The Van Dyke Show is an American sitcom starring Dick Van Dyke and his son Barry Van Dyke, which aired on CBS from October 26 to December 7, 1988. The series marked the second time the real-life father-son actors worked together, after Dick guest-starred in a 4th-season episode of Airwolf with Barry as the leading man. It was Van Dyke's second return to series television since The New Dick Van Dyke Show ended in 1974.
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Synopsis
The series centers on Matt Burgess (Barry Van Dyke), who runs a small regional theater in Pennsylvania, and his father Dick Burgess (Dick Van Dyke), a Broadway musical star. Dick decided to give up Broadway to live and work with his son at the theater. The theater's staff included Doc, the stage manager; Jillian, Matt's secretary; and Eric, Matt's helper.
Cast
Dick Van Dyke as Dick Burgess
Barry Van Dyke as Matt Burgess
Kari Lizer as Chris Burgess
Maura Tierney as Jillian Ryan
Billy O'Sullivan as Noah Burgess
Paul Scherrer as Eric Olander
Whitman Mayo as Doc Sterling
Guest stars
Lainie Kazan
Lee Paul
Reception and cancellation
The series was generally panned by critics and failed to generate sufficient ratings. CBS announced the series' cancellation on December 14, 1988, one week after the sixth episode aired. The remaining four episodes of the ten produced were never aired.