Lou Grant (1977)

A landmark CBS drama following a tenacious newspaper city editor and his dedicated Los Angeles newsroom staff.

Lou Grant - Series Information

  • Original Title: Lou Grant
  • First Air Year: 1977
  • Last Air Year: 1982
  • Created by: Gene Reynolds, James L. Brooks et al.
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Comedy, Drama
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (50 minutes)
  • Number of Seasons: 5
  • Number of Episodes: 114
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Networks: CBS
  • Production Companies: MTM Enterprises

Lou Grant - Plot

The trials of a former television station manager turned newspaper city editor, and his journalist staff.

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Lou Grant - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Gene Reynolds
  • James L. Brooks
  • Allan Burns
  • Leon Tokatyan

Main Cast

  • Ed Asner
  • Robert Walden
  • Linda Kelsey
  • Mason Adams
  • Jack Bannon
  • Daryl Anderson
  • Nancy Marchand
  • Allen Williams
  • Laurence Haddon
  • Paul Stolarsky

Writers

  • James L. Brooks
  • Leon Tokatyan
  • Seth Freeman
  • Michele Gallery
  • Steve Kline

Executive Producers

  • Allan Burns
  • Gene Reynolds

Lou Grant - FAQs

Where can you watch Lou Grant online?

Lou Grant is available to stream on select platforms in the United States. You can check JustWatch for the most current and region-specific streaming, rental, and purchase options, as availability may vary depending on your location and subscription services.

Is Lou Grant based on a true story?

Lou Grant is not based on a single true story, but it drew heavily from real-world journalism. The writers consulted working reporters and editors at the Los Angeles Times, lending the series an authenticity that set it apart from typical television dramas of the era.

Who are the main actors in Lou Grant?

Lou Grant stars Ed Asner in the title role, alongside Robert Walden as Joe Rossi, Linda Kelsey as Billie Newman, Mason Adams as Charlie Hume, Jack Bannon as Art Donovan, Daryl Anderson as Dennis Price, and Nancy Marchand as publisher Margaret Pynchon.

How many seasons does Lou Grant have?

Lou Grant ran for five seasons on CBS, airing from 1977 to 1982. The series comprised 114 episodes in total: Season 1 (22 episodes), Season 2 (24 episodes), Season 3 (24 episodes), Season 4 (20 episodes), and Season 5 (24 episodes).

Did Lou Grant win any awards?

Yes. Lou Grant earned numerous Emmy Awards throughout its run, including Outstanding Drama Series. Ed Asner won multiple Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Lou Grant, and the show was widely praised for its serious, issue-driven approach to network television drama.

What is Lou Grant about?

Lou Grant follows the gruff but principled Lou Grant, a former TV news producer who reinvents himself as city editor of the Los Angeles Tribune. Each episode tackles real journalistic challenges — from investigative reporting to ethical dilemmas — through the lens of his dedicated newsroom staff.

Who created the Lou Grant TV series?

Lou Grant was created by Gene Reynolds, James L. Brooks, Allan Burns, and Leon Tokatyan. The series was produced by MTM Enterprises and aired on CBS. Reynolds and Burns served as executive producers throughout the show's five-season run.

Why was Lou Grant cancelled after five seasons?

Lou Grant was cancelled in 1982 following a significant advertiser boycott triggered by star Ed Asner's public support for leftist rebels in El Salvador. Despite strong ratings and critical acclaim, CBS ultimately pulled the series after sponsors withdrew, making it one of television's most politically charged cancellations.

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