The Steve Harvey Show
Encyclopedia
The Steve Harvey Show is an American sitcom that aired for six seasons from August 25, 1996 to February 17, 2002 on The WB Television Network
. It was created by Winifred Hervey
and directed by Stan Lathan
.
) is a has-been 1970s funk
legend who is now a music teacher/Vice-principal at Booker T. Washington
High School on Chicago's West Side. Budget cutbacks meant Steve also had to teach drama and art, much to his surprise. Cedric Robinson (Cedric the Entertainer
) is a coach at the high school, and Steve's long-time best friend. The principal of Booker T. Washington High is Steve's former classmate, Regina Grier (Wendy Raquel Robinson
), who Steve affectionately calls "Piggy", due to the fact that she was overweight as an adolescent.
Steve seemingly meets his match in a pair of his students: Romeo Santana (Merlin Santana
), a stylish, popular, self-absorbed ladies' man, and the equally vacuous Stanley Kuznocki, nicknamed Bullethead (William Lee Scott
).
In 1997
, the show introduced a new character, a secretary named Lovita Jenkins (Terri J. Vaughn
), a woman who is fundamentally good in nature, but nonetheless, considerably unrefined in terms of disposition. Cedric and Lovita begin dating, and eventually marry and produce a child. The show also featured a succession of young actresses who served as female foils to Romeo and Bullethead; the longest-lasting of these was Lori Beth Denberg
as the overachieving, socially inept Lydia Gutman. Rapper The Lady of Rage
also had a recurring role as Coretta Cox, a physically massive, brutish teenaged girl in romantic pursuit of Romeo.
Steve was part of a fictional singing group called "Steve Hightower and the High Tops," who would temporarily reunite to perform on occasion (the spelling of "High Tops" appears on a promotional poster that hangs on Steve's wall). The members consisted of Steve, T-Bone (played by T.K. Carter, later by Don 'D.C.' Curry
), Pretty Tony (played by Ronald Isley
of The Isley Brothers
), and Clyde (played by Jonathan Slocumb). Two of their signature songs (performed several times on the show) were "When the Funk Hits the Fan," and "Break Me Off a Piece of That Funk." Though Cedric was not an original member of the group, he usually sang with them on several events.
A few other recurring characters throughout the series included Cedric's grandmother named "Grandma Puddin'" (played by Cedric the Entertainer) and Regina's boyfriend, Warrington Steele (played by Dorien Wilson
). Kenan Thompson
and Kel Mitchell
appeared in several episodes as "Junior" and "Vincent." Wayne Wilderson
portrayed Byron, a "bougie" type character who was a TV producer and a member of the Onyx Club (a professional men's group that Steve and Cedric tried to join). Dwayne Adway played Jordan Maddox, a professional basketball player who was briefly married to Regina before dying during their honeymoon. Ernest Lee Thomas
made a couple of appearances as the Reverend who eulogized Maddox, and who married Cedric and Lovita.
; she had cousins named "Kinko", "Bruschetta
," "Clinique
," and "Camay
").
Steve also made several references to his well known hot spot "The Nasty Kitty" and his favorite working girl, Bubblicious, even though the strip club is never seen. Steve's topical humor of popular culture was also another recurring gag. One example of these jokes: "When I see that woman, I'm like Shaq
doing Shakespeare
- I just don't know how to act!". Another recurring gag on the show was despite being a one-time famous musician in the universe of the show, Steve was always mistaken for being other famous musicians. For example, in an episode guest starring Jerry Springer
, he refers to him as "That Cop from the Village People
." Another episode featured singer Teena Marie
, who when Steve went to introduce himself to see if she'd remember him, answers "Oh Yes! Lionel! How are you? Give my best to the rest of The Commodores." (This was in obvious reference to singer Lionel Richie
).
Though Regina blossomed into a beautiful, stylish lady, she sometimes displayed her insecurities, and was highly competitive (always displayed childlike exuberance whenever she won a trophy by yelling her signature catch phrase "Bam! In your face!", and once cheated Steve in a game of Scrabble
because he played it better than she). In addition, the romantic tension between Steve and Regina eventually blossomed into a relationship.
