Community hub
0 subscribers7 pages, 0 posts
Recent from talks
All channels
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Welcome to the community hub built to collect knowledge and have discussions related to Sibs.
Nothing was collected or created yet.
from Wikipedia
| Sibs | |
|---|---|
 Sibs opening title | |
| Genre | Sitcom |
| Created by | Heide Perlman |
| Starring | Marsha Mason Alex Rocco Jami Gertz Dan Castellaneta Margaret Colin |
| Theme music composer | George Clinton |
| Opening theme | "Blood's Thicker Than Mud" |
| Composer | Mik Muhlfriedel |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 22 (12 unaired) |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | James L. Brooks Heide Perlman Sam Simon |
| Producers | Richard Sakai Ted Bessell Larina Jean Adamson |
| Camera setup | Multi-camera |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Production companies | Gracie Films Columbia Pictures Television |
| Original release | |
| Network | ABC |
| Release | September 17, 1991 – April 29, 1992 |
| Related | |
| The Tracey Ullman Show (1987–1990) The Simpsons (1989–present) | |
Sibs is an American sitcom broadcast by ABC from September 17, 1991 until April 29, 1992. The series chronicled the relationship of three sisters, and the support the youngest two especially needed from their eldest married sister. Sibs was created by Heide Perlman and executive produced by Perlman, James L. Brooks and Sam Simon, all of whom had been showrunners of Fox's The Tracey Ullman Show. The series was backed by Brooks' Gracie Films company and Columbia Pictures Television.
Synopsis
[edit]Sibs starred Marsha Mason as Nora Ruscio, a successful accountant and Alex Rocco as her long-suffering husband, Howie. The source of most of Howie's frustration was his wife's younger sisters (the siblings, or "sibs", of the title), Audie (Margaret Colin) and Lily (Jami Gertz). Audie was a real estate agent and hence almost unemployed in the era's weak market; she was also recovering from a recent bout of alcoholism. Lily had just been dumped by her boyfriend, who had fled to Germany without her, and had a host of other problems. Both sisters brought all of their problems to Nora, continuing a pattern that had apparently begun when they were all children. In the beginning of the pilot, Nora was distraught after just having learned that the head of her accounting firm had died. Nora's late boss had left the firm to his boorish, whiny nephew Warren Morris (Dan Castellaneta), who was another ongoing character. Shortly after inheriting his uncle's firm, Warren had fired Nora, only to learn that she was the one most of the client base had trusted, and that most of them left with her. He was now unemployed and constantly begging Nora for a job.
The original title proposed for the series was Grown-ups.
Cast
[edit]- Marsha Mason as Nora Ruscio
- Alex Rocco as Howie Ruscio
- Jami Gertz as Lily Ruscio
- Dan Castellaneta as Warren Morris
- Margaret Colin as Audie Ruscio
Episodes
[edit]| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | Prod. code | Viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "The Naked and the Damned" | Ted Bessell | Heide Perlman | September 17, 1991 | 92-001 | 20.2[1] |
| 2 | "Audie's Bad Day" | Ted Bessell | Dick Blasucci & Marc Flanagan | September 25, 1991 | 92-002 | 18.5[2] |
| 3 | "Warren: The Final Days" | Ted Bessell | Jay Kogen & Wallace Wolodarsky | October 2, 1991 | 92-003 | 14.0[3] |
| 4 | "The Big Hurt" | Ted Bessell | Dinah Kirgo | October 9, 1991 | 92-004 | 15.2[4] |
| 5 | "The Gift" | Ted Bessell | Heide Perlman & Sam Simon | October 16, 1991 | 92-005 | 14.0[5] |
| 6 | "Financial Affairs" | Ted Bessell | Frank Mula | October 23, 1991 | 92-006 | 13.6[6] |
