-26)N/A
Ben wants to rush into a relationship, but Laura tries to pump the brakes, fearing she's repeating unhealthy patterns that will lead to heartbreak.
Also Known As: "Not a Date"
44"Variations on a Theme"Michael ZinbergSusan SeegerMay 3, 1987 (1987-05-03)N/A
Ben and Laura's first time having sex is not all that they'd hoped for, so they decide to repeat things until they get it right.
55"Dissonance"Peter BaldwinBob BrushMay 10, 1987 (1987-05-10)N/A
Laura throws a dinner party to celebrate Ben finishing his book, "Death in the Fast Lane," but she becomes miffed when he won't let her read it.
Guest Star: Rebecca Staples (Aerobics Instructor)
Also Known As: "Murdoch Exposed"
66"Lullaby"Arlene SanfordJohn Peaslee & Judd PillotMay 17, 1987 (1987-05-17)N/A
Linda invites Laura and Ben to dinner because she wants to confide in someone about her pregnancy.
Guest Star: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva)
Also Known As: "Ensemble"
77"Fugue"Peter BaldwinSusan SeegerMay 24, 1987 (1987-05-24)N/A
Laura becomes jealous when Ben lets his ex stay at his apartment.
Guest stars: Jamie Rose (Rachel West)
Also Known As: "Old Old Old Friend"
88"Resolution"Michael ZinbergRuth BennettMay 24, 1987 (1987-05-24)N/A
Laura is so furious with Ben that she calls up an old flame, who only reminds her how much she cares for Ben.
Guest stars: Jamie Rose (Rachel West), Stephen Meadows (Jack Spenser)
Also Known As: "Interlude"
99"Liebestraum"Arlene SanfordLisa MedwayMay 31, 1987 (1987-05-31)N/A
Laura panics when Ben says, "I love you," so he decides to take her on a romantic weekend getaway, but Richard and Linda tag along. Meanwhile, Jane feeds Rueben Chinese food, which disagrees with the pooch.
Guest Star: Grant Heslov (Clerk)
1010"Work in Progress"Michael ZinbergBruce FerberJune 7, 1987 (1987-06-07)N/A
Laura gets tied up with work leaving Ben, Richard, and Linda waiting at a restaurant for seven hours. Meanwhile, Jane has a flirtation with Simon, Laura's new employee.
Guest Stars: Steven Tash (Simon), Robert Covarrubias (Waiter), Mark Bennett (Mr. Fischer)
1111"Elegy"Gabrielle BeaumontJohn Peaslee & Judd PillotJune 14, 1987 (1987-06-14)N/A
When Ben accompanies Laura and Jane to their aunt's funeral, he loses his wallet in the coffin, and Laura realizes that her entire family is crazy.
Guest Stars: Lisa Jane Persky (Mary-Margaret), K Callan (Rose Kelly), Summer Phoenix (Molly Kelly), Mark Bringleson (Carl), Reid Shelton (Frank Kelly), Nick Segal (Brother Michael)
Also Known As: "The Long Goodbye"
1212"Trio"Arlene SanfordRuth BennettJune 21, 1987 (1987-06-21)N/A
Laura finds it difficult to live in both her apartment and Ben's so he suggests that they should move in together.
Guest Star: Steven Tash (Simon)
1313"Passage"Bruce ZinbergMichael FerberJune 28, 1987 (1987-06-28)N/A
Laura's insecurities about her relationship result in her inability to choose a home to live in with Ben, so he breaks up with her. Meanwhile, Jane finds a new apartment of her own.
Guest Stars: Steven Tash (Simon)

Season 2 (1987–1988)

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No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateRating
(households)
141"Apart"Michael ZinbergRuth BennettSeptember 26, 1987 (1987-09-26)2.0[30]
While Laura goes on a drinking binge, Ben attempts to get on with his life as a successful author, Jane moves into her new pad, and Richard cheers up his pregnant wife with a new Mercedes.
Guest stars: Mindy Seeger (Nina Giraldi), Joshua Cadman (Steve Maloney), Stanley Brock (The Bartender), Mark Venturini (Eddie), Michael Gregory (Don), Mark Phelan (Jack)
Note: Beginning with this episode, Fox scheduled the show on Saturday nights. An original network promo featuring Ben and Rueben boasted that viewers could watch Duet immediately following NBC's high-rated The Golden Girls,[29] but they opted to watch Amen instead, so the show returned to Sunday nights a month later.
