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{{Infobox television
{{Infobox television
| show_name = Pink Lady
| image = Pink Lady Title Card.jpg
| image_size = 230
| image = Pink Lady Title Card.jpg
| image_size = 230px
| caption =
| caption =
| alt_name = {{Plainlist|
| show_name_2 = {{Plainlist|
* ''Pink Lady Starring Mie and Kei with Jeff Altman''
* ''Pink Lady Starring Mie and Kei with Jeff Altman''
* ''Pink Lady and Jeff'' (in retrospective)
* ''Pink Lady and Jeff'' (in retrospective)
}}
}}
| genre = [[Variety show|Variety]]
| genre = [[Variety show|Variety]]
| creator =
| creator =
| writer = <!-- See episodes table below -->
| writer = <!-- See episodes table below -->
| director = <!-- [[Rudy De Luca]]<br> -->Art Fisher<!-- Only Art Fisher is listed in the episodes table below -->
| director = <!-- [[Rudy De Luca]]<br> -->Art Fisher<!-- Only Art Fisher is listed in the episodes table below -->
| starring = {{Plainlist|
| starring = {{Plainlist|
* [[Pink Lady (band)|Pink Lady]]
* [[Pink Lady (duo)|Pink Lady]]
* [[Jeff Altman]]
* [[Jeff Altman]]
* [[Jim Varney]]
* [[Jim Varney]]
Line 20: Line 19:
* Ed Nakamoto
* Ed Nakamoto
}}
}}
| country = United States
| country = United States
| language = English
| language = English
| num_seasons = 1
| num_seasons = 1
| num_episodes = 6 (1 unaired)
| num_episodes = 6 (1 unaired)
| producer = [[Sid and Marty Krofft]]
| producer = [[Sid and Marty Krofft]]
| runtime = 45–48 min
| runtime = 45–48 min
| company = Krofft Entertainment
| company = Krofft Entertainment
| channel = [[NBC]]
| channel = [[NBC]]
| first_aired = {{start date|1980|03|01}}
| first_aired = {{start date|1980|03|01}}
| last_aired = {{end date|1980|04|04}}
| last_aired = {{end date|1980|04|04}}
}}
}}


'''''Pink Lady''''' is an American [[variety show]] that aired for five weeks on [[NBC]] in 1980, starring the [[Pink Lady (band)|Japanese musical duo of the same name]]. The show also is referred to by the title '''''Pink Lady and Jeff''''', which refers to co-star [[Jeff Altman]]. The show was riddled with complications, including the dispute over the name: agents for the starring parties were never able to settle on one, and the show was advertised both ways during its run. Other difficulties included scriptwriting disagreements, guest star booking mishaps, taping and touring conflicts, and the fact that [[Mie (singer)|Mie]] and [[Keiko Masuda|Kei]], the members of Pink Lady, did not understand English.
'''''Pink Lady''''' is an American [[variety show]] that aired for five weeks on [[NBC]] in 1980, starring the [[Pink Lady (duo)|Japanese musical duo of the same name]]. The show also is referred to by the title '''''Pink Lady and Jeff''''', referring to co-star [[Jeff Altman]]. The show was riddled with complications, including a dispute over the name: agents for the starring parties were never able to settle on one, and the show was advertised both ways during its run. Other difficulties included scriptwriting disagreements, guest star booking mishaps, taping and touring conflicts, and the inability of [[Mie (singer)|Mie]] and [[Keiko Masuda|Kei]], the members of Pink Lady, to understand or speak English.


Pink Lady was massively popular in Japan and even enjoyed a hit in the U.S. with the English-language song [[Kiss in the Dark (Pink Lady song)|"Kiss in the Dark"]]. A television show for the duo was proposed and swiftly approved. The show's developers, [[Sid and Marty Krofft]], were led to believe that the stars were fluent in both languages, but even when this was found to be untrue, production continued apace. Network executives insisted that Mie and Kei not only speak their parts in English by rote, but also sing every song that way as well. Their unconvincing diction compounded the show's other problems, and despite the infusion of very expensive co-stars, the series did poorly and was cancelled after five episodes. The series ranked #35 on ''[[TV Guide]]''{{'}}s "The 50 Worst TV Shows of All Time?" list.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vevmo.com/f77/the-50-worst-tv-shows-of-314/|title=The 50 Worst TV Shows of All Time?|publisher=Vevmo.com|accessdate=2009-11-26|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205101319/http://vevmo.com/f77/the-50-worst-tv-shows-of-314/|archivedate=2010-02-05}}</ref>
Pink Lady was massively popular in Japan and even enjoyed a hit in the U.S. with the English-language song [[Kiss in the Dark (Pink Lady song)|"Kiss in the Dark"]]. A television show for the duo was proposed and swiftly approved. The show's developers, [[Sid and Marty Krofft]], pursued the project under the erroneous assumption that the stars spoke both English and Japanese. When the reality became apparent, network executives insisted that Mie and Kei not only perform their English dialog phonetically, but also sing in English. The resulting clumsy diction compounded the show's other problems, and despite the infusion of expensive co-stars, the series did poorly and was cancelled after five episodes. The series ranked #35 on ''[[TV Guide]]''{{'}}s "The 50 Worst TV Shows of All Time" list.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Associated Press |title=TV Guide trashes 'Springer' |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=20020714&slug=badtv14 |access-date=May 22, 2022 |work=[[Seattle Times]] |date=July 14, 2002}}</ref>


