5-Part Workplace Sitcom From The 1990s Has One Of The Best Casts Ever

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This 1990s workplace comedy, which ran for five seasons, featured a remarkably talented cast. Many of the actors were already well-known or went on to achieve even greater success. It’s unusual for sitcoms from that era to be praised for having such a strong ensemble.

These shows weren’t necessarily filled with unknown actors, but they usually featured one or two big stars alongside a supporting cast of less famous performers, or actors whose careers peaked on those series. It’s unusual today to see a show like Parks and Recreation where many of the actors became more famous after it aired.

NewsRadio was a truly special show, boasting a cast full of well-known actors. Created by Paul Simms, this workplace comedy premiered on NBC in 1995 and lasted five seasons. It centered around the employees of WNYX, a New York City AM news radio station, and began with the arrival of a new station manager, Dave Nelson.

The team appears to be functioning well without him, and while he’s adapted to the job, he never quite manages to lead the somewhat chaotic, but good-hearted, news staff. Dave Foley plays the character Dave, and the cast also features several well-known actors, including Stephen Root as Jimmy James, the station’s wealthy owner.

I absolutely loved the cast of this show! Andy Dick was hilarious as the reporter Matthew Brock, and Maura Tierney was great as Lisa Miller, who had a thing for Dave. Joe Rogan played the station handyman, which was a fun role for him, and Khandi Alexander and Phil Hartman were perfect as the news anchors. It was so sad when Phil Hartman passed away – Jon Lovitz stepped in as his replacement in the fifth season. And the guest stars! Recurring characters played by David Cross, Bob Odenkirk, and even Lauren Graham – the show was packed with talent!

What The Cast Of NewsRadio Has Gone On To Do

The show Newsroom featured a remarkably skilled cast, including both established stars and actors who would later achieve even greater success. Dave Foley is a seasoned comedic actor known for his roles in shows like Veep and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and more recently, as a lead in Fargo season 5. Stephen Root is a frequent collaborator with the Coen brothers, appearing in films such as No Country for Old Men and O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and he recently starred in Widow’s Bay.

Andy Dick was once a well-known comedic actor, even having his own show, The Andy Dick Show, though he’s less visible now. Maura Tierney is an award-winning actress, having won a Golden Globe for her work on The Affair. She’s also known for her roles as Abby Lockhart on ER and as Susan, the wife of James Spader’s character, on The Office.

NewsRadio Main Cast
Character Actor
Dave Nelson Dave Foley
Jimmy James Stephen Root
Matthew Brock Andy Dick
Lisa Miller Maura Tierney
Beth Vicki Lewis
Joe Garrelli Joe Rogan
Catherine Duke Khandi Alexander
Bill McNeal Phil Hartman
Max Louis Jon Lovitz

Joe Rogan is a hugely popular podcaster, known for his show, The Joe Rogan Experience. Khandi Alexander is a celebrated actress, having starred in Scandal and the HBO movie Bessie. Phil Hartman was a successful comedian and actor during his time on NewsRadio. Before that, he was a cast member on Saturday Night Live for eight years, from 1986 to 1994.

Phil Hartman was the voice of memorable characters like Troy McClure and Lionel Hutz on The Simpsons. He also appeared in films like So I Married an Axe Murderer and Coneheads. Sadly, Hartman died while working on the show NewsRadio, and Jon Lovitz finished out his role.

Kevin Lovitz was a regular on Saturday Night Live from 1985 to 1990 and is also known for his voice work on The Simpsons. He’s appeared in films like Three Amigos and Rat Race, and has had many smaller roles on TV shows such as Tires, A.P. Bio, and New Girl. While NewsRadio is often overlooked among popular ’90s shows, its talented cast is certainly well-known.

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2026-06-02 17:53