TVSquad

This is the second edition of this column where we share with you some of those shows that were gone from the airwaves too soon, and, oddly enough, today's show also had Bonnie Hunt in it, not to mention the writing of Simpsons scribe Frank Mula. It's all coincidence, I can assure you. Although, I must say that despite being very funny and talented Bonnie Hunt's not exactly a lucky rabbit's foot when it comes to sitcoms.

Grand ran on NBC for only one season in 1990. The show centered on a married couple, played by Michael McKean and Bonnie Hunt, who move to the town of Grand, Pennsylvania, where Tom (McKean) tries to improve Weldon Piano Works, which is owned by Carol Anne's (Hunt) father, by having the workers make golf clubs instead of pianos. Rounding out the cast was factory owner Harris Weldon (played by John Randolph), and his housekeeper and her daughter (played by Pamela Reed and Sara Rue, respectively). The show boasted the writing of both Frank Mula and Mike Scully, who both went on to write for The Simpsons. The series had a quiet, almost dapper aesthetic, and some very clever writing. I recall one episode where Tom sat through a lecture from some Japanese businessmen (in Japanese) in absolute silence before getting up and simply replying "Origami!" Trust me, with McKean's delivery it was hilarious. The show was meant to be a spoof of soap operas, but it somehow managed to transcend that label and develop a style all its own.

Grand was produced by Carsey-Werner, who already had brought us The Cosby Show and Roseanne. It's unfortunate they couldn't keep this show afloat, but at least the cast and writers, for the most part, went on to bigger and better things.