Mad About You (1992–1999, 2019)
- Sep 22, 1992
- 2 min read
Mad About You is an American sitcom that captured the nuances of married life with sharp wit and heartfelt humor. Airing on NBC, with a revival season on Spectrum Originals, the show stood out for its relatable portrayal of a couple’s daily life, blending romantic comedy with urban sensibilities. Its clever dialogue and strong chemistry between leads made it a beloved staple of 1990s television.
Created by Paul Reiser and Danny Jacobson, Mad About You was developed with contributions from writers like Larry Charles and Victor Levin. The series premiered on September 23, 1992, and its original run ended on May 24, 1999, with a revival season airing from November 20, 2019, to December 18, 2019. Reiser and Jacobson’s vision of an authentic, humorous look at marriage, inspired by their own experiences, resonated deeply with audiences.
Plot
Set in New York City, Mad About You follows newlyweds Paul Buchman, a documentary filmmaker, and Jamie Stemple-Buchman, a public relations specialist, as they navigate the joys and challenges of marriage. From mundane quirks to major life decisions, the couple deals with family, friends, and their dog, Murray, in their Manhattan apartment. The show explores themes of love, communication, and balancing personal and professional lives with humor and warmth.
Cast
Paul Reiser as Paul Buchman
Helen Hunt as Jamie Stemple-Buchman
Anne Ramsay as Lisa Stemple
Leila Kenzle as Fran Devanow
John Pankow as Ira Buchman
Richard Kind as Dr. Mark Devanow (recurring)
Lisa Kudrow as Ursula Buffay (recurring)
Seasons and Episodes
Season 1 (1992–1993) – 22 episodes
Season 2 (1993–1994) – 25 episodes
Season 3 (1994–1995) – 24 episodes
Season 4 (1995–1996) – 24 episodes
Season 5 (1996–1997) – 24 episodes
Season 6 (1997–1998) – 23 episodes
Season 7 (1998–1999) – 22 episodes
Season 8 (2019) – 12 episodes Total Episodes: 176
Cultural Impact
Mad About You influenced romantic comedies on television, paving the way for shows like Friends (which shares a universe via Lisa Kudrow’s Ursula) and How I Met Your Mother. Its realistic portrayal of marriage resonated with viewers, and catchphrases like Jamie’s “Not tonight, Paul” became pop culture staples. The show’s revival and syndication on networks like CMT and streaming on Amazon Prime highlight its enduring appeal.
Honors and Recognition
Mad About You won four Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Lead Actress for Helen Hunt from 1996 to 1999, and earned 34 Emmy nominations. It also won a Golden Globe for Best Actress for Hunt in 1994 and received multiple People’s Choice Awards. The chemistry between Reiser and Hunt, along with the show’s sharp writing, was widely praised.
Conclusion
Mad About You remains a cornerstone of 1990s sitcoms, celebrated for its witty, authentic portrayal of marriage and urban life. Its enduring charm and relatable storytelling continue to resonate, securing its place as a classic romantic comedy series.
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