==Synopsis==
==Synopsis==
The series starred Japanese female singing duo [[Pink Lady (band)|Pink Lady]], composed of "Mie" ([[Mie (singer)|Mitsuyo Nemoto]]) and "Kei" ([[Keiko Masuda]]), and American comedian [[Jeff Altman]]. The format of the show consisted of musical numbers alternating with [[sketch comedy]]. A [[running gag]] of the series was the girls' lack of understanding of American culture and of English; in reality, Pink Lady spoke no English at all.<ref>{{cite book|last=Hofstede|first=David |title=What Were They Thinking: The 100 Dumbest Events in Television History|publisher=Backbeat Books|year=2004|pages=135|isbn=0-8230-8441-8}}</ref> On the show, Jeff attempted to translate and explain, leading to more confusion.<ref name=tvparty>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvparty.com/pink.html|title=''Pink Lady and Jeff''|last=Phillips |first=Brian |publisher=tvparty.com|accessdate=2008-08-29}}</ref>
The series starred Japanese female singing duo [[Pink Lady (duo)|Pink Lady]], composed of "Mie" ([[Mie (singer)|Mitsuyo Nemoto]]) and "Kei" ([[Keiko Masuda]]), and American comedian [[Jeff Altman]]. The format of the show featured musical numbers alternating with [[sketch comedy]]. A [[running gag]] of the series was the girls' lack of understanding of American culture and of English; in reality, Pink Lady spoke no English at all.<ref>{{cite book|last=Hofstede|first=David |title=What Were They Thinking: The 100 Dumbest Events in Television History|publisher=Backbeat Books|year=2004|pages=135|isbn=0-8230-8441-8}}</ref> On the show, Jeff attempted to translate and explain, leading to more confusion.<ref name=tvparty>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvparty.com/pink.html|title=''Pink Lady and Jeff''|last=Phillips |first=Brian |publisher=tvparty.com|access-date=2008-08-29}}</ref>


The series featured Pink Lady performing songs, usually English-language disco and pop songs such as "[[Boogie Wonderland]]" or "[[Yesterday (Beatles song)|Yesterday]]", and interaction with celebrity and musical guests. The group would end the show by jumping into a hot tub together. After the poorly rated series premiere, NBC moved ''Pink Lady'' to Friday nights and added [[Jim Varney]] as a character actor. The move and retooling failed to help ratings and the series was canceled after five episodes.<ref name=tvparty />
The series featured Pink Lady performing songs, usually English-language disco and pop songs such as "[[Boogie Wonderland]]" or "[[Yesterday (song)|Yesterday]]", and interaction with celebrity and musical guests. The group would end the show by jumping into a hot tub together. After the poorly rated series premiere, NBC moved ''Pink Lady'' to Friday nights and added [[Jim Varney]] as a character actor. The move and retooling failed to help ratings and the series was canceled after five episodes.<ref name=tvparty />