152"You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Leaves You"Michael ZinbergJudd Pillot & John PeasleeOctober 3, 1987 (1987-10-03)1.9[31]
Laura continues her drunken bender at Richard and Linda's house, much to their chagrin. Meanwhile, Ben's star is on the rise, and new publicist Nina books him for an appearance on Rona Barrett's talk show.
Guest stars: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Rona Barrett (Herself), Robert Costanzo (Cab Driver), Mindy Seeger (Nina Giraldi), Kirk Scott (Voice of The Bottle), Susan Davis (Voice of TV Guest)
Note: This is the first show in which Laura talks to an alcohol bottle voiced by Kirk Scott (Heathers), who later appeared on-screen as a member of Alcoholics Anonymous.
163"The Cower of Love"Arlene SanfordSheree GuitarOctober 10, 1987 (1987-10-10)3.8[32]
Laura blows up over Ben's public comments about her. Later, realizing the pain she's caused everyone, she apologizes and visits a psychiatrist.
Guest Stars: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Mindy Seeger (Nina Giraldi), Norman Parker (Dr. Canter), Kirk Scott (Voice of The Bottle)
174"Lots of Things Happen"Arlene SanfordBruce FerberOctober 17, 1987 (1987-10-17)3.0[33]
Richard throws a 30th birthday party for Linda, not realizing that her coworkers don't know she's pregnant. Laura plans to reconcile with Ben but has the wind knocked out of her sails when he arrives at the party with his publicist on his arm. Also, Jane makes a dazzling impression on Cooper, Linda's boss.
Guest Stars: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Mindy Seeger (Nina Giraldi), Norman Parker (Dr. Canter), Larry Poindexter (Cooper Hayden), Sal Viscuso (Stan Miller)
185"Strange Bedfellows"Arlene SanfordSusan SeegerOctober 25, 1987 (1987-10-25)2.9[34]
Laura awakens horrified to discover she slept with Richard's obnoxious coworker. Nina decides to break things off with Ben. Mrs. Kelly visits Jane but concludes that there's not enough room to stay in her apartment, so she imposes herself on Laura.
Guest Stars: Mindy Seeger (Nina Giraldi), K Callan (Rose Kelly), Norman Parker (Dr. Canter), Sal Viscuso (Stan Miller)
196"Satin Doll"Michael ZinbergBruce FerberNovember 1, 1987 (1987-11-01)3.0[35]
During an unusual dinner party at Jane's apartment, Cooper gets the idea to adapt Ben's novel as a film, but he hires Electra, a loony pop star, to play Laura's role.
Guest Stars: Wendy Schaal (Electra), Larry Poindexter (Cooper Hayden), Norman Parker (Dr. Canter), Joshua Cadman (Steve Maloney), Mark Venturini (Eddie), Kirk Scott (Bill W.)
207"Jane's Getting Serious"Arlene SanfordJudd Pillot & John PeasleeNovember 8, 1987 (1987-11-08)2.6[36]
When Cooper asks Jane her opinion on two scripts, Linda tries to push her own project, "The Prom of the Dead 2." Meanwhile, Ben moves into Laura's apartment but has trouble letting go of his stuff.
Guest Stars: Larry Poindexter (Cooper Hayden), Joshua Cadman (Steve Maloney), Jonathan Brandis (Danny), Lynnie Godfrey (Voice of Roberta)
218"I Never Played for My Father: Part 1"Arlene SanfordJ. David ShapiroNovember 15, 1987 (1987-11-15)3.2[37]
Richard realizes he's dissatisfied in the family's patio furniture business and would rather be a pianist, but he has trouble working up the nerve to tell his father.
Guest Stars: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Larry Poindexter (Cooper Hayden), Liz Torres (Mrs. Doyle), Raye Birk (Vladimir Horowitz), Robert Reed (Jim Phillips)
229"I Never Played for My Father: Part 2"Arlene SanfordBruce Ferber, Judd Pillot & John PeasleeNovember 22, 1987 (1987-11-22)2.7[38]
Linda is not happy to learn that Richard quit his job, but she decides to be supportive of his dream. Also, Ben wins an award for his novel but he neglects to thank Laura.
