The Nanny

For the 1965 film, seeThe Nanny (1965 film).

For other uses, seeNanny (disambiguation).

The Nanny
Genre	Sitcom
Created by	Peter Marc Jacobson Fran Drescher
Developed by	Robert Sternin Prudence Fraser
Showrunner	Peter Marc Jacobson
Starring	Fran Drescher Charles Shaughnessy Daniel Davis Lauren Lane Nicholle Tom Benjamin Salisbury Madeline Zima Renée Taylor Rachel Chagall Ann Morgan Guilbert
Theme music composer	Ann Hampton Callaway (Pilot episode:Cy ColemanandDorothy Fields)
Opening theme	"The Nanny Named Fran", written and performed byAnn Hampton Callaway(performed withLiz Callaway)
Ending theme	"The Nanny Named Fran" (instrumental)
Composer	Timothy Thompson
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
No.of seasons	6
No.of episodes	146(list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers	Peter Marc Jacobson (pilot episode, seasons 2–6) Robert Sternin (seasons 1–4) Prudence Fraser (seasons 1–4) Fran Drescher (seasons 4–6) Diane Wilk (seasons 4–6) Frank Lombardi (season 6) Caryn Lucas (season 6)
Camera setup	Videotape;Multi-camera
Running time	22–24 minutes
Production companies	Sternin & Fraser Ink Inc. TriStar Television Highschool Sweethearts Productions (seasons 3–6, starting with "Dope Diamond" )
Original release
Network	CBS
Release	November 3, 1993(1993-11-03)– June 23, 1999(1999-06-23)

The Nannyis an Americansitcomthat originally aired onCBSfrom November 3, 1993, to June 23, 1999, starringFran DrescherasFran Fine,aJewishfashionistafromFlushing, Queenswho becomes the nanny of three children from an Anglo-American upper-class family in New York. The show was created and produced by Drescher and her then-husbandPeter Marc Jacobson,taking much of its inspiration from Drescher's personal life growing up, involving names and characteristics based on her relatives and friends. The show earned aRose d'Or,and oneEmmy Award,out of a total of twelve nominations;Drescher was twice nominated for aGolden Globeand an Emmy. The sitcom has also spawned severalforeign adaptations,loosely inspired by the original scripts.

Plot

Jewish-AmericanFran Fine turns up on the doorstep of British Broadway producer Maxwell Sheffield (Charles Shaughnessy) to sell cosmetics after being dumped and subsequently fired by her bridal-shop-owner boyfriend. Maxwell reluctantly hires her to be the nanny of his three children: Maggie, Brighton, and Gracie. In spite of Mr. Sheffield's misgivings, Fran turns out to be just what he and his family needed.

While Fran manages the children, acerbic butler Niles (Daniel Davis) manages the household and watches all the events that unfold with Fran as the new nanny. Niles, recognizing Fran's gift for bringing warmth back to the family (as Maxwell is a widower), does his best to undermine Maxwell's business partner C.C. Babcock (Lauren Lane), who has her eye on the very available Maxwell. Niles is often seen making witty comments directed toward C.C., with C.C. often replying with a comment of her own in their ongoing game ofone-upmanship.

As the series progresses, it becomes increasingly obvious that Maxwell is smitten with Fran even though he will not admit it, and Fran is smitten with him. The show teases the viewers with their closeness and many "near misses" as well as with an engagement. In the later seasons, they finally marry and expand their family by havingfraternal twins.Later in the series, it is also clear that Niles and C.C.'s constant sharp barbs are their own bizarre form of flirtation and affection; after a few false starts (including multiple impulsive and failed proposals from Niles), the pair marry in the delivery room while Fran is having the twins in theseries finaleand subsequently discover they are expecting a child.

Episodes

Main article:List of The Nanny episodes

Season	Episodes		Originally aired		Rank	Rating
			First aired	Last aired
1	22		November 3, 1993(1993-11-03)	May 16, 1994(1994-05-16)	65	9.5
2	26		September 12, 1994(1994-09-12)	May 22, 1995(1995-05-22)	25	12.5
3	27		September 11, 1995(1995-09-11)	May 20, 1996(1996-05-20)	16	12.5
4	26		September 18, 1996(1996-09-18)	May 21, 1997(1997-05-21)	46	9.1
5	23		October 1, 1997(1997-10-01)	May 13, 1998(1998-05-13)	50	11.5
6	22		September 30, 1998(1998-09-30)	June 23, 1999(1999-06-23)	84	9.3

