Arli$$ (1996)
The sharp, irreverent HBO comedy that pulled back the curtain on the cutthroat world of professional sports representation.
Arli$$ - Series Information
- Original Title: Arli$$
- First Air Year: 1996
- Last Air Year: 2002
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 30 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 7
- Number of Episodes: 80
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: August 10, 1996 (United States - TV-MA)
- Networks: HBO
- Alternative Titles: Arli$$ (US)
- Production Companies: Tollin/Robbins Productions, HBO
Arli$$ - Plot
A behind-the-scenes look at the glitzy, big-money world of professional sports following the eternally optimistic and endlessly resourceful L.A. sports agent Arliss Michaels whose Achilles' heel is his inability to say "no" to clients and employees.
Arli$$ - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Robert Wuhl
- Sandra Oh
- Jim Turner
- Michael Boatman
- Gerry Del Sol
- John Reilly
- Richard Minchenberg
- Bob Costas
- Jim Lampley
- Lee Arenberg
Writers
- Kevin Falls
- Robert Wuhl
- Scott Kaufer
- Bruce Kirschbaum
- Sam Kass
Arli$$ - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Arli$$?
Arli$$ stars Robert Wuhl in the lead role of sports agent Arliss Michaels, alongside Sandra Oh as Rita Wu, Jim Turner as Kirby Carlisle, Michael Boatman as Stanley Babson, and Lee Arenberg as Dr. Josef Tura, among others. Real sports broadcasters Bob Costas and Jim Lampley also appear.
What is Arli$$ about?
Arli$$ is a satirical comedy set in the high-stakes world of professional sports. It follows Arliss Michaels, an eternally optimistic L.A. sports agent whose biggest weakness is his inability to say no to clients and employees, leading to increasingly chaotic and comedic situations.
When did Arli$$ first air on HBO?
Arli$$ premiered on HBO on August 10, 1996. The series ran for seven seasons and concluded in 2002, making it one of HBO's longer-running original comedy series of that era.
How many seasons does Arli$$ have?
Arli$$ ran for 7 seasons and a total of 80 episodes. Season 1 had 11 episodes, Season 2 had 10, Season 3 had 13, Season 4 had 12, Season 5 had 13, Season 6 had 10, and Season 7 had 11 episodes.
Did Sandra Oh appear in Arli$$ before Grey's Anatomy?
Yes. Sandra Oh played Rita Wu, the sharp and capable assistant to Arliss Michaels, throughout the run of Arli$$ from 1996 to 2002. This role was one of her most prominent television appearances before her breakthrough on Grey's Anatomy in 2005.
Is Arli$$ based on a true story?
Arli$$ is not based on a specific true story, but it draws heavily from the real world of professional sports representation. Creator and star Robert Wuhl crafted the show to satirize the culture of sports agents, celebrity athletes, and the entertainment business surrounding professional sports.
What is the content rating for Arli$$?
Arli$$ is rated TV-MA, meaning it is intended for mature audiences only. As an HBO original series, it features adult language, frank humor, and content not suitable for younger viewers.
What are some shows similar to Arli$$?
Viewers who enjoyed Arli$$ may also appreciate Sin City Saints, a comedy set in the world of professional basketball, or W1A, a satirical workplace comedy. For broader recommendations, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Breaking Bad offer sharp, character-driven storytelling with distinct comedic or dramatic tones.
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