Guest Stars: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Larry Poindexter (Cooper Hayden), Whitman Mayo (Smokey), Bert Hinchman (Mr. Turner), Claudio Lonow (Ms. Taylor), Robert Reed (Jim Phillips)
2310"Born, Bred and Buttered in Brooklyn"Arlene SanfordRuth BennettNovember 29, 1987 (1987-11-29)2.5[39]
Ben and Laura visit his parents in Brooklyn and discover they've sold the family's home. Meanwhile, Jane'a dance lessons result in the destruction of Linda's ceiling.
Guest Stars: Larry Poindexter (Cooper Hayden), Bette Ford (Barbara Coleman), Mark Carlton (Ernest the Bum), Allan Arbus (Nate Coleman)
2411"Fatal Distraction"Arlene SanfordSusan SeegerDecember 13, 1987 (1987-12-13)3.0[40]
After Laura runs into Nina, Ben becomes convinced that he's living a real-life "Fatal Attraction," although there's a less sinister explanation for the recent telephone hang-ups. Meanwhile, Linda's eating has spiraled out of control, so Geneva intervenes -- for a price.
Guest Stars: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Mindy Seeger (Nina Giraldi)
2512"A Hero is Just a Sandwich"Arlene SanfordCharlene SeegerJanuary 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)2.1[41]
Ben agrees to collaborate on a novel with his mentor, but he finds himself doing all the work.
Guest Stars: Anthony Newley (Jake M. Scott), James MacNerland (1976 Airport Voice Over), Richard Morof (Voice of the Publisher), Rebecca Staples (Female Airport Voice Over)
2613"The Package"Arlene SanfordJudd Pillot & John PeasleeJanuary 24, 1988 (1988-01-24)4.2[42]
Geneva's old boyfriend breaks out of jail and entrusts her with a bag of stolen diamonds.
Guest Stars: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), David Marciano (Charlie), Thalmus Rasulala (Lance), Rick Lieberman (Jack)
2714"Baby Talk"Arlene SanfordSheree GuitarFebruary 7, 1988 (1988-02-07)2.3[43]
Richard asks Laura to throw a baby shower, but horomonol Linda isn't happy when she learns the idea was her husband's. Also, Ben ribs Laura over a laundry room mixup that resulted in a neighbor fleeing with her underwear.
Guest Stars:" Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Lycia Naff (Natalie)
2815"Funny Valentine"Arlene SanfordJudd Pillot & John PeasleeFebruary 14, 1988 (1988-02-14)2.8[44]
Richard and Ben get stranded with a flat tire on Valentine's Day, leaving Linda and Laura waiting with a chatty entertainer. But Jane takes the award for the worst evening when she announces Cooper broke up with her.
Guest Star: Richard Sanders (Bob)
Note: This is a clip show. The credits feature Kirk Scott and Grant Heslov, who only appeared in flashback, and omit Richard Sanders, who appeared in the episode's original sequences.
2916"The Candidate"Lee Shallat ChemelRuth BennettFebruary 21, 1988 (1988-02-21)3.1[45]
Richard and Linda throw a party for a Presidential candidate who corners Laura and makes unwanted advances. A reporter informs her that it's a pattern and urges Laura to be a whistleblower, but his wife makes an emotional plea for her silence.
Guest Starring: Barry Jenner (Senator Jim Grath), Dorothy Fielding (Joan Grath), Ken Lerner (Alan Morris)
3017"Special Delivery"Arlene SanfordBruce FerberFebruary 28, 1988 (1988-02-28)3.7[46]
Linda goes into labor during a game of charades and winds up sharing a hospital room with two other ladies, one of whom is an obnoxiously perky mother of nine, so she goes AWOL for a shopping spree in the gift shop.
Guest Stars: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Dody Goodman (Helen), May Quigley (Janice Hillman), Mary Farrell (Emily), Sab Shimono (Dr. Nashita), Khandi Alexander (Nurse)
3118"Oh My God, I Left the Baby on the Bus"Arlene SanfordJohn Peaslee & Judd PillotMarch 6, 1988 (1988-03-06)4.4[47]
Linda can't enjoy shopping for new clothes thanks to the pregnancy weight gain, so she returns home to find Richard has taken his poker buddies out for lunch, leaving newborn Amanda alone. Also, Steve has a flirtation with a waitress and considers having an affair.
Guest Stars: Joshua Cadman (Steve Maloney), David Allen Grier (Gordon), Lenora May (Holly), Eve Smith (Old Woman in Department Store)
Note: Beginning with this episode, Fox began running a minute-long recap of the show's main characters prior to the start of the show.
*The title is a one-liner previously exclaimed by Jane to get out of an awkward situation in episode 3, "Adagio." Baby Amanda is not actually left on a bus.
