My Favorite Year (1982)

In the vibrant hustle of 1950s New York, the dawn of live television is painting a fresh canvas for entertainment. Benjy Stone, a young, unsophisticated writer finds himself at the forefront of this revolution, working on a top-rated comedy-variety show. When the show's audacious headliner, King Kaiser, brings on Alan Swann, a once-glamorous movie-star now infamous for his drinking and womanizing habits, Benjy's life takes an unexpected turn. Tasked with the Herculean ordeal of chaperoning Swann, Benjy must not only keep his childhood hero sober, but also ensure his punctuality for the live broadcast on Saturday evening. This challenge becomes even more daunting when Kaiser's irreverent parody of a union boss stirs up trouble, threatening to derail the show. Throughout the ensuing chaos and whimsical adventures, including an unforgettable dinner with Benjy's eccentric family, both Benjy and Swann find themselves navigating the uncharted waters of this new medium. In the midst of their tumultuous week, they learn invaluable lessons from each other, reshaping their perspectives on life and the rapidly evolving world of live television. In a time when the rules of the game were being written and re-written, "My Favorite Year" masterfully blends comedy, drama, and nostalgia, capturing a pivotal moment in television history through the lens of an unlikely friendship.

My Favorite Year is a comedy movie featuring Peter O'Toole.

My Favorite Year is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on The Roku Channel and Tubi TV.

It is also possible to buy My Favorite Year on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.