Night Court

Network: NBC
Episodes: 193 (half-hour)
Seasons: Nine

TV show dates: January 4, 1984 — May 31, 1992
Series status: Cancelled/ended

Performers include: Harry Anderson, John Larroquette, Richard Moll, Charles Robinson, Markie Post, Marsha Warfield, Selma Diamond, Florence HalopKaren Austin, Paula Kelly, and Ellen Foley.

TV show description:
This Reinhold Weege-created sitcom takes place in a Manhattan courtroom, covering the nightly happenings and the personal lives of those who work there.

Judge Harry Stone (Harry Anderson) is a young, hip judge with a good sense of humor. That’s a good thing, considering the often bizarre cases that he has to rule on during his nightly court sessions.

The public defender job is a revolving door position for awhile with Liz Williams (Paula Kelly) and Billie Young (Ellen Foley) holding the position for just a short time. Christine Sullivan (Markie Post) eventually takes the job and holds it for the better part of eight seasons. She’s smart, honest to a fault, and somewhat naive. It’s no surprise that Judge Harry is attracted to her.

In stark contrast is the court’s sleazy prosecutor — Reinhold Fielding Elmore, who goes by the name of Daniel R. “Dan” Fielding (John Larroquette). He’s self-centered, sex-obsessed, and constantly on the prowl.

Helping to keep order in the court are the resident bailiffs. Tough senior citizens Selma Hacker (Selma Diamond) and Florence Kleiner (Florence Halop) each hold the position in the sitcom’s early seasons, until the actresses both died. Eventually no-nonsense Roz Russell (Marsha Warfield) fills the position. The male bailiff is Nostradamus “Bull” Shannon (Richard Moll), a strange and not-so-bright physical giant.

The court clerk position is intially held by Lana Wagner (Karen Austin), a love interest for Harry. Then, Vietnam War vet Macintosh “Mac” Robinson (Charles Robinson) takes over and provides both a no-nonsense and a sweet presence.