==Production==
==Production==
The show was the brainchild of [[Fred Silverman]],<ref>{{cite book|last=Marindale|first=David |title=Pufnstuf & Other Stuff|publisher=St. Martin's Press|year=1998|pages=230|isbn=1-58063-007-3}}</ref> then president and CEO of NBC, who wanted to replicate the success he had had at [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] and [[CBS]]. After seeing a [[Walter Cronkite]] story about Pink Lady on the ''[[CBS Evening News]]'',<ref name=krofft>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C01Tjbkb7ek |title=''Sid & Marty Krofft on Pink Lady'' |publisher=Television Academy Foundation Interviews |accessdate=May 11, 2018 }}</ref> Silverman thought their Japanese success could be translated to the American market, so he brought in [[Sid and Marty Krofft]] to produce a variety show for them. At the time, Pink Lady recently achieved their first [[one-hit wonder|and only]] top-40 hit on the U.S. ''[[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]'', when their song "[[Kiss in the Dark (Pink Lady song)|Kiss in the Dark]]" peaked at no. 37 in August 1979. The Krofft brothers were told that the ladies were fluent in English, which they were not.<ref name=krofft /> Unsure of how to stage the show, Sid Krofft developed the concept of making "the strangest thing that's ever been on television...The whole show was gonna come out of a little Japanese box."<ref name=krofft /> Silverman's response was, "No, that's just too different. Let's just do ''[[Donny & Marie (1976 TV series)|Donny & Marie]]''."<ref>{{cite book|last=Marindale|first=David |title=Pufnstuf & Other Stuff|publisher=St. Martin's Press|year=1998|pages=231|isbn=1-58063-007-3}}</ref>
The show was the brainchild of [[Fred Silverman]],<ref>{{cite book|last=Marindale|first=David |title=Pufnstuf & Other Stuff|publisher=St. Martin's Press|year=1998|pages=230|isbn=1-58063-007-3}}</ref> then president and CEO of NBC, who wanted to replicate the success he had had at [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] and [[CBS]]. After seeing a [[Walter Cronkite]] story about Pink Lady on the ''[[CBS Evening News]]'',<ref name=krofft>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C01Tjbkb7ek |title=''Sid & Marty Krofft on Pink Lady'' |publisher=Television Academy Foundation Interviews |access-date=May 11, 2018 }}</ref> Silverman thought their Japanese success could be translated to the American market, so he brought in [[Sid and Marty Krofft]] to produce a variety show for them. At the time, Pink Lady had recently achieved their first [[one-hit wonder|and only]] top-40 hit on the U.S. ''[[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]'', when their song "[[Kiss in the Dark (Pink Lady song)|Kiss in the Dark]]" peaked at no. 37 in August 1979. The Krofft brothers were told that the ladies were fluent in English, which they were not.<ref name=krofft /> Unsure of how to stage the show, Sid Krofft developed the concept of making "the strangest thing that's ever been on television...The whole show was gonna come out of a little Japanese box."<ref name=krofft /> Silverman's response was, "No, that's just too different. Let's just do ''[[Donny & Marie (1976 TV series)|Donny & Marie]]''."<ref>{{cite book|last=Marindale|first=David |title=Pufnstuf & Other Stuff|publisher=St. Martin's Press|year=1998|pages=231|isbn=1-58063-007-3}}</ref>
[[File:Pink Lady and Jeff 1980.jpg|thumb|Pink Lady and host Jeff Altman in a promotional photo]]
⚫
Comedian Jeff Altman had a contract with NBC,<ref name="DVD">[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005JH9Q "Jeff Altman Interview"], ''Pink Lady and Jeff'' DVD, Rhino Home Video, 2001.</ref> and on that basis, was offered work hosting the show to compensate for the leads having no knowledge of English. Writer [[Mark Evanier]] previously worked with the Kroffts on ''[[The Krofft Superstar Hour]]'' and the pilot ''Bobby Vinton's Rock 'n' Rollers'' and was brought on board as head writer, and seasoned variety show director Art Fisher (''[[The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour]]'') was brought in to direct. According to Evanier, Fisher disliked the show and only participated because he was contractually obligated.<ref name="evanier">{{cite web|url=http://www.pinkladyamerica.com/pinkinsider.html|title=Pink Insider|last=Evanier|first=Mark|publisher=pinkladyamerica.com|access-date=2009-11-26}}</ref>


⚫
The language barrier proved to be the biggest obstacle. Mie and Kei had to hold English conversations using an on-set translator.<ref name=DVD /> The writers struggled because once dialogue had been written for and learned by the ladies, it could not be changed.<ref name=evanier /> This was particularly problematic when a guest star would be booked at the last minute, such as [[Lorne Greene]], who agreed to appear on the show only four hours before the episode was taped.<ref name=evanier /> Mie and Kei wanted to sing the songs that had made them famous in their native country, but NBC insisted they perform in English.<ref name=evanier /> This resulted in recording English songs phonetically and lip-syncing for the show's taping.<ref name=DVD /> Lip-syncing was already a common practice on American variety shows, but it was especially noticeable since the ladies were performing in a language that was foreign to them. Additional problems were caused when the network insisted the writers develop separate identities for Mie and Kei.<ref name=evanier /> The established ''Pink Lady'' act was so fixed in unison that they performed as one entity, so the two were not comfortable having separate stage personalities.<ref name=evanier />
⚫
Comedian Jeff Altman had a contract with NBC,<ref name=DVD>[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005JH9Q "Jeff Altman Interview"], ''Pink Lady and Jeff'' DVD, Rhino Home Video, 2001.</ref> and, on that basis, was offered work hosting the show to compensate for the fact that the leads were un-versed in English. Writer [[Mark Evanier]] previously worked with Kroffts on ''[[The Krofft Superstar Hour]]'' and the pilot ''Bobby Vinton's Rock 'n' Rollers'' and was brought on board as head writer and seasoned variety show director Art Fisher (''[[The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour]]'') was brought in to direct. According to Evanier, Fisher disliked the show and only participated because he was contractually obligated.<ref name=evanier>{{cite web|url=http://www.pinkladyamerica.com/pinkinsider.html|title=Pink Insider|last=Evanier|first=Mark|publisher=pinkladyamerica.com|accessdate=2009-11-26}}</ref>


