Get Smart
Get Smart is an American comedy television series that satirizes the secret agent genre. Created by Mel Brooks with Buck Henry, the show stars Don Adams, Barbara Feldon, and Edward Platt. Henry said they created the show by request of Daniel Melnick, who was a partner, along with Leonard Stern and David Susskind, of the show's production company, Talent Associates, to capitalize on "the two biggest things in the entertainment world today"—James Bond and Inspector Clouseau. Brooks said: "It's an insane combination of James Bond and Mel Brooks comedy." This is the only Mel Brooks production to feature a laugh track. The success of the show eventually spawned the follow-up films The Nude Bomb and Get Smart, Again!, as well as a 1995 revival series and a 2008 film remake. In 2010, TV Guide ranked Get Smart's opening title sequence at No. 2 on its list of TV's Top 10 Credits Sequences, as selected by readers.
Insights
Plot Summary
Get Smart is a satirical spy-comedy television series that follows Maxwell Smart, a bumbling but effective secret agent for the CONTROL agency. Working alongside the competent Agent 99, Smart uses his unique, often ridiculous, gadgets and methods to thwart the evil plans of the KAOS organization. The show humorously plays on the tropes of Cold War espionage and the secret agent genre.
Critical Reception
Get Smart was a critical and commercial success during its original run, praised for its sharp writing, clever satire, and Don Adams's iconic performance. It is widely regarded as one of the most influential sitcoms of its era, blending slapstick humor with sophisticated spy parody. The show won multiple Emmy Awards and continues to be celebrated for its enduring wit and comedic brilliance.
What Reviewers Say
- Hilariously witty and brilliantly satirical take on the spy genre.
- Don Adams's portrayal of Maxwell Smart is a masterclass in comedic timing.
- Clever writing and innovative use of gadgets made it a standout sitcom.
Google audience: Viewers consistently praise 'Get Smart' for its enduring humor, smart writing, and the iconic character of Maxwell Smart. Many appreciate its clever parody of spy films and the chemistry between the main cast, highlighting its timeless appeal.
Awards & Accolades
Won 7 Emmy Awards (including Outstanding Comedy Series in 1968), a Peabody Award, and was nominated for numerous other awards.
Fun Fact
The iconic Cone of Silence, a device designed to allow Max and Agent 99 to speak privately, was notoriously unreliable and often malfunctioned, adding to the show's comedic effect.
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