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Bob Newhart and CBS had one of the most fruitful partnerships in television history, with Newhart starring on the network’s The Bob Newhart Show from 1972 to 1978 and Newhart from 1982 to 1990 —as well as two shorter-lived sitcoms in the Nineties, followed by a recurring role on The Big Bang Theory and its spin-off Young Sheldon. In the wake of Newhart’s death on Thursday at age 94, the network is celebrating his career with Bob Newhart: A Legacy of Laughter, airing July 22 on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
The special will be produced by Entertainment Tonight and hosted by that show’s Nischelle Turner, according to a CBS press release. “The special takes an in-depth look at his journey from accountant to comedian to Hollywood icon,” the release promises, “with rare behind-the-scenes footage of Bob on the set of his sitcoms and feature films” and “new and archival interviews with some of Bob’s closest friends and co-stars, including Jim Parsons, Will Ferrell, Reese Witherspoon, Jason Bateman, and Michael Weatherly.”
The groundbreaking comedian and decade-spanning star was as recognizable to younger generations as his own, thanks to his Elf, Young Sheldon, and Big Bang Theory roles. “What a dream it was to witness the genius that was Bob Newhart,” Big Bang Theory star Kaley Cuoco wrote Thursday. “He was classy, kind, generous, and absolutely hilarious. “Every take — every time. Icon forever. I will never forget you Bob! Thank you for making our dreams come true!”
