Blue Skies

Blue Skies aired on ABC in 1995, providing a unique slice of primetime television with a mix of comedy, drama, and romance that succinctly captured the spirit of the postmodern American small business ethos.

The series revolves around the characters of Russell Evans (played by Matt Roth) and Joel Goodman (played by Corey Parker), two estranged college friends each facing a crossroads in life. These reconnected buddies decide to start their own catalog enterprise, "Blue Skies," which is modeled partly on early success stories like J. Peterman and L. L. Bean. The catalog sells a wide range of offbeat and unique items, with each episode often featuring a humorous subplot involving the acquisition or sourcing of a certain product.

Russell is shown as the business' creative force, complete with charismatic charm, and a no-rules approach. Joel, in stark contrast, is neurotic and fumbling, with a meticulous eye for detail that often sees him clash with his partner's free-spirit persona. These contrasting personalities result in a comedic and engaging push-pull dynamic that forms the backbone of the series.

Adding to the comedic tension is the character of Ellie Baskin, the office manager, portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Ellie is shown as a pragmatic and no-nonsense woman, dedicated to the business. Her presence gives the audience a breath of fresh air amidst the male-dominated storyline. Various episodes showcase a subtle romantic tension between her and Joel, adding a touch of drama and realism to the otherwise comedic plot.

As the series evolves, viewers get a glimpse into the inner workings of the burgeoning direct mail business landscape along with the comedic follies and trials penned by creators John Peaslee and Judd Pillot. Blue Skies combines elements of workplace comedy and romantic drama, capturing viewers' attention by defying typical television tropes.

The show stands out for its unique premise and numerous narrative possibilities, incorporating elements of drama, comedy, and even romantic intrigue. One of the gems of the series is its showcase of the entrepreneurial spirit wrapped in the warmth of the mid-90s nostalgia, back when the internet was still in its infancy and e-commerce was not yet in vogue. Not only does the show often explore the struggles and triumphs of a start-up business, but it also presents the ever-present tension between creativity and practicality, friendship and professionalism and showcasing that living the American Dream is far from a straightforward ride.

Set in a quaint New England town and often trickling in the typical quirky charm and eccentricities of small-town life, the show does well to create an inviting atmosphere which balances out the frequent forays into business talk and logistic headaches. The character-driven series also showcases a range of interesting supporting characters like office workers, present a rich tapestry of personalities and dynamics to explore. These characters add depth and dimension to every episode and provide a delightful foil to the main trio's regular antic.

The show had a distinctive 90s flavor, which is markedly different from the contemporary offerings of its time. This is rare for sitcoms during the period, as it celebrated the charm of old-school business ventures and dreams, offering a nostalgic taste of a bygone era.

Blue Skies represented an era of television shifting towards making work and business ventures part of the prime time storytelling. While the show was short-lived, it was innovative in its presentation of the American entrepreneurial spirit and small business reality, making it an important part of the mid-nineties television landscape.

In summary, Blue Skies, was a show that daringly ventured into the trials, tribulations, and joys of running a start-up business, showcasing the exhilarating yet nerve-wracking journey of entrepreneurship. Though it lived a short life on the screen, it made its mark with its unique premise and unforgettable blend of humor, sentimentality, and human drama.