Skip to content
Join free
Series · 1987

D.C. Follies

Created by Sid KrofftFred WillardMaurice LaMarcheJoe Alaskey
D.C. Follies poster
11 Apr 1987First aired
1Season

The series

D.C. Follies is a syndicated sitcom which aired from 1987–1989 and was set in a Washington, D.C. bar, where bartender Fred Willard would welcome puppet caricatures of that day's politicians and celebrities. The humor tended to be on the satirical side, often taking potshots at politicians and the political process. Although Willard was the only live actor appearing regularly, each episode brought a celebrity guest into the bar, such as Martin Mull, Robin Leach, Bob Uecker, and Betty White. In one episode, Robert Englund showed up as his Freddie Kruger character, and in a special Christmas episode an un-billed actor played Santa Claus. Another episode had Mike Tyson confront his own puppet character. The show was believed to be inspired by the British series Spitting Image. It was syndicated in many markets, although it often aired at odd hours, making it difficult for the show to build a following. It was produced by Sid and Marty Krofft.

Episodes

Season 1 · 45 episodes · 1987

  1. Episode 111 Apr 198730m

    Pilot

    Don King helps The Pope with his victory tour; Woody Allen discusses love and death with Fred; the former U.S. Presidents play Trivial Pursuit.

  2. Episode 215 Sep 198730m

    Reagan Parachutes into DC Follies

    Ronald Reagan parachutes into D.C. Follies to hear Woody Allen's paranoia about becoming a father. Martin Mull has trouble getting a drink while Nixon, Ford, and Carter badger him for campaign contributions. After being hit on the head, Ad…

  3. Episode 322 Sep 198730m

    Nixon's Presidential Library is a Bookmobile

    Unhappy with low ratings, Dan Rather searches for a new image for the evening news. Mikhail Gorbachev arrives at D.C. Follies in preparation for the summit. It's discovered that Nixon's presidential library is a bookmobile. Fred becomes a …

  4. Episode 429 Sep 198730m

    Sean Penn Escapes From Jail and Heads to D.C. Follies

    Prison escapee Sean Penn comes to DC Follies, where Fred and the rest of gang are preparing for the upcoming annual softball match. Also, President Reagan goes to the hospital for an operation and shares a room with Michael Jackson, Gerald…

  5. Episode 56 Oct 198730m

    Ollie North Raises Money with "Adopt-A-Contra Scheme

    Prince Charles comes to DC Follies, where he tries to win back his wife, Princess Diana. Ollie North has a new scam up his sleeves, while Gerald Ford has a new hair-growing remedy and Bob Uecker wants to run for President.

  6. Episode 613 Oct 198730m

    Tammy Faye Bakker Debuts Her Latest Song

    Caught up in the presidential campaign, Fred has a nightmare about zombie politicians. Mr. Rodgers broadcasts his show from Russia and ends up in their prison. Tammy Faye Bakker debuts her latest song and Betty White makes an appearance as…

  7. Episode 720 Oct 198730m

    Jesse Jackson Sings with Dolly, Barbara and Cher

    John Madden gives Fred a mechanical bull for the bar. Gerald Ford tries to ride it but gets thrown off head first into the wall, where he remains for the rest of the show. Dolly Parton, Barbara Streisand, and Cher testify at the space hear…

  8. Episode 827 Oct 198730m

    George H. W. Bush Schemes to get Ronald Reagan Out of the White House

    George Bush brainstorms for ways to get Reagan out of office. He tries to hypnotize the president but it backfires and he turns himself into "RoboBush." Jim and Tammy Bakker plan a movie version of their lives starring Sean Penn and Madonn…

  9. Episode 93 Nov 198730m

    Nixon Gives Fred Financial Advice…And...He Loses His Shirt

    Fred inherits a large sum of money which he invests on the advice of Richard Nixon. Needless to say, he loses all his money and is in danger of losing the bar. Nixon tries various ways to raise money for Fred, one of which is writing a chi…

