The amount of random old TV shows I remember often astounds me sometimes, so I figured I’d start a new segment on here: Flashback Friday. Each week, I’ll be recapping a series that most of you have probably forgotten about.
First up, is one I VIVIDLY remember parts of, and often wish I could find online or on DVD – The Naked Truth.
Starring Tea Leoni as Nora Wilde, a photographer for the fictitious tabloid magazine “The Comet”, The Naked Truth ran from 1995-1998.
The series revolved around Leoni’s character who after divorcing her very rich and powerful husband, refuses to take his offer of 1.8 million and tries to make it on her own. Even with a reputation of being a Pulitzer Prize winning photographer she finds the only job offer coming her way is from The Comet, a National Enquirer style magazine. The series co-starred Holland Taylor as Camilla Dane, the magazine’s editor who was always ready to do what it takes to get that scoop.
The Naked Truth debuted in September 1995 on ABC to very strong ratings but after 20 episodes, and various storyline/character re-tooling, it was cancelled. It was immediately picked up by rival network NBC who committed to a 13 episode order for the following mid season where it remained until it’s cancellation in 1998.
The storyline of the show, which never changed throughout the series, gave ample opportunity for popular celebrities of the time to make a cameo – mostly as disgruntled versions of themselves who were trying to sue The Comet. Over the years, the likes of Tom Hanks, Betty White, Tim Curry and Rob Lowe made appearances on the show – and Anna Nicole Smith stopped by twice. That’s pretty impressive for TV back in the 90’s.
I remember this show being really, really funny – and I’ve been a big fan of Tea Leoni since I was a kid. She was previously on a show called Flying Blind, and after finding the pilot of The Naked Truth online I can honestly say it’s still pretty good.
Tea has a real flare for comedy, and I hope she gets back to her comedic roots after her stint as Secretary of State on Madame Secretary ends. The co-stars, a lot of whom changed through out the show’s three year run, are a mixed bag of non ethical reporters and photographers who are probably a very accurate depiction of many people working at the likes of TMZ today.
Does anyone else remember this show? Or know where I can get the whole series – or at least more than two episodes online?
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