Becker (TV series)

Becker Title

Becker is an American sitcom that aired from November 2, 1998, to January 28, 2004, on CBS. The series stars Ted Danson as John Becker, a cantankerous but dedicated and talented physician who operates a small practice in The Bronx, New York City. The show revolves around Becker and the experiences he has with his patients, friends, and colleagues, including his interactions with his office staff: Margaret, Linda, and later Hector. Becker is known for his cynical and often politically incorrect viewpoint, which is a source of both humor and conflict in the series.

Plot

The series focuses on Dr. John Becker, a general practitioner who is easily annoyed by his patients, co-workers, friends, and practically everything and everyone else in his world. Despite his gruff nature, Becker is a dedicated doctor who genuinely cares about his patients. The show explores the balance between Becker's professional life and his personal life, as well as the lives of the supporting characters.

Characters

• John Becker - Played by Ted Danson, Becker is a brilliant but irascible doctor.
• Margaret Wyborn - Becker's long-time nurse and office manager, played by Hattie Winston.
• Linda - The somewhat ditzy office assistant, played by Shawnee Smith.
• Reggie Kostas - Played by Terry Farrell, she is the owner of the local diner where Becker is a regular.
• Jake Malinak - A blind newsstand operator played by Alex Désert, who is one of Becker's best friends.
• Bob Benito - A sleazy, self-centered man who hangs around the diner, played by Saverio Guerra.

Production

The show was created by Dave Hackel and produced by Paramount Television. It was filmed in Los Angeles, California, despite being set in New York City. Becker was part of CBS's Monday night lineup before moving to Sundays. The series was notable for its sharp wit, dealing with social and political issues, and its lead character's complex personality.

Reception

Becker received mixed reviews from critics but was well-received by audiences, developing a loyal fan base. Ted Danson's performance was particularly praised, and the show was recognized for its unique blend of humor and drama. Despite its success, Becker struggled with network scheduling changes, which contributed to its eventual cancellation.

Legacy

Although Becker never reached the heights of popularity as some of its contemporaries, it has been appreciated in syndication and through DVD releases. The series is remembered for its strong writing, character development, and Ted Danson's portrayal of the titular character. Template:TV-comedy-stub