"He & She" failed to connect
Rave reviews yet no audience
"He & She" is a delightful yet underappreciated gem from the late 1960s that deserves a closer look for its sharp wit and ahead-of-its-time sensibilities. Airing on CBS during the 1967-68 season, this sitcom follows the lives of Dick and Paula Hollister, portrayed by real-life couple Richard Benjamin and Paula Prentiss, whose natural chemistry anchors the show. Dick is a comic-book artist whose creation, the superhero "Jetman," has been adapted into a TV series, while Paula is a social worker with a grounded, quirky charm. The dynamic between the two feels authentic and effortlessly funny, offering a refreshing take on the married-couple sitcom formula.
What sets "He & She" apart is its sophisticated humor and clever premise. The show introduces Jack Cassidy as Oscar North, the hilariously egotistical actor playing Jetman, whose over-the-top persona steals scenes and adds a layer of satire about the entertainment industry. Cassidy’s performance is a standout, foreshadowing the pompous Ted Baxter character from "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" (a connection acknowledged by the show’s creator, Leonard Stern). The supporting cast, including Kenneth Mars as a fireman who enters the Hollisters’ apartment via a plank and Hamilton Camp as a bumbling superintendent, brings a playful absurdity that complements the leads without overshadowing them.
The writing is crisp and intelligent, often blending domestic comedy with subtle commentary on art, fame, and urban life. Episodes like the one where Oscar’s Picasso is stolen from the Hollisters’ apartment showcase the show’s ability to mix slapstick with sly, character-driven humor. This excellence didn’t go unnoticed— "He & She" garnered significant recognition during its brief run, earning five Emmy nominations in 1968, including nods for Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (which it won for writers Chris Hayward and Allan Burns), and acting nominations for Prentiss, Benjamin, and Cassidy. It also secured three out of four Writers Guild of America nominations for Best Writing in a Comedy, underscoring its critical acclaim among peers. Critics and historians have noted its influence on later sitcoms, and it’s easy to see why—there’s a modern, urban edge here that feels more aligned with the 1970s MTM era than the rural-leaning CBS lineup of the time.
That said, "He & She" isn’t flawless. Its single-season run suggests it struggled to find an audience, possibly due to its placement after "Green Acres," a tonal mismatch that may have confused viewers expecting broader comedy. Some early episodes lean too heavily on physical gags, which occasionally clash with the show’s smarter instincts. And while the sets are simple, they can feel a bit claustrophobic, limiting the visual scope.
Still, for a show that lasted just 26 episodes, "He & She" punches above its weight. Its slew of Emmy and Writers Guild nominations reflect its quality and ambition, making its cancellation all the more regrettable. It’s a shame it didn’t get the chance to grow, as its blend of wit, heart, and originality—backed by industry accolades—hints at untapped potential. For fans of classic TV looking beyond the usual suspects like "The Dick Van Dyke Show," this is a hidden treasure worth seeking out—proof that even short-lived series can leave a lasting mark.