Wednesday, November 27, 2024

What Might've Been: Baby Talk (1991)

 Filmmaker Amy Heckerling had a huge hit with "Look Who's Talking" in theatres, such that she wanted to adapt the film for television with a few tweaks.

However, to say that Baby Talk was a troubled production would actually be overstating the case.

Connie Sellecca (ex-Hotel) was originally tabbed for the lead as Maggie, a single mom. However, she wasn't satisfied with her performance, and left the project. Julia Duffy (ex-Newhart) stepped in, but left after the first season, moving to Designing Women, resulting in Mary Page Keller taking her place.

Amidst it all, Tony Danza (ex-Who's The Boss, Taxi) voiced baby Mickey, in much the same way Bruce Willis had done in "Talking". George Clooney (ex-The Facts of Life) was a recurring player in the first season, but left, along with Duffy, taking producer Ed. Weinberger (Amen) with them. Saul Turtletaub & Bernie Orenstein were tabbed by Columbia to take over as showrunners in season 2. Turtletaub & Orenstein had little success outside of What's Happening!, and their entree proved to be a jump the shark moment.

Scott Baio (ex-Charles in Charge, Happy Days) joined the show in season 2, but the ratings began sliding, and the show was cancelled more than a year after its debut.

Following is a sample episode.

Edit, 12/19/24: Had to change the video. Here's an excerpt from the pilot with Julia Duffy:


Rating: B--.

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