Spencer

I remember "Spencer" in 1984 being wildly funny and after just a few episodes there was talk on shows similar to "Entertainment Tonight" (maybe it was that show) that Chad Lowe seemed to be as talented as his brother Rob Lowe. Then I heard after only about 7 episodes Chad wanted to get out of the show right away to do movies.

I originally thought it was because he knew the critics were talking about how great he was on the show and wanted to get out while he was hot and before he was typecast as only a t.v. star, but it could be because doing a t.v. series was much more time-consuming and demanding than he wanted and figured he could get movie roles right away with his new popularity. The show had a completely different feel to it without him , I like probably many others only watched 1 of the 7 more episodes with the new actor.

It seems like it was two years before Chad finally continued his acting with a t.v. movie. I might have seen something he was in but didn't know it was him after that, but I didn't notice him again until his wife was giving her acceptance speech for best actress in 2002. I had forgotten about his show "Spencer" until then and thought if he had stayed on that show he probably would have had many awards by then for his t.v. work and could have done movies during the summer. Hope to see it on DVD.

I remember just enough of this show to know it was a finely done piece of work. Chad Lowe played the central character, a much beset upon student who couldn't catch a break from anyone - teachers, parents, principal, other students - yet always came out on top using his wit and guile to do so. Of course, in so doing many funny moments - sometimes some very touching ones as well - were to be had. The characters played well off of one another and the writing was excellent as well.I too, like the previous reviewer, was very much saddened to see this series which had so much going for it and so much potential not get renewed.

This show was a rare gem and went off the air all too soon. I rate this right up there with the Jason Bateman comedy "It's Your Move" for funny, clever mid-80's teen comedies. My best memory of Spencer is the New Year's Eve episode, where Spencer has a date with a very lovely girl, who just happens to be several inches taller than him. That was the first time I saw 6-foot tall Terry Farrell, who later went on to play Lt. Dax in "Star Trek: Deep Space 9." Despite her being on that show for several years, I never forgot the first time I saw her. Fortunately for me, I am lucky enough to have a copy of that episode of Spencer that I taped the night it was broadcast. I wish I had others. I would gladly buy a DVD of it if one is ever released, although with so few episodes, I doubt one ever will be. But if you ever get a chance to, watch any episode. I don't remember any bad ones!

This was a funny show. The writing was very clever. The casting was good, too.I wish it was available on tape or on DVD. Spencer was always getting into mischief. He always found a way to redeem himself.The network didn't give the series a chance. I was very disappointed when it got taken off-the air. Chad Lowe never got a break like his brother did until he co-starred on "Life Goes On". He finally got some recognition. I believe he received an Emmy for his performance. He is both good at comedy and at drama. I would like to see him star on his own series. His wife is doing well with "Million Dollar Baby". Of course, she's Hillary Swank!

I enjoyed watching this show on Saturday nights, and was disappointed when the show left NBC's lineup. If my memory serves me correctly, Chad Lowe, who was 16 when the show started, wanted out of the demanding schedule required to make a situation comedy (in late 1984) -- during a time when this show was receiving favorable ratings. The role of Spencer Winger went to Rossie Harris after Mr. Lowe's departure from the series. Shortly after (or coincident with) Mr. Lowe's concerns surfacing, Ronny Cox voiced a similar concern and wanted to leave the show as well. The series was ultimately canceled, however I cannot remember if it was NBC's decision, or that of the show's producers.