Characters

Main characters

Main article:List of The Nanny characters

• Francine Joy "Fran" Fine (later Sheffield)is the nasal-voiced, outgoing protagonist of the series. She starts off working for her boyfriend Danny Imperialli in a bridal shop but is dumped and fired not long after. Fran ends up meeting Maxwell Sheffield and his family while going door to door to sell cosmetics. She winds up as the nanny to Mr. Sheffield's three children: Maggie, Brighton, and Gracie. Her character has an outgoing and humorous personality. As a result of her mother's overbearing personality, Fran often feels the need to date and is compelled to get married as well. She is usually seen getting into trouble and having to solve those problems through using her street smarts.
• Maxwell "Max" Beverly Sheffieldis the male protagonist who ends up hiring Fran to watch over his three children. He is a widowed Broadway producer, having lost his wife Sara four years before the start of the series. While he does have some success as a producer, he remains constantly in the shadow of his rivalAndrew Lloyd Webber,who always seems to have the upper hand. He does not spend a lot of time with his children due to his busy schedule, hence the need for a nanny in the first place. Despite his mutual attraction to Fran, he tries to keep their relationship professional for fear of commitment. However, in season 5 episode 14, Maxwell tells Fran that he loves her and does not take it back, having done so earlier; the couple's engagement follows, ending the romantic tension between them. Following several snafus, they are finally married in the season 5 finale.
• Nilesis the loyal butler and chauffeur for the Sheffield family. He and Maxwell have known each other their whole lives. He bonds with Fran immediately, viewing her as the breath of fresh air that the Sheffield family needs. Niles is known as the household snoop as he is constantly seen listening in on conversations via intercoms, keyholes, and even in the very rooms where the conversations are taking place. He tends to manipulate events in Fran's favor to undermine C.C., his nemesis. In spite of this, over time it becomes clear that Niles has himself fallen for C.C. and their contentious relationship is a cover for a mutual attraction.
• Chastity Claire "C.C." Babcockis the egocentric business partner of Maxwell Sheffield, with whom she has been working for almost 20 years. She clearly wants him as more than a business partner. Maxwell, however, appears oblivious to her feelings, and C.C.'s serious moves on him are thwarted by this, or by his longtime butler Niles. Arunning gagis that she cannot remember the names of Maxwell's children, in spite of having known them their entire lives. From her first meeting with Fran, she accurately views the newly hired nanny as a threat and tries to undermine her. Fran is not C.C.'s only enemy in the Sheffield house, as she has an even more contentious relationship with Niles (who hates her just as much as she hates him). In spite of this, over time it becomes clear that C.C. has herself fallen for Niles and their continual barbs towards each other are covering for a mutual attraction. Throughout the series she is referred to only as “C.C.”, with her full name only being revealed in the series finale.
• Margaret "Maggie" Sheffield (later Brolin)is the eldest child of Maxwell Sheffield. She is constantly seen bickering with her brother, Brighton, who views her as a nerd. Her relationship with her sister Gracie is generally much warmer. At the beginning of the series, Maggie is shy and awkward but, with Fran's influence, she becomes a somewhat popular young woman. Upon meeting Fran, the two bond almost instantly, with Fran behaving like a friend or sister except on the rare occasions that Maggie needs to be disciplined. Near the end of the series, Maggie meets and marries an underwear model, Michael Brolin.
• Brighton Milhouse Sheffieldis the middle child of the family and the only son of Maxwell Sheffield. Due to being the only son, he often feels left out. This causes him to purposely bring about trouble for his two sisters. He does not bond with Fran at first, having disliked all his previous nannies, but eventually becomes close with her as well. He variously plans to become a Broadway producer, like his father, or to simply wait until he can access histrust fundso he does not have to work.
• Grace "Gracie" Sheffieldis the youngest and arguably most intelligent of the Sheffield children. At the start of the series, Gracie was undergoingpsychotherapyfrequently, but under Fran's influence and guidance, she quickly reaches the point where she does not need it at all. As a result, however, she has a habit of naming medical conditions and using complicated words that Fran and Maxwell barely understand. This behavior is contrasted by her tendency to pick up some of Fran's faux-Yinglishslang and dressing habits.

Supporting characters

• Sylvia Fine (née Rosenberg)is the mother of Fran Fine, portrayed in early seasons by Fran Drescher (in flashbacks to Fran's childhood). Sylvia is based on Drescher's real-life mother.
• Valerie Toriellois Fran's best friend since attending kindergarten through high school together in Flushing, Queens, New York. When the show began, Val had been working at the bridal shop with Fran. Val is ofItaliandescent.
• Yetta Rosenberg-Jonesis Fran's grandmother and the mother of Sylvia and Uncle Jack. The character was played by actressAnn Morgan Guilbert.Yetta is based on Drescher's real-life maternal grandmother.

Cast

Main

The Nannymaintained anensemble cast,keeping the same set of characters for its entire six-season run.

• Fran DrescherasFran Fine
• Charles ShaughnessyasMaxwell Sheffield
• Daniel DavisasNiles
• Lauren LaneasC.C. Babcock
• Nicholle TomasMaggie Sheffield
• Benjamin SalisburyasBrighton Sheffield
• Madeline ZimaasGracie Sheffield

Supporting

Renée Taylor, Rachel Chagall, and Ann Morgan Guilbert were only given starring credit for their roles in the sixth and final season, even though they had previously appeared in most episodes of the series, particularly in seasons where the role of the Sheffield children was somewhat reduced.

