Why Did Dick Van Dyke’s ’80s Sitcom Fail?

Fans of Dick Van Dyke know all about his classic films like Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and hit TV shows like The Dick Van Dyke Show and Diagnosis Murder. They might remember his turns in movies like Fitzwilly and Cold Turkey, the only film ever directed by Norman Lear. But even devoted viewers might not recall The Van Dyke Show, which starred Van Dyke and his son, Barry, and aired from October 26 to December 7, 1988. While the premise was sweet, it just never took off like some of Van Dyke’s other projects, and remains a small note in his long career. However, it set the stage for Dick and Barry’s ultra-successful collaboration on Diagnosis Murder a few years later.