Key Facts
In the mid-1970s, ABC developed a sitcom titled 'Mr. T and Tina,' a spin-off of 'Welcome Back, Kotter.' The show centered on a widowed Japanese inventor, Taro Takahashi, who moves from Tokyo to Chicago with his children and hires a clumsy American nanny. The pilot originally starred George Takei, best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in 'Star Trek.' However, before the series premiered in fall 1976, Pat Morita replaced Takei in the lead role. The show was cancelled after only five episodes due to poor ratings and criticism from Asian American groups.
Details of the Show's Development
According to a 1976 interview with George Takei, the pilot for 'Mr. T and Tina' featured him as Taro Takahashi, a Japanese inventor working at Moyati Industries in Chicago. The nanny, Tina Kelly, was played by Susan Blanchard. The show's premise involved cultural clashes between Takahashi's traditional Japanese upbringing and Tina's bubbly Nebraska background. Producer James Komack, who also worked on 'Welcome Back, Kotter' and 'Chico and the Man,' oversaw the project.
Takei noted that the show was originally intended for a later time slot, around 9:30 or 10:00 PM. However, ABC decided to air it earlier in the evening and wanted a lighter tone, similar to 'Happy Days' rather than the sophisticated humor of 'Maude.' This led to Pat Morita, who already played diner owner Arnold on 'Happy Days,' being cast as the star. Takei was replaced, and Morita left 'Happy Days' after its first season to headline his own series.
Impact and Reception
'Mr. T and Tina' faced significant backlash before and during its brief run. Critics panned the show, with some calling it the worst of the year. The Asian-Americans for Fair Media and the Japanese American Citizens League protested the series for its stereotypical depictions of Asian Americans. Ratings were low, and ABC cancelled the sitcom after just five episodes aired.
Despite the show's failure, both George Takei and Pat Morita went on to achieve greater success. Takei continued his role as Sulu in 'Star Trek' films and became an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, author, and actor in projects like 'Mulan' and 'Heroes.' Morita, after another short-lived series 'Blansky's Beauties,' returned to 'Happy Days' and later gained iconic status as Mr. Miyagi in 'The Karate Kid' (1984).
What Readers Should Know
- 'Mr. T and Tina' was one of the few 1970s TV shows with an Asian American lead, highlighting the limited representation of the era.
- The show's cancellation underscores the challenges faced by diverse programming in mainstream television.
- Both Takei and Morita overcame this setback to become beloved figures in entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who originally starred in the pilot of 'Mr. T and Tina'?
George Takei originally played the lead role of Taro Takahashi in the pilot before Pat Morita took over for the series.
Why was George Takei replaced by Pat Morita?
ABC decided to air the show earlier in the evening and wanted less sophisticated humor, leading them to choose Pat Morita, who had a recurring role on 'Happy Days.'
How many episodes of 'Mr. T and Tina' aired?
Only five episodes of the sitcom aired before it was cancelled due to poor ratings and criticism.
What was the controversy surrounding 'Mr. T and Tina'?
Asian American advocacy groups protested the show for its stereotypical portrayals of Asian Americans.