Not to be insincere; why is ABC treating John Ritter like a family member?

[Deja Q]

He's an actor.

Hollywood is known to be cruel toward writers, producers, actors, et al.

The guy, known to many, dies tragically, too early, and in pain so a lot of legit media coverage is expected (and appreciated).

But ABC is shovelling this "We're part of your family" lingo and jingo to the American public in their adverts for their "8 simple rules" sitcom. Just as Burger King uses the same attitude for their "Come on over, the fire's ready" jingo in their adverts and just as many other ads are cajoling to our emotive side. :puke:

It just seems phony. Hollywood (especially the FOX network) drops ANYTHING the moment it loses popularity or doesn't gain it.

Maybe I've watched too many tv adverts promoting petty products and the feel ABC is trying to exude has utterly worn off. (not likely, I have a high threshold for the manure capitalism has tossed my way.)

I did weep during ABC's special tonight (who wouldn't), that's not the problem. It was an appropriate and well handled tribute. It deserves a re-run. And I'm amazed other networks haven't jumped on the "A known celebrity has just died, let's capitalize on it big-time" bandwagon.

ABC is trying to turn up the charm and empathy for self-gain in their "8 simple rules" adverts and it's phony.

[MrScorpio]

1. Ritter is their best choice

From shots on "The Dating Game" and "Starsky and Hutch" to "Three's Company" and "Eight Simple Rules..." ABC has just about been his only home.

Sure it's phoney, but basiaclly it's harmless. More Hollywood fluff?

Why bother?

[MissouriTeacher]

2. I see what you're saying.

But I enjoyed watching it just the same.

I'm even going to check out some of the 8 Simple Rules episodes. So I guess they got me hook, line, and sinker.

[blm]

3. My little girl loves to watch Clifford on PBS.

Ritter was the voice of Clifford.

SIGH

[YellowRubberDuckie]

4. This is going to sound hokey...

but we all grew up with John Ritter, and this seems like we've lost a friend. I think they at ABC realize we all loved him and were trying to win ratings, yes, but they were also playing to their audience. I sat and cried during that special last night. He was such a special special person. We met him a long time ago when he was struggling after Three's company. I was a little kid, but he picked me up and made me laugh. I will always remember that.
Duckie

[supernova]

5. He seemed a sweet guy

and a very decent actor. Last night was very appropriate b/c w/ few exceptions he spent most of his career at ABC.

Yes, lots of actors/entertainer come and go over the networks. They're dropped faster than yesterday's french fries, so It's doubly nice to see them honoring someone who gave so much.

I wasn't into 8 Simple Rules -- wrong demographic --, but I really will miss Clifford. :cry:

[vi5]

6. Wasn't Hearts of Fire on CBS?

Or whatever that show was called that had him, Markie Post, and Billy Bob Thorton?

In any case he rose to fame on ABC and came back to them recently to success so why begrudge.

[supernova]

7. You're right

they were supposed to be conservative political staffers working for a Congressman. I remember that show. Back when Billy Bob was normal!

[underpants]

8. Ritter was on ABC during their hey-days and was on one of their main shows

ABC pretty much ruled the 70's with both their sitcoms, the advent of 20/20 (60 Minutes knock off IMHO), and their sports coverage (Wide World of Sports,MNF, Olympics). Ritter was one of their biggest stars on one of their biggest shows and "8 Simple Rules" was one of the shows they were heavily promoting to revamp their lagging viewership.

He helped make them what they were and what they wanted to be now.

[pippin]

9. Ritter from the inside view

My spouse worked at ABC and did the cerebral palsy telethons with Ritter. To all intents and purposes the crew found him to be an easy going yet thoroughly professional performer. Unlike other "talent" Ritternever pulled prima donna stunts and was genuinely appreciated by the the ABC staff. Hollywood can be, but isn't necessarily always a dog eat dog place. Lots of times workers in the industry find carmaraderie and good times inspite of the grueling schedules and obvious pressures to one up the competition.