The Powers That Be (1992–1993)

William Powers is a clueless senator whose career is run by his manipulative wife Margaret, his chief of staff/mistress Jordan and his political aide Bradley. Along for the ride are the ... See full summary »

Creators:

David Crane, Marta Kauffman

Stars:

John Forsythe, Holland Taylor, Eve Gordon

1 nomination.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
John Forsythe	...	Sen. William Franklin Powers (21 episodes, 1992-1993)
Holland Taylor	...	Margaret Powers (21 episodes, 1992-1993)
Eve Gordon	...	Jordan Miller (21 episodes, 1992-1993)
Valerie Mahaffey	...	Caitlyn Van Horne (21 episodes, 1992-1993)
Elizabeth Berridge	...	Charlotte (21 episodes, 1992-1993)
Peter MacNicol	...	Bradley Grist (20 episodes, 1992-1993)
David Hyde Pierce	...	Theodore Van Horne (20 episodes, 1992-1993)
Robin Bartlett	...	Sophie Lipkin (20 episodes, 1992-1993)
Joseph Gordon-Levitt	...	Pierce Van Horne (13 episodes, 1992-1993)

Storyline

William Powers is a clueless senator whose career is run by his manipulative wife Margaret, his chief of staff/mistress Jordan and his political aide Bradley. Along for the ride are the senator's shrill daughter Caitlyn and her suicidal husband Theodore, who happens to be in love with the Powers' bumbling maid Charlotte. Last but not least is the senator's illegitimate daughter, Sophie Lipkin, who takes a job at her father's office.

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Plot Keywords:

senator | sitcom | family relationships | politics

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Genres:

Comedy

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 March 1992 (USA)

Also Known As:

Altas esferas

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min 30 min (21 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

McLean Stevenson auditioned for the role of Senator Powers.

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Quotes

Caitlyn: Theodore, I was hoping we could do something. Together. In bed.
Theodore: Oh. Is it next month already?

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Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theatre 3000: Radar Secret Service (1993)

User Reviews

"The Powers That Be" - A Comedy That Be!!!

This delightful comedy broad-casted in the 90's, was one of the best comedies since "I Love Lucy". It is a shame to think that it might be lost in the archives forever. How do we convince Columbia Pictures Television (Production) and Sony Pictures Television (Distributors) to release it again? This is an American political delight! Anybody with a suggestion? Who's rubber arm can we twist (",). So many television shows are available on DVD - why not this one? This series will share the the lime light with shows like "The Golden Girls". Margaret, the senator's wife played by Holland Taylor, brings a comical British Aristocracy like flavor to the screen. Something different than the usual shallow comedies that we see these days. This should not be lost to our children. This one of the rare ones!