‘Night Court’ Sequel Headed To NBC

By Reggie's Take on December 16, 2020

One of my favorite comedies of the 1980’s, Night Court, looks to be returning to television along with John Larroquette, all thanks to a Big Bang Theory star.

If you were a fan of Night Court when it originally aired in the 1980’s then get ready as NBC is developing a follow-up to the classic comedy series, with John Larroquette returning to the role of Dan Fielding.

Night Court aired on NBC for nine seasons, from January 1984 to May of 1992. The show followed a Manhattan municipal court presided over by Judge Harold “Harry” T. Stone who was young and unorthodox. The series won seven Emmys during its run, including four for John Larroquette in the best supporting actor in a comedy category.

Melissa Rauch, best known for her role as Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz on the sitcom The Big Bang Theory, approached NBC about a new incarnation of Night Court as she grew up a fan of the show and felt it could work well once again. Melissa and her husband Winston Rauch will serve as executive producers through their After January production company, which is based at Warner Bros. TV.

Based on the original series created by Reinhold Weege, the Night Court sequel will center on judge Abby Stone, daughter of the late Harry Stone, who follows in her father’s footsteps as she presides over the night shift of a Manhattan arraignment court and tries to bring order to its crew of oddballs and cynics, most notably former night court prosecutor Dan Fielding. John Larroquette will reprise his Emmy-winning role of Dan Fielding and will also serve as a producer in addition to starring in the series. Melissa Rauch is not expected to act in the series at this time.

Harry Anderson who played Judge Harold “Harry” T. Stone in the original series passed away in 2018 at the age of 65. It is not known if any of the remaining stars from the original series will be approached about returning.

Reggie’s Take:

I grew up watching Night Court as a teenager in the 1980’s. It was one of may favorite television shows on air at the time and remains one of my top five comedy shows of all time even today.

The news of Night Court coming back excites me, especially knowing that John Larroquette is returning to the role of Dan Fielding. In all honesty Fielding was my favorite character and what made the show so funny to watch. While I’m excited about the return of Night Court I also have to remain cautious. Can a newer updated version of Night Court be as funny and as entertaining as the original or will it fall short?

I like that John Larroquette is returning and I enjoyed Melissa Rauch on The Big bang Theory, but can they put the dysfunctional back into the court room in the 21st century? Here’s hoping they can.