Name: Stir Crazy
Genre: Comedy
Released: 1985-09-18
Rating: 6.5
Cast: Larry Riley, Jennifer Tilly, Jeannie Wilson

What if 48 Hrs. met Three's Company and nobody watched? A forgotten '80s sitcom curiosity.

Mini Series

Critically pannedShort-livedOddball premise

Latest Episode

60 min

Season 1 • Episode 9

Latest

Basic Straining

Jan 7, 1986

Overview

Comedy

Stir Crazy is a situation comedy aired in the United States on CBS as part of its 1985 fall lineup. Stir Crazy was based on the hit 1980 film of the same name. The theme song was "Stir It Up" by Patti LaBelle.

Content warning

male friendship on the run sitcom escaped prisoner wrongful conviction

Wrongful incarcerationUnlikely friendshipSocial injustice played for laughs

Standout Aspects

Acting

Early Jennifer Tilly before she became THAT Jennifer Tilly.

Production

Patti LaBelle theme song slaps harder than the show deserves.

Best for:Background·Binge

Creators

Larry Tucker, Larry Rosen

First AiredSep 18, 1985

StatusEnded

Vibe

Pacesteady

Intensitylow

Tonelight

Feellight

Seasons1·Episodes9

Top Cast

Larry Riley

Jennifer Tilly

Karen

Jeannie Wilson

Ask about Stir Crazy

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Trivia

The original 1980 film was the third highest-grossing film that year; this adaptation lasted exactly one month on air before CBS pulled it.

Cultural

This represents peak '80s TV desperation—turning any hit movie into a sitcom regardless of tonal fit. See also: Ferris Bueller, Uncle Buck, Working Girl.