  10. Episode 1010 Nov 198730m

    Nixon Impeached from Cub Scouts

    While riding in a limousine, Reagan and Gorbachev are harassed by Sam Donaldson. Back at D.C. Follies, Nixon plans a scam for his Cub Scout troupe. He is eventually caught, impeached from the organization and in his shame runs away. Mickey…

  11. Episode 1117 Nov 198730m

    Nixon Acts as Princess Di's Divorce Lawyer

    John Madden gives a play-by-play of the events leading up to the summit. Sam Donaldson practices his menacing approach to journalism on the patrons at D.C. Follies. Nixon is angry about being left out of the summit talks, but quickly recov…

  12. Episode 1224 Nov 198730m

    George H. W. Bush Falls into a Well

    Barbara Walters, Sam Donaldson, Ted Kopel and Dan Rather do a song and dance about the news media. Woody Allen reveals that he is not really Woody Allen. George Bush, in an effort to get into the spotlight, falls into a well. Fred finally …

  13. Episode 131 Dec 198730m

    Reagan Accidentally Gives Fred a Nuke for Christmas

    Santa Claus is confirmed to be real and he makes an appearance at D.C. Follies to hear everyone's Christmas wishes. Reagan attends a meeting of the defense department to learn about a new "A" bomb the size of an audio cassette, and then mi…

  14. Episode 148 Dec 198730m

    Reagan Tries to Wipe Out National Debt with TV Home Shopping Show

    It's New Years Eve and everyone is making their resolutions. Fred feels he is becoming a doormat for his customers and resolves to change. Reagan takes to the airwaves on a home shopping show in an attempt to wipe out the national debt. Ki…

  15. Episode 1515 Dec 198730m

    For Nixon's Birthday, an Opera Based on His Life

    It's Richard Nixon's birthday and the gang at D.C. Follies give him a roast. Bob Hope, Rodney Dangerfield and all the regulars join in the festivities which include an opera based on Nixon's life. The cab driver, Paul Rodriguez, crashes th…

  16. Episode 1622 Dec 198730m

    Astrologer Joyce Jillson Predicts the Future

    Famous astrologer, Joyce Jillson, sets up shop at D.C. Follies to predict the future. She predicts Jane Fonda will be a very successful bag lady; Gary Hart will again drop out of the race; Reagan will boycott the Olympics; and Nixon will b…

  17. Episode 1729 Dec 198730m

    Nixon Dreams of Being a Movie Star with Heather Thomas

    Lee Iacocca moves his Chrysler plant to outer space to avoid union problems on Earth. Barbara Streisand directs a movie at D.C. Follies starring Whoopi Goldberg. Nixon dreams of being a movie star. He is a detective and Heather Thomas is h…

  18. Episode 185 Jan 198830m

    Super Bowl at the Follies

    The Redskins vs. the Broncos in the Super Bowl. Dick Butkus is at D.C. Follies to host the pre-game show. He gives Fred and Nixon tickets to the game and the seats happen to be on the Redskin's bench. In the middle of the game there is a m…

  19. Episode 1912 Jan 198830m

    George H.W. Bush Engages Don King as His Manager

    Admiral Koop enlists the help of Sean Penn to campaign against smoking. They catch up with Rodney Dangerfield on an airplane and throw him into the arms of the police. Back at D.C. Follies, George Bush and Robert Dole are fighting like chi…

  20. Episode 2019 Jan 198830m

    Margaret Thatcher Confers with Madonna to Find a New Image

    The show opens with Donaldson, Kennedy, Iacocca and Koch playing a round of "Political Jeopardy." Back at D.C. Follies, It's Valentine's Day and Fred is pining over his lost love, Princess Di. He flashes back to memories of their relations…

  21. Episode 2126 Jan 198830m

    Lee Iacocca Becomes Lee Ayatollah and Opens a Chrysler Plant in Iran

    Lee Iacocca becomes Lee Ayatollah, opens a Chrysler plant in Iran and is bombed by U.S. Tankers. Back at D.C. Follies, Bette Midler graphically describes to Fred the birth of her baby. Then Fred helps Mayor Koch design a campaign slogan. R…

