I loved this show when I was a kid! I remember lying down on my grandpa's couch and watching it. I remember the beginning of the song. Something about "Back in the days of Valintino, we know, a maid named Ethal was so bright and alive. Wacka Do! Wacka Do! Wacka Do!" Okay, that's all I remember. For some reason I thought the show was called Maid to Order. I don't remember any particular episodes. I just remember that she was hit by a trolly and sent down from Heaven to become this family's maid. That's why I thought it was called Maid to Order. I took me forever to find a sight that actually told me the correct name of the show. Thank You!!!! I think I might see if it's available on DVD.
26 Reviews
I can't believe I am the only one who watched this show!
fusskins8 February 2000
I have fond memories of "Down to Earth" possibly because I have never met a single living soul who remembers this show. I can still recite most of the theme song! It is amazing what you absorb at age seven. Anyway, Ethel was a flapper who was killed by a trolley (this was hilariously illustrated in the opening credits with old-style photographs) and had to wait 60 years to be set up with a family so that she could earn her wings and become an angel. Of course, she was a wild woman so the dad (2nd Darrin from Bewitched) was frazzled and the 3 kids loved her (can you say surrogate Mom?) There wasn't much to the show as far as I can remember, but i do recall Rip Taylor as her mentor angel throwing a lot of confetti about. Weird premise, cute show; it pretty much hinged on Ethel becoming acquainted with modern technology and mores. As promised, here are (most of) the words to the theme song:
Back in the days of Valentino, we know A maid named Ethel was so bright and alive (wacky doo,wacky doo) But she was struck down by a trolley, golly Said good-bye in nineteen twenty and five (toodleloo,toodleloo)
Ethel in heaven waited patiently To earn her wings and be An angel fancy-free Sixty years later the opportunity To help a family came through (Boo boo be doo, twenty-three skiddoo)
[something about "Richard, Lizzie, Duane, and JJ, too] Now she must be a nineteen eighties, lady h, blah, blah] She's Down to Earth, Down to Earth
I know, I have no life.
Love, Traci B.
Back in the days of Valentino, we know A maid named Ethel was so bright and alive (wacky doo,wacky doo) But she was struck down by a trolley, golly Said good-bye in nineteen twenty and five (toodleloo,toodleloo)
Ethel in heaven waited patiently To earn her wings and be An angel fancy-free Sixty years later the opportunity To help a family came through (Boo boo be doo, twenty-three skiddoo)
[something about "Richard, Lizzie, Duane, and JJ, too] Now she must be a nineteen eighties, lady h, blah, blah] She's Down to Earth, Down to Earth
I know, I have no life.
Love, Traci B.
Full Song Lyrics
ckadrhanshaw22 January 2007
Back in the days of Valentino,We know! A maid named Ethel was so bright and alive Wacky-doo,wacky-doo,wacky-doo!
But she was struck down by a trolley,goley! Said good-bye in nineteen twenty and five Toodle-loo,toodle-doo!
Ethel in heaven waited patiently To gain her wings to be an angel fancy free!!!
Sixty years later the opportunity To help a family Came through! A-bo-bo-be-do!Twenty-three skiddo!
Back Down to Earth To teach the Prestons lessons Richard,Lizzie,Duane and Jay Jay too!
Now she must be a nineteen eighties lady Down to Earth it's so angelical! Down to Earth it's quite a spectacle Down to Earth it's just hysterical! She's Down to Earth Down to Earth Down to Earth!
But she was struck down by a trolley,goley! Said good-bye in nineteen twenty and five Toodle-loo,toodle-doo!
Ethel in heaven waited patiently To gain her wings to be an angel fancy free!!!
Sixty years later the opportunity To help a family Came through! A-bo-bo-be-do!Twenty-three skiddo!
Back Down to Earth To teach the Prestons lessons Richard,Lizzie,Duane and Jay Jay too!
Now she must be a nineteen eighties lady Down to Earth it's so angelical! Down to Earth it's quite a spectacle Down to Earth it's just hysterical! She's Down to Earth Down to Earth Down to Earth!
