On this day April 19, 1986, the final episode of Benson aired on ABC, bringing an end to the hit political comedy after 7 seasons and 158 episodes. The series followed the sharp witted and always composed Benson DuBois, played by Robert Guillaume, as he rose through the ranks of state government from head of household affairs to lieutenant governor.
Benson was a spinoff of the show Soap but quickly carved out its own identity, mixing humor with political satire and thoughtful character development. The show’s final episode ended on a cliffhanger, with Benson running for governor a winner was never revealed, leaving fans wondering what could have been.
Fun fact: In 1985, Robert Guillaume won the Emmy Award for Most Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Benson, becoming the first Black actor to win in that category.
Trivia question: What long running ABC sitcom ended on April 19, 1986, after 158 episodes and featured a lead character who went from house staff to lieutenant governor?
Benson was a spinoff of the show Soap but quickly carved out its own identity, mixing humor with political satire and thoughtful character development. The show’s final episode ended on a cliffhanger, with Benson running for governor a winner was never revealed, leaving fans wondering what could have been.
Fun fact: In 1985, Robert Guillaume won the Emmy Award for Most Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Benson, becoming the first Black actor to win in that category.
Trivia question: What long running ABC sitcom ended on April 19, 1986, after 158 episodes and featured a lead character who went from house staff to lieutenant governor?