  22. Episode 222 Feb 198830m

    Recording Industry Behind Nixon's Resignation, Left Clues in Song Lyrics

    Rona Barret is on hand at the Grammys to introduce the arriving celebrities, while Whoopi Goldberg presents a Grammy to Barbara Streisand who relentlessly thanks herself. Steve Allen stops by and he and Fred try to crack the secret service…

  23. Episode 239 Feb 198830m

    Ford Begs Nixon to Read a Story from His Bedtime Tales

    Jimmy the Greek explains to Fred how TV evangelists are different from other people. Sylvester Stallone is worried about losing money if Gorbachev pulls his troop from Afghanistan -- He won't be able to make movies without a war-torn count…

  24. Episode 2416 Feb 198830m

    Presidential Candidates Selected for Jury Duty

    Having been campaigning in the south for so long, the presidential candidates find themselves selected for jury duty. In this parody of "Twelve Angry Men," our jury must decide the fate of a jaywalker. Their debate turns into a song and da…

  25. Episode 2523 Feb 198830m

    George Burns Sends Swaggert to D.C. Follies to Repent His Sins

    George Burns sends Swaggert to "D.C. Follies", to repent for sinning. Waldheim appears through the secret passageway in Fred's office while on a mortal mission to prevent the distortion of Nazi films by a Berlin Film Group. Jessica Hahn's …

  26. Episode 2615 Sep 198830m

    Mike Tyson Gives Words of Wisdom to Reagan and Gorbachev for World Peace

    Reluctant to go to school, Danny Quayle wishes he was "BIG" and pals around with George Bush and his running mate. Anticipating a fourth ex-president, Nixon, Ford, and Carter act as bookies for the upcoming election to make some extra cash…

  27. Episode 2722 Sep 198830m

    Carter, Nixon and Ford Perform Ex-President Do-Wop Blues

    The old "Nixon wit" helps keep him occupied when he gets locked in the basement with the missing Watergate tapes. Mother Mort's version of "Jack and Jill" sheds a new light on children's nursery rhymes. The truth is revealed about Elvis's …

  28. Episode 2829 Sep 198830m

    Ollie North and Nixon Plan to Take Over the Western Hemisphere

    Bush learns how to charge away the deficit problems after watching Gorbi abuse his Russian Express Card. Nixon tries to market himself as the Shroud of Turin to make money. Fred's lessons to Danny about the branches of government help him …

  29. Episode 296 Oct 198830m

    Freddy Krueger's Nightmare: Dan Quayle Elected President

    Just when Dukakis thought that his White House career would never become a reality, he lands a job as Bush's chauffeur. During Freddy Krueger's visit to D.C. Follies, he awakes from a nightmare in which Quayle almost became president. Fred…

  30. Episode 3013 Oct 198830m

    Nixon Impersonates Elvis in a Moneymaking Scheme

    In an attempt to tackle the high national debt left by the Reagan administration, Bush turns to the "Cozfather" to ask for a loan. Nixon impersonates Elvis in a conniving scheme to raise money. Fred takes on a teacher role for Danny when h…

  31. Episode 3120 Oct 198830m

    Nixon Impersonates Dangerfield, Dolly Parton and Bette Midler

    Dan Quayle heads to D.C. Follies after trying to play hooky from work. Reagan's failing memory serves as an obstacle when he tries to recount his years in office. Whoopi meets her evil counterpart at the bar. Open Mic Night is a hit with t…

  32. Episode 3227 Oct 198830m

    Reagan Auditions for a Part on 'Dynasty'

    Much to his surprise, Bush signs a nuclear freeze treaty with the Soviets when Gorbachev pretends to be a talking car device. John Forsythe auditions Reagan for a role in Dynasty only to realize that the part calls for a conniving woman...…

  33. Episode 333 Nov 198830m

    Fred Plays Chess with Yasser Arafat

    Nixon's benevolent disposition becomes evident when he decides to give profits from his book to charity. Chess has never been as appetizing as with the new Elvis edition. Mr. Downey's Neighborhood sheds new light on politics. The Supreme C…

  34. Episode 3410 Nov 198830m

    Castro and Arafat's New Show, 'Terrorists at the Movies' Gives Bambi Two Guns Down

