List of NewsRadio episodes

NewsRadio is an American sitcom, originally broadcast from 1995 to 1999 by NBC. In total, 97 episodes were broadcast spanning 5 seasons.

Series overview

SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
17March 21, 1995May 9, 1995
221September 19, 1995April 28, 1996
325September 18, 1996June 5, 1997
422September 23, 1997May 13, 1998
522September 23, 1998May 4, 1999

Episodes

Season 1 (1995)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
11"Pilot"James BurrowsPaul SimmsMarch 21, 1995 (1995-03-21)100

Wisconsin native Dave Nelson arrives in New York to start his new job as the News Director at WNYX. His first task: fire the old News Director. Guest stars Kurt Fuller as Ed Harlow, Greg Lee as Rick, Wallace Langham as Jeff, Beau Billingslea as The Security Guard, and Ella Joyce as Catherine Duke.

Neither Joe Rogan nor Khandi Alexander appear in the pilot. Greg Lee's "Rick" character is similar to Rogan's "Joe" character, and Ella Joyce plays "Catherine". Catherine's last name is not revealed in this episode.

Joyce is mostly offscreen, though she can be heard delivering several newscasts (and can be very briefly glimpsed in the broadcast booth in a few shots). She is seen clearly towards the end of the episode standing outside the broadcast booth, but has no lines during this scene.

Ray Romano was originally slated to play the "Electrician" character, but both Romano and the show's producers mutually agreed that he was not a good fit for the show.
22"Inappropriate"James BurrowsPaul SimmsMarch 28, 1995 (1995-03-28)102

Dave and Lisa's disagreement over how to respond to an on-air gaffe by Matthew leads to a romantic encounter and the start of a secret office relationship. Guest stars Kenny Johnston as Danny.

This is the first appearance of Joe Rogan as Joe and Khandi Alexander as Catherine.
33"Smoking"James BurrowsJosh Lieb & Brad Isaacs & Paul SimmsApril 4, 1995 (1995-04-04)103
Bill is having trouble complying with a new anti-smoking ordinance, so Dave tries to help him quit. Guest stars Monte Russell as Paramedic.
44"The Crisis"James BurrowsJosh LiebApril 11, 1995 (1995-04-11)101
Coverage of a subway accident is hampered by petty jealousies surrounding Matthew's new desk. Guest stars Steeve Arlen as Bob, and Mark Davenport as Delivery Man.
55"Big Day"Alan MyersonJoe Furey & Brad Isaacs & Josh Lieb & Paul SimmsApril 18, 1995 (1995-04-18)105
The staff unwittingly confide in Dave their expectations for their annual bonus, not knowing that Jimmy has delegated the task to Dave. During this episode pastries humorously keep appearing on Bill's desk. Guest stars Albie Selznick as Copy Guy, and Joe Wein as Delivery Guy.
66"Luncheon at the Waldorf"Peter BaldwinBrad IsaacsMay 2, 1995 (1995-05-02)104
Lisa is worried about Bill's motivation for taking Beth to a broadcaster's luncheon.
77"Sweeps Week"Peter BonerzJoe Furey & Paul SimmsMay 9, 1995 (1995-05-09)106
Dave's ex-girlfriend from Wisconsin arrives for a visit, under the assumption that they are still dating, and proceeds to make Lisa nervous. Guest stars Janeane Garofalo as Nancy, and Bill Geisslinger as Tom P. Baxter.