• Renée TaylorasSylvia Fine
• Rachel ChagallasVal Toriello
• Ann Morgan GuilbertasYetta Rosenberg

Guest stars

Although largely operating around the main ensemble cast,The Nannyfeatured an enormous number of guest stars over the years. Notable repeat guests includedLainie Kazanas Fran's paternal aunt Freida,Steve Lawrenceas Fran's never before seen father Morty Fine,Pamela Andersonas Fran's bubble-headed nemesis Heather Biblow,Jonathan Penneras Fran's old boyfriend Danny Imperiali,Ray Charlesas Yetta's fiancé Sammy,Spalding Grayas Fran's therapist Dr. Jack Miller,Fred Stolleras the frequently featured pharmacist Fred,andAndrew Levitasas Maggie's boyfriend Michael.Several celebrities guested as characters in single episodes, such asJason Alexander,John Astin,Roseanne Barras Fran's cousin Sheila,Eric Braeden,Margaret Cho,Joan Collinsas Maxwell's stepmother,Jeanne Cooper,Cloris Leachman,Dina Merrillas Maxwell's mother,Rita Moreno,George Murdock,Wallace Shawn,Twiggyas Maxwell's sister (in her first appearance, in season 1),Robert Urich,Joan Van Ark,Robert Vaughnas Maxwell's father, andEfrem Zimbalist Jr.

Others appeared as themselves, primarily in connection with Maxwell's business relations, such asDan Aykroyd,Bob Barker,Carol Channing,Chevy Chase,Andrew Dice Clay,Robert Culp,Billy Ray Cyrus,Lesley-Anne Down,Erik Estrada,Eydie Gormé,Hugh Grant,Elton John,Richard Kline,Joe Lando,Shari LewisandLamb Chop,Bette Midler,Shemar Moore,Joshua Morrow,Lynn Redgrave,Melody Thomas Scott,Jane Seymour,DameElizabeth Taylor,Alex TrebekandHunter Tylo;media personalitiesRoger Clinton,Whoopi Goldberg,Jay Leno,David Letterman,Alicia Machado,Rosie O'Donnell,Sally Jessy RaphaelandDonald Trump;and musiciansBurt Bacharach,Michael Bolton,Ray Charles,rapperCoolio,Celine Dion,Eartha Kitt,Patti LaBelle,Steve Lawrence,Lisa Loeb,andBrian Setzer.Jonathan Pennerappeared as Fran's former fiancé, Danny Imperialli.James Marsdenappeared as Maggie's boyfriend, Eddie, andTelma Hopkinsappeared as Fran's "mother" in the episode "Fran's Roots".Scott Baioalso made an appearance as a rookie doctor who was Fran's former schoolmate.Marvin Hamlischappeared as Fran's former high school music teacher, a Hamlisch look-alike.Jon Stewartportrayed a Jewish love interest of Fran's until it was discovered at a family wedding that the two were cousins; on the June 29, 2011 airing ofThe Daily Show,Stewart stated he agreed to make an appearance after receiving a personal call from Drescher.

Drescher also reprised her role of Bobbi Fleckman from the 1984 filmThis Is Spinal Tapand made acameo appearanceas herself in the third to last episode. Shaughnessy had a double role as a fictional Middle Eastern oil potentate in one episode. Drescher's real-life parents initially appeared as a couple in the waiting room of Gracie's therapist and made subsequent appearances as Fran's Uncle Stanley and Aunt Rose; herPomeranianChester appeared as C.C.'s pet in more than a dozen episodes. Renée Taylor's husband, actorJoseph Bologna,and their son Gabriel Bologna, had guest roles on the show.Ray Romanoappeared as Fran's former high school classmateRay Barone,linkingThe Nannywith his comedyEverybody Loves Raymond.(Romano and Drescher actually knew each other in high school.)Tom Bergeronappeared as himself, the host ofHollywood Squares,in an episode in which Maxwell appeared as a star on the show's board as a replacement forAndrew Lloyd Webber.Tyne Dalyappeared as a fellow nanny facing forced retirement.David Lettermanmade an uncredited appearance during a fantasy sequence, where Fran describes how she exaggerated her fame to impress a pen pal.Donna Douglas,who played Elly Mae Clampett onThe Beverly Hillbillies,would make her last television appearance in an episode in which the Fines would buy the mansion (made famous in the aforementioned series) she was selling (Douglas was a realtor in real life), and in a nod paid homage to theHillbilliesclosing scene with Donna and the cast waving goodbye to viewers.

Theme song

The theme song featured in the pilot was a version of "If My Friends Could See Me Now",performed byGwen Verdonfrom the 1966 Broadway musicalSweet Charity.Following the pilot, the theme changed to "The Nanny Named Fran", written byAnn Hampton Callawayand performed by her and her sisterLiz Callaway.Two instrumental versions of the theme song were used in the closing credits: one that is a direct instrumental version of the theme, and another with a slightly different arrangement.

Opening credits

Along with the change of the theme song from "If My Friends Could See Me Now" to "The Nanny Named Fran" came a different, animated opening sequence that would be used for the entire series run. Like the song, it summarizes the events that lead Fran from losing her job and boyfriend to being hired as nanny of the Sheffield children.