    Geraldo's evidence from home movies of famous people proves that they were indeed once babies. Quayle's homemade autobiography-picture book attempts to capture "the real Dan." Castro and Arafat give Bambi a two guns down rating on "Terrori…

  35. Episode 3517 Nov 198830m

    Reagan Gets an Acting Job on Eightysomething

    Mort takes on the role of Professor Higgins as he tries to tame Margaret Thatcher. Ted Kennedy's life as a bachelor is made easy with the "Singles to English Dictionary." Thanks to the sweeps week, a heart transplant lands a spot on Donahu…

  36. Episode 3624 Nov 198830m

    Nixon Schemes to Make Money by Becoming a Surrogate Mother

    Dan Quayle takes a joy ride in the presidential limo while Bush is out of town. Mort translates Bush's speech for the average American. Reagan accidentally sells Gorbachev the nuclear football during a yard sale. Quayle takes precautions t…

  37. Episode 371 Dec 198830m

    The Pope Walks on Water at the Boston Harbor

    While out on Dingy I, Bush is saved from sharks that are afraid to have Quayle as president. Arafat joins the homeless when we learn that he has no visa. Mort's talk show topic of gene splicing fails to interest callers. The return of Open…

  38. Episode 388 Dec 198830m

    Nixon Hawks the Watergate Tapes for $29.99

    Gorbi gives King Kong a run for his money with his performance atop the Empire State Building. Harry Anderson's quick wit outsmarts the gang at D.C. Follies. For a mere $29.95, Tricky Rat Nixon's "educational" Racketeers tape speaks for it…

  39. Episode 3915 Dec 198830m

    Joan Rivers Debates Gorbi and Thatcher

    As Chief U.S. Delegate, Joan Rivers displays her sharp tongue with Gorbi and Thatcher. Arafat offers a new outlook on children's toys when he introduces G.I. Joe and Jane. The world of relaxation is in for a big surprise with the new Club …

  40. Episode 4022 Dec 198830m

    Nixon Contemplates a Parallel Universe Without Watergate

    Thanks to Fred, Leslie Nielsen stops by the bar to tell the story of his big break and picks up gifts from all. In search of a new profession, Ronnie disregards acting because it wouldn't allow him time to nap. Due to his ethical ways, Ger…

  41. Episode 4129 Dec 198830m

    National Rambo Association Allows Criminally Insane to Possess Guns

    Khomeni's scheme to kidnap Vice-President Quayle backfires when he finds himself begging the U.S. to take Dan back. Nixon's deep concern for the preservation of mankind causes him a headache when his warm hearted clone, Millhouse, breaks t…

  42. Episode 4229 Dec 198930m

    Nixon Has Romantic Fantasies About Bo Derek

    Nixon fantasizes a romantic weekend on the Riviera with Bo Derek, when in actuality he robbed her hotel room. Arafat has solved the problem of having to decide where to live by making his car a mobile home. Decorating the White House has b…

  43. Episode 4312 Jan 198930m

    Dolly Parton Gives Makeup Tips to Barbara Bush

    Ford's plan to go back to school to play football comes to an end when his agent, Nixon, is caught with foul play. Dolly's make-up tips for Barbara Bush cause George's eyes to pop out. Nixon tells Quayle horror stories of how the presidenc…

  44. Episode 4419 Jan 198930m

    Political Love Connection Profiles Arafat and Joan River's Dream Date

    While visiting D.C. Follies, Yakov Smirnoff makes amends with Gorbi and they perform a segment from the "Yaki and Miki Show." The ex-presidents reminisce "how it used to be" during a chauffeured trip by Fred to see Nixon accept an award. P…

  45. Episode 4526 Jan 198930m

    The Contras Help Out on Ollie North's Telethon

    Spielberg is living proof that once a director...always a director when Fred asks him to take a snapshot for him. Hollywood's top names toast Yassir for being the hardest working man in terrorism. Contrary to popular belief, Dan believes h…

Cast

TMDB This website uses TMDB and the TMDB APIs but is not endorsed, certified, or otherwise approved by TMDB.