3219"Mommy and Me"Arlene SanfordBruce FerberMarch 13, 1988 (1988-03-13)3.4[48]
Richard becomes the star of the parenting class, much to the annoyance of both Linda and Cindy, the instructor.
Guest Stars: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Jennifer Salt (Cindy), Rebecca Staples (Pam), Deborah Lacey (Joyce), Galyn Gorg (Gail)
3320"Lady on a Grate"Arlene SanfordBen Cardinale & Peter SchneiderMarch 20, 1988 (1988-03-20)3.8[49]
When Jane discovers Mae sleeping outside her window, she goes out of her way to help the homeless woman. After getting a literal runaround at the Social Security office, Jane chains herself to a desk in an effort to attain benefits for Mae.
Guest Stars: Rose Marie (Mae Fuller), Patti Yasutake (Miss Shimokawa), Michael Young (TV Reporter), Andrea Ucci (Announcer)
Note: The original broadcast ended with Jodi Thelen (Jane) appearing in a public service announcement endorsing The National Volunteer Clearinghouse for the Homeless.
3421"Good Intentions"Arlene SanfordBrad IsaacsMay 1, 1988 (1988-05-01)3.3[50]
Laura and Ben decide to marry after a pregnancy scare, but when it turns out to be a false positive, Ben withdraws his proposal.
Guest Stars: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Sam Hazan (Orderly)
Note: This is the only episode of the series in which Rueben has a line of dialogue. The voice actor was uncredited.
3522"No Reservations"Arlene SanfordUnknownJuly 10, 1988 (1988-07-10)3.3[51]
Richard and Linda are put through the wringer as they try to secure a spot for Amanda in an exclusive private school.
Guest Stars: Jerry Houser (John), Robert Costanzo (Marty), Harriet Hall (Susan)

Season 3 (1988–1989)

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No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date Viewers
(millions)
361"Partners"Arlene SanfordRuth BennettOctober 30, 1988 (1988-10-30)N/A
Ben and Laura return from their two-year European honeymoon to discover that the catering company imploded under Jane's leadership. Meanwhile, Linda is unceremoniously fired from her job, so Richard suggests that she and Laura should revive the business together.
Guest stars: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Larry Poindexter (Cooper Hayden), Lois De Banzie (Evelyn Johnson), Jack Dodson (Walter Johnson)
372"Deja Two"Arlene SanfordCharlene SeegerNovember 6, 1988 (1988-11-06)N/A
After a college buddy brings up Ben and Linda's past relationship, Richard again becomes crazed with jealousy and Laura eventually follows suit.
Guest Star: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Julius Carry (Luke)
383"It's My Party"Arlene SanfordBruce FerberNovember 13, 1988 (1988-11-13)N/A
Amanda tells her parents that she doesn't want a birthday party or gifts, but Linda completely ignores this request. Also, Ben struggles to make a magic trick work.
Guest Stars: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Jay Johnson (Oscar/Vic), Forry Smith (Kenny), Erin Wilkinson (Stacy)
394"For Richard, For Poorer"Michael ZinbergRussell MarcusNovember 20, 1988 (1988-11-20)N/A
After an embarrassing shopping experience, Linda and Richard learn that their lavish spending has driven them into bankruptcy, which forces them to sell their possessions and ignites a tiff with Ben and Laura. Ultimately, they have a reversal of fortune when it's brought to their attention that Linda owns a piece of valuable real estate.
Guest Stars: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Leslie Bevis (Betty), David Wohl (Warren Rigsby)
405"Oh, Boy!"Michael ZinbergCharlene Seeger & Russell MarcusNovember 27, 1988 (1988-11-27)N/A
Linda attempts to suck up to some rich clients and inadvertently becomes the object of their awkward teenage son's affection. Meanwhile, Ben and Richard play with a model train set.
Guest Stars: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Jonathan Ward (Teddy Paxton), Kelly Ames (Alexia Paxton), Macon McCalman (Mr. Paxton), Jennifer Bassey (Mrs. Paxton)
416"One Man Out"Stephen ZuckermanBruce FerberDecember 11, 1988 (1988-12-11)6.6[52]
Although he's a horrible player, no one has the heart to drop Richard from the baseball team. Meanwhile, Linda is uncomfortable singing to Amanda, so she hires a professional songstress.
