Temperatures Rising (1972)
The ABC hospital sitcom that survived three cast overhauls and two format changes across a turbulent two-season run.
Temperatures Rising - Series Information
- Original Title: Temperatures Rising
- First Air Year: 1972
- Last Air Year: 1974
- Created by: William Asher
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 47
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: ABC
Temperatures Rising - Plot
Temperatures Rising is an American television sitcom that ran from September 12, 1972 to August 29, 1974 on the ABC network. The network had a good deal of faith in the low-rated series, which went through three cast changes, two different formats, and two time slots during its run.
Temperatures Rising - Trailer
Preview a clip from this classic early-1970s ABC hospital comedy.
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Temperatures Rising - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- William Asher
Main Cast
- Cleavon Little
- Nancy Fox
- Joan Van Ark
- James Whitmore
- Reva Rose
- Paul Lynde
- Sudie Bond
- Barbara Cason
- John Dehner
- Jennifer Darling
Writers
- Sheldon Keller
- Joseph Bonaduce
- Seaman Jacobs
- Fred S. Fox
- Martin Ragaway
Temperatures Rising - FAQs
Why did Temperatures Rising go through so many cast changes?
ABC kept retooling the show in an effort to boost its low ratings. Over its two-season run, the series underwent three cast overhauls and two format shifts, making it one of the more extensively reworked sitcoms of the early 1970s. Despite the network's persistence, the show ended in 1974.
What is Temperatures Rising about?
Set in a hospital environment, Temperatures Rising is a workplace comedy that mines the chaos and personalities of medical staff for laughs. The show blends ensemble character dynamics with situational humor, leaning on a rotating cast of comedic talents to keep the ward lively across its 47-episode run.
Who were the main cast members of Temperatures Rising?
The ensemble featured Cleavon Little, Paul Lynde, James Whitmore, Joan Van Ark, Nancy Fox, Reva Rose, Sudie Bond, Barbara Cason, John Dehner, and Jennifer Darling, among others. The frequent cast changes meant several actors cycled through the show across its two seasons.
Where can I watch Temperatures Rising today?
Temperatures Rising is a vintage early-1970s sitcom, so mainstream streaming availability is limited. Your best bet is to check classic TV platforms, digital rental services, or specialty archive sites. Availability varies by region, so browsing JustWatch for current options in your area is a good starting point.
How many seasons and episodes does Temperatures Rising have?
The series ran for two seasons totaling 47 episodes. Season 1 comprised 27 episodes and Season 2 contained 20 episodes. The show aired on ABC from September 12, 1972 through August 29, 1974, making it a two-year run despite the network's ongoing efforts to revive its ratings.
Who created Temperatures Rising?
Temperatures Rising was created by William Asher, a prolific television and film director best known for his work on Bewitched and a string of beach party films. His experience with ensemble comedy and network television made him a natural fit for this hospital-set sitcom.
What are some shows similar to Temperatures Rising?
Fans of this hospital comedy may enjoy Doctor in Charge (1972), Green Wing (2004), or Garth Marenghi's Darkplace (2004) for similarly offbeat medical humor. For classic American ensemble sitcoms of the same era, One Day at a Time (1975), Alice (1976), and NewsRadio (1995) offer a comparable comedic spirit.
Was Temperatures Rising well received by critics and audiences?
The show struggled in the ratings throughout its run, which is precisely why ABC kept retooling it with new cast members and formats. While it never found a large audience, the network's willingness to invest in multiple overhauls suggests a belief in its comedic potential that the viewing public never fully shared.
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