TV 101 (1988)
A CBS high school drama that launched careers — featuring a young Matt LeBlanc, Stacey Dash, and Teri Polo before they became household names.
TV 101 - Series Information
- Original Title: TV 101
- First Air Year: 1988
- Last Air Year: 1989
- Created by: Karl Schaefer
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: CBS
- Production Companies: GTG Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
TV 101 - Plot
Recently divorced Kevin Keegan is a photo journalist who quits his job and returns to alma mater, Roosevelt High School, to teach journalism. He then teaches his class how to produce a television news program instead of a traditional school newspaper... TV 101 is an American drama series that aired on CBS from 1988 until 1989. The series stars Sam Robards, Brynn Thayer, Leon Russom and Andrew Cassese. Other notable cast members include Stacey Dash, Teri Polo, Alex Désert and Matt LeBlanc. The music for this show was created and produced by Todd Rundgren.
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TV 101 - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Karl Schaefer
Main Cast
- Sam Robards
- Andrew Cassese
- Stacey Dash
- Alex Désert
- Stewart Goddard
- Matt LeBlanc
- Teri Polo
- Monique Salcido
- Mary B. Ward
- Andrew White
Writers
- Michael Cassutt
- Pamela Douglas
- Matt Dearborn
- Karl Schaefer
TV 101 - FAQs
Did Matt LeBlanc appear in TV 101 before Friends?
Yes, TV 101 was one of Matt LeBlanc's earliest television roles. He played Chuck Bender, a student in Kevin Keegan's journalism class. This was several years before he rose to global fame as Joey Tribbiani in the NBC sitcom Friends, which premiered in 1994.
What is TV 101 about?
TV 101 follows Kevin Keegan, a recently divorced photojournalist who leaves his career behind to teach journalism at Roosevelt High School, his old alma mater. Rather than running a traditional school newspaper, he inspires his students to produce their own television news program, blending mentorship with media education.
Who are the main actors in TV 101?
The series stars Sam Robards as teacher Kevin Keegan alongside a young ensemble cast including Andrew Cassese, Stacey Dash, Alex Désert, Matt LeBlanc, and Teri Polo. Leon Russom and Brynn Thayer also appear in key supporting roles. Several cast members went on to significant careers in Hollywood.
Where can you watch TV 101 today?
TV 101 is a late-1980s CBS series that has not received a wide streaming release. Availability may vary by region and platform. Your best option is to check JustWatch for the most current viewing options, or look for physical media through specialty retailers and collector markets.
Who created TV 101 and who composed its music?
TV 101 was created by Karl Schaefer, who also contributed to the writing staff alongside Michael Cassutt, Pamela Douglas, and Matt Dearborn. The series' music was composed and produced by Todd Rundgren, the acclaimed rock musician and producer, lending the show a distinctive sonic identity.
Why was TV 101 cancelled after one season?
TV 101 ran for a single season of 13 episodes on CBS before being cancelled in 1989. While the show earned a dedicated following and critical appreciation for its young cast, it struggled to find a large enough audience in a competitive primetime landscape to justify renewal by the network.
Is TV 101 based on a true story?
TV 101 is not based on a specific true story. It is an original fictional drama created by Karl Schaefer. However, its premise — a teacher using student journalism to engage disengaged youth — reflects real-world educational approaches that were gaining attention in American schools during the late 1980s.
What shows are similar to TV 101?
Fans of TV 101 may enjoy other school-set dramas like Boston Public, Glee, and Veronica Mars, which share its blend of youthful energy and institutional drama. The Facts of Life and Parenthood offer comparable warmth and character-driven storytelling, while Waterloo Road provides a British take on the high school drama format.
More About TV 101
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