TV series
So just sit right down, relax, open your ears real wide and say, "Give it to me straight, Doctor. I can take it!"
When a Cincinnati radio station switches from sedate music to top-40 rock 'n' roll, its staff of oddball characters is forced to switch gears quickly. New programming director Andy Travis brings in a new DJ named Venus Flytrap to work with the station's burned-out veteran, Dr. Johnny Fever. Neurotic newsman Les Nessman, eager beaver Bailey Quarters, sleazy salesman Herb Tarlek, blonde bombshell Jennifer Marlowe, who serves as the station's ultra-capable receptionist, and station manager Arthur Carlson, whose domineering mother owns WKRP, round out the eccentric bunch.
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Checked Jul 22, 2026
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When a Cincinnati radio station switches from sedate music to top-40 rock 'n' roll, its staff of oddball characters is forced to switch gears quickly. New programming director Andy Travis brings in a new DJ named Venus Flytrap to work with the station's burned-out veteran, Dr. Johnny Fever. Neurotic newsman Les Nessman, eager beaver Bailey Quarters, sleazy salesman Herb Tarlek, blonde bombshell Jennifer Marlowe, who serves as the station's ultra-capable receptionist, and station manager Arthur Carlson, whose domineering mother owns WKRP, round out the eccentric bunch.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Johnny forgets about his date with Bailey when he gets a call from Buffy, his old girlfriend from California. He borrows Jennifer's apartment to impress Buffy; however, that plan ends when she tells him she's suing him for palimony.
Directed by Will MackenzieGuest stars Julie Payne
Episode 2
Johnny calls his friends over to Jennifer's apartment to help him deal with Buffy and her threat of a lawsuit. Buffy arrives and, after having a drink with Johnny, tells him that she put poison in his drink.
Directed by Will MackenzieGuest stars Julie Payne
Episode 3
The staff plays against the team from rival station WPIG in a softball game.
Directed by Hugh WilsonWritten by Hugh WilsonGuest stars Bill Dial, Ross Bickell, Wyatt Johnson, Robert Paul Jordan
Episode 4
Herb starts selling insurance as a sideline, and sells a comprehensive policy to Les, who promptly has an accident.
Directed by Will MackenzieGuest stars Helena Carroll, William Glover
Episode 5
For the first time in her life, Jennifer is in love, with a penniless but handsome repairman who turns out to be even more of a gold digger than she is. Meanwhile, Les tries to get a raise, and Johnny becomes convinced that he's the man Jennifer is in love with.
Directed by Will MackenzieGuest stars Thomas Callaway
Episode 6
Mr. Carlson runs for Cincinnati City Council. When Bailey discovers a potentially damaging piece of information about the front-runner in the election, Mr. Carlson considers using that information in a televised debate.
Directed by Will MackenzieGuest stars Howard Morton
Episode 7
During a citywide garbage strike, Johnny jokingly suggests that his listeners dump their garbage on the steps of City Hall. The joke is on him, and the station, when hundreds of listeners take him seriously. Johnny becomes aware of his power and develops a serious case of mike fright.
Directed by Will Mackenzie
Episode 8
Mr. Carlson's wife Carmen announces that she is pregnant. Mr. Carlson is overjoyed, and certain that Carmen feels the same way. However, Mama Carlson points out the potential dangers of middle-aged pregnancy and recommends an abortion.
Directed by Will MackenzieWritten by Blake Hunter
Episode 9
The new ratings book arrives, and WKRP has climbed from 16th to 14th place in the Cincinnati market. Everyone is happy about the gain except Andy, who knows that the station has not improved enough, in part because of his own unwillingness to fire incompetent employees like Herb and Les.
Directed by Rod Daniel
Episode 10
When WKRP needs an assistant news reporter, Bailey applies for the job and gets it. Les, who doesn't want to work with anyone, least of all a woman, tries to keep Bailey from going on the air.
Directed by Will MackenzieWritten by Steve Marshall
Episode 11
Jennifer tells her friends that she has nothing special planned for Christmas, and that she doesn't have a tree this year. Everyone begins to suspect that she might be alone for the holidays.
Directed by Rod DanielWritten by Steve MarshallGuest stars George Gaynes, Don Diamond
Episode 12
Mr. Carlson hires legendary baseball manager Sparky Anderson as the host of a new sports interview show. But when the show proves a complete disaster, it falls to Mr. Carlson to fire his hero.
Directed by Rod DanielGuest stars Hugh Gillin, Sparky Anderson
Episode 13
When Johnny thinks he's heard God's voice talking to him, everyone, including Johnny, thinks he's going insane.
Directed by Will MackenzieWritten by Hugh Wilson
Episode 14
Andy's sister Carol visits Cincinnati, and Andy sets up a date for her and Johnny. But Carol winds up going out with Venus instead, and Andy becomes instinctively angry about it.
Directed by Rod Daniel
Episode 15
Herb's father, a lifelong salesman who shares Herb's taste in clothes, runs away from the Shady Hills Rest Home and visits the station.
Directed by Rod DanielGuest stars Bert Parks
Episode 16
Bailey convinces Jennifer to accept a date with Herb in the hope that he'll get scared and back down.
Directed by Will MackenzieWritten by Blake Hunter, Steve Marshall
Episode 17
Bailey and Les attend a press conference given by a group of visiting Russian hog experts. One of the Russians falls for Bailey and asks her to help him defect to the United States.
Directed by Hugh WilsonWritten by Steve MarshallGuest stars Michael Pataki, Sam Anderson, Alex Rodine
Episode 18
Les goes out on a date with a female fan, who proceeds to move into his apartment and take over his life.
Directed by Rod DanielWritten by Steve MarshallGuest stars Alice Nunn
Episode 19
At a concert by the Who in Cincinnati on December 3, 1979, eleven kids were trampled to death when the crowd rushed to get seats. The first part of this episode takes place before that concert; the second act takes place the day after, and presents the characters' reactions to the tragedy.
Directed by Linda Day
Episode 20
Johnny's daughter shows up and moves in, and Johnny has to decide whether to express his disapproval of the shiftless boyfriend she's brought along.
Directed by Frank BonnerWritten by Lissa Levin
Episode 21
Mr. Carlson convinces Jennifer and Andy to pose in bathing suits for a ""Surf's Up in Cincinnati"" poster. After the photo session, the photographer secretly takes nude photos of Jennifer while she's changing.
Directed by Rod DanielWritten by Steve MarshallGuest stars George Wyner
Episode 22
Mr. Carlson convinces Jennifer and Andy to pose in bathing suits for a ""Surf's Up in Cincinnati"" poster. After the photo session, the photographer secretly takes nude photos of Jennifer while she's changing.
Directed by Rod DanielWritten by Steve MarshallGuest stars George Wyner
Episode 23
Venus is offered a job as program director of WREQ radio, but is disillusioned when he discovers how the station is run and why they want to hire him. Meanwhile, Herb circulates a rumor that he, too, has received a job offer.
Written by Steve MarshallGuest stars Terry Kiser
Episode 24
Everyone starts bickering after the station loses a broadcasting award.
Directed by Rod Daniel
Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Gary SandyAndy Travis
Howard HessemanDr. Johnny Fever
Tim ReidVenus Flytrap
Loni AndersonJennifer Marlowe
Frank BonnerHerb Tarlek
Gordon JumpArthur Carlson
Richard SandersLes Nessman
Jan SmithersBailey Quarters
CBSUnited States
MTM EnterprisesUnited States