| 7 | "The Cut Off" | Ted Bessell | David M. Stern | October 30, 1991 | 92-008 | 14.6[7] |
| 8 | "Audie's Great Guy" | Ted Bessell | Heide Perlman | April 15, 1992 | 92-010 | 13.2[8] |
| 9 | "Warren and the Married Woman" | Ted Bessell | Howard Gerwitz | April 22, 1992 | 92-017 | 10.7[9] |
| 10 | "External Revenue" | Ted Bessell | Robin Riordan | April 29, 1992 | 92-013 | 9.9[10] |
| 11 | "The In Crowd" | Ted Bessell | Elaine Arata | Unaired | 92-016 | N/A |
| 12 | "It Came from Vermont" | Ted Bessell | Robin Riordan | Unaired | 92-107 | N/A |
| 13 | "Honey, I Shrunk My Head" | Ted Bessell | Nell Scovell | Unaired | 92-109 | N/A |
| 14 | "The Best Years of My Life" | Sam Simon | Dick Blasucci & Marc Flanagan | Unaired | 92-011 | N/A |
| 15 | "Lily Makes a Move" | Ted Bessell | Howard Gewirtz | Unaired | 92-012 | N/A |
| 16 | "The Patience of St. Audrey" | Ted Bessell | Heide Pearlman | Unaired | 92-014 | N/A |
| 17 | "I'll Take Manhattan" | Ted Bessell | Jeff Cohn & Neil Alan Levy | Unaired | 92-015 | N/A |
| 18 | "What Makes Lily Run?" | Ted Bessell | Robin Riordan | Unaired | 92-018 | N/A |
| 19 | "The Eleanor Roosevelt Story" | Ted Bessell | Frank Mula | Unaired | 92-119 | N/A |
| 20 | "If I Only Had a Dad" | Ted Bessell | Gina Wendkos | Unaired | 92-020 | N/A |
| 21 | "The Crash: Part 1" | Ted Bessell | Heide Perlman | Unaired | 92-021 | N/A |
| 22 | "The Crash: Part 2" | Ted Bessell | Heide Perlman | Unaired | 92-022 | N/A |
Broadcast
[edit]
Sibs premiered as a preview telecast on Tuesday, September 17, 1991 at 9:30/8:30c, utilizing a lead-in from Roseanne and airing one hour after the series premiere of Home Improvement. The following night, the show began airing in its regular Wednesday 9:30/8:30c time period, kicking off the latter half of the three-hour Wednesday comedy block that ABC was promoting as The Hump.
Ultimately, Sibs had very little appeal to a mass audience, and garnered weak ratings in its first month on the air. The series' low ratings adversely affected the shows that followed it, Anything but Love and Good & Evil, another freshman comedy, which, in its own right, was struggling due to its 10:30/9:30c scheduling and controversy over its storylines. Sibs was put on hiatus in late October 1991 as the three-hour sitcom block was discontinued (Anything but Love moved into Sibs' time slot, while Good & Evil was canceled). Three more episodes were aired by ABC in April 1992, on Wednesdays at 9:30/8:30c, and the series was officially canceled during May 1992 upfronts.
After cancellation: Related by Birth
[edit]In 1993, a year after the series' cancellation, Heide Perlman proposed a new comedy pilot for ABC which was a re-conceived version of Sibs. Perlman was successful in having Margaret Colin, Jami Gertz and Dan Castellaneta participate in the new pilot, in which all reprised their Sibs characters of Audie, Lily and Warren respectively. ABC greenlighted the pilot, titled Related by Birth, and it was produced later that year. This incarnation focused on the close relationship of sisters Audie and Lily, with no mention as to the existence of older sister Nora or brother-in-law Howie (as Marsha Mason and Alex Rocco declined to appear in this project). Audie, who had been cynical and icy in Sibs, exhibited a softer personality in this version, whereas Lily was portrayed as more neurotic. Warren, whose character had also become more subdued, was a companion of the girls, while the new supporting cast included Mark Nassar as Audie's frantic, entrepreneurial boss Michael Brickman and Grayson McCouch as Henry, Lily's assistant in a catering business. ABC aired Related by Birth as a summer pilot special on July 2, 1994, but passed on developing the project into a weekly series.
