The Infamous Scene That Took ‘Bewitched’ Off Air

Top Discovery

Top Discovery

20 min, 22 sec

A detailed account of the television show Bewitched, its success, challenges, and eventual cancellation.

Summary

  • Bewitched was an iconic show about a witch, Samantha, married to an ordinary man, capturing audiences from 1964 to 1972.
  • The show faced challenges, including the recasting of a major character and falling ratings towards the end.
  • Elizabeth Montgomery's personal life, including affairs and marriages, affected the show behind the scenes.
  • Cost-cutting measures and mishandling of Dick York's exit as well as the abrupt series finale contributed to the show's demise.
  • Despite its cancellation, Bewitched left a lasting legacy, popularizing color TV and becoming a cultural reference point.

Chapter 1

Introduction to Bewitched

0:00 - 40 sec

An overview of the Bewitched television show and its cultural impact during its time on air.

An overview of the Bewitched television show and its cultural impact during its time on air.

  • Bewitched was a highly successful TV show about a witch marrying an ordinary man, airing from 1964 to 1972.
  • The show gripped audiences with its storyline and ran for eight seasons, becoming a staple in American television.

Chapter 2

The Show's Popularity and Abrupt Ending

0:40 - 24 sec

Exploring the popularity of Bewitched and the shock of its sudden conclusion after eight seasons.

Exploring the popularity of Bewitched and the shock of its sudden conclusion after eight seasons.

  • Bewitched was a money-maker for ABC with a legion of fans, yet it ended abruptly after its eighth season.
  • Fans were shocked by the sudden cancellation despite the show's lengthy and successful run.

Chapter 3

Origins and Premise of Bewitched

1:10 - 1 min, 6 sec

Detailing the origins of the Bewitched series, its premise, and the inspiration behind it.

Detailing the origins of the Bewitched series, its premise, and the inspiration behind it.

  • The show featured a witch named Samantha who married an ordinary man and tried to live a normal life.
  • Inspiration for Bewitched came from earlier works like the movie 'I Married a Witch' and the film 'Bell, Book and Candle'.

Chapter 4

Challenges and Dick York's Departure

2:16 - 1 min, 26 sec

The difficulties faced by the show, especially the health issues and departure of actor Dick York.

The difficulties faced by the show, especially the health issues and departure of actor Dick York.

  • The show's success led to challenges, including a severe injury to Dick York, who played Darren Stevens.
  • York's health issues and addiction to painkillers resulted in him being replaced after the fifth season.

Chapter 5

Declining Interest and Unsatisfying Finale

3:43 - 2 min, 20 sec

The decline in the show's novelty and the backlash against its unsatisfying last episode.

The decline in the show's novelty and the backlash against its unsatisfying last episode.

  • Despite initial love, fans needed fresh content and Bewitched struggled to keep up with more TV options.
  • The series finale was criticized for rehashing a previous episode and not meeting expectations.

Chapter 6

Elizabeth Montgomery's Personal Life

7:38 - 2 min, 43 sec

Elizabeth Montgomery's personal life, including her marriages and affairs, had an impact on the show.

Elizabeth Montgomery's personal life, including her marriages and affairs, had an impact on the show.

  • Montgomery was a significant beauty of her time, leading to numerous affairs including one with director Richard Michaels.
  • These personal issues likely added tension on set and influenced the show's dynamics.

Chapter 7

Montgomery's Discontent and Agnes Moorhead's Role

10:21 - 3 min, 59 sec

Discussing Elizabeth Montgomery's dissatisfaction with her role and Agnes Moorhead's reluctance to play Endora.

Discussing Elizabeth Montgomery's dissatisfaction with her role and Agnes Moorhead's reluctance to play Endora.

  • Montgomery did not enjoy her role over time and was selective about roles after Bewitched ended.
  • Agnes Moorhead, who played Endora, initially disliked her role but committed due to the show's success.

Chapter 8

Dick York's Exit and Recasting

14:41 - 2 min, 17 sec

The mishandling of Dick York's exit from the show and the challenges of recasting a major character.

The mishandling of Dick York's exit from the show and the challenges of recasting a major character.

  • Dick York's departure was abrupt, leading to rumors and dissatisfaction among fans.
  • The lack of transparency from ABC Studios regarding the recasting contributed to confusion and speculation.

Chapter 9

Financial Decisions and Wardrobe Budget Cuts

16:58 - 53 sec

Cost-cutting measures by the showrunners, including wardrobe budget cuts, influenced the show's production.

Cost-cutting measures by the showrunners, including wardrobe budget cuts, influenced the show's production.

  • The showrunners' frugality led to actors using personal clothing for their costumes, including Montgomery's dual role as Serena.

Chapter 10

Bewitched's Enduring Legacy

17:51 - 2 min, 29 sec

Bewitched's lasting impact on American culture and television history, and its continued popularity through syndication.

Bewitched's lasting impact on American culture and television history, and its continued popularity through syndication.

  • Bewitched has left an enduring legacy, becoming a cultural reference and pioneering the use of color in television.
  • It received awards recognition and continues to be celebrated as a classic sitcom.