Down to Earth
mike_noland784 August 2009
I haven't been able to find the opening credits on you tube. I would love to see the old black and white photos that they depict. I always had this show on my mind but everyone thought I was just crazy. I don't know anyone around me that remembers this show but I. I would love for TBS or Nick at Night to replay this sitcom or at least have this sitcom come out on DVD as a series. I can remember the theme song in my head but would just love to find it on you tube. Can anyone help me out? My other-half thinks I'm crazy and doesn't believe this show really exists, but I know it does. Does anyone know how to get a hold of the network (TBS) to see if they can show re-runs or at least release it on DVD?
at last!!!!!!!!!!!
annabelle6115 October 2004
I cannot believe it. I thought that I was going crazy. No one that I've spoken to remembers this show. I loved it. My favorite part of this show was the song. I don't remember much about it except that it mentioned Rudolph Valentino, she was struck by a trolly, golly and that now she is an 80's lady. I was beginning to loose hope that i would ever find out about this show. I know it has been many many many years since i last saw it but i know that i would love to see re-runs of this show any time. Seems to me that even as cheesy as it was, it was a real family show. and you know you don't see many of those anymore. Doesn't anyone enjoy wholesome shows anymore??????
Fond memories & where to find the theme song download
TelevisionJunkie23 May 2002
Rather than rehash the lyrics again, words that stuck with me into adulthood, I figure it's worth mentioning that the audio is available to download at www.sitcomsonline.com under the "D" section (I uploaded several different versions of the opening credits in mpg that may be on that site by the time you read this). A few episodes actually exist amongst TV tape-traders, so if you're inclined to track them down, try the message boards on sitcomsonline.
As the theme song states, Ethel McDoogan was "struck down by a trolley (golly)" and died in 1925. After spending more than 50 years waiting to earn her angelic wings, she's sent "down to earth" to help out the Preston family deal with problems of life in the '80s. Youngest son Jay Jay knew she was dead (she was "the answer to his prayers") and she would often use her magical powers to help the family whenever a situation arose. Rip Taylor popped in during the later years as Ethel's boss angel. Like many sitcoms of the '80s, the show was cute, squeaky-clean, and family oriented perhaps that's the reason it hasn't been shown much in the past 15 years -- though it DID air briefly on the Goodlife-TV Network, but it was abruptly yanked when it was pointed out that the actors weren't getting their residual payments (according to David Kaufman on his message board)....
It's so nice to know that there are other sickos like me that remember this show and apparently everyone that saw it when they were young carry fond memories of this cute-com. Honestly, what other show ever boasted obnoxious queen Rip Taylor as an angel! Also, this was the second time that Dick Sargent only played a character for half of the series' run (he replaced Stephen Johnson). Lovely Kyle Richards (Halloween, Watcher in the Woods, The Car) seemed to have a promising career until this show went off and she abruptly disappeared from film it's only been recently that she showed up again in a recurring role on ER. And then there's poor David Kaufman , a hard-working guy who's appeared in TONS of commercials and TV/film roles since the show went off. Every time I see him (which has been often over the years), it always brings back memories of this show. The show was cute, campy, and sorely missed...
As the theme song states, Ethel McDoogan was "struck down by a trolley (golly)" and died in 1925. After spending more than 50 years waiting to earn her angelic wings, she's sent "down to earth" to help out the Preston family deal with problems of life in the '80s. Youngest son Jay Jay knew she was dead (she was "the answer to his prayers") and she would often use her magical powers to help the family whenever a situation arose. Rip Taylor popped in during the later years as Ethel's boss angel. Like many sitcoms of the '80s, the show was cute, squeaky-clean, and family oriented perhaps that's the reason it hasn't been shown much in the past 15 years -- though it DID air briefly on the Goodlife-TV Network, but it was abruptly yanked when it was pointed out that the actors weren't getting their residual payments (according to David Kaufman on his message board)....
It's so nice to know that there are other sickos like me that remember this show and apparently everyone that saw it when they were young carry fond memories of this cute-com. Honestly, what other show ever boasted obnoxious queen Rip Taylor as an angel! Also, this was the second time that Dick Sargent only played a character for half of the series' run (he replaced Stephen Johnson). Lovely Kyle Richards (Halloween, Watcher in the Woods, The Car) seemed to have a promising career until this show went off and she abruptly disappeared from film it's only been recently that she showed up again in a recurring role on ER. And then there's poor David Kaufman , a hard-working guy who's appeared in TONS of commercials and TV/film roles since the show went off. Every time I see him (which has been often over the years), it always brings back memories of this show. The show was cute, campy, and sorely missed...
