George (ABC 1993-1994, George Forman, Sheryl Lee Ralph)

George Foreman is more than just a boxer, he’s a genuine media darling. In addition to his many boxing bouts, he has done advertisements for Thompson’s water sealant, Meineke mufflers, McDonald’s, Doritos, Nike, and Kentucky Fried Chicken. He also invented a grill that has become a bestseller among cooking enthusiasts. All of this made him a familiar face on television, and don’t think some young network executive didn’t notice. Somebody picked up a phone, some deals were made, and in November of 1993, Foreman debuted on his very own TV sitcom.

Simply titled George (just like each of Foreman’s five real-life children), the show placed its star in a domestic-sitcom setting. He played George Foster, a retired boxer who was married to Maggie, a guidance counselor at a middle school. George decided to help out his wife and lend a hand at the school, which led to lots of comic interaction between the kids and their physically imposing new authority figure. Other characters included Vee and George Jr. (a.k.a. Bubba), the daughter and son of George and Maggie.

George only aired up nine episodes before being canceled in January of 1994. However, Foreman continues to make his gruff-but-likeable presence felt on television.

production details
UK /ABC / 9×25 minute episodes / Broadcast 5 November 1993 – 19 January 1994

cast
George Foreman as George Foster
Sheryl Lee Ralph as Maggie Foster
Lauren Robinson as “Vee” Foster
Tony T. Johnson as George “Bubba” Foster Jr.
LaCrystal Cooke as Vanessa
Larry Gilliard as Lathan Basmore
Anne Haney as Juanita
Pablo Irlando as Mauricio Butler
Cleandre Norman as Daniel Hickok
Doniell Spencer as Shasta