⚫
Because Mie and Kei commuted between the U.S. and Japan to appear in sold-out concerts,<ref name=evanier /> their time on the set was spent memorizing lines and routines, forcing the brunt of the comedy on Altman and ensemble players [[Jim Varney]], [[Cheri Steinkellner]] and [[Anna Mathias]].<ref name=DVD /> On the rare occasions when Mie and Kei appeared in sketches, their time was minimal.
⚫
The language barrier proved to be the biggest obstacle. Mie and Kei had to hold English conversations through an on-set translator.<ref name=DVD /> The writers struggled because once dialogue had been written for and learned by the ladies, it could not be changed.<ref name=evanier /> This was particularly problematic when a guest star would be booked at the last minute, such as [[Lorne Greene]], who agreed to appear on the show only four hours before the episode was taped.<ref name=evanier /> Mie and Kei wanted to sing the songs that had made them famous in their native country, but NBC insisted they perform in English.<ref name=evanier /> This resulted in recording English songs phonetically and lip-syncing for the show's tapings.<ref name=DVD /> Lip-syncing was already a common practice on American variety shows, but it was especially noticeable since the ladies were performing in a language that was foreign to them. Additional problems were caused when the network insisted the writers develop separate identities for Mie and Kei.<ref name=evanier /> The established ''Pink Lady'' act was that they were so much in unison that they performed as one entity, so the two were not comfortable having separate stage personalities.<ref name=evanier />


⚫
Booking guests for the show was also a problem.<ref name=evanier /> Variety shows were fading by 1980, which was exacerbated by the fact the series' headliners were not a household name in the U.S. [[Larry Hagman]] and other A-list stars were coerced into appearing by offering sizable monetary incentives.<ref name=krofft /><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.newsfromme.com/2012/11/24/my-larry-hagman-story/ | title = My Larry Hagman Story | author = Mark Evanier | access-date =November 28, 2012 }}</ref> Other stars who had previously worked with the Kroffts were also brought in, including [[Florence Henderson]] (''[[The Brady Bunch Hour]]''), [[Donny Osmond]] (''Donny & Marie''), [[Red Buttons]] (''Side Show'') and [[Bobby Vinton]] (''Bobby Vinton's Rock 'n' Rollers''). To ease the need for live, in-person performances, ''Pink Lady'' incorporated pre-recorded [[music video]]s in lieu of musical acts. [[Alice Cooper]] was friends with the Kroffts and submitted an original performance from his upcoming album as a favor to them.<ref>{{cite book|last=Sherman|first=Dale |title=The Illustrated Collector's Guide to Alice Cooper, 10th Anniversary Edition|publisher=Collector's Guide Publishing, Inc.|year=2009|pages=208|isbn=978-1-894959-93-3}}</ref> [[Cheap Trick]]'s music video for "[[Dream Police (song)|Dream Police]]" was shown as were [[Blondie (band)|Blondie's]] videos for "Shayla" and "Eat to the Beat," both shot for a then-newly released home video.
⚫
Because Mie and Kei commuted between the U.S. and Japan to appear in sold-out concerts,<ref name=evanier /> their time on the set was spent memorizing lines and routines, forcing the brunt of the comedy skits on Altman and ensemble players [[Jim Varney]], [[Cheri Steinkellner]] and [[Anna Mathias]].<ref name=DVD /> On rare occasions when Mie and Kei appeared in sketches, their time was minimal.


⚫
Each show ended with a tuxedo-clad Jeff getting lured, pushed or pulled into the on-set hot tub by Mie and Kei. This gag originated with Sid Krofft,<ref name=evanier /> who had used a similar device on ''The Brady Bunch Hour;'' in each episode, Greg would push Peter into the swimming pool. Altman felt it would have been an amusing one-time gag, but by employing it each week, it became contrived.<ref name=DVD /> Altman tried to convince the writing staff to do away with this segment, but he was vetoed, likely because the segment afforded everyone the opportunity to see Mie and Kei in bikinis.<ref name=DVD />
⚫
Booking guests for the show was also a problem.<ref name=evanier /> Variety shows were fading by 1980, which was exacerbated by the fact the series' headliners were not a household name in the U.S. [[Larry Hagman]] and other A-list stars were coerced into appearing after receiving sizable monetary incentives.<ref name=krofft /><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.newsfromme.com/2012/11/24/my-larry-hagman-story/ | title = My Larry Hagman Story | author = Mark Evanier | accessdate =November 28, 2012 }}</ref> [[Alice Cooper]] was friends with the Kroffts and submitted an original performance both as a favor to them<ref>{{cite book|last=Sherman|first=Dale |title=The Illustrated Collector's Guide to Alice Cooper, 10th Anniversary Edition|publisher=Collector's Guide Publishing, Inc.|year=2009|pages=208|isbn=978-1-894959-93-3}}</ref> and to promote his upcoming album release. Other stars who had previously worked with the Kroffts were also brought in, including [[Florence Henderson]] (''[[The Brady Bunch Hour]]''), [[Donny Osmond]] (''[[Donny & Marie (1976 TV series)|Donny & Marie]]''), [[Red Buttons]] (''Side Show'') and [[Bobby Vinton]] (''Bobby Vinton's Rock 'n' Rollers''). [[Cheap Trick]] and two-time guest [[Blondie (band)|Blondie]] had no actual involvement with the show — Cheap Trick's music video for "[[Dream Police (song)|Dream Police]]" was shown as were Blondie's videos for "Shayla" and "Eat to the Beat," both shot for a then-newly released home video.