Guest Stars: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Julius Carry (Luke), David Paymer (Andy), Beverly Sanders (Mrs. McGee)
427"His Mother, Myself"Iris DugowRussell Marcus & Charlene SeegerDecember 18, 1988 (1988-12-18)4.2[53]
Jane has a whirlwind romance with Peter, a man she met on a video dating service. After they impulsively become engaged, Laura and Linda discover Jane bears an uncanny resemblance to Peter's domineering mother.
Guest Stars: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Todd Waring (Peter Sommerfield)
438"Brother From Another Zip Code"Iris DugowUnknownJanuary 15, 1989 (1989-01-15)4.4[54]
Richard joins the Big Brothers organization to mentor a troubled teen.
Guest Stars: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Julius Carry (Luke), Lamont Bentley (Snake)
449"Sister of the Year"Lee ShallatSusan SeegerJanuary 29, 1989 (1989-01-29)4.8[55]
Linda's handicapped sister rolls into town to accept a prestigious award, inciting jealousy in Linda and awkwardness in Laura.
Guest Stars: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Christopher Anne Templeton (Diana Hartley), Ralph Manza (Emcee's Father), Kari Geller (Young Diana Hartley), Maia Brewton (Young Linda Hartley), Henry Holden (Emcee)
Note: Alison LaPlaca and Jodi Thelen hosted Fox programming on the night that this episode premiered.
4510"The New and Improved Linda"Iris DugowRussell MarcusFebruary 5, 1989 (1989-02-05)4.3[56]
The girls visit a psychic who warns Linda that a terrible fate will befall her if she doesn't become a nicer person.
Guest Stars: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Laraine Newman (Madame Marissa/Judge), Armin Shimerman (Dr. Jordan/Jury Foreman)
4611"Too Many Cooks"Arlene SanfordCharlene SeegerFebruary 12, 1989 (1989-02-12)5.5[57]
Laura convinces a producer to let her host a cooking segment on a Los Angeles morning show, but she freezes up when the camera goes on.
Guest Stars: Joel Brooks (Robert), Joshua Cadman (Steve Maloney), Claudia Lonow (Carol)
4712"Read Between the Lines"Arlene SanfordRuth BennettFebruary 19, 1989 (1989-02-19)4.8[58]
Steve's life is in shambles, and Linda realizes his problems all stem from illiteracy. Meanwhile, Ben and Laura fight about his love of Late Night with David Letterman.
Note: Chris Lemmon (Richard) does not appear in this episode.
Guest Stars: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Joshua Cadman (Steve Maloney), Ellen Gerstein (Instructor)
4813"Don't Quit Your Day Job"Dwayne HickmanAlicia Marie SchudtFebruary 26, 1989 (1989-02-26)4.5[59]
Linda accepts a vice president job at a movie studio, unaware that she's being used as the token female executive. Ben and Laura later discover this and attempt to intervene, not knowing that Linda's already hard at work plotting her revenge.
Guest Stars: Terry Kiser (Dennis Bannon), Steven Culp (Martin), Ralph Bruneau (Skip), Doug Dale (Mark McSwain)
4914"True Stories"Lee Shallat-ChemelBruce FerberMarch 12, 1989 (1989-03-12)4.6[60]
When he begins writing a nonfiction newspaper column, Ben haplessly alienates everyone in his life.
Guest Stars: Joshua Cadman (Steve Maloney), Tom McCleister (Maury Wickes), Ken Foree (Bartender)
5015"Role Call"Michael ZinbergCharlene SeegerMarch 26, 1989 (1989-03-26)4.9[61]
Laura becomes so upset obsessing over their visiting baby sister's preference to Jane that she disrupts a stage performance of The Taming of the Shrew.
Guest Stars: Mary Tanner (Molly Kelly), Jack Riley (Frederick), Julie Cobb (Annette)
5116"Kiss and Break Up"Lee ShallatRussell MarcusApril 9, 1989 (1989-04-09)4.0[63]
Linda's sleazy salesman father arrives out of the blue and charms everyone except his daughter.
Guest Star: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Pat Harrington Jr. (George Hartley)
Note: Matthew Laurance does not appear in this episode because he was shooting Eddie and the Cruisers II.[62] They explained Ben's absence by having Laura answer a series of calls that he was making from his new carphone.
5217"On the Nose"Lee ShallatVic Rauseo & Linda MorrisApril 23, 1989 (1989-04-23)5.1[64]
To control her snoring, Linda schedules surgery to correct her deviated septum, but Richard becomes so strongly opposed to the notion of her reshaping her nose that he files a legal injunction.