Season 2 (1995–96)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
81"No, This Is Not Based Entirely on Julie's Life"Alan MyersonPaul SimmsSeptember 19, 1995 (1995-09-19)202
Beth attempts to take nude pictures of herself for her boyfriend. Joe tries to find out who has been stealing his gelato. Guest stars Chris Kattan as Employee #3. Steve Susskind returns as Milos the Janitor. The episode title (not seen on screen) is an inside joke amongst the production staff, referring to producer Julie Bean.
92"Goofy Ball"Alan MyersonPaul SimmsSeptember 26, 1995 (1995-09-26)201
Mr. James introduces the staff to "Goofy Ball", an annoying toy made by one of his companies. Dave and Lisa consider revealing their relationship. Bill has a stalker, and buys a taser which has been built by Joe. Guest stars Dennis Miller as The Stalker and Judd Apatow as the voice of the Goofy Ball.
103"Rat Funeral"Alan MyersonPaul Simms & Lewis MortonOctober 10, 1995 (1995-10-10)205
Dave is mystified by the staff's affection for a rat living in the station. When the rat dies, the staff holds a funeral.
114"The Breakup"Peter BonerzPaul SimmsOctober 31, 1995 (1995-10-31)206
Beth forces Dave and Lisa to reveal their relationship to the staff when she gets caught in the middle of a bad break-up fight.
125"Shrink"Michael LembeckAndrew Gordon & Eileen ConnNovember 7, 1995 (1995-11-07)208
Dave agrees to bring in a therapist to counsel the staff and relieve some of the tension in the office. Guest stars John Ritter as Dr. Frank Westford.
136"Friends"Michael LembeckBrian Kelley & Josh LiebNovember 14, 1995 (1995-11-14)209
Dave hires a temp to help Beth organize the stations files. Guest stars Bebe Neuwirth as Sandi Angelini. Recurring characters Tone Lōc as Security Guard (Lorenzo), and Toby Huss as Guard #2 (Junior).
147"Bill's Autobiography"Michael LembeckJoe FureyNovember 21, 1995 (1995-11-21)207
Bill receives an offer to publish his autobiography, but he soon realizes that there is not much in his life worth committing to paper.
158"Negotiation"Leonard R. Garner Jr.Dawn DeKeyserNovember 28, 1995 (1995-11-28)210
Matthew receives a meaningless promotion and his efforts to organize the station are sabotaged by Bill. Lisa tries to find another job, giving a screen test interviewing Anthrax for MTV. Mr. James begins his search for a wife using business tactics, starting with a list of 36 women. The first removed is Catherine. Guest stars Anthrax, and Natalia Nogulich as Melanie Sanders.
169"The Cane"Alan MyersonBrad IsaacsDecember 12, 1995 (1995-12-12)204
Mr. James hosts a staff retreat in his office. Bill buys a cane and annoys Dave with it. Guest stars Jane Lynch as Carol.
1710"Xmas Story"Leonard R. Garner Jr.Lewis MortonDecember 19, 1995 (1995-12-19)212
Mr. James buys sports cars for everyone on the staff except for Matthew, who gets tapes. Bill thinks that the Santa Claus down in the lobby is stalking him. Guest stars David Anthony Higgins as Santa. Recurring characters Tone Lōc as Lorenzo, and Toby Huss as Junior.
1811"Station Sale"Tom CheronesLeslie Caveny, Brian Kelley, Lewis Morton, Joe Furey, Josh Lieb, & Paul SimmsJanuary 7, 1996 (1996-01-07)211

The staff tries to convince Jimmy not to sell the station.

Bill misquotes Alfred Tennyson's "The Charge of the Light Brigade" and then attributes it to John Keats. The date he gives, 1776, is 19 years before Keats was born and 78 years before the poem was published.

Jimmy's search for a wife has narrowed the list to 29. Loretta Swit is mentioned as having been crossed off. Guest stars Maureen Mueller as Jane.
1912"Bitch Session"James BurrowsBrian KelleyJanuary 14, 1996 (1996-01-14)213
Dave accidentally overhears the staff complaining about him.
2013"In Through the Out Door"Patrick MaloneyLeslie Caveny, Joe Furey, Alan J. Higgins, Josh Lieb, Drake Sather, & Paul SimmsFebruary 4, 1996 (1996-02-04)217

Joe tries to teach Matthew about gambling. Dave has to give a speech introducing Bill at a dinner.

Beginning with this episode and continuing through the end of season two, episode is titled after a Led Zeppelin album. Steve Susskind returns as Milos the Janitor.
2114"The Song Remains the Same"Tom CheronesSam Johnson, Chris Marcil, Joe Furey, & Lewis MortonFebruary 18, 1996 (1996-02-18)218
Beth discovers that she has a secret admirer. Mr. James plays April Fool's pranks in the office, despite it being February, resulting in Catherine and Matthew getting green slimed, while a reporter from The Wall Street Journal interviews Bill.
2215"Zoso"James BurrowsJosh Lieb, Lewis Morton, Joe Furey, & Paul SimmsFebruary 25, 1996 (1996-02-25)214
Beth and Lisa ask Mr. James to teach them how to negotiate. Lisa asks Dave for a raise. Guest stars George Hamilton as Don Green.
2316"Houses of the Holy"Gregg HeschongDawn DeKeyser, Brian Kelley, Joe Furey, & Paul SimmsMarch 10, 1996 (1996-03-10)215
Catherine is out sick, so Bill puts Joe on the air in order to frustrate Dave's plans. Meanwhile, Beth becomes enamored of Mr. James' weird nephew Theo (guest star David Cross.)
2417"Physical Graffiti"Patrick MaloneyJosh Lieb & Paul SimmsMarch 24, 1996 (1996-03-24)216
Bill and Catherine's practical joke war escalates. Dave is annoyed that Lisa still has a relationship with her ex-boyfriend.
2518"Led Zeppelin"Patrick MaloneyLeslie CavenyMarch 31, 1996 (1996-03-31)221
Lisa and Dave have broken up, and Lisa will communicate with Dave only in writing.
2619"Presence"Lee Shallat ChemelAlan J. Higgins & Josh LiebApril 14, 1996 (1996-04-14)219

Jimmy loses Bill in a poker game, and Lisa has to try to win him back.