⚫
The show's title was a source of confusion. The onscreen title was ''Pink Lady,'' but the series was commonly referred to as ''Pink Lady and Jeff''. Altman felt that since he carried the show, his name should appear in the title, and the network agreed, but Pink Lady's manager strongly protested<ref name=DVD /> and threatened a lawsuit if "and Jeff" appeared on the show's title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsfromme.com/2002/07/14/pink-lady-and-jeff/|title=NOTES from me|access-date=2009-11-26}}</ref> NBC's promos occasionally referred to as ''Pink Lady,''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcJGGRyeLuQ|title=NBC Pink Lady and Jeff promo 1980|website=[[YouTube]] |access-date=2009-11-26}}</ref> whereas at other times the voice-over announcer referred to it as ''Pink Lady and Jeff.''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Huj5Xv7_2A#t=0m21s|title=NBC Promo 1980|website=[[YouTube]] |access-date=2009-11-26}}</ref> In print advertisements for ''TV Guide'' the show was always titled ''Pink Lady and Jeff,'' though it was cited as ''Pink Lady'' in the text TV listings.<ref name="tvguide">{{cite web|url=http://www.platypuscomix.net/bored/tvguideads5.html|title=The Lost Art of ''TV Guide'' Advertising, Volume 5 of 265,890|access-date=2009-11-26}}</ref>
⚫
Each show ended with a tuxedo-clad Jeff getting lured, pushed or pulled into the on-set hot tub by Mie and Kei. This gag originated with Sid Krofft,<ref name=evanier /> who had used a similar device on ''The Brady Bunch Hour;'' in each episode, Greg would push Peter into the swimming pool. Altman felt it would have been an amusing one-time gag, but by employing it each week, it became contrived.<ref name=DVD /> Altman tried to convince the writing staff to do away with this segment, but he was vetoed, most probably because this segment afforded everyone the opportunity to see Mie and Kei in bikinis.<ref name=DVD />

⚫
The show's title has often been the source of confusion. The show onscreen was titled ''Pink Lady,'' but the series is most commonly referred to as ''Pink Lady and Jeff''. Altman felt that since he carried the show, his name should appear in the title, and the network agreed, but Pink Lady's manager strongly protested<ref name=DVD /> and threatened a lawsuit if "and Jeff" appeared on the show's title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsfromme.com/2002/07/14/pink-lady-and-jeff/|title=NOTES from me|accessdate=2009-11-26}}</ref> NBC's promos occasionally referred to as ''Pink Lady,''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcJGGRyeLuQ|title=NBC Pink Lady and Jeff promo 1980|accessdate=2009-11-26}}</ref> whereas at other times the voice-over announcer referred to it as ''Pink Lady and Jeff.''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Huj5Xv7_2A#t=0m21s|title=NBC Promo 1980|accessdate=2009-11-26}}</ref> In print advertisements for ''TV Guide'' however, the show always was titled ''Pink Lady and Jeff,'' though it was cited as ''Pink Lady'' in the text TV listings.<ref name="tvguide">{{cite web|url=http://www.platypuscomix.net/bored/tvguideads5.html|title=The Lost Art of ''TV Guide'' Advertising, Volume 5 of 265,890|accessdate=2009-11-26}}</ref>


==Episodes==
==Episodes==
Line 76: Line 75:
|Title = Episode 1
|Title = Episode 1
|DirectedBy = Art Fisher
|DirectedBy = Art Fisher
|WrittenBy = [[Mark Evanier]], [[Rowby Goren]], [[Lorne Frohman]], [[Jim Brochu]], Paul Pompian, Stephen Spears, [[Biff Manard]]
|WrittenBy = [[Mark Evanier]], [[Rowby Goren]], Lorne Frohman, [[Jim Brochu]], Paul Pompian, Stephen Spears, [[Biff Manard]]
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1980|3|1}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1980|3|1}}
<!-- Hiding, for now, as this information is not currently available...
<!-- Hiding, for now, as this information is not currently available...
Line 89: Line 88:
* "[[Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy|Boogie Woogie Bugle Babe]]" performed by Chorus
* "[[Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy|Boogie Woogie Bugle Babe]]" performed by Chorus
* "[[Hooray for Hollywood (song)|Hooray for Hollywood]]" performed by Chorus
* "[[Hooray for Hollywood (song)|Hooray for Hollywood]]" performed by Chorus
* "Movies Were Movies" - Bert Parks
* "[[Mack and Mabel|Movies Were Movies]]" - Bert Parks
* "[[Eat to the Beat|Shayla]]" performed by Blondie (music video)
* "[[Eat to the Beat|Shayla]]" performed by Blondie (music video)
* "[[You've Got a Friend]]" performed by Pink Lady
* "[[You've Got a Friend]]" performed by Pink Lady
* "[[Don't Stop (Fleetwood Mac song)|Don't Stop]]" performed by Pink Lady
* "[[Don't Stop (Fleetwood Mac song)|Don't Stop]]" performed by Pink Lady
* "[[Knock on Wood (song)|Knock on Wood]]" performed by Pink Lady
* "[[Knock on Wood (Eddie Floyd song)|Knock on Wood]]" performed by Pink Lady
|LineColor = FF77E7
|LineColor = FF77E7
}}
}}
Line 195: Line 194:
''Pink Lady and Jeff'' reruns were seen on [[Trio (TV network)|Trio]] for a brief period.
''Pink Lady and Jeff'' reruns were seen on [[Trio (TV network)|Trio]] for a brief period.


