Free Spirit (TV series)

Free Spirit is an American fantasy sitcom that aired on ABC during the 1989–1990 television season. The series stars Corinne Bohrer as a witch who moves in with a recently divorced father to help care for his three children. Originally produced by ELP Communications, Free Spirit aired from September 22, 1989, to January 14, 1990.

Overview

Free Spirit follows the misadventures of a mischievous and vivacious witch named Winnie Goodwinn who is summoned by 10-year-old Gene with a wish, and is subsequently hired as a live-in housekeeper by Gene's father Thomas J. Harper, a recently divorced lawyer. Winnie looks after Thomas' three children, Gene, 13-year-old Jessie and 16-year-old Robb who are still adjusting to their parents' divorce and their move from New York City to suburban Connecticut.
Thomas has no idea that Winnie is a witch, but his three children do. Although Winnie is good-hearted and never means any harm, her powers frequently get her and the family into trouble. Winnie often has to scramble to get out of various situations while keeping Thomas from learning her secret.

Cast

Main

Corinne Bohrer as Winnie Goodwinn
Franc Luz as Thomas J. Harper
Edan Gross as Gene Harper, the second son of Thomas
Alyson Hannigan as Jessie Harper, the daughter of Thomas
Paul Scherrer as Robb Harper, the first son of Thomas

Guest stars

Production

Casting

In the unaired pilot, Christopher Rich portrayed the role of Thomas Harper and Shonda Whipple portrayed Jessie Harper. Since the show was originally conceived as a vehicle for Edan Gross and Corinne Bohrer, producers felt that Rich and Whipple were replaceable. Only the second version of the pilot aired with Franc Luz and Alyson Hannigan in their respective roles.

Broadcast history

Free Spirit premiered as a preview broadcast on September 22, 1989, at 9:30/8:30c, on the first night in which ABC's Friday lineup used the now-popular TGIF format. On September 24, the series moved into its regular time slot of Sunday at 8/7c, airing between two other freshman series, Life Goes On and Homeroom.

Reception and cancellation

Critical reviews of Free Spirit were generally negative. In a poll conducted by Electronic Media, television critics voted it the worst show on television. In addition to poor critical reception, the series struggled in the ratings. After ratings failed to improve, ABC canceled Free Spirit in January 1990. The last episode of the fourteen produced was never aired in the United States.