Rachel Gunn, R.N. is an American sitcom that aired on Fox from June 28, 1992, to September 4, 1992.
Premise The series followed the staff of Little Innocence Hospital in Nebraska. Those shown included head nurse Rachel Gunn, surgeon David Dunkle, and Native American Vietnam War veteran Zac.Martin, John (June 27, 1992). New Fox show is just plain dumb, The Dispatch (Lexington, North Carolina)Pierce, Scott D. (June 27, 1992). Star of 'Rachel Gunn, R.N.' Is Better Than The Show, Deseret NewsScott, Tony (June 26, 1992). Rachel Gunn R.N. the House of Rachel, Variety
The opening theme was a cover of the Huey Lewis and the News song "Workin' for a Livin'" sung by Ebersole.(July 10, 1992). "Rachel Gunn, R.N.", Entertainment Weekly
History The show was originally developed for CBS with country music singer K.T. Oslin to star in the title role. But in May 1991, it was reported that Oslin had pulled out because she thought the main character was too mean.(May 15, 1991). K.T. Oslin pulls out of sitcom's starring role, The Republic (Columbus, Indiana)
After Ebersole came on board in the lead role, CBS ordered six episodes but concluded the show's brash style was not a good fit and seemed more like a show Fox would air.Cerone, Daniel (June 26, 1992). How Fox Got Two Sitcoms From 'the Competition', Los Angeles Times The show was later picked up by Fox.Lowry, Brian (April 26, 1993). NBC sinks teeth into Par 'Viper', VarietyTerrace, Vincent. Encyclopedia of Television Shows, 1925 through 2010, Vol. 1, 2d ed., p. 871 (2012) On June 10, 1992, Fox announced that the show would debut on Sunday June 28, in the 8:30pm Eastern Time slot, a summer time replacement for Roc. At first it was announced that six episodes would air, though 13 had been ordered.Carmody, John (June 11, 1992). The TV Column, The Washington Post After seven episodes aired, the show was moved to 9:30 Eastern on Fridays, for three weeks.(August 13, 1992). Haunted Summer, Battle Creek Enquirer
The creator and executor producer of the show was Katherine Green, also a producer on Married... with Children. As a University of Oklahoma graduate, she made sure that branded materials from that school and also Oklahoma State University appeared on the set of the show.Saviers, Dale (August 28, 1992). Blazers Looking For Spot on Dial, Oklahoman
Though Ebersole got credit for her performance, the show received generally negative reviews. In one of the more salacious reviews, People opined that "Fox is scraping the bottom of the bedpan with this summer sitcom," which it deemed an "ugly insultfest" and the "idiot cousin" of NBC show Nurses.Hiltbrand, David (July 6, 1992). Picks and Pans Review: Rachel Gunn, R.n., People The series was not a ratings hit and was canceled less than three months of its initial airing.
Cast Christine Ebersole as Rachel Gunn Kevin Conroy as Dr. David Dunkle Megan Mullally as Becky Jo Bryan Brightcloud as Zac Lois Foraker as Jeanette Dan Tullis Jr. as Dane Grey Kathleen Mitchell as Sister Joan
Episodes
References
External links