In the episode, a Star Wars Boba Fett action figure is shown and discussed in several scenes, which the commentary notes required permission from Lucasfilm. "BOBA FETT COURTESY OF J.T. HUTT" appears in the episode's credits.
2720"Coda"Lee Shallat ChemelBrian Kelley, Lewis Morton, Josh Lieb, & Paul SimmsApril 21, 1996 (1996-04-21)220
Dave, Bill and Mr. James work on a promotional spot. Lisa helps Joe study for a test. Matthew tries to sign up people for a summer house in the Hamptons. Steve Susskind returns as Milos the Janitor.
2821"Led Zeppelin II"James BurrowsDrake SatherApril 28, 1996 (1996-04-28)222
The building catches fire, bringing Dave and Lisa back together. Mr. James thinks he has found the ideal woman.

Season 3 (1996–97)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
291"President"Tom CheronesPaul SimmsSeptember 18, 1996 (1996-09-18)302
Jimmy announces he is running for President of the United States. Matthew grows some facial hair while on vacation. Guest stars Al Roker as Guy.
302"Review"Tom CheronesJosh LiebSeptember 25, 1996 (1996-09-25)301
Matthew discovers the comic strip Dilbert and quits his job when Dave refuses to let him do a story about it. Dave tries to reassure the staff that an underwhelming magazine critique is not as bad as it sounds. Guest stars Scott Adams as coffee shop patron, Michael Adler as man pretending to be Scott Adams, and Mark Fite as coffee shop counterman.
313"Massage Chair"Tom CheronesLewis MortonOctober 2, 1996 (1996-10-02)303
Bill buys a massage chair in defiance of budget cuts at the station. Dave fights Mr. James over the elimination of free snacks from the breakroom.
324"Arcade"Tom CheronesBrian KelleyOctober 23, 1996 (1996-10-23)304
Beth replaces the lobby sandwich machine with the arcade game Stargate Defender, causing Dave's old video game obsession to resurface. Bill is upset because he finds the sandwiches from the old machine to be delicious, and begins hoarding them. After a series of mental lapses, Lisa and Dave retake the SATs to see if they are getting dumber. Guest stars Eugene Jarvis, and Leelee Sobieski.
335"Halloween"Tom CheronesSam Johnson & Chris MarcilOctober 30, 1996 (1996-10-30)307
The staff is not invited to Mr. James' annual Halloween party because he thinks they're "too cool for school". Dave and Lisa persuade him to let them come. Bill becomes depressed after a psychic tells him the exact date of his death, but then falls in love with an old woman.
346"Awards Show"Tom CheronesDrake SatherNovember 6, 1996 (1996-11-06)305
The staff attends an awards banquet. Matthew frets over his belief that the breakroom is infested with ants. Guest stars Bob Costas as himself, Johnny Crear as elderly man, Steven Gilborn as Marty "The Party" Jackson, and Kevin J. O'Neill as bartender.
357"Daydream"Tom CheronesPaul SimmsNovember 13, 1996 (1996-11-13)308
A hot day and a broken air conditioner cause the thoughts of every character to drift. This episode is filled with movie/television parodies, particularly Beth's hallucinations, which are inspired by the horror films she saw with Matthew (Aliens, A Nightmare on Elm Street). At the end of the episode, Mr. James has a hallucination (or does he?) that spoofs the famous ending to St. Elsewhere's series finale.
368"Movie Star"Tom CheronesLewis MortonNovember 20, 1996 (1996-11-20)309
James Caan visits Bill as part of research for his new movie, but he soon becomes fixated by Matthew's odd behavior. Dave tries to buy a television set for Lisa. Superfan Jimmy James has an extra Knicks ticket, and Joe conducts a trivia contest between Beth and Catherine to determine who gets the seat. Guest stars James Caan as himself.
379"Stocks"Tom CheronesAlan J. HigginsDecember 11, 1996 (1996-12-11)306
Jimmy teaches Beth how to play the stock market, but refuses to help Bill. Matthew pretends to have flown to Japan, bringing back gifts for the office, including a samurai's katana sword for Dave. Lisa is reluctant to ask for a new chair because she doesn't want it to look like Dave is playing favorites.
3810"Christmas"Patrick MaloneyDrake SatherDecember 18, 1996 (1996-12-18)311
Dave covers for his employees so they can leave early, but still manages to take Lisa to Wisconsin before Christmas is over.
3911"The Trainer"Gregg HeschongJoe FureyDecember 19, 1996 (1996-12-19)312
Bill joins a gym; the WNYX staff discover a secret about Dave's past. Guest stars Ben Stiller as Vic, and Patton Oswalt as Guy.
4012"Rap"Tom CheronesAlan J. Higgins, Brian Kelley, Drake Sather & Paul SimmsJanuary 8, 1997 (1997-01-08)310
Bill discovers the evils of rap music. Lisa has a problem with being named "cutest reporter" by a local magazine. Guest stars Chuck D as himself.
4113"Led Zeppelin Boxed Set"Tom CheronesLewis Morton, Sam Johnson, Chris Marcil, Joe Furey & Josh LiebJanuary 15, 1997 (1997-01-15)313
Matthew finally stands up to Bill's bullying, and proceeds to go on a power trip. Catherine teaches Jimmy how to beat a crooked three card monte dealer.
4214"Complaint Box"Tom CheronesBrian Kelley, Lewis Morton, Joe Furey & Josh LiebJanuary 29, 1997 (1997-01-29)314
The new complaint box causes problems for Dave. Jimmy goes fishing, while his satellite hookup goes to the movies.
4315"Rose Bowl"Tom CheronesAlan J. Higgins, Josh Lieb, Lewis Morton & Paul SimmsFebruary 5, 1997 (1997-02-05)315
Dave agrees to let the staff review each other, while Jimmy takes a con artist to court. Joe teaches Jimmy the secret masonic word "Tubal-cain" that might automatically win him the court case. Guest stars George Lindsey as himself, David Clennon as the Judge, and Glenn Walker Harris Jr. as the con artist.
4416"Kids"Tom CheronesSam Johnson, Chris Marcil, Joe Furey & Drake SatherFebruary 12, 1997 (1997-02-12)316
Dave must figure out who is leaving pornography around the office in the midst of an elementary school field trip. Jimmy hits on the kids' teacher over a fancy lunch.
4517"Airport"Tom CheronesDrake SatherFebruary 19, 1997 (1997-02-19)317
While Bill and Dave are stuck in a St. Louis airport, Lisa runs the office, and Beth and Matthew water Bill's plants.
4618"Twins"Tom CheronesLewis MortonMarch 12, 1997 (1997-03-12)318

