The Super is a classic American television sitcom that first aired on ABC in 1972. The show is set in an apartment complex in New York City, where the superintendent, Louie Fusco, played by Richard S. Castellano, tries to maintain order and peace among the diverse group of tenants living in the building.
Louie is a mustachioed Italian-American with a heart of gold. He takes his job as the building's super seriously, often going above and beyond the call of duty to keep his tenants happy. He is known for his catchphrase, "I'll take care of it," which he utters with a wry smile whenever a tenant comes to him with a problem.
The Super is known for its colorful cast of characters, including the building's owner, Mr. Roper, played by James Sutorius. Mr. Roper is a wealthy businessman who is often more concerned with making money than with the well-being of his tenants. He is constantly at odds with Louie, who he sees as an obstacle to his profit-making schemes.
The show also features a number of eccentric tenants, including a wisecracking cab driver named Harry, played by Bruno Kirby, and a ditzy blonde named Charlene, played by Judyann Elder. There is also a struggling actor named Tony, played by David Toma, who is always trying to land his big break.
Throughout the series, Louie tries to maintain order in the midst of these often chaotic characters. He is always willing to lend a sympathetic ear and offer his sage advice to anyone who needs it. He is often the glue that holds the building and its residents together, even as they go through their own personal struggles and dramas.
The Super was a hit with audiences during its run from 1972 to 1974. The show's humor was often lighthearted and quirky, but it also tackled some serious issues, such as racism and sexism. One episode, for example, dealt with the issue of a tenant who is falsely accused of stealing by another tenant who is racist.
Another episode explored the struggles of a single mother trying to raise her son on her own. The show's writers managed to blend these serious topics with the show's signature humor, creating a show that was both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The Super was also notable for its cultural significance. The show featured a diverse cast of characters, including African-American and Hispanic actors, which was unusual for a television show at the time. The show was ahead of its time in this regard, and helped to pave the way for more diverse representation on television in the years that followed.
Overall, The Super was a charming and engaging sitcom that offered a unique glimpse into the lives of New Yorkers living in an apartment building in the 1970s. The show's humor, heart, and diverse cast of characters made it a hit with audiences, and it remains a beloved classic even today.