Cafe Americain

I don't know why this show did not last long. It was my favorite show when it was on TV. I watched it every week and still have some episodes on tape from when I was out and could not see it when it was on. This show only lasted a season, if less than that, but I thought the show was very amusing. It had its moments where there were side splitting humor, but it was never boring, in my view. The entire cast was a scream. Some of the episodes took a more serious tone, like Fabiana's eating disorder, but most of them were just good fun. There were plenty of sexual innuendos which, I thought, just added to the humor. But, unfortunately it was canceled. I think a lot of people missed out on a good series.

I had never heard of either of these actors by name before, but I had seen Kaye in a show called "Mama Malone," which was also cancelled too soon! In that show she played an Italian, in this show she played an American. She's actually British. Wow. As for Long, she played her character so over-the-top it was a stitch just looking at her. Valerie was great as usual as the glue holding this bunch together. The only reason this show didn't last is because they stuck it on Saturday night after a show that critics despised, "The Mommies." They tried to move it away at some point but it was too late. Ironically, "The Mommies" was renewed and this show wasn't. For shame, NBC.

The characters were each uniquely individual. The Parisian scenario enabled many different international types to interact in many highly comedic circumstances. Valerie Bertinelli's love for comedy drove this series from the start. Fabiana, the tempestuous Italiana and her perpetually jealous lover were hilarious. Marcel's on and off relationship with Holly (Valerie Bertinelli) set the stage for great interferences by Guest Star lovers. Peter Noah, the producer/creator was at his best here. NBC's short-sighted hasty cancellation, preceded by the usual "time-slot shuffle" left its audience confused and ultimately disappointed. Bring it back on cable, at least, so those episodes can live again!

I also loved "Cafe Americain" when it was on NBC ten years. I remember it was on Saturday evenings while on CBS there was the stodgy and somnolent "Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman". It's shame that it is not on anymore, even in syndication. It's about time "Cafe Americain" should be called a classic. This is an enjoyable show: the jokes and characterizations were funny, witty and perceptive and the Parisian setting has its unique charm, complemented by a wide range of diverse characters. It is very intelligent show that deserves more following.

I remember when this show premiered. The TV guide for that same week already had an article in it which said it would probably be canceled. I liked the characters, especially Fabiana and her boyfriend "pants". The Madam Yubara character was a hoot. "Back in my country, any woman who looks better than me I have her kilt. You'd be surprised how fast the rest of the women let themselves go."

There were a lot of funny touches making fun of the french. In one episode Fabiana passes out at a fashion show. They take her to the hospital and nuns were walking down the halls smoking.

The actor who played her boyfriend Marcel was very good. I really thought he was french.