The sequence begins with Fran walking into the bridal shop, only to be kicked out by an unseen Danny Imperalli to represent the end of both her employment and their relationship. A taxicab takes her across the bridge fromQueenstoManhattan,and she arrives at the Sheffield mansion to sell cosmetics. Maxwell Sheffield opens the door and, after a moment's observation, pulls Fran into the house. She falls into a flowerpot, where Niles dusts her off and puts a cap marked "Nanny" on her head. At her whistle, Maxwell's children fall in behind her and the four form aconga line.C.C. arrives at the door and Fran bumps it with her hip to close it in her face. Finally, the Sheffields, Niles and Fran gather on and around the couch for a group picture similar to that of theOne Day at a Timeseries opening. However, the camera explodes when Fran triggers its shutter, covering everyone with soot and ruining their hair and clothes.

Rosie O'Donnellemployed the same team that createdThe Nanny's opening credits to do the opening credits for her popular daytime talk show. O'Donnell mentioned this in an interview with Drescher on that show.

Production

Development

The Nannybegan in 1991 with a chance meeting on a transatlantic flight between Drescher and Jeff Sagansky, at the time president ofCBS Corporation,for whom she had starred in the short-lived TV seriesPrincesses.Drescher persuaded Sagansky to let her and her then-husband Jacobson pitch an idea for a sitcom to CBS. Sagansky agreed to a future meeting once all of the parties were back in Los Angeles; however, neither Drescher nor Jacobson had any idea what to pitch.

Later, Drescher was visiting friendTwiggy Lawsonand her family inLondon,where she went on a culture-clash shopping tour with Lawson's then-teenage daughter. Drescher was inspired by her behavior towards the teenage daughter on the shopping trip as functioning in a less parental but "humorous [...] kind of Queens logic, self-serving advice" mode.Drescher immediately called her husband in Los Angeles with her sitcom idea, which she pitched as a spin onThe Sound of Music,except, in Drescher's words, "Instead ofJulie Andrews,Icome to the door. "Jacobson replied:" That could be it "and the idea forThe Nannywas spawned.

Back in Los Angeles, the pair pitched their idea to Tim Flack and Joe Voci, both in comedy development at CBS.Sagansky brought in experienced producers Robert Sternin and Prudence Fraser,another husband-and-wife team with whom Drescher had worked before while guesting onWho's the Boss?in 1985 and 1986.Interested, both couples teamed up to write the script for the pilot together, creating a character with the intention to build off Drescher's image. "Our business strategy was to create a show that was going to complement our writing, complement me as a talent," Drescher said in a 1997 interview withThe Hollywood Reporter.As a result, the characters draw deeply on the Drescher family, includingFran Fine's parents, Sylvia and Morty, and grandmother Yetta, who all were named after their real-life counterparts.

Drescher also drew from her own life in creating her character. Like the character inThe Nanny,Drescher was born and raised to a Jewish family inFlushing, Queens,and attendedbeauty school.However, unlike her on-screen counterpart, Drescher never worked in a bridal shop; Drescher wrote that into the character as a tribute to her mother, who did work in a bridal shop.While visiting with his relatives inFort Lauderdalearound the holidays, Sagansky watched a few episodes with his relatives, realized that he had a hit, and ordered a full 22 episodes forthe first season.

Crew

7 East 75th Street on theUpper East Sideof New York City was used for the exterior shots of the Sheffield townhouse.

Most of the early episodes ofThe Nannywere shot in front of a live studio audience on Stage 6 at theCulver Studios.On Mondays, the cast went through the script as atable read.On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, they rehearsed before the series' producers and executives. And, on Thursdays and Fridays, the series was shot using a multi-camera set-up in front of a live studio audience. During later seasons the taping was no longer performed before an audience due to the complexities of thefantasysequences, costume changes, etc.

Nearly 100 crew members were involved in the shooting of a single episode.Although Drescher, Fraser, Jacobson and Sternin, the show's only executive producers for the first four seasons, coordinated "pretty much everything" at the beginning,according to Sternin, they eventually found their niche and in the following years, Drescher and Sternin decided to focus on writing story outlines, while Jacobson presided over the writing team, and Fraser observed the run-throughs.The four of them were later joined by Frank Lombardi, Caryn Lucas and Diane Wilk, who served as the series' executive producers throughout the fifth and sixth seasons.

Professional laughers

Stemming from ahome invasionand attack she experienced in 1985,Fran Drescherrequested the show to provideprescreenedaudiences,based upon her fear of having random strangers invited to the productions. The show hiredCentral Castingto gather a cast of "laughers" who would be recorded during taping. The audio track of the laughers would then be added to the episodes in post-production.Casting directorLisette St. Claire became the world's first "laugher wrangler" for this new type of service, which would continue to be used on other shows.

Humor

The comedy inThe Nannywas formulated with manyrunning gags,which contributed heavily to the success of the series. Much of this formula was character-based, with all major characters possessing a specific trait or quirks that provided a source of parody for other characters. The conflicting elements of each character's own comedy were often played off against one another (FranandMaxwell,NilesandC.C.,MaggieandBrighton). Occasionally the characters would break thefourth walland comment on the situations themselves, or Fran would comment to the audience or look into the camera. Other running gags are the many references toBeatlessongs and the musicalsFiddler on the RoofandMy Fair Lady.Most of the humor Fran uses is aimed toward a Jewish audience. She makes references to Yiddish words and teaches the Sheffield children to be stereotypical Jews (to never pay retail price, to go after men like doctors, etc.). Much of this humor is featured in scenes including her mother Sylvia.