References
[edit]- ^ Donlon, Brian (September 25, 1991). "New faces try to save 'One Life to Live'". Life. USA Today. p. 3D.
- ^ Donlon, Brian (October 2, 1991). "'Roseanne' comes out on top". Life. USA Today. p. 3D.
- ^ Donlon, Brian (October 9, 1991). "Cable pulls network's plug". Life. USA Today. p. 3D.
- ^ Donlon, Brian (October 16, 1991). "Hearings score a win for NBC". Life. USA Today. p. 3D.
- ^ Donlon, Brian (October 23, 1991). "CBS bats one out of the park". Life. USA Today. p. 3D.
- ^ Donlon, Brian (October 30, 1991). "Close Series wins big for CBS". Life. USA Today. p. 3D.
- ^ Donlon, Brian (November 6, 1991). "Ratings contest narrows". Life. USA Today. p. 3D.
- ^ Gable, Donna (April 22, 1992). "'Roseanne' leads ABC's way". Life. USA Today. p. 3D.
- ^ Gable, Donna (April 29, 1992). "ABC wins with news, goodbyes". Life. USA Today. p. 3D.
- ^ Gable, Donna (May 6, 1992). "'Cosby' goes out on top". Life. USA Today. p. 3D.
Brooks, Tim and Marsh, Earle, The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows
External links
[edit]from Grokipedia
Sibs is an American sitcom television series created by Heide Perlman that aired on ABC from September 17, 1991, to April 29, 1992.[1] The show follows the personal and professional lives of three sisters—Nora, a successful married accountant; Audie, a real estate agent facing career and personal struggles; and Lily, a newly single woman recently divorced and temporarily living with Nora—while exploring their familial bonds and support system.[2] Starring Marsha Mason as Nora, Margaret Colin as Audie, and Jami Gertz as Lily, alongside Alex Rocco as Nora's husband Howie, the series was produced by Gracie Films in association with Columbia Pictures Television under executive producers James L. Brooks, Heide Perlman, and Sam Simon.[3][4]
Although a total of 22 episodes were produced, only 10 aired due to low ratings, with the unaired episodes including additional storylines involving the sisters' interactions and supporting characters like Dan Castellaneta's Warren Morris.[5] The pilot episode, "The Naked and the Damned," introduced the core family dynamic when Lily moves in after her divorce, setting the tone for the show's blend of humor and heartfelt family drama.[6] Critical reception was mixed, with praise for the strong ensemble cast and Perlman's writing—drawing from her experience on shows like Cheers—but criticism for uneven pacing and failure to fully capitalize on its premise.[7] Sibs remains a minor entry in 1990s sitcom history, notable for its focus on sibling relationships amid life transitions.
The premiere introduced the sisters' dynamics through a family secret involving their father, setting up ongoing tensions, while later episodes highlighted support during individual crises like Audie's relationship doubts in "Audie's Great Guy," where she discusses her boyfriend's hesitance with her siblings. The season concluded with "External Revenue," addressing Nora's business challenges and the family's collective resilience.[13][5]
These episodes represent untapped potential for expanding the show's character arcs and comedic premises, though their non-release has limited any direct influence on subsequent projects beyond the 1994 spin-off pilot Related by Birth, which reimagined elements from the original series.[5][16]
Premise and Production
Premise
Sibs is an American sitcom that centers on the lives of three adult sisters—Nora, Audie, and Lily—as they navigate family bonds, personal challenges, and the humor of everyday urban life in early 1990s New York City.[1] The series explores their interdependent relationships, with the eldest sister, Nora, a successful accountant happily married to her husband Howie, often serving as the stabilizing force amid her siblings' upheavals.[2] Audie, a real estate agent grappling with career stagnation in a tough market and sobriety issues, and Lily, newly single after a breakup with her boyfriend and moving in temporarily with Nora, frequently turn to Nora for support, highlighting themes of sisterly rivalry, mutual reliance, and the pursuit of independence.[1][8] The narrative unfolds primarily in Nora's New York City home, which underscores the intimacy of their sibling dynamics and the pressures of cohabitation in a bustling metropolitan environment.[8] This setting amplifies the show's focus on contemporary issues such as romantic setbacks, professional frustrations, and the balance between marital stability and personal autonomy, all portrayed through witty, relatable scenarios that capture the essence of family resilience.[8]Development and Production