Down To Earth - Bewitched connection
peterack25 February 2006
I very much remember "Down To Earth" as I acted in one of the episodes. I believe it was entitled "The Burro" and it is where young J.J. (or Jay Jay) ordered a donkey via mail order. I played the "delivery person" who brought the donkey to their door.
Not to ring my own bell, but what may be of interest to trivia fans is that I,Peter Ackemran, am the son of late TV Producer Harry Ackerman, who, among his many accomplishments was the Executive Producer of a TV show called "Bewitched" - which also starred Dick Sergent! The day I worked on the show was a wonderful opportunity for Dick and I to reconnect since the time I visited the set of his former show as a young boy.
Not to ring my own bell, but what may be of interest to trivia fans is that I,Peter Ackemran, am the son of late TV Producer Harry Ackerman, who, among his many accomplishments was the Executive Producer of a TV show called "Bewitched" - which also starred Dick Sergent! The day I worked on the show was a wonderful opportunity for Dick and I to reconnect since the time I visited the set of his former show as a young boy.
cute
Madamewozelle10 November 2003
I barely remember this show, given that I moved in 1986 from a place that didn't have cable, and subsequently missed half the show's run. I also was only about 8 years old at the time. I haven't much else to add to the previous person's summary, except that she WASN'T the only person who saw it, that the premise
was very clever and original, and despite having the world's worst actor (the late Dick Sargeant), I remember the show being awfully charming and, oddly
enough, the credits being especially interesting. I also remember asking my
mom what "23 skidoo" meant. I credit the show for sparking my personal interest in 1920s history. So if you were a writer for this sitcom, bravo for hitting at least one kid on the head! Let's hope more interesting premises as such come forth in TV in the future! Vive le flapper! (Question: did she actually get her wings? And did a bell ring?)
was very clever and original, and despite having the world's worst actor (the late Dick Sargeant), I remember the show being awfully charming and, oddly
enough, the credits being especially interesting. I also remember asking my
mom what "23 skidoo" meant. I credit the show for sparking my personal interest in 1920s history. So if you were a writer for this sitcom, bravo for hitting at least one kid on the head! Let's hope more interesting premises as such come forth in TV in the future! Vive le flapper! (Question: did she actually get her wings? And did a bell ring?)
A Memorable Show
jdmartin6116 January 2006
I saw this show a few times in the 1980s when it was new. First I heard the theme song as I was going to sleep. About the next day I watched the show (I had to stay up to do that, and it it was because of the theme song!) I saw an episode where Ethel tutored the older son in Algebra and I was most impressed by the honesty of that story. I also enjoyed seeing Dick Sargent again because I remember the "Darrin Switch" on "Bewitched" when it originally happened and I have admired him in other roles. This brief show should be produced on DVD just so we can examine it fully. I had to figure out after only one or two episodes that apparently the living people did not know that Ethel was an angel.
See This Show, John Martin, 44
See This Show, John Martin, 44
The theme song
aya-927 October 2002
The line containing the family's name that Traci B forgot:
"Back down to earth to teach the Prestons lessons, Richard Lizzie Dwayne and J.J. too! Now she must be a nineteen eighties' lady..." etc.
Just had to share, because I've had that damn theme song stuck in my head off and on for like, twenty years now :) I used to watch this show on the TBS Superstation (it was on right after the Monkees reruns). Those were long, boring summer vacations, with so little for me to do.
"Back down to earth to teach the Prestons lessons, Richard Lizzie Dwayne and J.J. too! Now she must be a nineteen eighties' lady..." etc.
Just had to share, because I've had that damn theme song stuck in my head off and on for like, twenty years now :) I used to watch this show on the TBS Superstation (it was on right after the Monkees reruns). Those were long, boring summer vacations, with so little for me to do.
Someone should resurrect this show and theme song
manny_j3 October 2004
I also fondly remember watching this show as a child. I used to watch it every day at 4:30 on TBS after school while everyone else was watching ABC afterschool specials. I remember the opening sequence was in the style of an old 1920's newsreel with the theme song being a little like a swing song and saying something about Valentino. It's horrible that this show is not too familiar, because with Hollywood remaking the Dukes of Hazzard, The Addams Family and other old TV shows, this would seem like the perfect premise for a Hollywood remake. There was another show that used to show after it that I can only remember had Louis Arquette as a dirty old man. Maybe someday, TV will come back to what it used to be, instead of reality shows.
