Comic Garry Shandling draws upon his own talk show experiences to create the character of Larry Sanders, a paranoid, insecure host of a late night talk show. Larry, along with his obsequious TV sidekick Hank Kingsley and his fiercely protective producer Artie, allows Garry Shandling and his talented writers to look behind the scenes and to show us a convincing slice of behind the camera life.
The Breakdown (1) (Episode 1) 8.0
Writer: Garry Shandling
Air date: 1993-06-02
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Larry is a wreck as he faces sinking ratings, no Emmy nominations, and a divorce suit from Jeannie. So Hank and Artie try to fix him up with attractive women. But the only one he really connects with is Francine, his first wife.
The Breakdown (2) (Episode 2) 8.0
Writer: Garry Shandling
Air date: 1993-06-02
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Larry is a wreck as he faces sinking ratings, no Emmy nominations, and a divorce suit from Jeannie. So Hank and Artie try to fix him up with attractive women. But the only one he really connects with is Francine, his first wife.
The List (Episode 3) 8.0
Air date: 1993-06-09
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: A chance remark by Francine leads Larry to ask for a list of all her sexual partners since their divorce.
The Stalker (Episode 4) 10.0
Writer: Garry Shandling
Air date: 1993-06-16
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Larry gets a little paranoid when he learns he's being stalked by an obsessed fan.
Larry's Agent (Episode 5) 8.0
Writer: Garry Shandling
Air date: 1993-06-23
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Larry decides he needs a new high-power agent to negotiate his new deal with the network.
The Hankerciser 200 (Episode 6) 10.0
Writer: John Riggi
Air date: 1993-06-30
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Francine is injured using an exercise device being endorsed by Hank who's afraid she'll write about it.
Life Behind Larry (Episode 7) 10.0
Writer: Peter Tolan
Air date: 1993-07-07
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Everybody has their own ideas about who should host the show being readied to follow Larry, while Larry worries over not winning a major award again.
Artie's Gone (Episode 8) 10.0
Writer: Paul Simms
Air date: 1993-07-14
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Artie gets stuck on the highway during torrential rains and mud-slides leaving Paula the booker to function as the producer for the show.
Larry Loses Interest (Episode 9) 10.0
Writer: Judd Apatow
Air date: 1993-07-21
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: As the show's traditional anniversary show approaches, Larry finds it all boring and tedious, so he plays with the idea of writing a book while rumors spread about a film role.
Larry's Partner (Episode 10) 10.0
Writer: Drake Sather
Air date: 1993-07-28
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Larry reluctantly agrees to hire his former comedy partner as a show writer.
Broadcast Nudes (Episode 11) 10.0
Air date: 1993-08-04
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Hank manipulates Darlene into agreeing to do a Playboy spread and Larry worries about appearing in Architectural Digest.
Larry's Birthday (Episode 12) 10.0
Air date: 1993-08-11
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Larry celebrates his birthday and the gang all struggle to top each other with their birthday gifts to him. Meanwhile the celebration is darkened by the firing of one of the writers.
Being There (Episode 13) 10.0
Air date: 1993-08-18
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Larry and Francine quarrel over her commitment to their renewed relationship.
The Performance Artist (Episode 14) 10.0
Writer: Drake Sather
Air date: 1993-08-25
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: In an effort to freshen up the guest list, Larry agrees to have a controversial performance on, then chickens out when he sees the guy's routine.
Hank's Wedding (Episode 15) 10.0
Writer: Judd Apatow
Air date: 1993-09-08
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Larry tries to decide about warning an elated Hank about his new bride when the ""Hey now!"" guy announces he's going to marry a younger woman he has just recently met.
Off Camera (Episode 16) 10.0
Writer: Peter Tolan
Air date: 1993-09-15
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Artie has a terrible day backstage with an Entertainment Weekly writer prowling around, John Ritter and Gene Siskel nearly coming to blows, and a stray dog nipping at everyone.
The Grand Opening (Episode 17) 10.0
Writer: Paul Simms
Air date: 1993-09-22
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Larry goes on vacation, but the problems follow him as Hank alienates a series of co-hosts as he anxiously awaits the opening night of Hank's Lookaround Restaurant.
N.Y. or L.A. (Episode 18) 10.0
Writer: Garry Shandling
Air date: 1993-09-29
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Larry seriously considers either quitting the biz or moving his show to New York after the network's new owner begins to meddle with the format.