So now, my aim is to examine the show's fifteen episodes (eventually!) and see what worked, what didn't, and what's aged best. Supporting and guest rosters featured a slew of character greats and up and coming comedians (with subsequent episodes showcasing John Dehner, Bob Newhart, JoAnne Worley, Joe Flynn, Vic Tayback, Simon Oakland, Florence Halop, John Fiedler, and Charles Grodin, several of whom had previously done GET SMART). Nash, who as we shall see, pushes her sonny boy into fighting crime.

The second star name in the opening was Alice Ghostley as Mrs. Still, in the 60s, he always looked like he belonged in thick glasses and a tie, so playing Captain Nice's sometimes testy alter-ego Carter Nash was a pretty good fit. ELSEWHERE), and a talking car (KNIGHT RIDER) coming inbetween.

Although he did show his funny side in THE PRESIDENT'S ANALYST and years later would return to sitcomdom on BOY MEETS WORLD, with acclaimed turns as a singing founding father (1776), an egotistical surgeon (ST. In 1967, three superhero shows airing simultaneously was just too much (while now they seem to be everywhere, everywhere I say!)Ĭaptain Nice was created by Buck Henry, co-creator of Get Smart and it shows in sensibility, casting, and even borrowing a catchphrase ('I asked you not to *tell* me that!') It starred William Daniels, an unlikely choice as he was known for his stage work, serious parts on anthology dramas, and humorless character roles in THE GRADUATE and A THOUSAND CLOWNS. The shows are often confused with each other: both involved nebbishes who fought crime thanks to a formula induced change, they debuted the same night, both went from Batman's camp to full laugh tracks, and neither lasted beyond one season. TERRIFIC) to debut in 1967, in the wake of the huge hit that was 1966's Batman. And now, at long last, presenting the exploits of CAPTAIN NICE! The show was one of two superhero sitcoms (along with MR.

Captain nice episode 1