Sunshine

1 9 7 5 (USA)
13 x 30 minute episodes

This Thursday night NBC sitcom was based on a CBS TV movie of the same name, which aired in November 1973, with most of the same cast.

Set in Vancouver, British Columbia, it was the story of young widower Sam Hayden (Cliff De Young) and his stepdaughter Jill (Elizabeth Cheshire) trying to make ends meet after Sam’s wife died of cancer, leaving him to care for her five-year-old daughter by a previous marriage.

Sam was a composer and sang in a trio with his two friends, Weaver (Bill Mumy) and Givitz (Corey Fischer). With his musical career not generating much money, Sam sought all sorts of odd jobs to help support Jill and himself.

He also tried to be both mother and father to Jill, who was always on the lookout for a likely candidate to marry her father. Helping Sam out, in addition to his two long-haired partners, was his neighbour and friend Nora (Meg Foster).

The easy and contemporary lifestyle led by Sam and Jill was cheered by some and condemned by others and caused concern among those who felt it was not good for Jill’s welfare.

Sam Hayden
Cliff De Young
Jill Hayden
Elizabeth Cheshire
Weaver
Bill Mumy
Givitz
Corey Fischer
Nora
Meg Foster