Classic TV & Movie Hits - Harry and the Hendersons

Harry and the Hendersons

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Picture Credit: TV Tome

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> Description

Legend has it that a huge, hairy beast stalks the backwoods of North America. This creature is sometimes referred to by the Native American name 'sasquatch' but is more commonly known as 'Bigfoot', thanks to the sizeable footprints that have been discovered and upon which the legend is largely built.

Given the characteristics of a powerful but sociable animal who looks a bit like Chewbacca from Star Wars, has the temperament of a Labrador puppy and the IQ of a young child, such a beast was the centrepiece of the 1987 family movie Harry And The Hendersons (aka Bigfoot And The Hendersons) directed by William Dear, which spawned this TV series. In both film and series, the creature is run down on the road by the Henderson family who take him home and nurse him back to health. The Hendersons name the hairy creature Harry, and when he recovers he decides that he wants to stay, the family considering him their giant pet. Episodes revolved around the Hendersons' attempts at looking after Harry and keeping his existence a secret from the authorities, while trying to lead a normal family life.

In their efforts to draw a veil over Harry's identity and whereabouts, keeping him out of harm's way, the Hendersons receive support from a local news reporter, Samantha Glick, and Bigfoot expert Walter Potter. They were then replaced by Nancy's brother Bret and new neighbour Darcy Payne (later called Darcy Farg). Towards the end of the series Harry's existence was uncovered and he became something of a celebrity in the Seattle area. In one emotional, if gooey, episode, Harry uttered his first English words, decided on a return to the forest and then, when taken there, was upset to find it razed by developers.Both the film and the TV series benefited from special effects wizard Rick Baker's marvellous Bigfoot costume, and, initially, Kevin Peter Hall reprised his film role as Harry. But following Hall's death in 1991, Dawan Scott took over the role, later still given to Brian Steele, who had doubled as Harry throughout the run. The original big-screen Hendersons had been played by John Lithgow (George), Melinda Dillon (Nancy), Margaret Langrick (Sara) and Joshua Rudoy as Harry's special friend Ernie. None made the transfer to TV.

Show Description Credit: The BBC Guide to Comedy

> Airing History & Information

Last Airing

Jun 18, 1993

Premiere

January 13, 1991

Episodes

Network

Syndicated

Format/Time

Color / 30 Minutes

Country

United States