Newsradio-E76/S5-Bill Moves On 1/3

The news crew copes with the loss of their good friend, Bill, after he dies of a heart attack.

When this episode was shot, tape was stopped numerous times as the cast kept breaking down in tears.

This episode is a tribute to Phil Hartman, who was shot to death by his wife in May 1998.

Khandi Alexander returns as Catherine Duke for this episode, her very last appearance on Newsradio.

Matthew: But I read his book!
Dave: Yes, you did. You magnificent bastard.
Convinced he has seen through one last ploy of Bill's, Matthew (supported by Dave) quotes George C. Scott's Oscar winning performance as Patton (1970).

Dave: So tell me Lisa, how badly did my eulogy suck?
Lisa: I really couldn't tell you Dave, because I've been drunk off my ass since eight this morning.

Dave: [reading Bill's letter] "Dear everyone, if Dave is reading this to you, I have either been fired or I have passed away. Since my formidable talent would preclude the former, I'll have to assume that the latter is true. Someone please explain that one to Matthew later."
Matthew: I don't get it.
Joe: I'll explain it to you later dude.
Dave: Thanks. He continues: "I know this is strange, but I just want to make sure my final wishes are observed. Wish number one--I wish I weren't dead. Jimmy, get your best people on this one, if you would. [Jimmy pulls out his phone.] Ha ha, just kidding. Attached please find envelopes containing personal notes for everyone. Please have them distributed to the appropriate parties. [Matthew takes the notes and passes them out.] Matthew seems like the ablest man for this very challenging task.
Matthew:I'm on it. [Everyone straightens out the mixed-up letters.]

Category:

Comedy

Tags:

• sitcom
• maura
• tierney
• phil
• hartman
• stephen
• root
• dave
• foley
• andy
• dick
• vicki
• lewis
• joe
• rogan
• khandi
• alexander
• jon
• lovitz

[hXcsXeHector]

Not to be a total ass or something but there is technically a continuity error. I love Newsradio and have seen every episode. I recall a Halloween episode (I think it was) where Bill talks with a fortune teller and she tells him the day he'd die. Unfortunately this wasn't true.

[apocalyptichybrid2]

What error?

[reallylazzy]

Im not saying anything about the audience but personally i had a hard time laughing during this epi

[apocalyptichybrid2]

I've only watched this episode once and I don't even remember laughing, I haven't watched it again.

[TexasPsychoK]

How the hell did this show not win Emmys? Friends, Everybody Loves Raymond, Frasier were all overrated dreck. Phil Hartman was a genius. RIP :(

[apocalyptichybrid2]

There was a conspiracy within the network to destroy it, one very similar that the show Arrested Development suffered also, although they won 22 awards and were nominated 33 times. NewsRadio was nominated for a Artios, Image and TV Land award. It won none. It did win an emmy in 98 for Outstanding Costuming! lol What a joke. And lost 2 others. It never received nominations in the categories it should of dominated. It was an absolute travesty. The old owner and execs at NBC purposely destroyed it.

[djtrixen]

how difficult it must have been to tape a sit com episode and crack jokes about a character's death when the actor had actually been murdered. that takes quite a bit of acting ability (not to mention restraint).

[jennabenna6600]

@x4zmodi0us it was his wife

[jennabenna6600]

@equisxx12 he didn't leave, he died

[jennabenna6600]

@djtrixen i read that they had to stop filming many times because they were crying so much.

[smurfyday]

@Shattered20 time.com/time/arts/article/0,8­599,1645175,00.html

[equisxx12]

When Catherine left the show it was a bummer. She was hot and although they never gave her a lot of lines, I really liked that character. But when Bill left the show, that’s when the cards came tumbling down. I became, somewhat, like Matthew; Where’s Bill, I need Bill. haha. I needed that insolent person that mistreated Matthew. After Phil death, I probably watched 3 or 4 more episodes and then I stopped watching. I liked all the actors in the show, but without Phil Hartman, the magic was gone.

[KingRockyIV]

@hXcsXeHector Don't you see? This proves he's still alive. At least until.... 4:20pm, March 8th, 2232.

In my perfect world, Phil Hartman is still doing NewsRadio, The Simpsons, and Futurama. Also, Andy Dick is a homeless man.

[HerecomestheCalavera]

I've read it was really hard for the cast to get through this episode.

[x4zmodi0us]

chick tht killed him is a super cunt

[spacecowboy5000]

Phil Hartman brought a lot of happiness and laughter to millions. It's only fitting and appropriate that the show say goodbye with laughter. Personally, if my own funeral isn't a laugh fest I'm going to come back as a spirit and tickle everyone's feet in their sleep. RIP Phil Hartman.

[DrThemoWorm]

@equalcharliebrown They did this episode after Phil Hartman was killed by his wife (who then shot herself).