A very well known gag was Cedric's story about being from Willacoochee, Georgia, where he was raised in a one bedroom shack. The story was never finished, the scene would change or someone would interrupt him. Cedric's love for decking out his Hyundai
, which was never seen in the show, was another running gag, as well as offering to take Lovita out to dinner whenever he had a two-for-one coupon at the Sizzler
restaurant.
Occasional gags referenced Bullethead's trailer park lifestyle, and Romeo's numerous names (he has used the names Romeo Miguel Jesus Pele Rojas Alejandro Santana). In one episode, he wrote all of his names on paper but never prepared his assignment, resulting in an "F." Lydia almost always displayed an obsession for her fellow classmate/alleged lover, Arthur Rabinowitz (whom Steve referred to as "that polite Jewish boy that does his taxes"), and for her favorite entertainer, Barbra Streisand
; however, she had total disdain for classmates "Heather the cheerleader" and "Jennifer the cheerleader". One other gag was that teachers would refer to a student (amongst themselves) due to a condition or appearance ("Helmet Boy" for wearing a special helmet in gym class; "Au Natural Girl" for having a strong body odor, and "Firestarter" for one kid who kept setting items on fire).
The series ended with Regina mulling over a job offer to be a principal at a private school in California. Steve, who doesn't want Regina to go, acts supportive despite his feelings. Regina ends up taking the job and with encouragement from Lydia, Bullethead, and Romeo, Steve decides to go after her to reveal his true feelings. Meanwhile, Cedric and Lovita win the lottery and Lovita goes into labor (Terri J. Vaughn's real-life pregnancy was written into the show that season).
, California
. He was 26 years old. The reason for his death is that one of the killers' girlfriend falsely stated that Santana tried to rape her.
The series aired on BET
until March 2009, and was on TBS
in the United States
until September 24, 2011, UK Channel Trouble. It was broadcast on Ion Television until March 16, 2009. TBS missed most of the first inning of Game 6 of the 2008 American League Championship Series
, with viewers getting a rerun of The Steve Harvey Show instead. TBS picked up the game just prior to the last out in the bottom of the first, with announcer Chip Caray apologizing to viewers for "technical difficulties." TBS acknowledged there was a problem with one of their routers used in the broadcast transmission of the relay of the telecast from Atlanta.
The WB Television Network
The WB Television Network is a former television network in the United States that was launched on January 11, 1995 as a joint venture between Warner Bros. and Tribune Broadcasting. On January 24, 2006, CBS Corporation and Warner Bros...
. It was created by Winifred Hervey
Winifred Hervey
Winifred Hervey is an American television producer and screenwriter. She is sometimes credited as Winifred Hervey Stallworth.-Career:...
and directed by Stan Lathan
Stan Lathan
Stan Lathan is an American television director, film director, television producer and television director.-Career:Lathan’s career began with public television in Boston where he co-created and directed one of the first and longest running urban themed magazine shows, Say Brother...
.
Synopsis
Steve Hightower (Steve HarveySteve Harvey
Broderick Steven "Steve" Harvey is an American actor, comedian, entertainer, television and radio personality and best-selling author. He is best known as the star of the WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show, and as one of the four comedians featured in the Spike Lee film The Original Kings of Comedy...
) is a has-been 1970s funk
Funk
Funk is a music genre that originated in the mid-late 1960s when African American musicians blended soul music, jazz and R&B into a rhythmic, danceable new form of music. Funk de-emphasizes melody and harmony and brings a strong rhythmic groove of electric bass and drums to the foreground...
legend who is now a music teacher/Vice-principal at Booker T. Washington
Booker T. Washington
Booker Taliaferro Washington was an American educator, author, orator, and political leader. He was the dominant figure in the African-American community in the United States from 1890 to 1915...
High School on Chicago's West Side. Budget cutbacks meant Steve also had to teach drama and art, much to his surprise. Cedric Robinson (Cedric the Entertainer
Cedric the Entertainer
Cedric Antonio Kyles , known professionally by his stage name Cedric the Entertainer, is an American actor, comedian and director...
