Lou Grant

Judged by 1977-82 standards, this show was peerless.

Today, it's a bit "dated" in certain ways. But these elements actually make it a valuable portrait of its era.

Talented cast, right down the line. Terrific writing. Skillful, sensitive directing. Highly relevant. Courageous. And one of TV's all-time-best role models in the lead.

Every Emmy -- & there were MANY -- was fully deserved. Also the Peabody, the Humanitas, & all the other awards it won.

Each season was as strong as or stronger than its predecessor; this is one show that was NOT running out of steam.

In fact, during the Reagan Years, we needed it more than ever! (Would have loved to see its take on Iran-Contra.)

Shame on CBS for bowing to pressure because of Asner's politics and the show's oft-controversial scripts.

LOU still shines.

Waiting impatiently for (legal) DVD release!

In the UK this series was not networked, but in the regions of the country it was shown it collected a devoted following. Ed Asner played his roll with gusto, but with help from the excellent cast, the show began to resemble more of a documentary than a drama, as it bravely tackled contemporary social issues and concerns. American import shows had never been like this, living a fantasy world of copsnrobbers, witches and talking horses, but this was perhaps the start of a new wave? which would include shows like 'Quincy' and 'Soap'. It was apparent when this was being run in the UK that the American far right did not like the show one bit! regarding it as wet liberalism . However in countries where it was shown, it possibly showed a compassionate side of America in which it did have concerns for the ' loosers ' as well as the winners in life. Theme tune must be a classic also? Don't think it could be made in the USA today?

When I first heard about this show twenty six years ago (God, time flies), I thought this would be an extension of the show it spun off from, "The Mary Tyler Moore Show". What a surprise it was when this show turned out to be probably the greatest newspaper dramas in television history. The show wasn't afraid to take on controversial issues and even though it was a drama, it still had its lighter moments. Also, even though Ed Asner was the lead, it was more of an ensemble and the whole cast was great. This was an exceptional show and it is a lost classic.

Great iconic actors, writing of the highest caliber. Just good TV!

I am in my late 60's and have watched a whole lot of tv shows since the 1950's. In my opinion the Lou Grant show is the best tv show ever made. I place The Walton's a close 2nd. The Rockford Files 3rd. I am now watching the Lou Grant show again and I find it as compelling now in 2020 as back when it ran originally.