Twenty Characters in Search of a TV Show Quiz

Answer: Frasier

The irrepressible Kelsey Grammer starred as psychiatrist and radio-show host Frasier Crane. Along with his brother Niles, father Martin, whose favorite chair is a character in its own right, caretaker Daphne Moon, and Eddie the pet dog, this successful series ran from 1993-2004. Peri Gilpin played Frasier's producer, Roz Doyle.

"Frasier" won thirty-seven Primetime Emmy Awards, setting a record for that time.

Answer: Good Morning World

This short-lived sitcom aired from 1967-1968. The show's premise involved two morning disc jockeys who hosted a talk show based in Los Angeles, "Lewis and Clarke Show". Carl Reiner, creator of "The Dick Van Dyke Show", was one of several creators and producers of this sitcom.

Although it didn't fare as well as "The Dick Van Dyke Show", it introduced the world to actress Goldie Hawn in her first professional role.

Answer: Rawhide

The 1960s seemed to be a decade for American western TV shows. Remember "Bonanza" and "The Virginian"? "Rawhide" starred Eric Fleming as trail boss Gil Favor and Clint Eastwood as foreman Rowdy Yates.

The series ran from 1959-1965 and served as a career boost for up-and-coming actor Clint Eastwood. The stories centered around a group of cowhands hired to drive a herd of cattle from Texas to Missouri. Trouble seemed to follow them on their journey. Realistic themes included cattle rustling, murder, and anthrax outbreaks.

Answer: I Dream of Jeannie

Larry Hagman and Barbara Eden starred in this fantasy sitcom about an astronaut, Tony Nelson, who was forced to crash-land his space capsule on a deserted island. There he found a bottle on the sand containing a beautiful genie named Jeannie. Tony then became "Master". The pilot was filmed at California's Zuma Beach.

Many of the episodes revolved around Tony trying to explain away Jeannie's magical powers to fellow astronauts, with comic results.

Created by author Sidney Sheldon, the series ran from 1965-1970. Season three introduced Jeannie's evil twin, also named Jeannie. Eden donned a black wig for the role. It's reminiscent of the sitcom "Bewitched" where Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery), wearing a dark wig, played her look-alike cousin Serena.

Answer: CHiPS

The acronym "CHiPS" stands for California Highway Patrol. The premise of this show involved two motorcycle cops, "Ponch" and "Jon", who were tasked with keeping the highways and streets crime-free. In reality, this was impossible since the series depended on unpredictable situations during its six-season run (1977-1983).

Fiery car pileups, drug dealing, and car thefts were among the many cases that Ponch and Jon had to deal with on a weekly basis.

Answer: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

In 2023, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU)" became the longest-running live-action series on American TV. That says a lot.

Detectives Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler lead a team of New York City detectives specializing in crimes that are sexually motivated. Eventually, Olivia works her way up to police chief and Stabler retires from the force to be replaced by Nick Amaro. Many of the episodes have been based on real cases.

An eclectic mix of celebrities have appeared on the show over the years. Robin Williams, in a dramatic turn, appeared in a chilling episode as an audio engineer who murdered his pregnant wife's doctor and enjoyed playing mind games with whomever he chose. He chose Benson and Stabler and managed to escape custody by tricking the detectives.

Answer: ER

One of America's longest-running medical dramas, this series was created by author and medical doctor, Michael Crichton. He based the series on his own experiences as a medical student.

George Clooney starred as pediatric fellow and attending physician Doug Ross. The actor gained a large fan following during his five seasons on the show.

The series lasted 15 seasons, 1994-2009, with numerous cast member changes over the years which didn't seem to negatively affect the quality of the acting or writing. Its success resulted in 23 Primetime Emmy Award wins.

Answer: CSI

The original series took place in Las Vegas, beginning a lucrative franchise that extended to other U.S. cities, using the same format. The show ran from 2000-20015.

"CSI" stood for "Crime Scene Investigation" and it wasn't for the faint-hearted. The series showcased forensics from the viewpoints of forensic specialist, Gil Grissom, and criminal investigator, Catherine Willows. Many of the episodes were gruesome, to put it bluntly, but I found them to be fascinating.

Answer: Bones

This crime procedural was based on characters created by author and real-life forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs. It ran from 2005-2017. The series had its comedic moments to offset the serious nature of the crimes.

Fascinating story-lines and wonderful acting by Emily Deschanel as Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan and David Boreanaz as F.B.I. Special Agent Seeley Booth contributed to the success of this series.

Answer: L.A. Law

As far as legal dramas are concerned, this series was one of the best. It ran from 1986-1994. Television writer and producer, Steven Bochco, co-created this series as well as other popular shows like "Hill Street Blues", "NYPD Blue", and "Doogie Howser, M.D."

The episodes centered around the fictional law firm McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney and Kuzak. Irreverent humor and complicated legal issues were the hallmarks of this show.

Celebrity guest stars who went on to star or co-star in successful TV shows include Kevin Spacey, David Schwimmer, William H. Macy, and Bryan Cranston.