) is a coach at the high school, and Steve's long-time best friend. The principal of Booker T. Washington High is Steve's former classmate, Regina Grier (Wendy Raquel Robinson
Wendy Raquel Robinson
Wendy Raquel Robinson is an American actress. She is best known for her roles as high school principal Regina Grier on the WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show, and as sports agent Tasha Mack on the CW/BET comedy-drama The Game....
), who Steve affectionately calls "Piggy", due to the fact that she was overweight as an adolescent.
Steve seemingly meets his match in a pair of his students: Romeo Santana (Merlin Santana
Merlin Santana
Merlin Santana was an American actor and rapper. He is best known for his role as Keshia Knight Pulliam's admirer, Stanley on The Cosby Show and the high school student, Romeo Santana on The WB sitcom, The Steve Harvey Show.-Early life:Born in Upper Manhattan, New York to Dominican parents,...
), a stylish, popular, self-absorbed ladies' man, and the equally vacuous Stanley Kuznocki, nicknamed Bullethead (William Lee Scott
William Lee Scott
William Lee Scott is an American actor. He is best known for his portrayal of dim-witted high school student Stanley "Bullethead" Kuznocki on the WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show...
).
In 1997
1997 in television
The year 1997 in television involved some significant events.Below is a list of television-related events in 1997.- Events :-Debuts:-Miniseries:*Knots Landing: Back to the Cul-de-Sac, a reunion of the 1979–93 series*The Last Don...
, the show introduced a new character, a secretary named Lovita Jenkins (Terri J. Vaughn
Terri J. Vaughn
Terri J. Vaughn is an American film and television actress. She is best known for her role as high school secretary Lovita Alizé Jenkins-Robinson on the WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show. Vaughn also portrayed first-grade teacher Jonelle Abrahams on the UPN/CW sitcom All of Us...
), a woman who is fundamentally good in nature, but nonetheless, considerably unrefined in terms of disposition. Cedric and Lovita begin dating, and eventually marry and produce a child. The show also featured a succession of young actresses who served as female foils to Romeo and Bullethead; the longest-lasting of these was Lori Beth Denberg
Lori Beth Denberg
Lori Beth Denberg is an American actress and comedian. She is best known for her work as an original cast member of the Nickelodeon sketch comedy series All That, and for her role as Lydia Liza Gutman on The WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show.-Acting background:Denberg began acting in community...
as the overachieving, socially inept Lydia Gutman. Rapper The Lady of Rage
The Lady of Rage
Robin Yvette Allen , better known by her stage name The Lady of Rage, is an American rapper and actress best known for collaborations with several Death Row Records artists, including Dr. Dre and Snoop Doggy Dogg on the seminal albums The Chronic and Doggystyle...
also had a recurring role as Coretta Cox, a physically massive, brutish teenaged girl in romantic pursuit of Romeo.
Steve was part of a fictional singing group called "Steve Hightower and the High Tops," who would temporarily reunite to perform on occasion (the spelling of "High Tops" appears on a promotional poster that hangs on Steve's wall). The members consisted of Steve, T-Bone (played by T.K. Carter, later by Don 'D.C.' Curry
Don 'D.C.' Curry
Don 'D.C.' Curry is an American actor and stand-up comedian, who got his first start on BET's Comic View. He is best known for starring as Craig's sex-crazed Uncle Elroy Jones in Next Friday and Friday After Next and for his role on the sitcom Grace Under Fire...
), Pretty Tony (played by Ronald Isley
Ronald Isley
Ronald Isley is an American singer and is known as the lead singer and founding member of the family music group The Isley Brothers.-Career:...
of The Isley Brothers
The Isley Brothers
The Isley Brothers are a highly influential, successful and long-running American music group consisting of different line-ups of six brothers, and a brother-in-law, Chris Jasper...
), and Clyde (played by Jonathan Slocumb). Two of their signature songs (performed several times on the show) were "When the Funk Hits the Fan," and "Break Me Off a Piece of That Funk." Though Cedric was not an original member of the group, he usually sang with them on several events.
A few other recurring characters throughout the series included Cedric's grandmother named "Grandma Puddin'" (played by Cedric the Entertainer) and Regina's boyfriend, Warrington Steele (played by Dorien Wilson
Dorien Wilson
Dorien Wilson is an American television actor.-Career:Wilson has most notably played the parts of Professor Stanley Oglevee on the UPN sitcom The Parkers and of talk-show host Eddie Charles on HBO's series Dream On. He had a recurring role as Terrence on Sister, Sister...