At times, they would also make humorous references to the stars' previous careers or real life off-screen time. This was noticeable when Yetta saw her reflection in the mirror and thought she was seeing Millie Helper fromThe Dick Van Dyke Show(the role that Guilbert played on that long-running show), Maxwell remembering how he wanted to hire a former cast member fromDays of Our Livesbut thought he was not "British" enough (a reference to Charles Shaughnessy's former series), C.C. using props to hide Lauren Lane's real-life pregnancy at the time,and Fran meeting her idol—Fran Drescher—who gave her a hint on what she (the TV Fran) was going to do in the next scene in the second-to-last episode in the last season. Drescher also appeared in the series as tough-talking music publicist Bobbi Fleckman, reprising her role from the 1984 filmThis Is Spinal Tap,setting up an obvious visual gag where Drescher (as the Nanny) would disguise herself as Fleckman in order to get Mr. Sheffield's attention.

More running gags include Fran's frequent references to classic TV sitcoms (such asGilligan's IslandandBewitched) and her many eccentric family members (most never shown, some of them dying); Fran lying about her age—especially to men; Maxwell fighting through his rivalry with actual Broadway producerAndrew Lloyd Webber;Maxwell's physical resemblance toPierce Brosnan;Maxwell's fondness forKaye Ballard;Sylvia loving food in excess;Niles delivering sharp one-liners, often aimed at C.C.; C.C. cold-heartedly reacting to situations that are usually sentimental to others (e.g. the death ofBambi's mother); Gracie psychologically analyzing various situations; Niles getting fired because he embarrasses Maxwell or gives Fran ideas that Maxwell extremely dislikes (such as suggesting that Max, C.C. and Fran go to Barbra Streisand's house); Fran and Val lacking intelligence and obsessing over material possessions (e.g. clothes); frequent references to Fran's flamboyant wardrobe, her "big hair" and her nasal voice (which was much less grating in early episodes); Fran frequently mentioning shopping atLoehmann's;Yetta making disconnected comments revealing hersenility;Fran criticizing Maxwell's and Niles' reserved and inhibited British nature; Brighton morphing into a hopeless dork; Fran's attraction to Jewish males; Maxwell passing up the incredibly popular musical,Cats,then becoming upset when such an idiotic idea became a success; Niles' last name never being revealed; C.C. covering her long-unrevealed name (finally given as Chastity Claire in the series finale); C.C. failing to remember the names of the Sheffield children (even convinced byNilesin one episode that there was a fourth child named Sydney; note: she did not have trouble remembering in the early seasons); Sylvia constantly nagging Fran to get married; Fran finding solace in food when she's depressed; Fran's father, Morty, often featured in the series but never actually seen (until portrayed bySteve Lawrencein a few later episodes); Morty's only physical trait being the fact that he is bald, in which he is always comically losing his wig, and has several head mannequins to hold different wigs; Niles offering obvious hints to Maxwell and Fran about them realizing they should be together and hints from each other; C.C. pining over her unrequited romantic interest in Maxwell; C.C. developing a nervousticand eventually ending up in asanitarium;Fran obsessing withBarbra Streisand.

In one episode Streisand's sister, Roslyn Kind appears singing a song with Fran thinking Barbra is at the Sheffield home. There was also the occasional tryst between Niles and C.C., contrasting with their typical open disdain for each other, which was actually love. Season 4 featured a running gag where both Fran and Maxwell kept secret from the other household members "The Thing" (the fact that in the season 3 finale Maxwell tells Fran he loves her, but then in the Season 4 premiere he takes it back). It is also following "The Thing" that whenever Maxwell makes comments denying he has feelings for Fran, she is temporarily "paralyzed" (she cannot feel her arm, her entire left side shuts down, etc.). In addition, there is also a great deal ofphysical comedyinThe Nannyincluding exaggerated falls and chases.

Drescher's facial expressions, when shocked or surprised, can also be seen as reminiscent ofLucille Ball's portrayals ofLucy RicardoandLucy Carmichael.The parallels were suggested in a few episodes, where an exasperated Mr. Sheffield refers to Fran as "Mrs. Carmichael", and asks in another: "Mr. Mooney fire you from the bank again?" Another Lucy reference (in which the family travels to Hollywood) is when he alludes to Fran and "Ethel" stealing John Wayne's footprints, and again when Maxwell says "Miss Fine, you got some 'splaining to do!" like Ricky Ricardo often said to Lucy Ricardo. The episode that featured a visit from Elizabeth Taylor (who also appeared onHere's Lucyas a guest star) began with Maxwell and Niles trying to hide the visit from Fran ( "Boys, boys, boys. Now do you think my mother gave birth to a dummy 25 years ago?" ) followed by her gripe "You never introduce me to any of the stars that you know; I've got a good mind to take Little Ricky and... oh. Never mind." Also, there was a reference from the episode ofI Love Lucycalled "Ricky has Labor Pains" where Lucy and Ethel dress up like men and go to Ricky's daddy shower. In an episode ofThe Nanny,Fran sees a man watchingI Love Lucyon TV and as the theme song plays she gets a sneaky look on her face and gets the idea to gain entry into Mr. Sheffield's men's only club dressed as a man. Viewers forQuality TelevisioncalledThe Nanny"the '90s version ofI Love Lucy.It was well written and entertaining. "

