Sammy (TV series)

Sammy is an American adult animated sitcom that aired on NBC in 2000. Created by comedians David Spade and Drake Sather, the series only had a two-week run, from August 8 until August 15, 2000. The artstyle of the series is reminiscent of Klasky Csupo cartoons as Everett Peck was the character designer for the series.

Sammy, along with another animated sitcom, God, the Devil and Bob, was conceived by NBC in order to capitalize on the fledgling trend of animated programs geared towards adults. When God, the Devil and Bob attracted low ratings and controversy due to its subject matter, it was quickly cancelled and sold to Cartoon Network to be a part of its Adult Swim block years later. This left Sammy in limbo, not premiering until early August 2000 with minimal promotion and fanfare. NBC was contractually obligated to air the first two episodes, and once both premiered, the show was quietly cancelled. According to Olivia Hack (who voiced Lola), 13 episodes were produced.

It was the last series by Adelaide Productions to use traditional cel animation aside from the opening theme being animated in digital ink and paint.

Premise
The show is an animated sitcom whose central characters are James "Jamie" Blake and his father Sammy, both of whom are voiced by David Spade. Within the show, the younger Blake is a successful actor who lives in Los Angeles with his two brothers. The show features plot lines in which the father attempts to reconcile with his three estranged sons. Spade said that the show took inspiration from his own estrangement from his father.

Broadcast
Citing low ratings, NBC withdrew the show after only two of its thirteen episodes aired.

In 2021, a crew member from Sammy sent the episodes to a fan who released the episodes periodically on his YouTube channel, with the final episode being released on December 31 of that year.

Critical reception
David Bianculli of the New York Daily News criticized the show for a lack of humor. He also thought that Spade voicing both of the lead characters was "distracting". A review in Variety was negative toward the show for similar reasons.

Cast

 * David Spade as Sammy Blake and James Blake
 * Harland Williams as Todd Blake
 * Bob Odenkirk as Gary Blake
 * Maura Tierney as Kathy Kelly
 * Andy Dick as Mark Jacobs
 * Julia Sweeney as Marie La Peer
 * Jeffrey Tambor as Steve La Peer
 * Olivia Hack as Lola Blake (episodes 3-13)
 * Janeane Garofalo as Emily Blake
 * Mila Kunis as Lola Blake (episode 2)
 * Pauly Shore as Nelson
 * David Cross as Craig Blake
 * A. J. Benza as himself
 * Alyssa Milano as herself
 * David Duchovny as himself
 * Drew Hastings as Dr. Breman, Referee and Border Guard
 * Frank van Keeken as Theadeus
 * Mark Fite as Bartender and Doorman
 * Tony Plana as Kiosk Owner and El Capitan
 * Becky Thyre as Girl 1 and Microphone Girl
 * Candi Milo as Pilar and Mexican Woman
 * Rolando Molina as Barkeep, Mexican Guy, Deputy and Lieutenant
 * Sally Kellerman as Cleo
 * Nia Vardalos