Matthew's "identical twin" brother Andrew arrives for a visit. Bill's greed almost bankrupts the station. Guest stars Jon Stewart as Andrew.

Maura Tierney does not appear in this episode because she was filming Liar Liar.
4719"Office Feud"Leonard R. Garner Jr.Sam Johnson & Chris MarcilMarch 19, 1997 (1997-03-19)319
Joe, Dave, and Beth deal with the noisy environmentalists who've moved in upstairs; Lisa covers the Easter Egg hunt at the White House; Bill and Catherine argue over Bill's sponsorship by Rocket Fuel Malt Liquor. Guest stars Sara Paxton as Sara.
4820"Our Fiftieth Episode"Tom CheronesJoe Furey, Paul Simms & Josh LiebApril 2, 1997 (1997-04-02)321

An argument over a traffic ticket gets Bill committed to a mental hospital. Guest stars Jon Lovitz as Fred.

All of Vicki Lewis's scenes were shot separate from primary production because she was away filming Mouse Hunt. She is completely absent from the following episode, "Sleeping", for the same reason.
4921"Sleeping"Judi EltermanStory by: Alan J. Higgins & Paul Simms
Teleplay by: Brian Kelley
May 7, 1997 (1997-05-07)322
Matthew hides in the break room fridge to scare anyone who opens it, eventually causing Mr. James to have a heart attack. Mr. James' lawyer shows Dave and Lisa a video tape wherein Mr. James reveals his wish to spend his remaining time with his friends and colleagues at WNYX in the case of a life-threatening illness. Mr. James is moved into the WNYX break room while he recovers from his coma and the staff is asked to talk to him during the day. Lisa decides that she wants to have a baby. Bill recreates his time as a college overnight DJ. Guest stars Scott N. Stevens as Dr. Mandel.
5022"The Real Deal"Tom CheronesStory by: Josh Lieb & Lewis Morton
Teleplay by: Joe Furey & Paul Simms
May 7, 1997 (1997-05-07)320
Desperate to keep "The Real Deal" on the air despite floundering ratings, Bill and Lisa attempt to interview Jerry Seinfeld in a restaurant and record the results. Matthew reveals to everybody that he is still a virgin (at 28½), and subsequently loses his virginity to his gorgeous girlfriend in the breakroom. Guest stars Jerry Seinfeld as himself, Bobbie Brown as Irene, Gregg Daniel as Kevin Sparks, Mark Fite as Waiter.
5123"Mistake"Tom CheronesStory by: Joe Furey & Paul Simms
Teleplay by: Josh Lieb & Drake Sather
May 14, 1997 (1997-05-14)323
Dave faces the wrath of the staff when he makes several disparaging comments about them in a magazine article. Matthew feels threatened by the "weird" new temp Brent. Guest stars French Stewart as Brent.
5224"Space"Tom CheronesStory by: Brian Kelley & Lewis Morton
Teleplay by: Joe Furey, Josh Lieb & Paul Simms
May 21, 1997 (1997-05-21)324
WNYX is imagined as a news radio station in space in the future. The crew still have the same jobs, and WNYX is still a radio station. Bill and Catherine read ads ("Soylent Green, made from the best stuff on Earth: people") and news from the future. Meanwhile, Joe is thawed out after more than 80 years of suspended animation to fix the reactor for the station. Jimmy needs to cut the budget, so he needs to have either Bill or Catherine go into suspended animation for 50 years. Dave and Lisa, meanwhile, are still trying to figure out if they should live together, and where. Although Joe tinkers with the reactor, his repairs (hitting it numerous times with a pair of pliers and then pulling out a circuit board) fail to produce the desired effect, and he announces that the whole station will blow up unless everyone (save for two people) goes into suspended animation pods for 50 years so they can shut the station down and wait for help. The crew, with the exception of Bill (who is paranoid that someone else will wind up making just as much money when he wakes up) and Matthew (who tells his android girlfriend to take his place—even though, as she tries to point out, she doesn't need oxygen or food to survive) get into the pods. Matthew trips over a cord, unplugging the pods from their power source, instantly killing everyone except for himself and Bill. Bill then informs Matthew that they'll have to re-start the human race together. (Matthew agrees--"But no gay stuff.") Guest stars Bobbie Brown as Irene.
5325"Injury"Rich BerenPaul SimmsJune 5, 1997 (1997-06-05)203

