Jennifer Slept Here

Jennifer Slept Here was a American fantasy/situation comedy series that ran for one season on NBC during the 1983-1984 television season. The show was produced by Columbia Pictures Television(Now Sony Pictures Television).

Related Topics:
American - Situation comedy - NBC - 1983 - 1984 - Columbia Pictures Television - Sony Pictures Television

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In the series, Ann Jillian played Jennifer Farrell, a once-popular movie actress who made the unfortunate mistake of chasing a ice cream truck near her Los Angeles, California home. And it would be fatal--The ice cream truck accidentely backed up by mistake and ran her over, killing her.

Related Topics:
Ann Jillian - Los Angeles, California

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Fast foward to the present day. The Elliot family from New York City have moved into her home. Father George was a lawyer who was also handled the rights to Jennifer's posthumous affairs, including the house. His wife Susan was more of a concerned, yet understanding figure. Daughter Marilyn was your typical 8-year-old with a attitude.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

However they didn't count on Jennifer's spirit to still live there (Hence the show's title). And on top of that the only person that can see her is the family's teenage son Joey Elliot, who has a hard time convincing his family and friends that her ghost exist. In fact they think he needs a shrink or some sort of help.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As a result they tried everything to convince him that ghosts don't exist, with mixed results. In one episode they hired a phony exorcist(played by Zelda Rubinstein in a parody on her "Poltergeist" character Tangina Barrons) to rid the house of Jennifer by putting her spirit in a jar--only to discover that IT ACTUALLY DID WORK! Another had Jennifer helping Joey convince his family that she exist, but when George scolded Joey at the dinner table she poured milk all over him (the family saw the pitcher float by itself, but thought it was a trick wire).

Related Topics:
Zelda Rubinstein - Poltergeist

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

But Jennifer has another reason why her soul hasn't rested yet: she has to mentor Joey(whether Joey likes it or not), and at times her 'presence' puts Joey in more problems and explanations than he can handle. But despite that he does find a way get out of it, with a little help from Jennifer.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Although the show had mixed reviews and a tough Friday night timeslot, it did attract decent ratings but not enough to guarantee a second season, even when show got into the top 20 during the summer of 1984.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Today the show has attained a cult following among fans, especially those who remember the Bob Mackie outfits that Jillian wore in the series.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~