). Kenan Thompson
Kenan Thompson
Kenan Thompson is an American actor and comedian. He is best known for his work as a cast member of NBC's long-running sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live...
and Kel Mitchell
Kel Mitchell
Kel Johari Mitchell is an American actor, comedian, singer, rapper, screenwriter, producer, parodist, dancer and musician. He was best known for his work as a regular cast member of the Nickelodeon sketch comedy series All That, his portrayal of Kel Kimble on the Nickelodeon sitcom Kenan & Kel,...
appeared in several episodes as "Junior" and "Vincent." Wayne Wilderson
Wayne Wilderson
Wayne Wilderson is an American comedian and actor who has had guest spots on many successful television programs, including The Office, Seinfeld, Mr. Show, The Steve Harvey Show, and Two and a Half Men. He is slated to appear in the pilot episode of The Thick of It as a political blogger. He...
portrayed Byron, a "bougie" type character who was a TV producer and a member of the Onyx Club (a professional men's group that Steve and Cedric tried to join). Dwayne Adway played Jordan Maddox, a professional basketball player who was briefly married to Regina before dying during their honeymoon. Ernest Lee Thomas
Ernest Lee Thomas
Ernest Lee Thomas is an American actor. He was born in Gary, Indiana. He is most famous for his role as aspiring writer Roger "Rog" Thomas on the 1970s ABC sitcom What's Happening!!, and its 1980s syndicated sequel, What's Happening Now!!-Early career and What's Happening!!:Thomas began his...
made a couple of appearances as the Reverend who eulogized Maddox, and who married Cedric and Lovita.
Running gags
There were a few recurrent gags throughout the series. For instance, Lovita had several relatives named after products or items (her brother's name was DuracellDuracell
Duracell is a brand of batteries manufactured by Procter & Gamble.Additionally, Duracell owns the Procell professional-use brand.-Products:Duracell manufactures alkaline batteries in many common sizes, such as AAA, AA, C, D, and 9V...
; she had cousins named "Kinko", "Bruschetta
Bruschetta
Bruschetta is an antipasto from Italy whose origin dates to at least the 15th century. It consists of roasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with extra-virgin olive oil, salt and pepper...
," "Clinique
Clinique
Clinique is a manufacturer of skincare, cosmetics, toiletries and fragrances, owned by the Estée Lauder Corporation.- History :In 1967, American Vogue magazine published an article called “Can Great Skin Be Created?”, written by beauty editor Carol Phillips with Dr. Norman Orentreich, discussing...
," and "Camay
Camay
Camay is the name of a scented hand and body soap, made by Procter & Gamble. It was first introduced in 1926 and marketed as a "white, pure soap for women," as many soaps of the time were colored to mask impurities...
").
Steve also made several references to his well known hot spot "The Nasty Kitty" and his favorite working girl, Bubblicious, even though the strip club is never seen. Steve's topical humor of popular culture was also another recurring gag. One example of these jokes: "When I see that woman, I'm like Shaq
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal , nicknamed "Shaq" , is a former American professional basketball player. Standing tall and weighing , he was one of the heaviest players ever to play in the NBA...
doing Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon"...
- I just don't know how to act!". Another recurring gag on the show was despite being a one-time famous musician in the universe of the show, Steve was always mistaken for being other famous musicians. For example, in an episode guest starring Jerry Springer
Jerry Springer
Gerald Norman "Jerry" Springer is a British-born American television presenter, best known as host of the tabloid talk show The Jerry Springer Show since its debut in 1991...
, he refers to him as "That Cop from the Village People
Village People
Village People is a concept disco group that formed in the United States in 1977, well known for their on-stage costumes depicting American cultural stereotypes, as well as their catchy tunes and suggestive lyrics....
." Another episode featured singer Teena Marie
Teena Marie
Mary Christine Brockert, better known by her stage name Teena Marie, was an American singer, songwriter and producer...