Guest Stars: Arleen Sorkin (Geneva), Raye Birk (Dr. Dellerton), Gail Edwards (Kate), Edward Edwards (Larry)
5318"Richie and the Vamp"Lee ShallatJoanne PagliaroApril 30, 1989 (1989-04-30)4.9[65]
Linda fears that her marriage is in a rut, and she's right. Richard fantasizes about a sexy barfly.
Guest Stars: Gina M. Raymond (Fantasy Woman), John DeMita (Physical Therapist), Andrew Magarian (Waiter)
5419"The Birth of a Saleswoman"Dwayne HickmanSusan Seeger & Ruth BennettMay 7, 1989 (1989-05-07)4.6[66]
When Linda pops into a real estate office seeking change for the parking meter, she ends up selling her house and landing a new job as a realtor.
Note: This establishes the setup for the next season, but since the show had shifted so far away from its original concept, it was retitled Open House.
Guest Stars: Philip Charles MacKenzie (Ted Nichols), Danny Gans (Scott Babylon), Ellen DeGeneres (Margo Van Meter), Ray Buktenica (Dave Hayes), Jon Cypher (John Green)

Reception

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The show received a largely positive reception.[67] TV Guide compared it to The Mary Tyler Moore Show, noting that it "manages to balance whimsy and reality."[68] Remarking on the Sunday night schedule, which included a movie-of-the-week on two of the three other broadcast networks,[69] The Houston Post said, "If you are tired of movie after movie on the networks, Duet is for you."[70] The South Florida Sentinel hailed it as Fox's "best series to date",[71] and The Journal News remarked that "producers Ruth Bennett and Susan Seeger choreograph this mating dance beautifully."[72]

Despite good reviews, the show remained ratings-challenged. The Fox network was initially regarded as a joke in Hollywood and ratings weren't published until the second season, which found Duet near the bottom of the yearly TV ratings list in 118th place.[73] The third season didn't fare much better, with it ranking in 104th place.[74]

References

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  1. ^ Jerry Buck (August 27, 1989). "Duet Turns Into Open House". St. Louis Post Dispatch. Archived from the original on 2020-07-06. It's not really a new show. Duet has been revamped and has been given the new name Open House and a largely new cast.
  2. ^ Chuck Rothman (2014-06-29). "Duet (TV )". Great But Forgotten. It was extremely difficult it to set up a fourth broadcast TV network... And Duet was one of the shows that they based their original Sunday schedule on. The others were Married with Children, 21 Jump Street, The Tracey Ullman Show, and Mr. President.
  3. ^ Bill O'Hallaren (February 6–12, 1988). "Her Voice Was So Loud She Got a Handshake from the Pope". sitcomsonline.com. TV Guide. Duet, according to Seeger, is about the delights, tribulations and pratfalls a couple experiences in attempting a relationship. Much of the material, she adds, is based on events she and Bennett encountered in their own marriages.
  4. ^ Eirik Knutzen (May 31, 1987). "His Dual Passions for Life and Role". sitcomsonline.com. Philadelphia Inquirer TV Week. Duet is presented in cinematic style, exploring the evolutionary relationship of Ben Coleman and Laura Kelly in terms of "real time," starting with their first encounter and building on each successive event in their lives.
  5. ^ HOWARD ROSENBERG (April 18, 1987). "TV REVIEWS : SURRENDERING TO A DUET OF SITCOMS". LA Times. "Duet" is unusual in that it approaches comedy almost as a serial, with episodes following chronologically.
  6. ^ Lane Crockett (1987-04-10). "'Duet' actor finds link between character, his own personality". The Journal News. Matthew Laurance was hired for "Duet" before Keller. Laurance read with many actresses. Then the auditions moved to New York and there materialized Mary Page Keller. Immediately, Laurance says, they had found Laura.
  7. ^ Bill O'Hallaren (February 6–12, 1988). "Her Voice Was So Loud She Got a Handshake from the Pope". sitcomsonline.com. TV Guide. Keller says, "Jodi Thelan and I did the test together in an office in New York. We had never met, but we hit it off like sisters. She kept looking at me and saying, 'Gee, I wish I'd worn that. Got any more of that lipstick?' Like a real little sister." A few days later, they were at work, Keller as Laura and Jodi as her sister Jane.
