Connect with us


TV

Harper Valley P.T.A (NBC 1981-1982, Barbara Eden)

Published

on


Harper Valley P.T.A was a sitcom starring Barbara Eden as Stella Johnson a widow with a 13 year old daughter, Dee. The pair lived in Harper Valley, Ohio, a Stepford Wives kind of a place, sweet on the surface but with a sleazy undercurrent.

Stella was a very pro-active member of the school P.T.A. board a fact which obviously gave the show it’s title. The rest of the board thought Stella was far too radical for them and were determined to be rid of her.

Leader of the PTA was the highly snooty Flora Simpson Reilly who hated Stella with a passion. Reilly and her family played a big part in the series.

For season two there several changes (most notably the shortening of the title to simply Harper Valley) with the PTA side of things taking a back seat and the setting becoming more a traditional suburban one. Stella’s inventor Uncle Buster moved in with her and Dee for this season.

Advertisement

The show was actually based on the hit record of 1968 Harper Valley PTA by Jeannie C. Riley which in turn led to the 1978 film of the same name which also starred Barbara Eden as Stella.

production details
USA / NBC / 36×30 minute episodes / Broadcast 16 January 1981 – Saturday 14 August 1982

Theme Music: Harper Valley P.T.A. by Tom T. Hall

cast
BARBARA EDEN as Stella Johnson
JEAN THOMPSON as Dee Johnson
ANNE FRANCINE as Flora Simpson Reilley
FANNIE FLAGG as Cassie Bowman
GEORGE GOBEL as Mayor Otis Harper Jr
BRIDGET HANLEY as Wanda Reilly Taylor
SUZI DEAN as Scarlett Taylor
ROD McCARY as Bobby Taylor
CHRISTOPHER STONE as Tom Meechum
GARY ALLEN as Norman Clayton (1981)
MARI GORMAN as Vivian Washburn (1981)
EDIE McCLURG as Willamae Jones (1981)
ROBERT GRAY as Cliff Willoughby (1981)
VIC DUNLOP as George Kelly (1981)
KEVIN SCANNELL as Coach Burt Powell (1981)
MILLS WATSON as Winslow Homer (Uncle Buster) Smith (1981-82)

Advertisement

Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.

General Hospital Today General Hospital Today
News2 hours ago

General Hospital, March 29, 2024, ABC,

Friday’s episode of General Hospital airing March 29, 2024 at 2.00pm on ABC, explores the fallout from Jason Morgan’s recent...

Good Morning America Good Morning America
News2 hours ago

Sheryl Crow, Good Morning America, March 29, 2024, ABC,

On Friday, March 29, Good Morning America presents a special celebration of the 10th year of the hit Broadway musical...

Days of Our Lives Days of Our Lives
News2 hours ago

Days of Our Lives, March 29, 2024, Peacock

On Friday, March 29, in the world of Days of Our Lives, Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) has a change of...

The Drew Barrymore Show The Drew Barrymore Show
News2 hours ago

Eugene Levy, The Drew Barrymore Show, March 29, 2024, CBS,

In the latest episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, airing on CBS on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 9:00 AM,...

CBS Mornings CBS Mornings
News2 hours ago

Diarra Kilpatrick, CBS Mornings, March 29, 2024

On Friday, March 29th, CBS Mornings will feature a special guest: Diarra Kilpatrick. Kilpatrick is not only the executive producer...

The Jennifer Hudson Show The Jennifer Hudson Show
News2 hours ago

Jenna Dewan, The Jennifer Hudson Show, March 29, 2024,

On Friday, March 29, The Jennifer Hudson Show brings viewers a delightful Spring Celebration. One of the highlights of the...

The Kelly Clarkson Show The Kelly Clarkson Show
News2 hours ago

Brittany Howard, Mayan Lopez, The Kelly Clarkson Show, March 29, 2024, NBC Syndicated

On Friday, March 29, The Kelly Clarkson Show presents an episode filled with incredible segments One of the highlights is...

LIVE with Kelly and Mark LIVE with Kelly and Mark
News2 hours ago

Andrea Riseborough, Jessica Capshaw, Live with Kelly and Mark, 29 March 2024, ABC

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos—the hosts of Live with Kelly and Mark—welcome actress Jessica Capshaw and Alice & Jack star...

James Martin's Saturday Morning James Martin's Saturday Morning
News35 mins ago

Michaela Strachan, James Martin’s Saturday Morning, 30 March 2024, ITV1

ITV’s James Martin’s Saturday Morning is the perfect relaxed culinary companion to your weekend, airing every Saturday morning from the...

Antiques Roadshow Antiques Roadshow
News37 mins ago

Alexandra Gardens, Cardiff 3, Antiques Roadshow, 31 March 2024, BBC One

The BBC’s Antiques Roadshow visits Alexandra Gardens in Cathays Park, Cardiff, for an episode full of exciting discoveries and fascinating...

RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs The World RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs The World
News38 mins ago

Grand Finale, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World, 29 March 2024, BBC Three

BBC Three’s RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World sees queens from the Drag Race franchise across the globe compete...

Bargain Hunt Bargain Hunt
News38 mins ago

Natasha Raskin Sharp, Bargain Hunt, 29 March 2024, BBC One

BBC One’s Bargain Hunt sees two teams compete against each other to make the most profit from buying and selling...

Channel 5 Channel 5
News39 mins ago

Chernobyl: The Full Story, 29 March 2024, Channel 5,

Powerful documentary, Chernobyl: The Full Story, narrated by Ben Fogle, airs on Friday 29 March 2024 at 10.00pm on Channel...

Channel 4 Channel 4
News42 mins ago

Travel Man: 48 Hours in Rovaniemi, 29 March 2024, Channel 4,

Join Joe Lycett and a suited-up Desiree Burch for a new episode of Travel Man as they pack their bags...

Channel 5 Channel 5
News43 mins ago

The Sewer Map of Britain, 29 March 2024, Channel 5, Friday

Prepare for an enlightening journey into the underworld on Friday 29 March 2024 at 8.00pm on Channel 5 with The...

Bargain Loving Brits Bargain Loving Brits
News44 mins ago

Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun, 29 March 2024, Channel 5, “Series 11, Episode 8”

This episode of Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun airing on Friday 29 March 2024 at 4.00pm on Channel 5,...

Popular