Karen (1975 TV series)

Karen
GenreSitcom
Created byGene Reynolds
Larry Gelbart
StarringKaren Valentine
Charles Lane
Dena Dietrich
Oliver Clark
Alix Elias
Will Seltzer
Aldine King
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes13
Production
Camera setupMulti-camera
Running time25 minutes
Production company20th Century-Fox Television
Original release
NetworkABC
ReleaseJanuary 30 (1975-01-30) –
May 8, 1975 (1975-05-08)

Karen is an American sitcom that aired on ABC beginning in January 1975. A mid-season replacement, Karen was designed as a starring vehicle for actress Karen Valentine. The show was canceled after four months due to low ratings.

Plot

Karen Angelo is an ambitious, enthusiastic worker for Open America, a liberal citizen's lobby in Washington, D.C. Karen is assisted in finding (and uncovering) corrupt managers by Dale Busch, the cantankerous founder of Open America (played by Denver Pyle in the pilot episode, Charles Lane would later play the role).[1]

Cast

Episodes

No. Title Directed by Written by Original air date Prod.
code
1"Karen"Gene ReynoldsLarry Gelbart & Carl KleinschmittJanuary 30, 1975 (1975-01-30)901
Karen prepares for an appearance before a House subcommittee in government reorganization.
2"Them"Hy AverbackSimon MuntnerFebruary 6, 1975 (1975-02-06)902
Karen discovers that her home is being bugged and suspects that the office of Open America is as well.
3"The Visitors"Jerry ParisCarl KleinschmittFebruary 13, 1975 (1975-02-13)906
Karen's high school friend and her husband are visiting from California and Karen is in for a big surprise.
4"Love and Other Issues"John ErmanJohn D. HessFebruary 20, 1975 (1975-02-20)907
A dashing public relations man wins Karen's heart until she realizes that his motives are suspect.
5"Whistle Blowing"Hy AverbackSimon MuntnerFebruary 27, 1975 (1975-02-27)905
An employee of a large company is on the verge of exposing his firm's shady practices through conversations with Karen, but is getting cold feet because of potential reprisals.
6"Hartford Revisited"Gene ReynoldsRichard BaerMarch 6, 1975 (1975-03-06)908
Congressman Hartford asks Karen to marry him, which puts the uncertain Karen in a tight situation.
7"Busch's Breakup"John ErmanKaryl MillerMarch 13, 1975 (1975-03-13)910
Dale has a fight with his wife and stays with Karen, who has to play marriage counselor and deal with his eccentricities.
8"I Gave at the Office"Gene ReynoldsSimon MuntnerMarch 20, 1975 (1975-03-20)903
Karen has to decide between two men who are seeking her affection.
9"What Are Friends For?"Jerry ParisSimon MuntnerMarch 27, 1975 (1975-03-27)909
Karen comes down with an illness, but her home becomes a madhouse as all her friends try to offer help.
10"Capitol Capers"Gene ReynoldsJohn D. HessApril 10, 1975 (1975-04-10)913
Karen heads to the Pentagon to obtain information on a specific government contract.
11"A Day in the Life"John ErmanRick MittlemanApril 17, 1975 (1975-04-17)912
Karen and Congressman Blakemore face off against each other over consumer protection when they appear on a late-night talk show.
12"The Karen Report"Mel FerberCarl KleinschmittMay 1, 1975 (1975-05-01)911
Karen has to do background work on Congressman Hartford, but the discoveries she makes startle even him.
13"Dena Might"Hy AverbackSimon MuntnerMay 8, 1975 (1975-05-08)904
After dating for 10 years, Dena finally receives a marriage proposal from her boyfriend Barney, who's finally decided to divorce his wife. However, Dena is uncertain and asks Karen for advice.

References

  • TV Guide Guide to TV 2006 (2006) ISBN 0-7607-7572-9

Notes

  1. ^ Brooks, Tim; Marsh, Earle (2007). The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946–Present (9 ed.). New York: Random House Publishing. pp. 726–727. ISBN 978-0-345-49773-4. Retrieved 2024-07-01.