The Odd Couple, a sitcom that aired on ABC from 1970 to 1975, remains a classic example of television comedy. Based on Neil Simon‘s play of the same name (and its subsequent 1968 movie adaptation), the series revolves around two mismatched roommates: the compulsively neat photographer, Felix Unger, and the slovenly sportswriter, Oscar Madison. The setup alone creates comedic situations, but the brilliant performances of the lead actors, Tony Randall as Felix and Jack Klugman as Oscar, elevated the material to something truly special. The humor comes not just from their opposing lifestyles, but from the genuine affection that slowly grows between the two men.
The show’s charm extends beyond the central duo. Al Molinaro as Murray the Cop, Penny Marshall as Myrna Turner, and Elenor Kleiber as Oscar’s long suffering secretary, provide consistent comedic backup and each one of them perfectly compliments the main duo. Murray, with his deadpan delivery and constant presence in Oscar’s apartment, often acts as a foil to both Felix and Oscar. Myrna, Oscar’s secretary, tries her best to deal with the constant chaos, while also exhibiting her own eccentricities. The supporting characters, despite their smaller roles, create a believable and well-rounded world for Felix and Oscar to inhabit.
The writing is sharp and witty, creating situations that are both believable and hilarious. The series never resorts to slapstick humor for cheap laughs, instead relying on character-driven comedy and the constant push and pull between Felix’s uptight personality and Oscar’s laid-back approach. The show’s appeal comes not just from the humor, but also the emotional core. Despite their constant bickering, Felix and Oscar clearly care for each other, and this genuine friendship elevates the show above other sitcoms of the era.
Over its five season run, the show remained consistent in its quality, never falling into the trap of relying on repetitive jokes. The program originally ran for three seasons before being canceled, but it was so popular in syndication that ABC decided to bring it back for another two seasons. While some of the situations might seem a little dated now, the core comedy holds up incredibly well. It is a show that relies more on character, and clever writing than it does on silly situations. It is a perfect example of how opposites can attract and how friendships can develop in the most unusual of circumstances.
The Odd Couple aired on ABC.
Years ran: 1970-1975
Number of Episodes: 114
Creators: Garry Marshall, Jerry Belson
Cast: Tony Randall, Jack Klugman, Al Molinaro, Penny Marshall, Elenor Kleiber.