==Home media==
==Home video==
On June 26, 2001, [[Rhino Entertainment]] released the complete series on [[DVD region code#1|Region 1]] DVD in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/shows/Pink-Lady/3334|title=''Pink Lady and Jeff'' DVD info|publisher=tvshowsondvd.com|accessdate=2008-08-29|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122191248/http://tvshowsondvd.com/shows/Pink-Lady/3334|archivedate=2009-01-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Ralph|last=Tribbey|url=http://www.hive4media.com/news/html/Product_article.cfm?article_id=1157|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010528112642/http://www.hive4media.com:80/news/html/Product_article.cfm?article_id=1157|title=Rhino Follows Up 'Tranformers Movie' Sales Shocker With Two More Special Editions on May 8|website=hive4media.com|archivedate=May 28, 2001|date=May 7, 2001|accessdate=September 8, 2019}}</ref>
On June 26, 2001, [[Rhino Entertainment]] released the complete series on [[DVD region code#1|Region 1]] DVD in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/shows/Pink-Lady/3334|title=''Pink Lady and Jeff'' DVD info|publisher=tvshowsondvd.com|access-date=2008-08-29|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122191248/http://tvshowsondvd.com/shows/Pink-Lady/3334|archive-date=2009-01-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Ralph|last=Tribbey|url=http://www.hive4media.com/news/html/Product_article.cfm?article_id=1157|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010528112642/http://www.hive4media.com/news/html/Product_article.cfm?article_id=1157|title=Rhino Follows Up 'Tranformers Movie' Sales Shocker With Two More Special Editions on May 8|website=hive4media.com|archive-date=May 28, 2001|date=May 7, 2001|access-date=September 8, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>


==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==
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==External links==
==External links==
* {{IMDb title|id=0080262|title=Pink Lady}}
* {{IMDb title|id=0080262|title=Pink Lady}}
* {{tv.com show|pink-lady-and-jeff|Pink Lady}}
* [http://www.newsfromme.com/2002/07/14/pink-lady-and-jeff/ Writer Mark Evanier's notes]
* [http://www.newsfromme.com/2002/07/14/pink-lady-and-jeff/ Writer Mark Evanier's notes]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20041022090153/http://www.pulp-mag.com/archives/5.10/martykrofft.shtml producer Marty Krofft on ''Pink Lady and Jeff'']
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20041022090153/http://www.pulp-mag.com/archives/5.10/martykrofft.shtml producer Marty Krofft on ''Pink Lady and Jeff'']
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Pink Lady (Television Series)}}
[[Category:1980 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:1980 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:1980 American television series endings]]
[[Category:1980 American television series endings]]
[[Category:1980s American musical comedy television series]]
[[Category:1980s American sketch comedy television series]]
[[Category:1980s American sketch comedy television series]]
[[Category:1980s American variety television series]]
[[Category:1980s American variety television series]]
[[Category:English-language television programs]]
[[Category:American English-language television shows]]
[[Category:NBC original programming]]
[[Category:NBC original programming]]
[[Category:Television series by Sid and Marty Krofft Television Productions]]
[[Category:Television series by Sid and Marty Krofft Television Productions]]

Revision as of 14:09, 4 February 2024

Pink Lady
Also known as
  • Pink Lady Starring Mie and Kei with Jeff Altman
  • Pink Lady and Jeff (in retrospective)
GenreVariety
Directed byArt Fisher
Starring
Country of originVereinigte Staaten
Original languageEnglisch
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes6 (1 unaired)
Production
ProducerSid and Marty Krofft
Running time45–48 min
Production companyKrofft Entertainment
Original release
NetworkNBC
ReleaseMarch 1 (1980-03-01) –
April 4, 1980 (1980-04-04)

Pink Lady is an American variety show that aired for five weeks on NBC in 1980, starring the Japanese musical duo of the same name. The show also is referred to by the title Pink Lady and Jeff, referring to co-star Jeff Altman. The show was riddled with complications, including a dispute over the name: agents for the starring parties were never able to settle on one, and the show was advertised both ways during its run. Other difficulties included scriptwriting disagreements, guest star booking mishaps, taping and touring conflicts, and the inability of Mie and Kei, the members of Pink Lady, to understand or speak English.

