Q. What came firstthe game or the show?
A. The game it was created in 1987, while the show premiered in 1990.
Q. Do I need to play the game to watch the show?
A. Not at all while the show borrows some characters from the game, they’re presented in an entirely different way. The plot of the game followed seven teenagers on a quest to rescue a kidnapped cheerleader the Edisons were the villains of the game. The game also features much more black humor and sexual connotations than the more family-friendly television show.
Q. Who were the stars of the show?
A.
- Dr. Fred Edison (Joe Flaherty)
- Casey Edison (Deborah Theaker)
- Tina Edison (Kathleen Robertson)
- Ike Edison (Avi Phillips)
- Turner Edison (George Buza)
- Idella Muckle-Orca (Mary Charlotte Wilcox)
- Harry Orca (a.k.a. Harry the Fly) (John Hemphill)
Q. Were there any notable guest stars?
A. Yes, including:
- Puerto Rican actor Jose Ferrer
- Actor and comedian Dave Thomas
- Actor and comedian Martin Short
- Director David Cronenberg
- Actress and comedienne Andrea Martin
- Wrestler Dewey Robertson
- Actor and writer Eugene Levy
- Opera singer Jan Rubes
Q. How long did the show last?
A. The show had three seasons of 22 episodes each. The first episode aired September 17, 1990, and the finale aired on April 4, 1993.
Q. What channels aired the show?
A. The show aired on the Family Channel in America and YTV in Canada. After its cancellation, the Family Channel showed reruns until 1994, YTV showed them until 1997, and the Canadian channel Showcase showed reruns up throw 2002.
Q. How can I see the show today?
A. Willing to spend 55 for two episodes? That’s how much the 46-minute Maniac Mansion: The Love Collection VHS will cost you on Amazon.com. The tape includes the episodes “Flystruck” and “Fred’s A-Courtin’.” There is an internet petition to release Maniac Mansion on DVD, but no plans have been announced.