When uninsured Matthew is injured goofing off at work, Dave and Lisa try to pass it off as a workplace accident so that workers' compensation will pay for the hospital costs. Bill objects to a fellow newscaster's use of the word "penis" on the air by giving a series of on-air editorials in which he uses the word a number of times himself. Guest stars Bob Odenkirk as Dr. Smith. Norm Macdonald returns as Roger, Mr. James' lawyer.

This episode was intended to appear in season 2. It was delayed because the script called for Bill (Phil Hartman) to repeatedly use the word "penis" (some of which were ultimately edited out). Because of this, the episode is intentionally featured on both the first (Seasons 1 & 2) and second (Season 3) NewsRadio DVD releases.

Season 4 (1997–98)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
541"Jumper"Tom CheronesPaul SimmsSeptember 23, 1997 (1997-09-23)401

Bill tries to save a suicidal man standing on the ledge outside of Dave's office. Guest stars Jon Lovitz as Mike Johnson, and Ivan Allen Jr. as Newsman.

This is the second appearance of Jon Lovitz on NewsRadio. He played the part of a mental patient in season three's Our Fiftieth Episode.
552"Planbee"Tom CheronesBrian KelleySeptember 30, 1997 (1997-09-30)402
Mr. James brings in Andrea, an efficiency expert, to bring some order to WNYX. The staff tries to protect Matthew from being fired. Bill auditions for a television news anchor job. Guest stars Scott Valentine as Producer, Charlotte Booker as Makeup Artist, John Vosler as Painter. Recurring characters Lauren Graham as Andrea, and Michael Kostroff as Carl.
563"The Public Domain"Tom CheronesJoe FureyOctober 28, 1997 (1997-10-28)404

Andrea tries to replace Dave with a bland, laconic executive named Steve. Bill decides to embark on a Mark Russell-style piano act, performing satirical songs about politics and angering Dave in the process. Mr. James brings a documentary crew to the station. Matthew continues to lobby Dave for his old job. Guest stars Paul Gleason as Steve Johnson, Peter Spellos as Camera Guy, and Cheryl Kirby as Passenger. Lauren Graham returns as Andrea.