Sibs was developed by Heide Perlman, a writer and producer known for her work on Cheers and as a showrunner on The Tracey Ullman Show. The series was executive produced by Perlman alongside James L. Brooks and Sam Simon, with production handled by Brooks' Gracie Films—responsible for acclaimed comedies like The Simpsons—in association with Columbia Pictures Television. This team brought a blend of sharp, character-driven writing to the project, emphasizing the complexities of family relationships among the three sisters at its core. The show was greenlit by ABC in 1991 and premiered on September 17, 1991, as part of the network's fall lineup, receiving a full-season order that resulted in 22 episodes produced despite its eventual short run of only 10 aired installments due to declining viewership. Production adhered to the standard multi-camera sitcom format typical of early 1990s network television, featuring 30-minute episodes filmed primarily in Los Angeles studios to capture the ensemble dynamics of sibling interactions through quick-witted dialogue and situational humor. Exteriors evoking the New York setting were incorporated via stock footage and practical locations to maintain the urban family atmosphere without extensive on-location shooting. Creative challenges arose from balancing the producers' intent for penetrating, edgy humor—rooted in personal and familial tensions—with ABC's expectations for accessible, laugh-track-driven comedy, resulting in a mix of serialized character arcs and standalone episodes that occasionally felt uneven in tone. Budget limitations, common for mid-tier network sitcoms at the time, constrained elaborate sets or effects, focusing resources instead on the cast's performances and script-driven comedy.Cast and Characters
Main Cast
The main cast of Sibs featured a talented ensemble that brought depth to the portrayal of familial dynamics among three sisters and their extended circle. Marsha Mason starred as Nora Ruscio, the eldest sister and a successful accountant who is happily married but navigating workplace tensions. Mason, drawing from her extensive dramatic career including Academy Award-nominated roles in films like The Goodbye Girl, infused the character with a grounded authority that balanced the show's comedic elements, earning praise for anchoring the ensemble's interactions.[9][7] Margaret Colin portrayed Audie Ruscio, the middle sister and a recovering alcoholic struggling in her career as a real estate agent amid a tough market. Colin's performance highlighted the character's vulnerability and sharp wit, contributing to the series' exploration of personal setbacks with a mix of cynicism and resilience. Jami Gertz played Lily Ruscio, the youngest sister who becomes newly single after being dumped by her live-in boyfriend and subsequently moves in with Nora and her husband, adding layers of emotional turmoil to the household. Gertz's energetic and relatable depiction emphasized Lily's post-breakup adjustments, bringing youthful charm to the sibling banter.[1] Among the supporting main cast, Alex Rocco appeared as Howie Ruscio, Nora's long-suffering husband, whose exasperated reactions provided much of the show's comic relief in dealing with the influx of family drama. Dan Castellaneta, later renowned for voicing Homer Simpson, played Warren Morris, Nora's insufferable new boss inherited after her previous employer's death, injecting awkward professional and familial tension through his power-hungry persona. The ensemble's chemistry was widely commended for its natural sibling interplay, with critics noting the cast ranked among prime time's best and showed strong potential as a cohesive unit despite the series' short run.[1][10][7][11]Recurring and Guest Cast