Broadcast

Domestic syndication

The show began off-network syndication in September 1998, distributed byColumbia TriStar Television Distributionon various broadcast television networks in the United States. The show aired onLifetimefrom 2000 until 2008. It could also be seen onNick at Nitefrom April 2009 to October 5, 2013, in the United States, but was pulled and its timeslot of 6AM-7AM was replaced withHangin' With Mr. Cooper.It also appears onThe Hallmark Channelin the Philippines,Super RTLandVOXin Germany, andGo!andTV1in Australia. On February 8, 2010, Drescher hosted a week-long marathon ofThe Nanny,titled "Valentine Schmalentine", on Nick at Nite.

The success of the stunt led to Fran hosting "Falling for Fran", a similar week-long Valentine's Day marathon in February 2011. On August 2, 2010,The Nannybegan airing onTV Land,commencing with a week-long marathon and remained on the channel until 2016.On January 1, 2011,The Nannybegan airing onAntenna TV,a new digital broadcast network. On August 16, 2011, "The Nanny" began airing onLogo.On January 1, 2018,Cozi TVstarted airing the show. Similarly, on April 30, 2018,Freeformbegan airing the series, showing 5-episode blocks in the early morning hours. Additionally, the show can be seen on local US television channels.

Streaming

The series' third and fourth seasons are available for streaming onPluto TV,the Roku Channel rotates between seasons 1–2 and 3–4, and on April 1, 2021, the entire series became available onHBO Max.The entire series is also available to stream on Peacock as of March 18, 2024. The entire series is available to stream, for free with ads on theCTVapp in Canada under thethrowbackssection.

International syndication

Outside of North America,The Nannyis broadcast in various other countries and television networks, each with their own schedule for the series. In the United Kingdom, the entire series aired on the digital networkLiving.In France, the show was broadcast and rebroadcast the same multi-and was a huge success on the channelM6then W9. The French title isUne nounou d'enfer( "A Hell of a Nanny" ). Other countries whereThe Nannyairs include the following:

International syndication

Country / Region	Name	Television Network	Dubbing/Subtitles
Austria	Die Nanny(English: "The Nanny")	ORF1(2005–present),ATV(2006–2010)	German
Australia	The Nanny	Network Ten(1994–1999),Nine Network(2007–2009),9Go!(2009–2011, 2020–),GEM(2010–2011),7flix(2016–2019),TV1(1998–2013),TV Hits(2014),111(2014–2019)	None
Belgium	The Nanny	Eén,VT4,VIJF,VTM,	Dutch subtitles
Belgium	Une nounou d'enfer(English: "A Hell of a Nanny")	RTL-TV,Plug RTL(2011–2012)	French
Brazil	The Nanny	Rede Record,Rede 21,SET,Comedy Central(2012–present)	Portuguese dubbing
Canada	The Nanny	Crossroads Television System,CBC(November 3, 1993 – May 16, 1994),CTV Television Network(September 12, 1994 - June 23, 1999)	None
Catalonia	La Tata(English: "The Nanny")	TV3	Catalan dubbing
Costa Rica	La Niñera	Sony Entertainment Television	Spanish dubbing
Croatia	Dadilja(English: "Nanny")	RTL Televizija	Croatiansubtitles
Czech Republic	Chůva k pohledání(English: "Nanny")	TV Prima	Czech dubbing
Denmark	Alletiders barnepige(English: "All-times greatest nanny")	TV3	Danish subtitles
Estonia	Nanny	TV3	Estoniansubtitles
Finland	Nanny	Nelonen,The Voice	Finnish subtitles
France	Une nounou d'enfer(English: "'A Hell of a Nanny")	M6,W9,6ter,TMC,TF1 Séries Films	French
Germany	Die Nanny(English: "The Nanny")	VOX(2002–2011),Super RTL(2007–2012),RTL(1995–2002),FOX Germany(2010–2012),ZDF neo(2012–2014),Disney Channel(2014–2021),RTLup(2021–present)	German dubbing
Greece	Ntanta amesou draseos(English: "Urgent nanny")	Mega,Alpha,Makedonia TV	Greek subtitles
Hungary	A dadus(English: "The Nanny")	TV2,RTL Klub,Cool TV	Hungarian
Israel	Nanny	Channel 3	Hebrew subtitles
Italy	La tata(English: "The Nanny")	Canale 5(1995),Italia 1(1996–2000),Boing(2006),Mya(2008),Fox Life(2009),La5(2011),Fox Retro(2011)	Italian dubbing
Latin America	The Nanny	Sony Entertainment Television (Latin America)	Spanish dubbing
Lithuania	Auklė(English: "Nanny")	TV3	Lithuanian dubbing
Malaysia	The Nanny	TV2,Astro	Bahasa Malaysiasubtitles
Mexico	The Nanny	Azteca 7,Sony Entertainment Television (Latin America)	Spanish dubbing
Netherlands	The Nanny	NPO1,RTL 5,NET5,RTL Lounge	Dutch subtitles
Norway	Nanny	TV3	Norwegian subtitles
Philippines	The Nanny	ABS-CBN,Studio 23	None
Poland	Niania/Pomoc domowa(English: "House helper")	TV Puls,Polsat,TVN 7	Polish
Portugal	Competente e Descarada(English: "Competent and shameless")	TVI	Portuguese Subtitles
Romania	Dădaca(English: "Nanny" )	Pro TV,Pro Cinema	Romanian Subtitles
Russia	Няня(English: "Nanny" )	Domashny,ДТВ	Russian dubbing
Spain	La niñera(English: "The Nanny")	Antena 3(2001),Telemadrid(1993–1999)	Spanish
Sweden	Nanny	TV3,TV4	Swedish subtitles
Switzerland	Die Nanny(English: "The Nanny")	SF zwei(2006–2008),4+(2015–present)	German
Switzerland	La Tata(English: "The Nanny")	RSI LA1	Italian
Thailand	The Nanny	Hallmark,TrueVisions	Thai
United Kingdom Ireland	The Nanny	Sky One,Living TV,TLC	None