As noted in this episode's DVD commentary, this episode is entitled "The Public Domain" because the songs Bill played on the piano were all in the public domain: When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again; Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star; Row, Row, Row Your Boat; etc.
574"Super Karate Monkey Death Car"Tom CheronesJosh LiebNovember 4, 1997 (1997-11-04)403
Mr. James hosts a bookstore reading of his newly-republished autobiography, which he had translated back into English because it was a bestseller in Japan; but he finds that Jimmy James: Capitalist Lion Tamer is now titled Jimmy James: Macho Business Donkey Wrestler and is full of bizarre turns of phrase. Andrea subjects the staff to polygraph tests, which leads to Lisa revealing her extensive criminal record. Guest stars Dave Allen as Lackey, Mark Conley as Pilot, Zuhair Haddad as Maitre d', Brian Posehn as Fan, Ron Jeremy as Fan, and Michael Raysses as Technician. Lauren Graham returns as Andrea.
585"French Diplomacy"Tom CheronesDrake SatherNovember 11, 1997 (1997-11-11)405
Bill's editorials become more than Lisa can handle. Dave breaks up with Lisa because he thinks the relationship will hurt them at work. Andrea, who is hurt that she didn't know about the relationship, helps Lisa get revenge by making her the boss and making Dave Bill's producer. Guest stars Nancy Bell as Brandi, and Edith Barnes as Mrs. Barnes. Lauren Graham returns as Andrea.
596"Pure Evil"Tom CheronesStory by: Brian Kelley & Lewis Morton
Teleplay by: Paul Simms
November 18, 1997 (1997-11-18)407
Dave plots against Lisa to get his job back by goading Bill to do fake interviews of President Clinton on the air. Matthew starts sleeping in Lisa's office. Guest stars George Dobesh as Senator, and Grace Morley as Cindy.
607"Catherine Moves On"Tom CheronesJosh Lieb & Paul SimmsNovember 25, 1997 (1997-11-25)408
Catherine announces she is leaving WNYX. The rest of the staff offer Mr. James their versions of how Catherine quit and why, colored by their own perceptions. Joe makes one last attempt to get with Catherine.
618"Stupid Holiday Charity Talent Show"Tom CheronesAlan J. HigginsDecember 16, 1997 (1997-12-16)409
Mr. James offers to give Matthew his job back if WNYX wins the New York Holiday Charity Talent Show, so that he can win a bet with Ted Turner. Dave reveals a new talent - knife-throwing. Bill plays piano for Beth while she sings "Makin' Whoopee", and attempts to coach her in her singing. Ultimately, Matthew takes the stage as a ventriloquist, and his pathetic act wins him the contest on a sympathy vote, getting him his job back. Guest stars Kevin McDonald as Throwdini, and Tom Parks as Emcee.
629"The Secret of Management"Tom CheronesLewis MortonJanuary 1, 1998 (1998-01-01)406
Bill hires a butler. Lisa asks Mr. James to teach her "The Secret of Management". Matthew is depressed. Guest stars Ian Abercrombie as Cadbury, and Mary Lynn Rajskub as Waitress.
6310"Look Who's Talking"Tom CheronesJoe FureyJanuary 6, 1998 (1998-01-06)412
Bill decides that he wants to adopt a child. Lisa grows jealous because Bill has a natural rapport with children which she lacks, but Dave comes to think Bill will be a great father. Mr James takes part in a bachelor auction for charity, and rents a duchess title for Beth so that she can bid on him. Joe accompanies her, acting as her homosexual limo driver. Guest stars Denise Dowse as Adoption Agent, Judy Geeson as Auctioneer, Lynn A. Henderson as Mother #1, Clarinda Ross as Mother #2, Patricia Place as Rich Woman, Logan Craig O'Brien as Charlie, Jim Hanna as Husband, Kate Gladfelter as Wife, and Reed Rudy as Rich Guy.
6411"Chock"Tom CheronesSam Johnson & Chris MarcilJanuary 13, 1998 (1998-01-13)410
It is Dave's 32nd birthday, and the other members of his college a cappella group show up at WNYX to reform the group. Guest stars Bob Odenkirk as Bob, David Cross as David, and Brian Posehn as Brian.
6512"Who's the Boss: Part 1"Gregg HeschongJosh LiebJanuary 20, 1998 (1998-01-20)411
Lisa is tired of being the boss and Dave doesn't want the job. They decide to "punish" Bill by making him the boss in order to teach him a lesson after his insubordinate behavior. Most of the office comes to believe Bill is a great boss after he gives pointless tasks to Matthew and Beth.
6613"Who's the Boss: Part 2"Tom CheronesBrian KelleyFebruary 3, 1998 (1998-02-03)413
Mr. James decides to let the staff vote between Dave and Lisa to determine who will be the boss, though they are both open about not wanting the job throughout the entire election. Matthew runs for floor fire marshal. Joe's brothers show up and create mayhem. Guest stars Bryan Callen as Russ Garreli, Nick DiPaolo as Jack Garreli, and Robert Hegyes as Sal Garreli. Michael Kostroff returns as Carl.
6714"Security Door"Tom CheronesStory by: Joe Furey & Lewis Morton
Teleplay by: Sam Johnson & Chris Marcil
February 24, 1998 (1998-02-24)415
Dave has a security door installed at the station. Everyone immediately circumvents the door. Bill tries out for a commercial.
6815"Big Brother"Judi EltermanLewis MortonMarch 3, 1998 (1998-03-03)414
Matthew gets involved in a mix-up at the Big Brother program. Bill tries to get Dave jealous by telling him that Lisa is dating somebody else. Guest stars Michael Buchman Silver as Danny, and Mike Colt as Guard.
6916"Beep, Beep"Tom CheronesAlan J. HigginsMarch 18, 1998 (1998-03-18)416
Mr. James gives Matthew a small battery-powered car for his birthday, and tries to get Dave and Lisa back together so that they can be more productive. Guest stars Antoinette Valente as Mary.
7017"Balloon"Tom CheronesStory by: Joe Furey & Paul Simms
Teleplay by: Josh Lieb
March 25, 1998 (1998-03-25)417
Mr. James decides that he needs to fly around the world in a hot air balloon in order to prove his machismo to the other billionaires. Guest stars Dave Nemeth as TV Anchor.
7118"Copy Machine"Joe FureyDrake SatherApril 8, 1998 (1998-04-08)418
Ted from accounting is killed by the copy machine and Joe feels responsible. Dave has trouble dealing with his grief over the death even though he didn't know Ted, and Ted's former college roommate comes to the office to talk to the staff about their memories of Ted, in preparation for his eulogy. Guest stars Tom Gallop as Jack, and Christopher Randolph as Paramedic.
7219"Monster Rancher"Tom CheronesStory by: Brian Kelley & Lewis Morton
Teleplay by: Sam Johnson & Chris Marcil
April 15, 1998 (1998-04-15)419
Mr. James makes Dave hire his nephew Walt (Brad Rowe). Dave resents it at first, but Walt is genuinely interested in radio, and has been obsessed with Dave's radio career since seeing him speak in junior high. Dave is touched and begins to give advice to Walt, which soon backfires when Walt reveals his crush on Lisa. Bill feels threatened by Walt's youth and good looks. Matthew asks Lisa out on a date, and she has trouble not hurting his feelings. Joe Rogan does not appear.
7320"4:20"Judi EltermanPaul SimmsApril 29, 1998 (1998-04-29)420
Mr. James invites the WNYX staff to a smoker at his men's club, where Matthew and Joe will participate in a no holds barred Ultimate Fight. Walt's crush on Lisa bothers Bill more than it does Dave. Guest stars David Dunard as Referee, and Brad Rowe returns as Walt.
7421"Jackass Junior High"Tom CheronesStory by: Drake Sather & Paul Simms
Teleplay by: Joe Furey & Alan J. Higgins
May 6, 1998 (1998-05-06)421