, who when Steve went to introduce himself to see if she'd remember him, answers "Oh Yes! Lionel! How are you? Give my best to the rest of The Commodores." (This was in obvious reference to singer Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie
Lionel Brockman Richie, Jr. , is an American singer-songwriter, musician and record producer. Since 1968, he has been a member of the musical group Commodores signed to Motown Records...
).
Though Regina blossomed into a beautiful, stylish lady, she sometimes displayed her insecurities, and was highly competitive (always displayed childlike exuberance whenever she won a trophy by yelling her signature catch phrase "Bam! In your face!", and once cheated Steve in a game of Scrabble
Scrabble
Scrabble is a word game in which two to four players score points by forming words from individual lettered tiles on a game board marked with a 15-by-15 grid. The words are formed across and down in crossword fashion and must appear in a standard dictionary. Official reference works provide a list...
because he played it better than she). In addition, the romantic tension between Steve and Regina eventually blossomed into a relationship.
A very well known gag was Cedric's story about being from Willacoochee, Georgia, where he was raised in a one bedroom shack. The story was never finished, the scene would change or someone would interrupt him. Cedric's love for decking out his Hyundai
Hyundai
Hyundai ) is a global conglomerate company, part of the Korean chaebol, that was founded in South Korea by one of the most famous businessmen in Korean history: Chung Ju-yung...
, which was never seen in the show, was another running gag, as well as offering to take Lovita out to dinner whenever he had a two-for-one coupon at the Sizzler
Sizzler
Sizzler is a United States-based restaurant chain with headquarters in Culver City, California. The chain serves steak, seafood, and salad , as well as similar items.-History:...
restaurant.
Occasional gags referenced Bullethead's trailer park lifestyle, and Romeo's numerous names (he has used the names Romeo Miguel Jesus Pele Rojas Alejandro Santana). In one episode, he wrote all of his names on paper but never prepared his assignment, resulting in an "F." Lydia almost always displayed an obsession for her fellow classmate/alleged lover, Arthur Rabinowitz (whom Steve referred to as "that polite Jewish boy that does his taxes"), and for her favorite entertainer, Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand
Barbra Joan Streisand is an American singer, actress, film producer and director. She has won two Academy Awards, eight Grammy Awards, four Emmy Awards, a Special Tony Award, an American Film Institute award, a Peabody Award, and is one of the few entertainers who have won an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy,...
; however, she had total disdain for classmates "Heather the cheerleader" and "Jennifer the cheerleader". One other gag was that teachers would refer to a student (amongst themselves) due to a condition or appearance ("Helmet Boy" for wearing a special helmet in gym class; "Au Natural Girl" for having a strong body odor, and "Firestarter" for one kid who kept setting items on fire).
Main cast
- Steve HarveySteve HarveyBroderick Steven "Steve" Harvey is an American actor, comedian, entertainer, television and radio personality and best-selling author. He is best known as the star of the WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show, and as one of the four comedians featured in the Spike Lee film The Original Kings of Comedy...
– Steven "Steve" Hightower - Cedric the EntertainerCedric the EntertainerCedric Antonio Kyles , known professionally by his stage name Cedric the Entertainer, is an American actor, comedian and director...
– Cedric Jackie Robinson - Merlin SantanaMerlin SantanaMerlin Santana was an American actor and rapper. He is best known for his role as Keshia Knight Pulliam's admirer, Stanley on The Cosby Show and the high school student, Romeo Santana on The WB sitcom, The Steve Harvey Show.-Early life:Born in Upper Manhattan, New York to Dominican parents,...
– Romeo Santana - William Lee ScottWilliam Lee ScottWilliam Lee Scott is an American actor. He is best known for his portrayal of dim-witted high school student Stanley "Bullethead" Kuznocki on the WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show...
– Stanley "Bullethead" Kuznocki - Wendy Raquel RobinsonWendy Raquel RobinsonWendy Raquel Robinson is an American actress. She is best known for her roles as high school principal Regina Grier on the WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show, and as sports agent Tasha Mack on the CW/BET comedy-drama The Game....
– Principal Regina Grier-Maddox - Terri J. VaughnTerri J. VaughnTerri J. Vaughn is an American film and television actress. She is best known for her role as high school secretary Lovita Alizé Jenkins-Robinson on the WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show. Vaughn also portrayed first-grade teacher Jonelle Abrahams on the UPN/CW sitcom All of Us...
