Trial and Error (TV series)

Trial and Error is an American sitcom that was broadcast on CBS from March 15 to March 29, 1988. It was canceled after the third episode, leaving the remaining five episodes unaired.

Trial and Error
Created byDon Seigel
Jerry Perzigian
StarringPaul Rodriguez
Eddie Velez
ComposerRay Colcord
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes8 (5 unaired) (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producersDonald L. Seigel
Jerry Perzigian
Howard Brown
Tommy Chong
ProducerAl Aidekman
Camera setupMulti-camera
Running time30 minutes
Production companiesELP Communications
Columbia Pictures Television
Original release
NetworkCBS
ReleaseMarch 15 (1988-03-15) –
March 29, 1988 (1988-03-29)
Eddie Velez (left) as John Hernandez and Paul Rodriguez as Tony Rivera in the opening credits for Trial and Error.

Development

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Trial and Error evolved from a pilot entitled The Family Martinez created by comedian Tommy Chong, about a reformed Latino gang member who became a trial lawyer and moved back in with his family in East Los Angeles, California. CBS liked the concept, but wanted to change it from a family sitcom to a buddy comedy, and it was subsequently reworked as Amigos by Don Seigel and Jerry Perzigian. Chong remained on board as a producer, but "never showed up" to any of the writing sessions. Paul Rodriguez objected to the title Amigos, saying it was too stereotypical, and the title was changed to Trial and Error.[1]

Brad Pitt was cast as the bellboy in the second episode, entitled "Bon Appetit." According to executive producer Jerry Perzigian, this was Pitt's first paid Hollywood job. Pitt had arrived from Springfield, Missouri, only three days before the shoot, which took place on November 17, 1987.[2][3] The episode aired on CBS on March 22, 1988.

Premise

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The series is about two Latino roommates – John Hernandez and Tony Rivera – living in Los Angeles. John is an attorney and Tony is a T-shirt salesman.[4]

Cast

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Episodes

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No. Title Directed by Written by Original air date
1"Pilot"Andrew D. WeymanUnknownMarch 15, 1988 (1988-03-15)
John has an embarrassing first day at a prestigious law firm.
2"Bon Appetit"Andrew D. WeymanSteven KunesMarch 22, 1988 (1988-03-22)
John invites his boss over for dinner. Guest star: Brad Pitt as the bellboy.
3"Man's Best Friend"Andrew D. WeymanAl AidekmanMarch 29, 1988 (1988-03-29)
Tony wants John to testify against the canine movie star that bit him.
4"Deride and Conquer"Andrew D. WeymanTBDUnaired
5"Ring of Truth"Andrew D. WeymanTBDUnaired
6"Casino Night"Andrew D. WeymanTBDUnaired
7"Strike Three, You're Out"Andrew D. WeymanTBDUnaired
8"Born to Squirm"Andrew D. WeymanTBDUnaired

References

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  1. ^ Irvin, Richard (2016). "Forgotten Laughs: An Episode Guide to 150 TV Sitcoms You Probably Never Saw".
  2. ^ Leszczak, Bob (16 May 2016). Single Season Sitcoms of the 1980s: A Complete Guide. McFarland. ISBN 9781476623849.
  3. ^ Irvin, Richard (2016). "Forgotten Laughs: An Episode Guide to 150 TV Sitcoms You Probably Never Saw".
  4. ^ TV Guide. "Trial and Error Cast and Details". TV Guide. Retrieved October 27, 2012.
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