Beth is on vacation and Lisa is the only woman working in the station. The guys see this as a license to be vulgar, because they think of Lisa as "one of the guys". Bill becomes worried the people don't think he is funny. Mr. James discovers a tax loophole and turns the station into a historic landmark, as long as they host six tours a day. Guest stars Mark Jonathan Davis as Himself, Jonelle Kennedy as Cheryl, Michelle Benes as Tour Woman, Doug Gochman as Tourist #1, Allan Murray as Tourist #2, Grady Hutt as Teenager, and Mathew Weiss as Kid. Brad Rowe returns as Walt.

Vicki Lewis is not in this episode; she was away working on Pushing Tin.
7522"Sinking Ship"Tom CheronesStory by: Chris Marcil, Lew Morton, Drake Sather, & Paul Simms
Teleplay by: Joe Furey, Brian Kelley, Josh Lieb, & Sam Johnson
May 12, 1998 (1998-05-12)422

Another "what if" episode that places Newsradio on the Titanic. Guest stars Emil Alexander as Porter, and Brad Rowe returns as Walt.

Vicki Lewis does not appear in this episode, and she is not included in the specially-created opening credits. Her absence was noted at the end of the show, when the audience is told that she was in Toronto working on Pushing Tin. She does, however, appear on the DVD commentary. Hartman himself hosts this episode, book-ending the story. The episode marks his final appearance in the series.

Season 5 (1998–99)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
761"Bill Moves On"Tom CheronesPaul SimmsSeptember 23, 1998 (1998-09-23)501

The staff members mourn Bill's death. Guest stars Khandi Alexander as Catherine Duke.

