Thicke of the Night

1 9 8 3 – 1 9 8 4 (USA)
100 x 90 minute episodes

Debuting in September 1983, this 90-minute syndicated late-night talk show was hosted by Alan Thicke, a singer-comedian who had hosted a popular daytime series in Canada (The Alan Thicke Show).

The show was designed to compete with The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson and was scheduled opposite that show in most areas where it was carried. The Tonight Show went on the offensive, warning performers that an appearance on Thicke’s show would result in them not being invited to appear on Tonight.

Nevertheless, the show attracted guests such as Joan Collins, Olivia Newton-John, Roberta Flack, Cheap Trick, Adam West, James Brown, The Commodores and Gordon Lightfoot.

Thicke of the Night featured a resident company of comic actors, who appeared in various sketches and ad-libs with Thicke, comprising Richard Belzer, Chloe Webb, Isabel Grandin, Gilbert Gottfried, Mike McManus, and Charles Fleischer.

The show opened to mediocre reviews and low ratings, and within five weeks, it had taken on a new producer, a new director, and new sets.

By 1984, not enough stations renewed the show to keep it operating. Reruns were aired through the summer of 84.

Alan Thicke went on to star as Dr Jason Seaver in the long-running sitcom Growing Pains. He died on 13 December 2016 after suffering a heart attack while playing hockey with his son. He was 69.

Host
Alan Thicke

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