The sitcom Sibs employed supporting actors in recurring and guest capacities to enhance subplots centered on the protagonists' professional and social circles. These roles often depicted colleagues, clients, family acquaintances, and brief romantic interests, providing episodic variety and comic relief while maintaining focus on the core sibling dynamics.[1] Notable guest appearances included Victor Love as Marvin Shaw in the episode "The Cut Off," portraying a colleague who contributed to workplace humor involving Howie's business associates. Similarly, Evan Handler guest-starred as Monty in "The Naked and the Damned," delivering key comedic moments tied to Lily's personal life. Other one-off guests, such as Romy Rosemont as Susan and Darren Epton as Lenny in the same episode, supported storylines exploring sibling rivalries and external influences.[12] Such peripheral characters enriched the family-oriented narratives by introducing foils that underscored the sisters' contrasting personalities and life challenges, without dominating the main ensemble's arcs. For instance, minor relatives and friends appeared sporadically to amplify holiday or crisis-themed episodes, adding layers to the show's exploration of relational tensions.Episodes
Production and Aired Episodes
The production of Sibs resulted in 22 scripts for its single season, though only 10 episodes were broadcast due to the show's cancellation amid low ratings. Episodes were structured in the standard half-hour sitcom format, running 22-24 minutes excluding commercials, and produced under Gracie Films with a focus on character-driven comedy centered on family relationships. The series was filmed in Los Angeles, with principal photography occurring primarily in 1991.[4] Aired episodes debuted mid-season on ABC, with the premiere on Tuesday, September 17, 1991 at 9:30 PM ET/PT, followed by episodes 2-7 on Wednesdays at the same time slot from September 25 to October 30, 1991. The show was then placed on hiatus due to underwhelming viewership. The remaining three episodes aired in April 1992 on Wednesdays at 9:30 PM ET/PT. These episodes explored themes of sibling bonds amid personal and professional upheavals, such as romantic entanglements, career setbacks, and family revelations, building on the core premise of the three sisters' interdependent lives without fully resolving longer arcs in the finale.[5] The following table lists the 10 aired episodes, including titles and original air dates:| No. | Title | Air Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Naked and the Damned | September 17, 1991 |
| 2 | Audie's Bad Day | September 25, 1991 |
| 3 | Warren: The Final Days | October 2, 1991 |
| 4 | The Big Hurt | October 9, 1991 |
| 5 | The Gift | October 16, 1991 |
| 6 | Financial Affairs | October 23, 1991 |
| 7 | The Cut Off | October 30, 1991 |
| 8 | Audie's Great Guy | April 15, 1992 |
| 9 | Warren and the Married Woman | April 22, 1992 |
| 10 | External Revenue | April 29, 1992 |
Unaired Episodes
Following the cancellation of Sibs after just 10 episodes aired due to low Nielsen ratings, the remaining 12 episodes produced were never broadcast and have remained in network archives without public release.[14][5] The show's abrupt end in April 1992 stemmed from its failure to attract sufficient viewership in its Wednesday night slot, where it dropped significantly from lead-in programs, leading ABC to discontinue the three-hour comedy block and place Sibs on indefinite hiatus before official cancellation.[15] These unaired installments were fully completed, including filming, but were held back as the network shifted focus away from the underperforming series, with plans to potentially air some as summer "leftovers" ultimately abandoned.[14] The unaired episodes maintained the series' comedic tone centered on sibling dynamics and family mishaps among the three sisters—Nora, Audie, and Lily—along with their extended family. Titles indicate continued exploration of personal and relational themes, such as career pressures, romantic pursuits, and nostalgic reflections, mirroring the aired episodes' style of humorous family interactions. Specific examples include storylines delving into Audie's professional challenges and Lily's social life, providing further development for recurring characters like brother Warren.| Episode # | Production Code | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 116 | The In Crowd |
| 12 | 108 | It Came from Vermont |
| 13 | 109 | Honey, I Shrunk My Head |
| 14 | 111 | The Best Years of My Life |
| 15 | 112 | Lily Makes a Move |
| 16 | 114 | The Patience of St. Audrey |
| 17 | 115 | I'll Take Manhattan |
| 18 | 118 | What Makes Lily Run? |
| 19 | 119 | The Eleanor Roosevelt Story |
| 20 | 120 | If I Only Had a Dad |
| 21 | 121 | The Crash: Part 1 |
| 22 | 122 | The Crash: Part 2 |