Head Case revolves around a therapist who works with celebrities in Los Angeles. The performers sometimes have to deal with big professional disappointments, like when their TV shows are cancelled. Unfortunately, the actors on the Starz series now have firsthand knowledge of how that feels.
Alexandra Wentworth stars as Dr. Elizabeth Goode, an unapologetically frank therapist. Her unconventional methods have made her the “It” counselor in Hollywood and her practice has thrived. Regular performers on the series also include Steve Landesberg, Michelle Arthur, Candace Dean Brown, Rob Benedict, and Aris Alvarado.
The Starz series debuted in April of 2007 as 10-minute vignettes and evolved into half-hour episodes. Head Case became a showcase for performers who wanted to play themselves and get some “tough love” onscreen. Those that have been “helped” include Andy Dick, Greg Grunberg, Jeff Probst, Tori Spelling, Tom Sizemore, Jason Lewis, Sean Hayes, Jeff Goldblum, Jason Priestley, and Ralph Macchio.
Wentworth once commented, “The guest stars love the improv aspect of the show… They are given the chance to add their own dialogue, which hardly ever happens [on other shows], and is a breath of fresh air for them.”
When the third season of Head Case was announced, Stephan Shelanski, Starz’s executive vice president of programming, said, “Head Case was our first original half-hour comedy to debut on Starz and we are all excited to see it grow alongside our ever-expanding slate of top notch original TV programming… The true strength of this show stems from Ali Wentworth’s natural comedic instincts and the ability to offer our talent an open forum, where improvised dialogue and creativity are always encouraged. The final result is an eccentric, unconventional, unpredictably hilarious TV series, which we are proud to air on Starz.”
Those warm feelings seem to have faded over time unfortunately. The season three finale, which aired on May 22, 2009, has turned out to be the show’s last installment. Critic Rob Owen recently confirmed the cancellation with the cable channel. Episode 28, which guest-stars Jerry Seinfeld, is the end of the show.
What do you think? Are you sorry that Head Case won’t be back for another season?
Image courtesy Starz.
More about:
Head Case
{ 47 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
I am totally bummed to find out Head Case was canceled. I just found it on Netflix not long ago and have been addicted to it ever since.
Ali is a comic whiz, Landesberg is so dry and witty, and Michelle Arthur is a hoot as Lola. It was hilarious to see celebrity patients getting shredded by Dr Goode’s cutting remarks in every episode. Her neurotic behavior was so outrageous the celebrity patients appeared truly flabbergasted by the improvisation.
As for the person who pointed out the obvious–that ratings determine whether or not a show continues–really? You are so wise. What would all the rest of us imbeciles who like the show do without your genius?
I mean, did anyone say, “Head Case got great ratings, they shouldn’t have canceled it.”? No. All anyone has said is they enjoyed the show and wished it hadn’t been taken off the air.
But, thanks for your help, anyway….
unbelieveable that this wonderful show was cancelled. this was edgy, full of vigor and vitality. i am very sorry to see such talented people deal with HEAD CASE being cancelled. I and many of my friends were really just getting into it. The secretary, the maintenance man, the other psychiatrist, et all were fascinating characters…I laughed the entire time. again, i repeat — unbelieveable that this show was cancelled. la
← Previous Comments