  8. ^ Bud Wilkinsin (August 27, 1989). "Going for Broker". newspapers.com. Arizona Republic. Actress Alison La Placa Alison La Placa has gone from afterthought to focal point playing the go-getting, acerbic Linda Phillips. Originally cast to guest star on two episodes of Fox's now-defunct Duet series, she became a regular and now is the star of its spinoff.
  9. ^ Jay Bobbin (August 27, 1989). "Playing Linda: Surprising, Fun". St. Louis Post Dispatch. Archived from the original on 2020-07-06. Actually, I first came on in a two-part guest spot to play Richard's wife. The part wasn't any more defined than that. Then we got the next script after the taping, and I opened it, and it said, 'Linda's pregnant.' I went, 'WHAT?'
  10. ^ Jerry Buck (August 27, 1989). "Chris Lemmon Plays New Key". St. Louis Post Dispatch. Archived from the original on 2020-07-06. Lemmon, who has a degree in classical piano and composing, had hoped to pursue his dream. "It was a typical case of a man biting off more than he could chew," Lemmon said. "I wanted to be a pianist, a composer, then an actor, a producer, and a director. I still want to do all of them, but in time."
  11. ^ Fred Bernstein (June 29, 1987). "That Bubbly Soap Charmer Mary Page Keller Gets Pressed into Beefing Up Duet's Tv Ratings". People Magazine. No one is denying that Duet became a hit only after smoothing over some early rough spots. Keller admits the show seemed out of sync at first, mostly because the cast members weren't used to each other. "But in the ensuing episodes we've worked well together," she says.
  12. ^ Bill O'Hallaren (February 6–12, 1988). "Her Voice Was So Loud She Got a Handshake from the Pope". sitcomsonline.com. TV Guide. The mood on the Duet set seems loose and easy, and rehearsal lines get a surprising number of laughs from cast, writers, and producers. "The attitude here is kind of giddy," Mary Page Keller admits.
  13. ^ John J. Archibold (July 5, 1987). "Acting Dreams Come True". St. Louis Post Dispatch. Archived from the original on 2020-07-06. We have fun when we're taping the show, clowning around like we have all the time in the world," Jodi Thelen said. "I think the good feeling among the actors is apparent in the finished product.
  14. ^ Eirik Knutzen (May 31, 1987). "His Dual Passions for Life and Role". sitcomsonline.com. Philadelphia Inquirer TV Week. "The show is getting better every week, and there isn't a day that I don't sing on my way to work," Matthew Laurance says with apparent sincerity.
  15. ^ Bill O'Hallaren (February 6–12, 1988). "Her Voice Was So Loud She Got a Handshake from the Pope". sitcomsonline.com. TV Guide. Bennett say, "Here we don't have five network men in suits telling us they don't like a certain line."
  16. ^ "David Seeger (I)". IMDb.
  17. ^ "Hal Seeger". IMDb.
  18. ^ "Mindy Seeger". IMDb.
  19. ^ "Charbie Dahl". IMDb.
  20. ^ "WOIO The Fall Guy Break April 11 1988 Part 1". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21.
  21. ^ Jerry Buck (August 27, 1989). "Chris Lemmon Plays New Key". St. Louis Post Dispatch. Archived from the original on 2020-07-06. "I think they changed the show because Fox stepped in and ordered a change," Lemmon said.
  22. ^ Alex McNeil (1996). Total Television. Penguin Books. p. 241. After Ben and Laura's return, however, little was seen of them as the episodes focused increasingly on the Phillipses, particularly on Linda, whose delightfully bitchy character had become popular with viewers.
  23. ^ Tim Brooks & Earle Marsh (2003). The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946–Present. Random House. p. 341. As the season progressed, the focus shifted more and more to stories about Linda and, when Duet was canceled, she became the star of Open House, the spin-off series that replaced it in the Fox lineup.
  24. ^ "234 Bruce Ferber, TV writer, "Home Improvement," novelist, "Cascade Falls"". Mr. Media Interviews by Bob Andelman. 2015-06-22. It was one of those shows where you grew up the baby in three years. And then the network wanted to change it completely, they wanted to make the supporting couple the main couple.
  25. ^ "FOX 1989 (This is the Year — This is FOX) #1". YouTube. 2016-07-24. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21.
  26. ^ "Duet episode list". IMDb. Retrieved 2017-04-18.
  27. ^ "Duet Season 1 Episode Guide". TV Guide. Retrieved 2020-07-02.
