Style & Substance

In early 1998, there were two attempts to satirize Martha Stewart (pre-insider trading scandal) in sitcom format. The first, and better of the two, was "Style & Substance" with Jean Smart ("Designing Women" "24") and Nancy McKeon; the second was the Judith Light ("Who's the Boss," "Ugly Betty") vehicle "The Simple Life." Allegedly Stewart, who had her own show on the network, hit the roof when she found out about the two shows... though she wasn't able to stop them from airing. Unfortunately, after airing "Style" on Monday nights paired with one year wonder "George & Leo" for a month, the series was canceled, though it later returned on low-rated Wednesday nights with "The Nanny," filling the slot that was quickly vacated by "The Simple Life" (where "Style" garnered decent ratings -- after the network had given up on it). Both shows were instantly forgotten... yet we still have moronic reruns of "The Nanny" (once again proving that there's little justice in the world).

From creator Peter Tolan ("Rescue Me," "The Larry Sanders Show"), "Style & Substance" is the story of Chelsea Stevens (Jean Smart, "Designing Women," "24"), a passive-aggressive, neurotic, obsessive nutcase (she throws dinner parties for imaginary guests and has constructed a bizarre fantasyland in her attic) who built a media empire devoted to "good style and gracious living." Unfortunately, Chelsea's empire winds up being bought out by the evil Ferber Corporation and the domestic diva begrudgingly finds herself having to answer to a new boss: naive Midwesterner Jane Sokol (Nancy McKeon). Episodes usually revolved around Chelsea's outlandish eccentricities and straight-man Jane's attempts to deal with this "weirdsmobile." Others in their lives include Trudy Weissman (Linda Kash), an abrasive food stylist; interior designer Mr. John (Joseph Maher), a gossipy "old queen;" Bobby (Vyto Ruginis), a pretentious, womanizing lawyer; Elvis-wannabe Earl (Alan Autry), Chelsea's handyman/gardener/spiritual adviser; and Terry (Heath Hyche), Chelsea's lovable but thoroughly inept airhead assistant.

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The series could've truly become great if it hadn't gotten canceled so quickly -- the show started off strong, but the cast and crew really started finding their groove as the series progressed. In press for the show, Jean Smart said, "I think for the first time, this role finally convinces me that I AM funny. But Nancy helps make me funny, and I don't ever forget that." At the Christmas party just prior to the show's debut, one of the writers prophetically remarked to Smart, "This has been so great. Great cast and they all love each other. Great writing. Everybody's having a good time. It's hilarious. We're screwed!" The show debuted on January 5, 1998; it was canceled a month later after five episodes had aired. Smart and McKeon learned the show had been pulled from the schedule just prior to the taping of an episode.

"I don't really know why it got canceled," Smart remarked in McKeon's episode of "Biography." "I think maybe Martha Stewart thought we were sort of making fun of her, and I heard she wasn't really happy." McKeon reiterated Smart's sentiments: "We were on CBS, [Martha Stewart] was on CBS. I think a lot of things collided about that." McKeon also remarked, "Even though it was only one season, I had some of the best times of my life doing 'Style & Substance.'"

Sadly the show is not available on DVD, but there are copies of all 13 episodes (including the unaired finale) floating around....

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EPISODES

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Episode 1: "Pilot"

Soon after Jane starts her new job, she finds Chelsea meddling in her personal life. Guest-stars Peter Krause ("Sports Night," "Six Feet Under," "Dirty Sexy Money").

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Episode 2: "A Trip to Chelseatown"

Jane finds herself temporarily rooming with Chelsea, and she soon discovers the domestic diva is even more of a crackpot than she initially realized.

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Episode 3: "Terry, We Hardly Knew Ye"

Chelsea makes Jane fire Terry; Trudy and Mr. John each fawn over his replacement (Robert Gant, "Queer as Folk").

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Episode 4: "Office Management for Beginners"

When Chelsea manipulates Jane and Bobby to find money in the budget for a extravagant automobile, it ignites an escalating office war.

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Episode 5: "Chelsea's Ex"

When Chelsea bumps into her ex-husband (Doug Sheehan), she becomes convinced that he wants her back. Meanwhile, Mr. John is forced by his life partner to tell his aged parents (Eric Christmas, Frances Bay) that he's gay... a trait which his coworkers believe may be inherited.

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Episode 6: "The Boss & Other Disasters"

When Jane's boss (John O'Hurley) comes to town, she's determined to make a good impression on him, but unusual circumstances arise during his stay that make him suicidal.

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Episode 7: "Chelsea Gets An Opinion"

To offset some bad press, Chelsea foolishly decides to go on a talk show that's modeled after "Politically Incorrect." Guest stars Harry Shearer, Chris Darden, Buzz Aldren, Dr. Joyce Brothers, Vanna White and series creator Peter Tolan.

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Episode 8: "A Recipe for Disaster"

Jane surprises Chelsea by inviting her childhood idol (Jean Stapleton) to appear on the show, but they soon discover the original domestic diva is off her rocker. Meanwhile, office workers are plagued with bizarre sex dreams.

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Episode 9: "No Soap, Romeo"

Jane begins dating a clingy, self-involved soap star (Larry Poindexter) and haplessly encourages him to quit his job. Meanwhile, Terry is bullied by a creepy delivery man (series writer/producer Gary Janetti) and Chelsea finds herself addicted to soap operas.

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Episode 10: "The Plate"

Chelsea becomes consumed with getting her hands on Jane's antique plate... but there's harsh consequences when it finally winds up in her clutches. Meanwhile, Trudy discovers her boyfriend really is too good to be true.

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Episode 11: "Chelsea's First Date"

Chelsea agrees to a date with an old friend (Michael Nouri) and soon finds herself standing at the altar before God and Carol Channing.

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Episode 12: "I Went to a Garden Party"

Chelsea's scheme to win an award by hosting a quaint function for a rehab organization hits a major snag when she unknowingly drugs her guests. Meanwhile, Trudy writes a letter of complaint to a candy company on Terry's behalf. Guest-stars Christine Estabrook ("Desperate Housewives").

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Episode 13: "Do Not Go Squealing Into That Good Night"

Chelsea is blamed when her neighbor's pig winds up dead, but the real culprit is the one person no one would ever suspect.

NOTE: This finale episode was never broadcast in the USA!

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DOWNLOADS

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Press Kit

Here's the complete press kit, which features a bunch of information about the genesis of the show, bios, cast lists, 8x10 photos, Chelsea's Helpful Hints, plus a full-page magazine ad (above) heralding the premiere and a vintage review!

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LINKS

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