Open All Night

Open All Night is a situation comedy on ABC. It premiered on November 28, 1981, and ran until March 5, 1982. The show centered on Gordon Feester and his oddball family who lived and worked in a convenience store. It was somewhat based on the British series Open All Hours. Jay Tarses was co-creator, writer, and director of the show. Cassandra Peterson made a guest appearance on one episode. David Letterman also made a guest appearance, and made a sly reference to his daytime talk show, which was canceled a year before.

Directed by Jay Tarses, Open All Night leans on a strong ensemble — George Dzundza, Susan Tyrrell, Sam Whipple — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The series landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 1981.