Home media

Sony Pictures Home Entertainmenthas released seasons 1, 2 and 3 ofThe Nannyon DVD in regions 1, 2 and 4. Season 3 was released on March 17, 2009, in Region 1, almost 3 years after the release of season 2.On August 27, 2013, it was announced that Mill Creek Entertainment had acquired the rights to various television series from the Sony Pictures library includingThe Nanny.They subsequently re-released the first two seasons on DVD on August 5, 2014.

On January 12, 2015, it was announced thatShout! Factoryhad acquired the rights to the series; they subsequently released a complete series set on May 26, 2015. It contains all 146 episodes.In late 2015, Shout! began releasing individual season sets; the fourth season was released on September 22, 2015,followed by the fifth season on December 22, 2015.The sixth and final season was released on March 15, 2016.

DVD name	Ep #	Release dates			Special features
		Region 1	Region 2	Region 4
The Complete 1st Season	22	July 12, 2005	August 9, 2005	July 13, 2005	Commentary with Fran Drescher The Making of The Nanny
The Complete 2nd Season	26	May 2, 2006	June 8, 2006	May 10, 2006	None
The Complete 3rd Season	27	March 17, 2009	March 5, 2009	March 11, 2009	None
The Complete 4th Season	26	September 22, 2015	TBA	TBA	None
The Complete 5th Season	23	December 22, 2015	TBA	TBA	None
The Complete 6th Season	22	March 15, 2016	TBA	TBA	None
The Complete Series	146	May 26, 2015	TBA	TBA	Executive Producers Fran Drescher And Peter Marc Jacobson in a New, Never-Before-Seen Interview The Making of The Nanny Selected Episode Commentary by Fran Drescher

Reception

The show performed poorly in its first year. When it was nearly canceled, Sagansky stepped in as its champion. According to Jacobson: "At all those affiliate meetings, he used to say, 'Stick byThe Nanny!' He knew it was something special. "The sitcom was the first new show delivered to CBS for the 1993 season and the highest-tested pilot at the network in years.The series was also hugely successful internationally, especially in Australia,where it was one of the highest-rated programs during the mid-to-late 1990s.

Although soon emerging as a favorite among the company, sponsors questioned whether the writers had ventured too far in terms of ethnicity and Drescher acted too obviously Jewish.The actress, however, declined to change Fran Fine into an Italian American: "On TV, you have to work fast, and the most real, the most rooted in reality to me is Jewish. I wanted to do it closest to what I knew."By contrast, the producers came to the conclusion that to oppose her should be a family of British origin, so "she wouldn't come across as Jewish so much as the American you were rooting for," Sternin explained. "The idea was to make her the American girl who happens to be Jewish rather than the Jewish girl working for theWASPs."

