Spin-off that elevated a Black supporting player to long-running lead with dignity and bite.
Why it matters
Episode guide
158 episodes across 7 seasons — titles, air dates, and synopses.
At a glance
Benson DuBois moves from household butler to state budget director and beyond, outclassing politicians with dry wit.
Network & studio
- ABC — broadcast network
Why watch now
Watch for the cultural DNA of the 1970s — and the star power that made living rooms feel like red carpets.
Cultural impact
Spin-off that elevated a Black supporting player to long-running lead with dignity and bite.
Creators
Susan Harris · Paul Junger Witt · Tony Thomas
Key cast
- Robert Guillaume as Benson DuBois
- James Noble as Governor Eugene Gatling
- Inga Swenson as Gretchen Kraus
- Missy Gold as Katie Gatling
- René Auberjonois as Clayton Endicott III
Flash facts
- Spin-off of Soap that outlasted the parent series.
- Guillaume won an Emmy; character rose in political rank over seasons.
- Late-70s launch, full 1980s run — bridge sitcom.
FAQ
What network aired Benson?
Benson is associated with ABC (1979–1986).
Why is Benson in the TV Flash top 100 for the 1970s?
Spin-off that elevated a Black supporting player to long-running lead with dignity and bite.
Who are the key names behind Benson?
Creators and principals include Susan Harris, Paul Junger Witt, Tony Thomas.
Official & further reading
External sites for further reading — TV Flash is not affiliated with these networks or studios.
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