What’s the Story?

The legal staff of a New York City courtroom are the main characters in the popular 1980s sitcom NIGHT COURT. The show follows the antics of young Judge Harold Stone (Harry Anderson), lecherous Assistant District Attorney Dan Fielding (John Larroquette), seemingly dumb Bailiff "Bull" Shannon (Richard Moll), and naïve public defender Christie Sullivan (Markie Post). Judge, lawyers, and bailiffs eat together in the cafeteria, meet in the judge's office, and work in the courtroom while trading silly stories and one-liners. The comedy often centers on ridiculous scenarios -- such as when a defendant who believes that he's a native of Saturn takes the staff hostage with demands for materials to make an intergalactic transmitter.

Is It Any Good?

Amidst the gags come some serious moments, like when Harry and the Saturn man discuss the quest for utopia, or when Harry listens resignedly to the radio news announcing murders and sewage leaks. But the real star of the show, at least in the series' later seasons, is Larroquette. His slimy, narcissistic Dan is continually hitting on attractive women and reminiscing about sexual exploits. Dan is clearly meant to be a buffoon, and his lechery is part of his absurdity. He often finds himself at the mercy of the women he hits on, which lightens the otherwise sexist dynamic.

Teens might enjoy Night Court for its silliness and appealing characters, though it's peppered with pop culture references (Punky Brewster, anyone?) that will make no sense to them. The constant sexual innuendo may be more than parents feel is appropriate, but they should know that it's approached with extreme levity.

Have you seen it?

TV Show Details

TV Rating

TV-PG

Networks

Syndicated
TV Land

Cast

Harry Anderson
John Laroquette
Markie Post

Genre

Comedy

Where to watch

Syndicated, TV Land, DVD

For Your Family