Get a Life (1990–1992)

The misadventures of a 30-year-old paper-boy (played by Late Night alum Chris Elliot) and his wacky parents. Such show topics included the eating of a space alien, a robotic paper-boy and ... See full summary »

Creators:

Chris Elliott, David Mirkin, Adam Resnick

Stars:

Chris Elliott, Robin Riker, Elinor Donahue

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Chris Elliott	...	Chris Peterson (35 episodes, 1990-1992)
Robin Riker	...	Sharon Potter (34 episodes, 1990-1992)
Elinor Donahue	...	Gladys Peterson (34 episodes, 1990-1992)
Bob Elliott	...	Fred Peterson (34 episodes, 1990-1992)
Sam Robards	...	Larry Potter (23 episodes, 1990-1991)
Taylor Fry	...	Amy Potter (16 episodes, 1990-1992)
Brian Doyle-Murray	...	Gus Borden (13 episodes, 1990-1992)
Brady Bluhm	...	Bobby Potter (13 episodes, 1990-1991)

Storyline

The misadventures of a 30-year-old paper-boy (played by Late Night alum Chris Elliot) and his wacky parents. Such show topics included the eating of a space alien, a robotic paper-boy and numerous beheadings. Get a Life was also one of the first television shows that featured the killing of the star of the show.

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Plot Keywords:

dying repeatedly | surrealism | paperboy | real life father and son playing father and son | sitcom | 

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Taglines:

Life can be such fun ... So why not get one?

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Genres:

Comedy | Fantasy

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Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 September 1990 (USA)

Also Known As:

Búscate la vida

Filming Locations:

Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Elliottland Productions, Mirkinvision, New World Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min 30 min (35 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The reason Chris Peterson's parents are always in their pajamas is because Chris Elliott's real-life father played his dad on the show. Chris Elliott says he wanted his dad to be comfortable on the set, and to not have to deal with wardrobe changes. (As told by Chris Elliott at a book signing in San Francisco CA on 15 December 2005)

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Quotes

Chris Peterson: [to a rival in his male modeling class] What's that? You had a *butt* lift?

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Connections

Referenced in American Pie (1999)

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Soundtracks

"Stand"
Performed by R.E.M.
Written by Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Michael Stipe

User Reviews

Nutso, schizo, and totally hilarious, the ultimate Chris Elliot vehicle

It's been over a decade, and many of us still double-over with laughter just thinking about episodes of this insane sitcom, a Hellzapopin revue for the goofy, mannered talents of Chris Elliot. However, an equal number of folks see this show as nothing but stupid. Elliot, Resnick, and company probably see it that way too. There aren't many absolutes in life, but this is one of them: You'll either love or hate this show (and your feelings will be inextricably tied to how much you like Chris Elliot). There is NO middle ground. No one ever says that "Get a Life" is "just OK," "fair," or "I could take it or leave it." It inspires fervent reactions both pro and con. And in a plain vanilla world of network television, that's a good thing!

For me, my life is always a whole lot better when I think about "Spewey the Alien," "Zoo Animals on Wheels," and the "Toolbelt Wars." Those episodes are as fresh today as they were in the day. The trouble with Chris Elliot, I think, is that he has such a bizarre, almost off-putting sense of humor that a little of him goes a long way. (If you don't believe me, see "Cabin Boy.") Here's the perfect vehicle to enjoy his talents--in 22 minute chunks! Eat up!