Pink Lady was massively popular in Japan and even enjoyed a hit in the U.S. with the English-language song "Kiss in the Dark". A television show for the duo was proposed and swiftly approved. The show's developers, Sid and Marty Krofft, pursued the project under the erroneous assumption that the stars spoke both English and Japanese. When the reality became apparent, network executives insisted that Mie and Kei not only perform their English dialog phonetically, but also sing in English. The resulting clumsy diction compounded the show's other problems, and despite the infusion of expensive co-stars, the series did poorly and was cancelled after five episodes. The series ranked #35 on TV Guide's "The 50 Worst TV Shows of All Time" list.[1]

Synopsis

The series starred Japanese female singing duo Pink Lady, composed of "Mie" (Mitsuyo Nemoto) and "Kei" (Keiko Masuda), and American comedian Jeff Altman. The format of the show featured musical numbers alternating with sketch comedy. A running gag of the series was the girls' lack of understanding of American culture and of English; in reality, Pink Lady spoke no English at all.[2] On the show, Jeff attempted to translate and explain, leading to more confusion.[3]

The series featured Pink Lady performing songs, usually English-language disco and pop songs such as "Boogie Wonderland" or "Yesterday", and interaction with celebrity and musical guests. The group would end the show by jumping into a hot tub together. After the poorly rated series premiere, NBC moved Pink Lady to Friday nights and added Jim Varney as a character actor. The move and retooling failed to help ratings and the series was canceled after five episodes.[3]

Production

The show was the brainchild of Fred Silverman,[4] then president and CEO of NBC, who wanted to replicate the success he had had at ABC and CBS. After seeing a Walter Cronkite story about Pink Lady on the CBS Evening News,[5] Silverman thought their Japanese success could be translated to the American market, so he brought in Sid and Marty Krofft to produce a variety show for them. At the time, Pink Lady had recently achieved their first and only top-40 hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, when their song "Kiss in the Dark" peaked at no. 37 in August 1979. The Krofft brothers were told that the ladies were fluent in English, which they were not.[5] Unsure of how to stage the show, Sid Krofft developed the concept of making "the strangest thing that's ever been on television...The whole show was gonna come out of a little Japanese box."[5] Silverman's response was, "No, that's just too different. Let's just do Donny & Marie."[6]

Pink Lady and host Jeff Altman in a promotional photo

Comedian Jeff Altman had a contract with NBC,[7] and on that basis, was offered work hosting the show to compensate for the leads having no knowledge of English. Writer Mark Evanier previously worked with the Kroffts on The Krofft Superstar Hour and the pilot Bobby Vinton's Rock 'n' Rollers and was brought on board as head writer, and seasoned variety show director Art Fisher (The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour) was brought in to direct. According to Evanier, Fisher disliked the show and only participated because he was contractually obligated.[8]

The language barrier proved to be the biggest obstacle. Mie and Kei had to hold English conversations using an on-set translator.[7] The writers struggled because once dialogue had been written for and learned by the ladies, it could not be changed.[8] This was particularly problematic when a guest star would be booked at the last minute, such as Lorne Greene, who agreed to appear on the show only four hours before the episode was taped.[8] Mie and Kei wanted to sing the songs that had made them famous in their native country, but NBC insisted they perform in English.[8] This resulted in recording English songs phonetically and lip-syncing for the show's taping.[7] Lip-syncing was already a common practice on American variety shows, but it was especially noticeable since the ladies were performing in a language that was foreign to them. Additional problems were caused when the network insisted the writers develop separate identities for Mie and Kei.[8] The established Pink Lady act was so fixed in unison that they performed as one entity, so the two were not comfortable having separate stage personalities.[8]

Because Mie and Kei commuted between the U.S. and Japan to appear in sold-out concerts,[8] their time on the set was spent memorizing lines and routines, forcing the brunt of the comedy on Altman and ensemble players Jim Varney, Cheri Steinkellner and Anna Mathias.[7] On the rare occasions when Mie and Kei appeared in sketches, their time was minimal.

Booking guests for the show was also a problem.[8] Variety shows were fading by 1980, which was exacerbated by the fact the series' headliners were not a household name in the U.S. Larry Hagman and other A-list stars were coerced into appearing by offering sizable monetary incentives.[5][9] Other stars who had previously worked with the Kroffts were also brought in, including Florence Henderson (The Brady Bunch Hour), Donny Osmond (Donny & Marie), Red Buttons (Side Show) and Bobby Vinton (Bobby Vinton's Rock 'n' Rollers). To ease the need for live, in-person performances, Pink Lady incorporated pre-recorded music videos in lieu of musical acts. Alice Cooper was friends with the Kroffts and submitted an original performance from his upcoming album as a favor to them.[10] Cheap Trick's music video for "Dream Police" was shown as were Blondie's videos for "Shayla" and "Eat to the Beat," both shot for a then-newly released home video.