The cast could barely get through reading the script due to the death of Phil Hartman. They broke down in tears several times while filming the episode.
772"Meet the Max Louis"Tom CheronesJosh LiebOctober 7, 1998 (1998-10-07)502
Dave hires Max Louis (Jon Lovitz) as Bill's replacement.
783"Lucky Burger"Tom CheronesAlan J. HigginsOctober 14, 1998 (1998-10-14)503
Matthew is determined to prove Max a fraud, while Lisa takes a job at a fast food restaurant to ferret out corruption. Guest stars David Anthony Higgins as The Manager.
794"Noise"Tom CheronesSam Johnson & Chris MarcilOctober 21, 1998 (1998-10-21)504
Dave and Jimmy become addicted to Joe's white noise box. Matthew comes to terms with Max, while Lisa feuds with him over "This Day in History."
805"Flowers for Matthew"Tom CheronesMark O'Keefe & Ron WeinerOctober 28, 1998 (1998-10-28)505
Joe's smart drink actually makes Matthew smart, but it can't last forever. Beth and Max may have feelings for one another, but Max throws Lisa into the mix.
816"Jail"Tom CheronesTom Saunders & Kell CahoonNovember 4, 1998 (1998-11-04)506
Jimmy is arrested as infamous hijacker D. B. Cooper. Johnny Johnson temporarily replaces Jimmy, but looks to make it permanent. Guest stars Langdon Bensing as FBI Agent, David Basulto as Guard #1, Jeff Greenwald as Security Guard, and Aaron Knight as Guard #1. Patrick Warburton joins as Johnny Johnson.
827"The Lam"Tom CheronesSam Johnson & Chris MarcilNovember 11, 1998 (1998-11-11)507
Fugitive Jimmy hides out with Dave's parents. Johnny offers to stop being evil if Lisa will marry him. Guest stars Spencer Garrett as G-Man, and Patrick Warburton returns as Johnny Johnson.
838"Clash of the Titans"Tom CheronesJosh LiebNovember 24, 1998 (1998-11-24)508
Jimmy is cleared of all charges when Adam West confesses to the crime, but now has to fight to get his company back from Johnny. Guest stars Casey Sander as Prosecutor, Julius Tennon as Judge, and Adam West as Himself. Patrick Warburton returns as Johnny Johnson.
849"Boston"Tom CheronesAlan J. HigginsDecember 9, 1998 (1998-12-09)509
Max accidentally restores Lisa's Boston accent; Dave records an inspirational message for his high school.
8510"Spooky Rapping Crypt"Tom CheronesMark O'KeefeDecember 15, 1998 (1998-12-15)510
Beth causes Jimmy's ire when she demands a profit sharing plan; Matthew discovers Lisa's Satanic cult through recovered memory therapy.
8611"Stinkbutt"Tom CheronesDrake SatherJanuary 5, 1999 (1999-01-05)511
Joe and Beth paint a mural; Lisa and Matthew wear the same outfit; Max fights with Jimmy's new security consultant. Guest stars Toby Huss as Jack Frost.
8712"Apartment"Skip CollectorStory by: Sam Johnson and Chris Marcil
Teleplay by: Tom Saunders & Kell Cahoon
January 12, 1999 (1999-01-12)512
Dave and Lisa fight over a new apartment. Joe puts up a webcam.
8813"Towers"Judi EltermanStory by: Cliff Schoenberg
Teleplay by: Alan J. Higgins
February 2, 1999 (1999-02-02)513
Jimmy plans to build gigantic J-shaped twin towers; Matthew transforms into a 70's punk to avoid dealing with his 30th birthday.
8914"Hair"Tom CheronesJosh LiebFebruary 9, 1999 (1999-02-09)514
Joe hypnotizes Jimmy to cure his fear of hippies; Beth and Max are spoiling Lisa's new puppy.
9015"Assistant"Tom CheronesRon WeinerFebruary 16, 1999 (1999-02-16)515
Joe is smitten over Lisa's new assistant; Jimmy redecorates the men's room and Beth fights for access to it. Guest stars Tiffani-Amber Thiessen as Foxy Jackson.
9116"Wino"Tom CheronesSam Johnson & Chris MarcilFebruary 23, 1999 (1999-02-23)516
Johnny Johnson (guest star Patrick Warburton) returns--claiming to be no longer evil, but now a wino--to ask for Lisa's hand in marriage. Guest stars Alan Frazier as Bum.
9217"Wedding"Tom CheronesTom Saunders & Kell CahoonMarch 2, 1999 (1999-03-02)517
Dave tries to prevent Lisa from marrying Johnny. Guest stars Paul F. Tompkins as Justice of the Peace, and Jeb Barrows as Man in Black. Returning guest stars Alan Frazier as Bum and Patrick Warburton returns as Johnny Johnson.
9318"Ploy"Tom CheronesMark O'KeefeMarch 9, 1999 (1999-03-09)518
Lisa hyphenates her last name; Max announces he's going to quit. But what are his intentions?
9419"Padded Suit"Dave FoleyStory by: Mike Preister
Teleplay by: Ron Weiner
April 13, 1999 (1999-04-13)519
Matthew and Max learn Joe's self-invented martial art of "Joe-Jitsu", with the help of a padded suit. Meanwhile, Dave plans to fire someone, while Jimmy starts a crusade against Mother's Day.
9520"Freaky Friday"Skip CollectorStory by: Brad Copeland
Teleplay by: Josh Lieb
April 20, 1999 (1999-04-20)520
Jimmy and Matthew switch places for a day; Beth is caught cheating a CD club; Max is banned from the break room. Guest stars Wayne Federman as Randy Stark.
9621"Retirement"Judi EltermanTeleplay by: Joe Furey & Brian Kelley
Story: Paul Simms
April 27, 1999 (1999-04-27)521
Jimmy announces he's selling the station to retire to New Hampshire.
9722"New Hampshire"Tom CheronesStory by: Josh Lieb & Paul Simms
Teleplay by: Sam Johnson & Chris Marcil
May 4, 1999 (1999-05-04)522
Jimmy sells the station and retires to New Hampshire, and tries to take the WNYX staff with him.

References

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