  28. ^ "Fox Outscores L.A. Indies, But Ratings Down From Debut". Variety. Vol. 326, no. 13. April 22, 1987. p. 47. ProQuest 1438475310.
  29. ^ "(September 19, 1987) WNYW-TV Fox 5 New York Commercials". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2020-07-03.
  30. ^ "TV Listings for - September 26, 1987". TV Tango. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
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  39. ^ "TV Listings for - December 6, 1987". TV Tango. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  40. ^ "TV Listings for - December 13, 1987". TV Tango. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  41. ^ "TV Listings for - January 17, 1988". TV Tango. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  42. ^ "TV Listings for - January 24, 1988". TV Tango. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  43. ^ "TV Listings for - February 7, 1988". TV Tango. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
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  46. ^ "TV Listings for - February 28, 1988". TV Tango. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  47. ^ "TV Listings for - March 6, 1988". TV Tango. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  48. ^ "TV Listings for - March 13, 1988". TV Tango. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  49. ^ "TV Listings for - March 20, 1988". TV Tango. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  50. ^ "TV Listings for - May 1, 1988". TV Tango. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  51. ^ "TV Listings for - July 10, 1988". TV Tango. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  52. ^ "Nielsen ratings". Life. USA Today. December 14, 1988. p. 3D. ProQuest 306143538.
  53. ^ "A very 'Brady' ratings hit". Life. USA Today. December 21, 1988. p. 3D. ProQuest 306159082.
  54. ^ "NBC clinches season's ratings title". Life. USA Today. January 18, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306171627.
  55. ^ "Midseason entries boost NBC". Life. USA Today. February 1, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306144802.
  56. ^ "Comedies sweep up for NBC". Life. USA Today. February 8, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306179902.
  57. ^ "CBS gallops to a tie with NBC". Life. USA Today. February 15, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306163263.
  58. ^ "NBC's back alone on top". Life. USA Today. February 22, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306175741.
  59. ^ "CBS up despite Grammy drop". Life. USA Today. March 1, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306152931.
  60. ^ "NBC, in front with 'Left Behind'". Life. USA Today. March 15, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306172200.
  61. ^ "A 'Brewster' boost for ABC". Life. USA Today. March 29, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306173300.
  62. ^ Jeff Pearlman (November 12, 2014). "Matthew Laurance". Archived from the original on 2016-11-19. When I told the Duet producers, they graciously agreed to write me out of one episode to go back to back with our normal week off.
  63. ^ "ABC's hit-and-miss week". Life. USA Today. April 12, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306166319.
  64. ^ "Sitcom rewards ABC's faith". Life. USA Today. April 26, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306174966.
  65. ^ "We loved CBS' 'Lucy' tribute". Life. USA Today. May 3, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306197470.
  66. ^ "Bright spots for No. 3 ABC". Life. USA Today. May 10, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306210811.
  67. ^ Bill O'Hallaren (February 6–12, 1988). "Her Voice Was So Loud She Got a Handshake from the Pope". sitcomsonline.com. TV Guide. Duet went through its initial season with a fair amount of critical praise and high enough ratings for a renewal.
  68. ^ "October 3, 1987 commercials". YouTube. Duet manages to balance whimsy and reality. Remember the old Mary Tyler Moore Show? Then you know what I mean.[dead YouTube link]
  69. ^ Tim Brooks & Earle Marsh (2003). The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946–Present. Prime Time Schedule: Fall 1987: Random House. p. 1394.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
  70. ^ ewjxn. "3-5-1988 Fox Network Promos". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21.
  71. ^ Bill Kelley (April 18, 1987). "KING'S 'CHRISTINE' HAS ITS NETWORK PREMIERE". Then, at 9 p.m., Fox Broadcasting unveils its best series to date, Duet (on WCIX-Ch. 6 and WFLX-Ch. 29), a sitcom about a hack writer (Matthew Laurance) and his on-and-off girlfriend (Mary Page Keller).
  72. ^ Mike Hughes (1987-04-24). "Fox Shows Highlight Weekend". Newspapers.com.
  73. ^ LazyJournalist (September 13, 2017). "1987-88 Sitcom Scorecard -- Unilateral Drops as ABC Rebounds, CBS Plunges and FOX Is a Joke". thetvratingsguide.com. As the data counted for shows which debuted by the close of March, FOX was omitted from previous data.
  74. ^ LazyJournalist (September 13, 2017). "1988-89 Sitcom Scorecard". thetvratingsguide.com.
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