The legendary actor and singer Tim Curry handed away in August 2026 on the age of 80, however his profession will stay fondly remembered by followers for years to come back. Whereas he was greatest identified for his roles in films like “The Rocky Horror Image Present,” “Clue,” “It,” and “Muppet Treasure Island,” he additionally appeared on TV now and again — together with a failed sitcom wherein he as soon as starred with Annie Potts.
The 1997 sequence “Over the Prime” centered on Simon Ferguson (Curry), an actor who, after being unexpectedly fired from his hit cleaning soap opera, is pressured to hunt shelter together with his ex-wife (Potts) on the resort she manages. Given their rocky previous and Simon’s conceited nature, the present is rife with mix-ups and hijinks as they arrive to grips with their new established order.
Though the “Over the Prime” solid — which included Steve Carell, Luke Tarsitano, and Marla Sokoloff — gave robust performances, the present garnered lower than stellar rankings after premiering on ABC. It was canceled after just some episodes, torpedoing any probabilities of the present changing into one in every of Curry’s memorable TV tasks.
Over the Prime had poor rankings and opinions
“Over the Prime” clearly did not join with audiences the best way that ABC execs could have hoped. Nonetheless, the present had loads working towards it. It was initially scheduled for a September 1997 premiere, however was pushed again to October as a way to make the most of a much less busy TV schedule. Nonetheless, it ended up premiering on the identical evening as Sport 3 of the World Collection, which proved to be even worse for rankings.
“Over the Prime” additionally debuted to combined opinions. Whereas the Los Angeles Occasions was keen on the primary two episodes, and particularly Tim Curry’s distinctive comedic efficiency as Simon, different publications, together with Selection and Deseret Information – which referred to as the sequence “totally dreadful” — weren’t impressed.
Regardless of the present’s quick shelf life, Curry and Potts, who had been pals earlier than being solid, maintained their bond for all times. Shortly after Curry’s dying, Potts posted an Instagram photograph of the pair of them at her marriage ceremony; within the caption, she revealed that her former co-star, who served as her greatest man that day, had additionally been her neighbor. “He taught me about friendship and cooking and design and gardens,” she wrote. “I taught him how one can fish. I’m so completely satisfied that you’re launched now….right into a most lovely backyard…. I’ll miss you past phrases.”