"Ethel" does a lot of commercials these days!
coffee_with_cream12 October 2005
I reminisce about "Down to Earth" because I see "Ethel" frequently in TV commercials. I also was about 7 or 8 when the show aired. In response to the other comments, I don't remember "Rocky Road", but I do remember "Small Wonder" and another sitcom called "Check It Out!" starring Don Adams in which all the story lines took place in a supermarket (I think Don Adams was the manager of the supermarket). Does anyone else remember that show? I loved "Down to Earth" and I never missed it. I have a memory of going out to eat with my parents to a barbecue joint that had small televisions on each table, and for a quarter or two you could watch TV while you ate. We happened to be there at the time "Down to Earth" was coming on, and I begged and pleaded and threw a fit because I wanted to watch "Down to Earth" and of course my mom and dad said "I don't think so, you can live without TV for 30 minutes" and that was just one more strike against my dad because I wanted to be just like Lissy Preston--her clothes, her hair, her rebel attitude--and my dad said that she looked like Boy George. I will never forget that.
I watched this too
bwg19704 March 2002
I am another person who remembers and watched this show on TBS. Along with Rocky Road and Safe at Home. They were great shows to watch after I got home from junior high and high school. I wish you could find them somehow on video. I'm glad the other person that wrote their comment reminded us of the theme song. I'm 32 now and would never be able to remember it on my own. I couldnt remember the name of the show "Rocky Road", until I checked "Safe at Home" and it was listed in her comments. Thanks
Finally--people who watched as much TV as I did!
brizip4 May 2000
I remember watching "Down to Earth" on TBS after school-- I am so glad that someone remembers all of the theme song! I recalled some of the lyrics, and definitely remember the tune. I also believe that the show "Rocky Road" was on TBS, but cannot get clarification from them about it. Does anyone remember if Rocky Road was on the same channel? Both shows have the same "TBS original comedy" feeling to them.
You're not the only one who watched the show!
empress-117 March 2000
This is another one of those shows that I try to discuss with my friends, and they look at me like I've lost my mind because they've never even heard of it. But it was such a good show. Part of the theme song that was forgotten in the previous post goes "Back down to earth to teach the Preston's lessons, Richard, Lissie, Duane, and Jay-Jay too."
A note to Traci B.
LisAnnT3 June 2002
I remember it, too! I used to watch this show after school on SuperStation WTBS along with "Safe At Home" and "Rocky Road". I remember it pretty much as you described except that Dick Sargent was the second actor to play Richard Preston (just like he was the second Darrin on Bewitched -- did he ever originate a role?) I don't remember who was first except that he wore glasses. As I remember it, the part you didn't remember from the theme song was "Back down to earth To teach the Prestons, lessons -- Richard, Lyssy, Duane, and J.J., too! Now she must be a nineteen-eighties, lady....." I don't remember the rest either, but I really liked the show!
The rest of the theme song
jayl0ve26 May 2000
I remember the same show and loved it as well. The rest of the theme song that I remember is: "Back down to earth to teach the Prestons lessons, Richard, Lissie, Duane and Jay Jay too. Now she must be a 1980s lady, baby, (blah blah blah)" Very fond memories!
Woke up this morning with the song on my head!
artistofsmeg16 October 2001
Funny, I haven't even thought of this show in 15 years but amazingly I remember almost every word to the theme song. I guess that proves it was a great theme song, if only they made shows like that today! I woke up this morning singing it and my husband thought I was nuts. I went to work singing it and all of my co-workers thought I was nuts. After much research I find it ran from '84 to '87 (I was only 9. And interestingly enough it seems that everyone else who remembers it was just a kid, too!) I don't really remember too many scenes from the show but I can picture those opening images perfectly, here comes the trolley! "Toodle-loo toodle-loo." :( It was so well done, then the rockin' ;) 80's music kicks in. "she will be a 1980's lady." Even though it ran 3 seasons why can't I find any info on it? Not even a cast picture. Ohhh, now I miss that show. I wish it was in syndication.
Wow, I'm so glad you guys are out there to share this sudden vivid memory. At least you don't think I'm nuts. Or maybe we all are. At least someone remembers it.
Wow, I'm so glad you guys are out there to share this sudden vivid memory. At least you don't think I'm nuts. Or maybe we all are. At least someone remembers it.
