Andy Richter Controls the Universe (2002–2003)

Andy is a short story writer, who makes his living by working at a huge faceless company in present day Chicago, writing Technical Manuals. In his active, fertile, writer's imagination, we ... See full summary »

Creator:

Victor Fresco

Stars:

Andy Richter, Paget Brewster, Irene Molloy

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 1 nomination.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Andy Richter	...	Andy Richter (19 episodes, 2002-2004)
Paget Brewster	...	Jessica Green (19 episodes, 2002-2004)
Irene Molloy	...	Wendy McKay (19 episodes, 2002-2004)
Jonathan Slavin	...	Byron Togler (19 episodes, 2002-2004)
James Patrick Stuart	...	Keith (19 episodes, 2002-2004)
John Bliss	...	Mr. Pickering (14 episodes, 2002-2004)

Storyline

Andy is a short story writer, who makes his living by working at a huge faceless company in present day Chicago, writing Technical Manuals. In his active, fertile, writer's imagination, we see (and hear as he narrates) the stories of his daily life, as they should be, could be, might be, and even actually how they are. Andy shares his office with the company's newest employee, and Andy's newest friend, the frail, jumpy, odd, loveable Byron. Also inhabiting Andy's world is his best friend Keith, who is "so good looking" that Andy must fight his own "prejudice against the 'attractive,' who seem to get everything they want, unlike ordinary humans." Supervisor Jessica is also Andy's longtime friend and uses her lightening sharp tongue to keep the group out of, or at times, to get the group INTO trouble. The newer receptionist Wendy (Irene Molloy, "Grosse Pointe"), whom Andy first had a crush on, is dating Keith (somewhat proving Andy's "Attractive Theory").

---

Plot Keywords:

sitcom | character name in title

---

Genres:

Comedy

---

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 March 2002 (USA)

Also Known As:

Anything Can Happen

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Garfield Grove Productions, Pariah Entertainment Group, Paramount Network Television Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The establishing shot of Andy's workplace, the Duke & Duke building, is lifted from Trading Places

---

Quotes

Andy's Brain: [Trying to impress a girl] What would someone cool and suave say?
Andy: Ants are fascinating
[long pause]
Andy: sometimes.
Andy's Brain: Saved it!

---

Connections

Referenced in FOX 25th Anniversary Special (2012)

User Reviews

Fox...Funny?

I must say that I was so oddly attracted to this show by the teasers that I had to tune in just to see what it was all about. Being an on and off fan of Conan and Andy, I knew that it had the potential to either be very very funny or very very pitiful. The good news is that I did not feel my life slipping away during the first few minutes of this program - I actually laughed -- out loud! (This was a very pleasant surprise especially considering the other hogwash that Fox has churned out this year.)

Not only is the show intelligently written, the characters witty, and the jokes funny, but the show's humor doesn't make you feel incredibly dirty and wrong for finding it funny. Also, the comedy is subtle, unlike other sitcoms that are overflowing with laugh-track style chuckles and dripping canned ha-ha "laugh here" signs that basically ram the comedy home and force it down your throat. Thankfully, Andy eases it in, like a gentleman. Andy's general likability and warped, clever fantasies are some the best parts.

Hopefully this show will go on and outlast the other rot that Fox produces, not to mention any names of course *COUGHTEMPTATIONISLANDTHECHAMBERANDTHEAMERICANEMBASSYCOUGH*