The Courtship of Eddie’s Father continues to be a cult favorite for many television fans. Even though it hasn’t been repeated in syndication as much as other sitcoms from its era, it is still fondly remembered by a legion of viewers who considered the title character to be their fantasy father figure.
Bill Bixby starred as Tom Corbett, a magazine publisher and widower trying to raise his son Eddie, while simultaneously maintaining a career. Tom always found his personal life to be a little bit complicated, because Eddie was always trying to play matchmaker and set him up with the neighborhood’s available women. All single dads should be so lucky…
Tina Rickles was Tom’s secretary, and other characters on the show included Mrs. Livingston, the Corbetts’ Japanese housekeeper, and Norman Tinker, the swinging art director for Tom’s magazine. Jodie Foster occasionally popped up as Joey Kelly, a friend of Eddie’s.
The show ran for just under three seasons on ABC. Co-star James Komack also produced the show and would go on to create Chico and the Man. Bill Bixby would later return to prime time television via CBS’s The Incredible Hulk. And Eddie…well, we’re pretty sure he turned out all right.
“People, let me tell you ‘bout my best friend…”
production details
USA / ABC – MGM / 78×30 minute episodes / Broadcast 17 September 1969 – 14 June 1972
Producer: James Komack / Theme Vocal: Best Friend by Nilsson
cast
Bill Bixby as Tom Corbett
Brandon Cruz as Eddie Corbett
Miyoshi Umeki as Mrs. Livingston
Tippi Hedren as Cissy Drummond
James Komack as Norman Tinker
Karen Wolfe as Etta
Kristina Holland as Tina Rickles
Jodie Foster as Joey Kelly
Francine York as Kate Landis
