It Was a Thing on TV: Minisode 31, Episode 453 & Episode 454 - The Fanduel Kick of Destiny/Frank’s Place/Cleghorne

This week on It Was a Thing on TV we conclude our Super Bowl series of shows and start our Black History Month series.

 

First in Minisode 31, last year on "Super Sunday" former NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski was involved in an ad campaign for Fanduel where he'd attempt to make a 25-yard field goal in the Arizona desert in a live commercial during the game. We'd soon find out that this attempt was about as accurate as a three-dollar bill. 

 

Then in Episode 453, CBS' most hyped show in 1987-88 was Frank's Place, about an academic who inherits a New Orleans restaurant.  There was so much publicity for it that its two main stars hosted CBS' series of unsold pilots in Summer 1987.  Despite the hype and critical acclaim, it was done in a season.  There was one big name who admits to liking it and recording it.

 

Finally in Episode 454, Ellen Cleghorne was a groundbreaking talent when she was on Saturday Night Live.  The WB gave her her own show, which was gone in months.  Was the problem that Cleghorne! was on The WB, or was it something else?

 

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Timestamps

0:11 - Computer Voice Lady Cold Open

1:03 - The Fanduel Kick of Destiny

13:21 - Frank’s Place

1:16:47 - This Week in Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour History (2/13/84-2/17/84)

1:21:08 - Cleghorne!