Watch Night Court
- TV-PG
- 1984
- 9 Seasons
-
7.7 (16,523)
Night Court is a iconic American television sitcom that aired on NBC from 1984 to 1992. The show is set in a Manhattan courtroom, where the night shift covers cases that often bring in bizarre and eccentric defendants. The lead character, Judge Harry Stone, played by Harry Anderson, is a young and quirky judge who presides over the courtroom of a New York City Municipal Court. He is full of tricks, including magic tricks as his previous occupation, and wears colorful ties and jackets. Stone is known for his offbeat sense of humor and his unique way of dealing with the defendants that come through his courtroom. He is a beloved figure, often referred to as âone of the good guysâ. Karen Austin played the role of public defender, Liz Williams. She is a sharp and capable lawyer who shares a romantic interest with Judge Stone. Alongside her is jovial prosecutor, Dan Fielding, played by John Larroquette. Fielding is known for his many failed attempts at finding love, his love for expensive suits and desire for women. His character is a source of humor within the show, as he is often clad in silk shirts and exudes smarmy attitude with a hint of misogyny. Other notable cast members included Paula Kelly as hardworking court clerk, Selma Diamond as the tough talking bailiff, Ellen Foley as the ADA who only appears at the start of season one, Charles Robinson as court reporter Mac, and Richard Moll as imposing but good-natured bailiff Bailiff Bull Shannon. The show's plots focus more on the humorous aspects of court proceedings and story lines, with the occasional serious or dramatic moment to mix things up. The setting of a night court allows for a more "anything goes" atmosphere, with cases ranging from stolen pens to kidnapping. The show was unique in its time for its portrayal of minorities and the LGBTQ community at a time when such representation was still rare. Florence Halop played the role of wise-cracking bailiff, Hildy, before passing away during the show's third season. She was replaced by Marsha Warfield, a Black comedian, as Bailiff Roz Russell. Warfield's portrayal of a Black female authority figure was a rarity at the time, and garnered critical acclaim. Markie Post joins the show later on as Christine Sullivan, an incumbent assistant district attorney who eventually ends up a love interest for Judge Stone, complicating Fieldingâs romantic interests. Throughout its nine seasons, Night Court managed to create and sustain a singularly quirky and entertaining world that audiences were drawn to. It became known for its humor, witty one liners, and its quirky cast of characters. The show was at its peak in the late 1980s, where it became one of the biggest hits on television, bringing in millions of viewers each week. Although its popularity eventually waned, and the show came to an end with its ninth season, its enduring legacy lives on. Night Court is still celebrated today for its humor, unique characters, and its willingness to take on topics and themes that were often shied away from by other television shows of the time. It remains a beloved staple of 80's television and has left behind a lasting legacy for generations to come.
