There’s a reason WKRP in Cincinnati remains one of the funniest and most beloved sitcoms of all time. With its unforgettable characters, razor-sharp humor, and behind-the-scenes magic, the show captured the chaotic and often ridiculous world of radio broadcasting.
Even decades after it first aired, WKRP in Cincinnati continues to entertain both old and new fans. But did you know the show was almost canceled after just a few episodes? Or that it was practically named after a joke about… well, poop?
Let’s take a deep dive into the bloopers, hidden details, and deleted scenes that make WKRP in Cincinnati even more legendary than you thought.
How WKRP Almost Got Canceled Before It Became a Hit
When WKRP in Cincinnati premiered in 1978, it didn’t exactly take off. Competing against heavyweights like Little House on the Prairie and Welcome Back, Kotter, its ratings struggled. After just eight episodes, CBS decided to pull the plug.
But something unexpected happened—radio DJs and industry insiders loved the show’s accurate portrayal of the radio business. Their support helped WKRP get a second chance.
Once CBS moved the show to a prime-time slot after MASH*, everything changed. Audiences connected with the quirky characters and clever writing, and WKRP in Cincinnati quickly became a fan favorite.
The Truth Behind the Show’s Strange Name
Here’s something most fans don’t know: WKRP was almost named after… poop.
Yes, you read that right! Series creator Hugh Wilson admitted that the call letters “WKRP” were a cheeky reference to the word “crap.” He wanted the name to sound like a real radio station while also hinting at the wild, messy nature of the show’s setting.
As for the “Cincinnati” part? Wilson simply thought it had a nice ring to it.
Les Nessman’s Bandages: A Running Joke with a Real Backstory
One of the funniest little details in WKRP is that news director Les Nessman (Richard Sanders) always has a bandage somewhere on his body. Fans spent years wondering why.
Eventually, the show revealed that Les had a very large dog at home, which explained his constant injuries.
But the real reason for the bandages? Richard Sanders injured himself before filming the pilot episode in 1978, so he had to wear a bandage on set. Instead of ignoring it, the writers turned it into a quirky character trait that stayed for the entire series.
And here’s another fun fact: Even though Les is a bachelor in the series, he’s often seen wearing a wedding ring!
The Hilarious Truth About Herb Tarlek’s Outfits
Who could forget Herb Tarlek’s outrageous wardrobe? His loud, tacky plaid suits became one of the show’s running jokes. But did you know that one of his most ridiculous outfits actually had a backstory?
In the episode “Put Up or Shut Up,” Herb shows up in an especially terrible suit. Venus Flytrap (Tim Reid) jokes that it looks like it was made from Volkswagen seat covers.
Well, here’s the kicker: It actually was! The wardrobe team literally used old Volkswagen seat covers to create Herb’s most ridiculous suit.
The Time Palm Trees Popped Up in Ohio
While WKRP in Cincinnati is set in Ohio, it was actually filmed in Los Angeles.
That normally wouldn’t be a problem—except for one hilarious blooper in Season 3. In an episode where Herb Tarlek’s family appears on a reality show, viewers can clearly see palm trees in the background.
Unless Cincinnati suddenly moved to California, that’s a pretty big giveaway!
WKRP’s Musical Legacy: How the Show Boosted Rock Bands
One of the coolest things about WKRP in Cincinnati was its amazing use of real rock music.
Unlike most sitcoms of the time, WKRP featured hit songs from bands like:
- Blondie
- U2
- The Cars
- TOTO
- The Knack
- Devo
Blondie was so grateful for the show helping make their song “Heart of Glass” a hit that they gifted their Gold Record to the producers. It was proudly displayed in the WKRP bullpen from Season 2 onward.
The reason WKRP could afford so much music? It was filmed on videotape instead of film, making music licensing cheaper. That decision gave the show an incredible rock-and-roll soundtrack that still stands out today.
Loni Anderson’s Secret Behind Playing Jennifer Marlowe
Loni Anderson’s role as Jennifer Marlowe, the station’s stunning receptionist, could have easily been a stereotypical “dumb blonde” role. But Loni refused to play Jennifer that way.
Instead, she made Jennifer smart, confident, and highly intelligent—a move that helped her stand out from other sitcom characters of the time.
In a Season 4 episode titled “The Consultant,” Jennifer even pretends to be a ditzy blonde to trick a consultant into underestimating her. It was Loni’s way of poking fun at the very stereotype she worked so hard to avoid.
And it paid off. Jennifer Marlowe became one of the most beloved sitcom characters ever, and Loni Anderson earned three Golden Globe nominations for her role.
The Turkey Drop Episode: Based on a True Story
The episode “Turkeys Away” is considered WKRP in Cincinnati’s greatest moment—and for good reason.
In the Thanksgiving-themed episode, station manager Arthur Carlson comes up with a marketing stunt: dropping live turkeys from a helicopter. Unfortunately, he doesn’t realize that turkeys can’t fly. The result? Absolute chaos.
But here’s the crazy part: This actually happened in real life.
Hugh Wilson, the show’s creator, based the episode on a real-life turkey giveaway at a Dallas shopping center. The stunt went wrong, and turkeys ended up causing havoc in the parking lot. The real-life event even inspired Carlson’s famous final line:
“As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly.”
Why WKRP Was Canceled Despite Its Huge Fan Base
Even though WKRP in Cincinnati had a dedicated audience, CBS moved the show’s time slot over 10 times throughout its run.
This constant shuffling made it hard for fans to keep up with when the show was airing, leading to declining ratings. Despite its popularity, CBS canceled the show in 1982.
But WKRP wasn’t gone forever! It returned in 1991 as The New WKRP in Cincinnati, with several original cast members reprising their roles.
Why WKRP Still Holds a Special Place in TV History
WKRP in Cincinnati wasn’t just another sitcom—it was a perfect mix of comedy, music, and unforgettable characters. The show’s ability to blend sharp humor with real-life radio industry stories made it stand out from the rest.
And let’s not forget the hilarious bloopers, legendary music, and unforgettable moments that make WKRP a show worth revisiting.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or watching it for the first time, WKRP in Cincinnati will always be a comedy classic. So, grab your headphones, cue up some classic rock, and enjoy one of the funniest shows in TV history. As God is my witness, it still holds up!