Each show ended with a tuxedo-clad Jeff getting lured, pushed or pulled into the on-set hot tub by Mie and Kei. This gag originated with Sid Krofft,[8] who had used a similar device on The Brady Bunch Hour; in each episode, Greg would push Peter into the swimming pool. Altman felt it would have been an amusing one-time gag, but by employing it each week, it became contrived.[7] Altman tried to convince the writing staff to do away with this segment, but he was vetoed, likely because the segment afforded everyone the opportunity to see Mie and Kei in bikinis.[7]

The show's title was a source of confusion. The onscreen title was Pink Lady, but the series was commonly referred to as Pink Lady and Jeff. Altman felt that since he carried the show, his name should appear in the title, and the network agreed, but Pink Lady's manager strongly protested[7] and threatened a lawsuit if "and Jeff" appeared on the show's title.[11] NBC's promos occasionally referred to as Pink Lady,[12] whereas at other times the voice-over announcer referred to it as Pink Lady and Jeff.[13] In print advertisements for TV Guide the show was always titled Pink Lady and Jeff, though it was cited as Pink Lady in the text TV listings.[14]

Episodes

No.TitelDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
1"Episode 1"Art FisherMark Evanier, Rowby Goren, Lorne Frohman, Jim Brochu, Paul Pompian, Stephen Spears, Biff ManardMarch 1, 1980 (1980-03-01)

Guest stars: Bert Parks, Sherman Hemsley, and Blondie

Music
2"Episode 2"Art FisherMark Evanier, Rowby Goren, Lorne Frohman, Jim Brochu, Paul Pompian, Stephen Spears, Biff ManardMarch 14, 1980 (1980-03-14)

Guest stars: Larry Hagman, Sid Caesar, Donny Osmond and Teddy Pendergrass

Music
3"Episode 3"Art FisherMark Evanier, Rowby Goren, Lorne Frohman, Jim Brochu, Paul Pompian, Stephen Spears, Biff ManardMarch 21, 1980 (1980-03-21)

Guest stars: Greg Evigan, Hugh Hefner, and Cheap Trick

Music
4"Episode 4"Art FisherMark Evanier, Rowby Goren, Lorne Frohman, Jim Brochu, Paul Pompian, Stephen Spears, Biff ManardMarch 28, 1980 (1980-03-28)

Guest stars: Lorne Greene, Sid Caesar, Florence Henderson and Blondie

Music
5"Episode 5"Art FisherMark Evanier, Rowby Goren, Lorne Frohman, Jim Brochu, Paul Pompian, Stephen Spears, Biff Manard, Jerry LewisApril 4, 1980 (1980-04-04)

Guest stars: Jerry Lewis, Red Buttons, and Alice Cooper

Music
6"Episode 6"Art FisherMark Evanier, Rowby Goren, Lorne Frohman, Jim Brochu, Paul Pompian, Stephen Spears, Biff ManardUnaired

Guest stars: Roy Orbison, Bobby Vinton, Sid Caesar and Byron Allen

Music

Syndication

Pink Lady and Jeff reruns were seen on Trio for a brief period.

Home video

On June 26, 2001, Rhino Entertainment released the complete series on Region 1 DVD in the United States.[15][16]

Harry Shearer appeared as Carl Sagan on Saturday Night Live's spoof "Pink Lady and Carl" with Gilda Radner and Laraine Newman playing the singing duo and Paul Shaffer as special guest star Marvin Hamlisch.

References

  1. ^ Associated Press (July 14, 2002). "TV Guide trashes 'Springer'". Seattle Times. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  2. ^ Hofstede, David (2004). What Were They Thinking: The 100 Dumbest Events in Television History. Backbeat Books. p. 135. ISBN 0-8230-8441-8.
  3. ^ a b Phillips, Brian. "Pink Lady and Jeff". tvparty.com. Retrieved 2008-08-29.
  4. ^ Marindale, David (1998). Pufnstuf & Other Stuff. St. Martin's Press. p. 230. ISBN 1-58063-007-3.
  5. ^ a b c d "Sid & Marty Krofft on Pink Lady". Television Academy Foundation Interviews. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
  6. ^ Marindale, David (1998). Pufnstuf & Other Stuff. St. Martin's Press. p. 231. ISBN 1-58063-007-3.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g "Jeff Altman Interview", Pink Lady and Jeff DVD, Rhino Home Video, 2001.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i Evanier, Mark. "Pink Insider". pinkladyamerica.com. Retrieved 2009-11-26.
  9. ^ Mark Evanier. "My Larry Hagman Story". Retrieved November 28, 2012.
  10. ^ Sherman, Dale (2009). The Illustrated Collector's Guide to Alice Cooper, 10th Anniversary Edition. Collector's Guide Publishing, Inc. p. 208. ISBN 978-1-894959-93-3.
  11. ^ "NOTES from me". Retrieved 2009-11-26.
  12. ^ "NBC Pink Lady and Jeff promo 1980". YouTube. Retrieved 2009-11-26.
  13. ^ "NBC Promo 1980". YouTube. Retrieved 2009-11-26.
  14. ^ "The Lost Art of TV Guide Advertising, Volume 5 of 265,890". Retrieved 2009-11-26.
  15. ^ "Pink Lady and Jeff DVD info". tvshowsondvd.com. Archived from the original on 2009-01-22. Retrieved 2008-08-29.
  16. ^ Tribbey, Ralph (May 7, 2001). "Rhino Follows Up 'Tranformers Movie' Sales Shocker With Two More Special Editions on May 8". hive4media.com. Archived from the original on May 28, 2001. Retrieved September 8, 2019.
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