"Rude Awakening" (1998) TV series 1998-2001

User Rating:

6.6/10   

Creator:

Claudia Lonow

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3

Release Date:

1 August 1998 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

... perfect for Showtime.

Plot:

Billie Frank, an out of work alcoholic actress, used to be somewhat of a star in her day, but now she's all washed up...

Plot Keywords:

Alcoholic | Actress | Twelve Step Program | Sexual Obsession | Flirting

Awards:

Nominated for Primetime Emmy. Another 1 nomination

Cast

Sherilyn Fenn	...	Billie Frank (55 episodes, 1998-2001)
Jonathan Penner	...	Dave Parelli (55 episodes, 1998-2001)
Lynn Redgrave	...	Trudy Frank (55 episodes, 1998-2001)
Rain Pryor	...	Jackie Garcia (30 episodes, 1998-1999)

Runtime:

22 min (55 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

USA:TV-MA

Filming Locations:

Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Columbia TriStar Television

Trivia:

The character of Billie Frank is based upon Claudia Lonow's experience. Billie is an ex-soap actress who is famous for portraying a character called Diana Gateway in a series called "Emerald Bluff". Claudia Lonow is famous for portraying Diana Fairgate in "Knots Landing" (1979).

Quotes:

Billie Frank: Come on Dave, please, I need your help, I'm begging you, and I don't usually beg! Well, not with my clothes on, anyway.

Movie Connections:

Featured in "The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn: (1999-08-12)" (1999)

Soundtrack:

Another Rude Awakening

Dark comedy at its finest

I haven't seen this show for ages now and must admit I stumbled upon it by accident when I was watching wrestling on TV and was too lazy to get up and turn it off,so I kept watching.Before it began,the consumer advice stated it contained coarse language,nudity and adult themes.That's what convinced me to watch it no matter what.But it wasn't the nudity that made it good,it was the wickedly funny and almost surreal way the show is set out.But my favorite thing about it was the first thing you noticeas soon as it starts-no audience.I thought this allowed the viewer to laugh when THEY found something funny,instead of being told when to laugh by the constantly annoying laugh lines.The themes of the show were also very daring,with things like homosexuality,sex toys women talking very openly about their bodies and so on.A great comedy show,one of the best ever made.