"Arli$$" (1996) TV series 1996-2002

User Rating:

6.9/10   

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | unknown

Release Date:

10 August 1996 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Sport

Plot:

Arliss Michaels is not a sports agent, he is a sports super agent. To his athletes and to the world around them he is God...

Plot Keywords:

Sitcom | Character Name In Title

Awards:

2 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

Robert Wuhl	...	Arliss Michaels (34 episodes, 1996-2002)
Sandra Oh	...	Rita Wu (34 episodes, 1996-2002)
Jim Turner	...	Kirby Carlisle (32 episodes, 1996-2002)
Michael Boatman	...	Stanley Babson (32 episodes, 1996-2002)

Also Known As:

Arliss (USA) (alternative spelling)

Runtime:

30 min (80 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Company:

Home Box Office (HBO)

Trivia:

In July 1999, Robert Wuhl appeared on World Championship Wrestling's Monday Nitro in the company's dying days as a guest announcer. He did not appear as himself but was named as Arliss and acted in character. The Arliss appearance was panned by fans and wrestling critics, especially because most people didn't know what an "Arli$$" was.

Quotes:

Rita Wu: [Rita has been called into work so early, rollers are still in her hair] Even Katie Couric doesn't get up this early.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Saturday Night Live: Kevin Spacey/Beck (#22.10)" (1997)

Sporting a Laugh

Robert Wuhl created and starred in this HBO TV show about a sports agent who was cutthroat but, at the same time, had the important values everyone seems to have.

Robert Wuhl portrayed Arliss Michaels, who represents several athletes (most of which are real and even made cameo appearances on the show). Sandra Oh played Rita, Arliss's sarcastic secretary who was never afraid to speak her mind and even helped Arliss as well as her co-workers at times. Then there was Jim Turner, who played Kirby, another sports agent who had those important values which made up for his unruly ways of doing business and other activities outside the office (you have to see the show). Finally, there was Michael Boatman, who played Stanley, the agency's financial adviser who was ultimately an arrogant jerk who was somewhat likable and even funny.

The show itself was funny, but sometimes even touching and truthful. It pointed out that even the biggest people in a business like this has the kind of heart a lot of people look for in everyone. That is what made these characters (Arliss, Rita, Kirby, and yes, even Stanley) likable -- they all had hearts.

Robert Wuhl also served as executive producer and even directed some episodes.

I give "Arliss" 3 1/2 stars out of 4.