Betty White's Second Sitcom Was Canceled Thanks To A Meddling Sponsor
tvline.com • • entertainment
Key Points:
- "Date With the Angels," Betty White's second sitcom, premiered on ABC in 1957 but was hindered by sponsor Plymouth's disapproval of its fantasy elements, leading to the removal of dream sequences that weakened the show's appeal.
- The series, initially inspired by the play "Dream Girl," lost its unique imaginative aspect and became a generic domestic comedy, resulting in poor reviews and low ratings during its two-season run.
- Despite the show's failure, Betty White remained under contract with Plymouth and ABC, transitioning to a live variety format with "The Betty White Show" in 1958, which received mixed but somewhat improved critical reception.
- White later reflected on "Date With the Angels" as a rare low point in her career but acknowledged it as a valuable learning experience in her television journey.