You're not alone! I loved it, too!
darkangelRC9 October 2001
Hey- you are not alone out there! I too used to watch Down to Earth all the time with my best friend growing up. I still know the song! I had a huge crush on JJ when I was 7 or 8. It's great to know that someone else remembers the show, too. I spent years thinking I must have dreamed the whole thing- my best friend didn't even remember it! Thanks for keeping the memory alive for me! =) I still see the older brother on commercials every now and again. Here's to unknown shows from the 80s!
Utterly Surreal
lummoxluke13 October 2000
"Down To Earth," "Small Wonder" and "Rocky Road" were the guilty pleasures of my childhood. I would stage elaborate health scares in an effort ditch school and indulge in some serious TV. The problem? These shows were so bizarre that no one remembers them! "Small Wonder" had a robotic child named Vicky. "Rocky Road" was about an ice cream shop. Reminiscing about "Down To Earth" makes me sound loony. . . I have learned not to talk about it in public!
"Down To Earth" was the most amazing show. I cannot find it in re-runs. I have not seen it in years. Yet, the opening credits are still imprinted on my brain. In a series of old photographs . . . A flapper is hit by a trolley. . . Waits about in heaven . . . Comes back to earth in the 1980s to become a family . . . And is overwhelmed by modern technology. In less than a minute, that psychic plot was condensed down to the opening credits. The morbid aspect of the show was further cloaked in a hilarious theme song.
One day, I would be thrilled if I randomly clicked by "Down To Earth" on TV. I want to see if what I found hysterical at six is still funny at 22. In the meantime, I would like to commend WHOEVER created those opening credits. They were brilliant!
"Down To Earth" was the most amazing show. I cannot find it in re-runs. I have not seen it in years. Yet, the opening credits are still imprinted on my brain. In a series of old photographs . . . A flapper is hit by a trolley. . . Waits about in heaven . . . Comes back to earth in the 1980s to become a family . . . And is overwhelmed by modern technology. In less than a minute, that psychic plot was condensed down to the opening credits. The morbid aspect of the show was further cloaked in a hilarious theme song.
One day, I would be thrilled if I randomly clicked by "Down To Earth" on TV. I want to see if what I found hysterical at six is still funny at 22. In the meantime, I would like to commend WHOEVER created those opening credits. They were brilliant!
Me too....
everdawn-227 March 2001
I, too, remember this show and some others mentioned. Also, I think there was one about a girl who goes to live with her older brother. Maybe she played the cello.
My sister and I used to sing the theme song all the time. I can't remember the tune, but I remembered most of the words.
I am glad there are others out there that remember...
My sister and I used to sing the theme song all the time. I can't remember the tune, but I remembered most of the words.
I am glad there are others out there that remember...
I REMEMBER THIS SHOW
kuhlthing9 August 2000
It was on TBS when it was trying to develop its own line of first run syndicated programs. That's about all I remember. I remember that and the second Darren on Bewitched. I do remember part of the song...something about whack-a-doo whack-a-doo. The show really sucked!!!
You're not the only one!
mrsloose28 October 2002
I watched this show every day when I was young. Of course, since I was only six when the series premiered, my mother did not approve. She did everything she could to keep me from watching. Nothing worked though. I was hooked. I think it was that snappy theme song!
A GREAT PROGRAM THAT FEW PEOPLE SEEM TO REMEMBER
jseneca7820 May 2001
I remember this program on TBS in the 80's. Few of my friends knew of it. It was a program that was quite unique and quite good in my estimation. Although I was a child and scarcely remember it, it would be rather nice to see it again. All I remembered of it was that it pertained to an angel sent "down to earth" to a family in the 1980's.I also remembered the husband from Bewitched as a main character. I enjoyed the show back then and probably still would now. It's just a shame that more people haven't seen it. WHAT A LOSS!! It was a GREAT program!!
A Rare Wonderful and Memorable Comedy!
Sylviastel17 June 2008
I barely remembered this show which was shown on TBS for it's run. Carol Mansell plays a woman who is sent down to earth. In her previous incarnation, she was a flapper from the 1920s who was tragically struck by a trolley to her death. Brought back to earth, she works as a maid or housekeeper for this family. I remember Carol Mansell's performance as Ethel for the most part. She gave a brilliant performance it could have been shown on prime time or syndicated like other sitcoms of that era. Sadly, it was never nurtured into a good comedy which it could have been. Despite it only being on for three years, I do remember the sitcom, the premise, and the good feeling after watching it. I miss the good old days of the sitcom even now.
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