Awards and nominations

Year	Award-giving Body	Award	Result
1994	Young Artist Awards	Youth Actress Leading Role in a Television Series (Nicholle Tom)	Nominated
1994	Young Artist Awards	Outstanding Youth Ensemble in a Television Series (Benjamin Salisbury,Nicholle Tom,Madeline Zima)	Nominated
1994	Young Artist Awards	Best New Television Series	Nominated
1995	Primetime Emmy Awards	Outstanding Individual Achievement in Costuming for a Series (Brenda Cooper, for'Canasta Masta')	Won
1995	Primetime Emmy Awards	Outstanding Individual Achievement in Directing for a Comedy Series (Lee Shallat Chemel,for'Canasta Masta')	Nominated
1995	Primetime Emmy Awards	Outstanding Individual Achievement in Hairstyling for a Series (Dugg Kirkpatrick, for'Stock Tip')	Nominated
1995	Young Artist Awards	Best Performance by a Youth Ensemble in a Television Series (Benjamin Salisbury,Nicholle Tom,Madeline Zima)	Nominated
1995	Young Artist Awards	Best Performance by a Youth Actress – TV Guest Star (Jacqueline Tone)	Nominated
1995	Young Artist Awards	Best Performance by an Actress Under Ten in a TV Series (Madeline Zima)	Nominated
1996	American Comedy Awards	Funniest Female Performer in a TV Series (Leading Role) Network, Cable or Syndication (Fran Drescher)	Nominated
1996	BMI Film & TV Awards	BMI TV Music Award (Timothy Thompson)	Won
1996	Golden Globe Awards	Best Performance by an Actress in a TV-Series – Comedy/Musical (Fran Drescher)	Nominated
1996	Primetime Emmy Awards	Outstanding Costuming for a Series (Brenda Cooper, for'The Kibbutz')	Nominated
1996	Primetime Emmy Awards	Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Fran Drescher)	Nominated
1996	Primetime Emmy Awards	Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Renée Taylor)	Nominated
1996	Young Artist Awards	Best Performance by a Young Actor – TV Comedy Series (Benjamin Salisbury)	Won
1996	Young Artist Awards	Best Performance by a Young Actress – TV Comedy Series (Madeline Zima)	Nominated
1996	Young Artist Awards	Best Performance by a Young Actress – TV Comedy Series (Nicholle Tom)	Nominated
1997	Golden Globe Awards	Best Performance by an Actress in a TV-Series – Comedy/Musical (Fran Drescher)	Nominated
1997	Primetime Emmy Awards	Outstanding Costuming for a Series (Brenda Cooper, for'The Rosie Show')	Nominated
1997	Primetime Emmy Awards	Outstanding Costuming for a Series (Shawn Holly Cookson and Terry Gordon, for'The Facts of Lice')	Nominated
1997	Primetime Emmy Awards	Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Fran Drescher)	Nominated
1997	Satellite Awards	Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy (Fran Drescher)	Nominated
1998	Primetime Emmy Awards	Outstanding Lighting Direction (Electronic) for a Comedy Series (Jimmy E. Jensen, for'The Wedding')	Nominated
1998	Primetime Emmy Awards	Outstanding Costuming for a Series (Shawn Holly Cookson and Terry Gordon, for'Not Without My Nanny')	Nominated
1998	Young Artist Awards	Best Performance by a Young Actress – TV Comedy Series (Madeline Zima)	Nominated
1998	Young Artist Awards	Best Performance by a Young Actor – TV Comedy Series (Benjamin Salisbury)	Nominated
1999	NAACP Image Awards	Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Whoopi Goldberg)	Nominated
1999	Primetime Emmy Awards	Outstanding Costuming for a Series (Shawn Holly Cookson and Terry Gordon, for'Oh Say, Can You Ski?')	Nominated
1999	TeleVizier-Ring Gala, Netherlands	Silver TeleVizier-Tulip	Won
1999	TV Guide Award	Favorite Actress in a Comedy (Fran Drescher)	Nominated
1999	Young Artist Awards	Best Performance by a Young Actress – TV Comedy Series (Madeline Zima)	Nominated
1999	Young Artist Awards	Best Performance by a Young Actor – TV Comedy Series (Benjamin Salisbury)	Nominated
2008	TV Land Awards	Favorite Nanny (Fran Drescher)	Won
2019	Online Film & Television Association Hall of Fame	Television Program	Won

Other media

Reunion specials

Main article:The Nanny Reunion: A Nosh to Remember

On December 6, 2004, theLifetimenetwork aired a reunion specialThe Nanny Reunion: A Nosh to Remember.The special reunited the entire cast with the exception of Davis, who had work commitments. Drescher and Gary Rosenthal served as executive producers of the special. In March 2020, Drescher announced that the cast would reunite for a live reading of the pilot episode amid theCOVID-19 pandemic.The reading was released toYouTubeby Sony Pictures Television on April 6, 2020. The reading featured the entire cast of the pilot– with the exception ofJames Marsden,who was replaced by Alex Sternin– as well as narration of the original pilot script by Jacobson and a live performance of the theme song by Ann Callaway.

Foreign adaptations

Countries with local versions

Main article:List of foreign adaptations of The Nanny

The Nannywas shown in more than eighty countries worldwide. In addition, several local versions of the show have been produced in other countries. These shows follow the original scripts very closely, but with minor alterations in order to adapt to their respective country's culture. The remake in Russia was so popular that some original American writers of the show were commissioned to write new scripts after all original episodes were remade.

Potential revival

In June 2018, in regards to reviving the series, Drescher said, "We’re talking about it. Peter and I are talking about it," Drescher toldEntertainment Tonight,referencing her ex-husband, Peter Marc Jacobson, who co-created the series with her. "She would’ve maybe gotten involved in more things [that] Fran Drescher is involved with," the actress toldEntertainment Tonight."All kinds of things from environmental issues, to health, to civil liberties, that’s what I think Fran [Fine] would be doing now — opening her big Queens mouth for the greater good."

Stage adaptation

On January 8, 2020, it was announced that Drescher and Jacobson were writing the book for a musical adaptation of the series.Rachel BloomandAdam SchlesingerofCrazy Ex-Girlfriendfame were to write the songs, while Marc Bruni (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) was slated to direct. Drescher will not portray the title role, as she joked that if she did "We'd have to change the title toThe Granny."However, since Schlesinger's unexpected death fromCOVID-19,the status of the musical is unknown.

See also

• List of television show franchises

External links

• Official website
• The NannyatIMDb