– Lovita Alizé Jenkins-Robinson (1997-2002) - Tracy VilarTracy VilarTracy Vilar, also known and credited as Tracy Leigh Vilar and Tracy Villars is an American actress. She is perhaps best known for her role as Sophia Ortiz on The Steve Harvey Show and Angela de la Cruz on the television show, Saved.-Filmography:-Awards and nominations:In 1996, Tracy was nominated...
– Sophia Ortiz (1996-1997) - Netfa Perry – Sara (1996-1997)
- Ariyan A. JohnsonAriyan A. JohnsonAriyan A. Johnson McDaniel is an American actress.She is perhaps best known for her starring role in the 1992 critically acclaimed filmJust Another Girl on the I.R.T..-Just Another Girl on the I.R.T.:...
– Aisha (1997-1998) - Lori Beth DenbergLori Beth DenbergLori Beth Denberg is an American actress and comedian. She is best known for her work as an original cast member of the Nickelodeon sketch comedy series All That, and for her role as Lydia Liza Gutman on The WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show.-Acting background:Denberg began acting in community...
– Lydia Liza Guttman (1998-2002)
Recurring cast
- Kel MitchellKel MitchellKel Johari Mitchell is an American actor, comedian, singer, rapper, screenwriter, producer, parodist, dancer and musician. He was best known for his work as a regular cast member of the Nickelodeon sketch comedy series All That, his portrayal of Kel Kimble on the Nickelodeon sitcom Kenan & Kel,...
– Vincent (1996-1999) - Kenan ThompsonKenan ThompsonKenan Thompson is an American actor and comedian. He is best known for his work as a cast member of NBC's long-running sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live...
– Junior (1996-1999) - T. K. CarterT. K. CarterThomas Kent Carter better known as T. K. Carter, is an American comedian and actor. He is best known for playing Michael "Mike" Fulton, an elementary school teacher, on the NBC series Punky Brewster and Mylo Williams on the Disney Channel series Good Morning, Miss Bliss as a supervisor, whose...
– T-Bone (1996-1999) - Ronald IsleyRonald IsleyRonald Isley is an American singer and is known as the lead singer and founding member of the family music group The Isley Brothers.-Career:...
– Pretty Tony (1996-2001) - Jonathan Slocumb – Clyde (1996-2001)
- The Lady of RageThe Lady of RageRobin Yvette Allen , better known by her stage name The Lady of Rage, is an American rapper and actress best known for collaborations with several Death Row Records artists, including Dr. Dre and Snoop Doggy Dogg on the seminal albums The Chronic and Doggystyle...
– Coretta "The Ox" Cox (1997-2000; credited during season 4 episodes as "Robin Yvette") - Wayne WildersonWayne WildersonWayne Wilderson is an American comedian and actor who has had guest spots on many successful television programs, including The Office, Seinfeld, Mr. Show, The Steve Harvey Show, and Two and a Half Men. He is slated to appear in the pilot episode of The Thick of It as a political blogger. He...
– Byron (1998-2001) - Dorien WilsonDorien WilsonDorien Wilson is an American television actor.-Career:Wilson has most notably played the parts of Professor Stanley Oglevee on the UPN sitcom The Parkers and of talk-show host Eddie Charles on HBO's series Dream On. He had a recurring role as Terrence on Sister, Sister...
– Warrington Steele (1998-1999) - Samm LevineSamm LevineSamuel Franklin "Samm" Levine is an American television and film actor. He is known for his portrayal of Neal Schweiber on NBC's short-lived Freaks and Geeks and PFC Hirschberg in the hit 2009 film Inglourious Basterds...
– Arthur Rabinowitz (2001) - Don "D.C." Curry – T-Bone (1999-2001)
- Dwayne Adway – Jordan Maddox (2000)
Special guest appearances
- Teena MarieTeena MarieMary Christine Brockert, better known by her stage name Teena Marie, was an American singer, songwriter and producer...
- Jerry SpringerJerry SpringerGerald Norman "Jerry" Springer is a British-born American television presenter, best known as host of the tabloid talk show The Jerry Springer Show since its debut in 1991...
