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Season 1 – Beggars and Choosers

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – Beggars and Choosers Jun 1999 Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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62% Tomatometer 13 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Ratings
This witty satire is about the network television game show set behind the scenes at LGT, where harried network president Rob Malone struggles to boost sagging ratings with the assistance of ruthless development executive Lori and executive Malcolm Laffley. Their job isn't made easier by smarmy agent Brad and egomaniacal stars such as Parker Meridian, a vain actor involved with Rob's flaky daughter, Audrey.
Beggars and Choosers — Season 1

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Beggars and Choosers will sate viewers' appetite for cynical showbiz satire, but the series lacks enough specificity in its characterization and insight to elevate its commentary above mildly biting.

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Critics Reviews

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John Leonard New York Magazine/Vulture 06/19/2019
While it's not as witty as Sports Night, it's got Brian Kerwin as the head of programming whose world is falling apart... I particularly like the idea of a late-night series called Unregistered Nurses. Go to Full Review Michele Greppi New York Post 06/19/2019
We must caution you that this all sounds sexier, funnier and more savage than it is. Go to Full Review Tim Goodman San Francisco Chronicle 06/19/2019
You'll have to check your own budget to see if it's worth it, but strictly on a quality level the network has struck gold with Beggars and Choosers, which is as smart and well-drawn as anything in the past five years or so. Go to Full Review Rob Owen Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 06/19/2019
Where the pilot was predictable, later episodes have gone in unexpected directions. In the pilot, the characters came off as one-dimensional; now they're well-rounded. Go to Full Review Tom Jicha South Florida Sun-Sentinel 06/18/2019
Only a premium cable network could have done justice to Beggars and Choosers... It isn't just that the series is profane and flesh-baring, although this does enhance the fun. It's the overall tone, which is anti-commercial TV. Go to Full Review Read all reviews
Beggars and Choosers — Season 1

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Cast & Crew

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Brian Kerwin

Rob Malone

Isabella Hofmann

Cecile Malone

Carol Kane

Actor

Keegan Connor Tracy

Audrey Malone

Charlotte Ross

Lori Valpone

Tuc Watkins

Malcolm Laffley

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jun 19, 1999 The Mountainmen Obstreperous producers and stars and an overbearing owner plague a harried television executive. Details Episode 2 Aired Jun 19, 1999 The Mountainmen Obstreperous producers and stars and an overbearing owner plague a harried television executive. Details Episode 3 Aired Jun 26, 1999 Once More Unto the Breach Rob and his staff hurriedly write scripts for "The Mountainmen"; the police investigate Kendall's disappearance; Lori wants to do a series on a Russian mobster. Details Episode 4 Aired Jul 3, 1999 The Hat Trick The network faces a $25 million sexual-harassment suit; Rob learns Malcolm hired a drag queen as an escort for E.L. Details Episode 5 Aired Jul 10, 1999 The Ethel Merman Story Malcolm's drag queen friend wants the lead in a proposed "Ethel Merman Story"; Audrey represents Parker Meridian. Details Episode 6 Aired Jul 17, 1999 The Deal Rob is under fire for "The Mountainmen" and the sexual harassment case; Kendall agrees to a new working procedure with the network. Details Episode 7 Aired Jul 24, 1999 Sex, Drugs and Videotape Auditions pour in for "The Ethel Merman Story"; Rob and Cecile keep trying to conceive; E.L. comes out of his coma. Details Episode 8 Aired Jul 31, 1999 Unsafe Sex Rob is sandwiched between E.L. and his wife; Rob's son inadvertently involves him in the world of cybersex. Details Episode 9 Aired Aug 7, 1999 The Velvet Curtain Rob takes the day off to try and impregnate his wife and Malcolm serves on a panel discussion on Hollywood's treatment of gays, leaving others to run the TV network. Details Episode 10 Aired Aug 14, 1999 Touched by an Angel Rob must intervene when rumors about an inappropriate relationship between an actress portraying an angel and a 17-year-old boy threaten to explode into a scandal. Details Episode 11 Aired Aug 21, 1999 Is It Good or Bad for the Jews? E.L. summons Rob to Palm Springs, Calif., to give him casting advice; confusion erupts at the network. Details Episode 12 Aired Aug 28, 1999 Sex Among the Bilinis Everybody's job seems jeopardized after an ambitious black development executive is hired; Malcolm's wild past haunts him; rumors fly about Rob's fate. Stars Brian Kerwin, Isabella Hofmann, Keegan Tracy, Paul Provenza, Billy McNamara, Charlotte Ross and Tuc Watkins. Details Episode 13 Aired Sep 4, 1999 Shakedown in Puerto Vallarta Rob reinvents a hit show to save money; new development girl runs circles around the veterans; Malcolm considers dating. Details Episode 14 Aired Sep 11, 1999 Don't Try This at Home Politicians claim "The Mountainmen" caused an accident; Rob and Cecile see a fertility doctor; Casey takes a step with her career. Details Episode 15 Aired Nov 27, 1999 Star Whores Lori is arrested for delinquent parking tickets, allowing Casey to take over her job; LGT tries to settle Malcolm's lawsuit. Details Episode 16 Aired Dec 4, 1999 Always Leave 'em Laughing An aging comic takes it hard when his deteriorating memory forces Rob to recast his part in a sitcom. Details Episode 17 Aired Dec 11, 1999 Faith, Hope and Chastity Cecile writes a play; Lori makes a public appearance with Nicky; a star needs to be placed in rehab. Details Episode 18 Aired Jan 15, 2000 Russian Roulette A crazed auteur mars Parker's (Paul Provenza) portrayal of a Russian mobster; Lori (Charlotte Ross) reveals Casey's (Sherri Saum) "dark past.". Details Episode 19 Aired Feb 26, 2000 Death in Malibu Parker's untimely death creates a feeding frenzy of grief and greed, plus a public relations nightmare. Details Episode 20 Aired Mar 4, 2000 Fasten Your Seatbelts Parker Meridien's death creates difficulties for the miniseries; a new "LGT" personality has a serious problem. Details Episode 21 Aired Mar 11, 2000 Disinformed Sources Lori (Charlotte Ross) devises a devious plan to get rid of Casey (Sherri Saum); the network tries to assemble its fall schedule. Details Episode 22 Aired Mar 18, 2000 The Cherry Orchard, Pt. 2 L.L. tries to sell the network; Rob labors over the fall schedule; Cecile and Audrey try artificial insemination. Details

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Season Info

Executive Producer
Lilly Tartikoff, Peter Lefcourt, Scott Siegler, Kim Fleary
Network
Showtime
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date
Jun 19, 1999