The Bob Newhart Show is a highly regarded American sitcom, which currently has a home on Amazon Prime in the US. This Disney-owned show has yet to make an appearance on any streaming platform in the UK; Although it is available to buy digitally. What is the likelihood of this legendary show getting an airing on Disney+?
The Bob Newhart Show debuted on CBS in 1972, and ran for 142 episodes over 6 series. It revolved around psychologist Dr Robert Hartley, played by Bob Newhart, navigating the quirks of both his professional and personal life. The show also featured Suzanne Pleshette, Peter Bonerz, Bill Daily, Marcia Wallace and Jack Riley et al.
How is the show owned by Disney?
The Bob Newhart Show was originally made by MTM Enterprises, a company founded by Mary Tyler Moore with her then-husband Grant Tinker. The studio produced other TV classics such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Hill Street Blues and St. Elsewhere. The company was bought in 1988 by TVS Entertainment, the British ITV regional license holder for the south and south east. When they ceased broadcasting in 1993, TVS was purchased by International Family Entertainment. Fox then bought IFE in 1996. The MTM library was spun off into 20th Century Fox Television (Now 20th Television). In 2019, the film and TV assets of Fox were purchased by Disney.
When?
The Bob Newhart Show was possibly last broadcast on British screens via the Family Channel in the 90s. As for the UK release on Disney Plus, there’s currently no confirmed date. Press in the UK no longer receives comprehensive content lists, but given the show’s timeless appeal and the recent introduction of Disney Plus’s ad tier, a UK debut seems probable.
