Bob Patterson (TV series)
A self-help guru with no self-awareness.
Bob Patterson is an American television sitcom that aired on ABC in 2001. The series starred Jason Alexander as a fictional motivational speaker and was produced by Ira Steven Behr. It was canceled after five of its ten scheduled episodes had aired.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Sitcom
- Creator
- Jason Alexander
- Michael Markowitz
- Peter Tilden
- Director
- Robby Benson; Barnet Kellman
- Starring
- Jason Alexander
- Robert Klein
- Jennifer Aspen
- Chandra Wilson
- Jay Paulson
- Composer
- Michael Skloff; Giorgio Bertuccelli
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
- Seasons
- 1
Facts from the source article.
Overview
The series centers on Bob Patterson, a self-proclaimed "America's #3 Self Help Guru" whose books include I Know More Than You and the To the Top! franchise. His self-absorbed and insecure nature, along with a lack of self-awareness, creates friction between his career and family life. After the show's cancellation, Alexander developed a similar character named Donny Clay, "America's #4 Self-Help Guru," and toured the United States in that role. Bob Patterson's catchphrases include "No is only yes to a different question" and "To the top!"
Cast
Jason Alexander portrays Bob Patterson, a self-help guru who is insecure despite his public persona. Robert Klein plays Landau, Bob's manager and friend, who often upsets Bob. Jennifer Aspen appears as Janet Patterson, Bob's ex-wife who returns to live with him after becoming celibate. Chandra Wilson plays Claudia, Bob's secretary who uses a wheelchair; there are hints she may be faking her disability. Jay Paulson portrays Les, a co-worker and friend. Phil Buckman plays Vic, another friend and coworker. James Guidice appears as Jeffrey Patterson, Bob and Janet's son, who is lazy and immature despite being in his late teens.
Reception
The series received poor reviews. Caryn James of The New York Times called it "the season's biggest disappointment." Robert Bianco of USA Today gave it one and a half stars and singled out Chandra Wilson as the only performer worth seeing again. Howard Rosenberg of the Los Angeles Times found Claudia the only amusingly written character. Ratings were disappointing: the premiere drew 9.8 million viewers, and the final episode had 7.8 million.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created Bob Patterson (TV series)?
Bob Patterson was created by Jason Alexander, Michael Markowitz and Peter Tilden.
When did Bob Patterson (TV series) first air?
Bob Patterson first aired on 2 October 2001.
When did Bob Patterson (TV series) end?
Bob Patterson last aired on 31 October 2001.
More in Television Series by 20th Century Fox Television
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced