Me and the Chimp
Encyclopedia
Me and the Chimp was a short-lived American television series which aired during 1972 on CBS
starring Ted Bessell
. He played a dentist who lived with his wife, two children, and a chimp named Buttons, a washout from the space program (though unknown to Ted and his family until an old army sergeant visits). Episodes revolved around Buttons' doings or undoings, such as extending the line Ted drew on a map (to mark their driving route) onward to a ghost town, and stealing an alarm clock which gets Ted arrested for public indecency (in his pyjamas).
Bessell refused to participate when the title was first given as "The Chimp and I". It is considered by many to be one of the worst shows in the history of television; for many years it was a frequent punch line when comedians wished to reference bad TV shows.
The show was created by Garry Marshall
and Thomas L. Miller, both of who are known for their work on Happy Days
and Laverne & Shirley
.
In July 2002 the series was featured on TV Guide
s List of the 50 worst shows of All Time, being named the 46th worst show ever.
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
starring Ted Bessell
Ted Bessell
Ted Bessell was an American television actor and director.-Early career:Born in Flushing, New York, Bessell grew up in Manhasset on Long Island, New York. He was originally gearing up for a career as a classical musician...
. He played a dentist who lived with his wife, two children, and a chimp named Buttons, a washout from the space program (though unknown to Ted and his family until an old army sergeant visits). Episodes revolved around Buttons' doings or undoings, such as extending the line Ted drew on a map (to mark their driving route) onward to a ghost town, and stealing an alarm clock which gets Ted arrested for public indecency (in his pyjamas).
Bessell refused to participate when the title was first given as "The Chimp and I". It is considered by many to be one of the worst shows in the history of television; for many years it was a frequent punch line when comedians wished to reference bad TV shows.
The show was created by Garry Marshall
Garry Marshall
Garry Kent Marshall is an American actor, director, writer and producer. His notable credits include creating Happy Days and The Odd Couple and directing Nothing In Common, Pretty Woman, Runaway Bride, Valentine's Day, and The Princess Diaries.-Early life:Marshall was born in the New York City...
and Thomas L. Miller, both of who are known for their work on Happy Days
Happy Days
Happy Days is an American television sitcom that originally aired from January 15, 1974, to September 24, 1984, on ABC. Created by Garry Marshall, the series presents an idealized vision of life in mid-1950s to mid-1960s America....
and Laverne & Shirley
Laverne & Shirley
Laverne & Shirley is an American television situation comedy that ran on ABC from January 26, 1976, to May 10, 1983...
.
In July 2002 the series was featured on TV Guide
TV Guide
TV Guide is a weekly American magazine with listings of TV shows.In addition to TV listings, the publication features television-related news, celebrity interviews, gossip and film reviews and crossword puzzles...
s List of the 50 worst shows of All Time, being named the 46th worst show ever.