- Bow Wow
- Jermaine DupriJermaine DupriJermaine Dupri Mauldin , known as Jermaine Dupri or JD, is an American record producer, songwriter and rapper.- Early life and career :...
- Teddy Riley
- Snoop DoggSnoop DoggCalvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
- Sean CombsSean CombsSean John Combs , also known by his stage names Diddy and P. Diddy, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur. He has won three Grammy Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards, and his clothing line earned a Council of Fashion Designers of America award. He was originally...
- Kim FieldsKim FieldsKim Victoria Fields is an American actress and television director. She is known for her roles as Tootie Ramsey on the NBC sitcom The Facts of Life, and as Regine Hunter on the Fox sitcom Living Single...
- Isabel SanfordIsabel SanfordIsabel Sanford was an American actress best known for her role as Louise "Weezy" Jefferson on the CBS television sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons .-Career:...
- Judge Greg MathisGreg MathisGreg Mathis is a retired Michigan 36th District Court judge and syndicated television show judge. His show Judge Mathis is produced by Telepictures Productions, and distributed by Warner Brothers. It is seen five days a week in most television markets in North America...
- Antonio FargasAntonio FargasAntonio Juan Fargas is an American actor famous for his roles in 1970s blaxploitation movies, as well as his portrayal of Huggy Bear in the 1970s TV series Starsky and Hutch.-Biography:...
- Busta RhymesBusta RhymesTrevor Tahiem Smith, Jr., better known by his stage name Busta Rhymes ,Smith is an American rapper, producer and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the alias Busta Rhymes after NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes...
- Brian McKnightBrian McKnightBrian McKnight is an American singer-songwriter, arranger, producer, and R&B/Pop musician. He is a multi-instrumentalist who plays nine instruments: piano, guitar, bass guitar, drums, percussions, trombone, tuba, flugelhorn and trumpet....
- Nikki CoxNikki CoxNicole Avery "Nikki" Cox is an American actress known mostly for her roles on the television series Unhappily Ever After, Las Vegas, and Nikki.-Early life:...
- Boris KodjoeBoris KodjoeBoris Frederic Cecil Tay-Natey Ofuatey-Kodjoe , better known as Boris Kodjoe, is an Austrian-born German actor and former fashion model who works primarily in the United States...
- Gabrielle UnionGabrielle UnionGabrielle Monique Union is an American actress and former model. Among her notable roles is as the cheerleader opposite Kirsten Dunst in the film Bring it On. Union starred opposite Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in the blockbuster film Bad Boys II and played a medical doctor in the CBS drama...
- Bumper RobinsonBumper RobinsonBumper Robinson is an American actor and voice artist. Robinson got his nickname because he repeatedly bumped into things while running through his home as a young child.- Life and career :...
Seasonal ratings in the United States
| Season | Network | Season premiere | Season finale | Rank | Viewers (in millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The WB | August 25, 1996 | May 18, 1997 | #147 | 2.7 household rating |
| 2 | September 10, 1997 | May 13, 1998 | #144 | 3.4 household rating | |
| 3 | September 18, 1998 | May 20, 1999 | #125 | 4.1 | |
| 4 | September 24, 1999 | May 19, 2000 | #146 | 2.2 | |
| 5 | October 8, 2000 | May 20, 2001 | #138 | 2.1 | |
| 6 | October 14, 2001 | February 17 , 2002 | #141 | 3.0 |
Series end
In 2001, Harvey decided to pursue other projects. He wished to end the show after the fifth season, but at the insistence of the WB network, reluctantly filmed a 13-episode sixth season.The series ended with Regina mulling over a job offer to be a principal at a private school in California. Steve, who doesn't want Regina to go, acts supportive despite his feelings. Regina ends up taking the job and with encouragement from Lydia, Bullethead, and Romeo, Steve decides to go after her to reveal his true feelings. Meanwhile, Cedric and Lovita win the lottery and Lovita goes into labor (Terri J. Vaughn's real-life pregnancy was written into the show that season).
