7 Things You Didn’t Know About ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’

Gerry Strauss March 15, 12:00 pm

WKRP IN CINCINNATI, Loni Anderson, Howard Hesseman, Jan Smithers, 1978-82 — Everett Collection

If you loved TV and radio in the late ’70s and early ’80s, you probably enjoyed rocking with Dr. Johnny Fever (played by the brilliant Howard Hesseman) and Venus Flytrap (Tim Reid), chuckling at the foolish antics of Station Manager Mr. Carlson (Gordon Jump) and news reporter Les Nessman (Richard Sanders), and marveling at the beauty of exotic secretary Jennifer Marlowe (Loni Anderson) and demure workhouse Bailey Quarters (Jan Smithers). From 1978 to 1982, WKRP in Cincinnati was the place to be, but do you know all there is to know about the greatest workplace sitcom ever to be set at a rock radio station?

1 Cincinnati was chosen Goldilocks-style

WKRP IN CINCINNATI, from left: Howard Hesseman, Gordon Jump, Tim Reid, Gary Sandy, 1978, (1978-1982).

Robert Phillips/Everett Collection

The city of Cincinnati, Ohio, was selected as the setting for the show for a handful of reasons. Series creator Hugh Wilson and his team were adamant that the show takes place in a sizable city, but not a top market like New York or Los Angeles. They also liked how WKRP in Cincinnati rolled off the tongue easily. While never confirmed by Wilson, it is also widely believed that “WKRP” was intended to be a sly allusion to the word “crap,” so there’s that!

2 The show was a hit with critics … but not a ratings winner

Throughout its four-year run, WKRP in Cincinnati was nominated for 10 Emmy awards, three of which fell in the category of “Outstanding Comedy Series.” However, the show never earned strong ratings, perhaps attributed to the fact that it occupied a mind-boggling 12 different time slots throughout those years. The show’s popularity eventually improved in syndication (likely because fans could keep track of when it aired more easily).

3 Radio hosts loved the show

WKRP‘s authenticity made it a huge hit with real-life radio industry professionals. The show frequently received on-air shoutouts and floods of letters from radio DJs encouraging them to continue showcasing their unique industry to TV viewers. They even received a constant flow of bumper stickers from radio stations, which would be hung on wall spaces and bulletin boards on the set to reciprocate the love.

4 The show introduced new bands to TV viewers

Like real rock radio stations, WKRP in Cincinnati was determined to push the musical envelope by exposing its viewers to new artists. The Cars, Blondie, and Toto are among many bands that credit the show with helping elevate their careers.

5 WKRP almost had a very different cast

WKRP IN CINCINNATI, (back row, from left): Richard Sanders, Gordon Jump, Tim Reid, (middle): Frank Bonner, Gary Sandy, (front): Loni Anderson, Jan Howard Hesseman, Smithers, 1978-82.

MTM Television/Courtesy: Everett Collection

While most would agree that WKRP‘s diverse group of wacky characters were perfectly played by the show’s all-star cast, things looked very different in the months leading up to production. Believe it or not, Howard Hesseman was first eyed for the part of scummy salesman Herb Tarlek (a role eventually played by Frank Bonner). Hesseman thankfully refused, instead requesting a crack at the character of Johnny Fever (eventually beating out David Cassidy for the role!). Similarly, Gary Sandy was originally brought in to audition for the part of Les Nessman but was hired to play level-headed Program Director Andy Travis instead.

Even breakout star Loni Anderson was originally earmarked for a one-episode appearance before winning over writers and fans to earn a permanent spot for herself on the main cast (and garnering three Golden Globe and two Emmy nominations in the process!)

6 Cincinnati embraced the show in a big way

To help WKRP authentically represent the look and feel of a radio station in Cincinnati, real-life local station WEBN-FM sent the show a “care package” of locally-branded items to use as props, including empty pizza boxes from a local restaurant, Skyline Chili bags, Little Kings and Hudepohl bottles, and an “I Love Norwood” bumper sticker. Baseball enthusiast Gary Sandy even reached out to The Enquirer to score a Cincinnati Reds warm-up jacket, which became a signature part of the character’s look.

7 The show was briefly revived in the ’90s

THE NEW WKRP IN CINCINNATI, Tawny Kitaen, 1991-93

Everett Collection

From September 7, 1991, to May 22, 1993, The New WKRP in Cincinnati revisited our favorite fictional radio station via a new syndicated reboot of the show. The show gave fans an updated look at WKRP, which had now fallen into mismanagement following the departure of Andy Travis. Gordon Jump, Frank Bonner, and Richard Sanders returned to reprise their roles from the original series, while popular former mainstays like Howard Hesseman and Loni Anderson popped in and out of the series as guest stars. Despite a talented yet ever-changing cast of new stars (French Stewart! Tawny Kitaen!), the show never caught on with new or returning fans, and the show signed off for good after two seasons.