South of Sunset

South of Sunset was endlessly hyped prior to the World Series in 1993. This movie was supposed to be the TV version of 48 Hours but was the worse TV series ever made. It came as fast as it went. Glenn Frey and Aries Spears were mis-cast and it showed. The writing was God-awful and the stunts were ridiculous. The story lines were virtually non-existent. The show probably would have been easier to take if the networks had not hyped it up so much. Watching South of Sunset was the equivalent of someone inviting you to their home for a barbecue feast and the menu features cold-cuts on the grill instead of your favorite cut of steak. Let down city. All records of this TV show ever being made should be destroyed.

If I recall properly, I was living in Los Angeles, Califorina at the time of this series' debut. Being an Eagle fan and have liking Glenn Frey's performance in his MTV/VH1 music videos and on the series "Wiseguy" I had set my VCR to record the pilot/debut episode. If my memory serves me correctly, the series aired on the East Coast at 8PM or 9PM when it was scheduled to. Sometime within the subsequent two hour period, the series was actually canceled and never even got to air on the West Coast! If this is right, it would have to be the shortest-lived television series in history - not even airing across the entire country! How did network executives not realize the quality of this show? (If I am wrong about this, please let me know.)

In 1993, I went to CBS Studios to be in the audience of the Price Is Right. I missed the first taping, was allowed into the 2nd taping later that day. While waiting for that 2nd taping, I was invited to be a test audience for a TV pilot. That pilot was South of Sunset. I gave my feedback, thought it was a good show. I honestly don't remember the plot, but it entertained me. I looked forward to seeing on network tv. Never saw it aired.

I thought the series was hysterical (and I did watch the subsequent run of all but one episode when it ran on VH1). The chemistry between the lead trio was wonderful and Aries Spiers stole the show from Glen Frey. I showed the tape to some friends who were crying with laughter, especially over Aries. So it's all in the perspective of the viewer.

The problem was that it kept being postponed. It was supposed to start in September or October, then got pushed back again, then was supposed to run right after the Superbowl, which, as usual, ran long . . .

The station seems to have believed that those of us who enjoyed The Eagles would watch it no matter WHEN they finally put it on.

The show was actually canceled halfway through the first episode. However, it may not be the fastest show ever canceled. Friends remember a 1/2 show that went to commercial just before the ending and never came back on. So it's semantics on whether or not it actually is the shortest run, as it did run the full length of an episode on the East Coast but was canceled after 1/2 hour and didn't run in any other timezone, and the sitcom died after 20 minutes and never finished.