Death of Merlin Santana
On November 9, 2002, nine months after the series ended, Merlin Santana was shot and killed while sitting in his car in South Los AngelesSouth Los Angeles
South Los Angeles, often abbreviated as South L.A. and formerly South Central Los Angeles, is the official name for a large geographic and cultural portion lying to the southwest and southeast of downtown Los Angeles, California. The area was formerly called South Central, and is still widely known...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. He was 26 years old. The reason for his death is that one of the killers' girlfriend falsely stated that Santana tried to rape her.
Syndication
The series was first distributed to syndication to WB and UPN affiliates in the United States by Sony Pictures Television in September 2002, and remained airing in broadcast syndication in some U.S. markets on various local stations (such as WCIU and Me-TV in Chicago) as late as 2008.The series aired on BET
Black Entertainment Television
Black Entertainment Television is an American, Viacom-owned cable network based in Washington, D.C.. Currently viewed in more than 90 million homes worldwide, it is the most prominent television network targeting young Black-American audiences. The network was launched on January 25, 1980, by its...
until March 2009, and was on TBS
TBS (TV channel)
TBS , stylized in the logo as tbs, is an American cable television channel owned by Time Warner that shows a variety of programming, with a focus on comedy. TBS was originally known as WTCG, a UHF terrestrial television station that broadcast from Atlanta, Georgia, during the late 1970s...
in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
until September 24, 2011, UK Channel Trouble. It was broadcast on Ion Television until March 16, 2009. TBS missed most of the first inning of Game 6 of the 2008 American League Championship Series
2008 American League Championship Series
-Game 1:Friday, October 10, 2008 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FloridaBoston won a pitcher's duel on a sac fly by Jed Lowrie in the fifth and an RBI double by Kevin Youkilis in the eighth. Starter Daisuke Matsuzaka was nearly unhittable in Game 1 of the 2008 ALCS. He held the Rays hitless...
, with viewers getting a rerun of The Steve Harvey Show instead. TBS picked up the game just prior to the last out in the bottom of the first, with announcer Chip Caray apologizing to viewers for "technical difficulties." TBS acknowledged there was a problem with one of their routers used in the broadcast transmission of the relay of the telecast from Atlanta.
DVD release
In 2003, Sony Pictures released The Best of the Steve Harvey Show, Vol. 1, on Region 1 DVD. The disc features five episodes of the series.Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Result | Category | Recipient |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | NCLR Bravo Awards | Nominated | Outstanding Individual Performance in a Comedy Series | Tracy Vilar |
| Nominated | Outstanding Individual Performance in a Comedy Series | Merlin Santana | ||
| 1998 | ALMA Award Alma Award The American Latino Media Arts Award, or ALMA Award is a distinction awarded to Latino performers who promote positive portrayals of Latinos in the entertainment field... |
Nominated | Outstanding Comedy Series | |
| Nominated | Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series | Tracy Vilar | ||
| Nominated | Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series | Merlin Santana | ||
| 1999 | Nominated | Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series | Merlin Santana | |
| 1998 | NAACP Image Awards | Nominated | Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series | Steve Harvey |
| Nominated | Outstanding Comedy Series | |
||
| 1999 | Nominated | Outstanding Comedy Series | |
|
| Won | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series | Cedric the Entertainer | ||
| Won | Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series | Steve Harvey | ||
| 2000 | Nominated | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series | Terri J. Vaughn | |
| Nominated | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series | Wendy Raquel Robinson | ||
| Won | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series | Cedric the Entertainer | ||
| Won | Outstanding Comedy Series | |
||
| Won | Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series | Steve Harvey | ||
| 2001 | Nominated | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series | William Lee Scott | |
| Nominated | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series | Merlin Santana | ||
| Nominated | Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series | Wendy Raquel Robinson | ||
| Won | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series | Terri J. Vaughn | ||
| Won | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series | Cedric the Entertainer | ||
| Won | Outstanding Comedy Series | |
||
| Won | Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series | Steve Harvey | ||
| 2002 | Nominated | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series | Merlin Santana | |
| Nominated | Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series | Wendy Raquel Robinson | ||
| Won | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series | Terri J. Vaughn | ||
| Won | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series | Cedric the Entertainer | ||
| Won | Outstanding Comedy Series | |
||
| Won | Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series | |
||
| 2003 | Won | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series | Terri J. Vaughn |