Clueless (TV series)

Clueless
The main characters of Clueless, (from left to right), Amber, Sean, Dionne, Murray, and Cher.
Genre	Sitcom
Based on	"Clueless" by Amy Heckerling
Developed by	Amy Heckerling
Starring	Rachel Blanchard Stacey Dash Elisa Donovan Donald Faison Sean Holland
Narrated by	Rachel Blanchard
Opening theme	"Ordinary Girl" performed by China Forbes
Composer(s)	David Kitay
Country of origin	United States
Original language(s)	English
No. of seasons	3
No. of episodes	62 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s)	Amy Heckerling (season 1) Tim O'Donnell (seasons 2-3)
Camera setup	Film; Single-camera
Running time	approx. 23 minutes
Production company(s)	Cockamamie Productions Paramount Television
Distributor	CBS Television Distribution
Release
Original network	ABC (1996-1997) UPN (1997-1999)
Picture format	480i (SDTV)
Original release	September 20, 1996 – May 25, 1999

Clueless is an American sitcom based on the 1995 teen film of the same name (which was inspired by the Jane Austen book Emma). The series originally premiered on ABC on September 20, 1996 as a part of the TGIF lineup during its first season. The show then spent its last two seasons on UPN ending on May 25, 1999.

Rachel Blanchard played the role of Cher that was originated by Alicia Silverstone in the movie. Stacey Dash (Dionne), Donald Faison (Murray), Elisa Donovan (Amber), Wallace Shawn (Mr. Hall), and Twink Caplan (Ms. Geist) all reprised their movie roles for the television series. Sean Holland, who appeared as Lawrence in the movie, portrayed the new character Sean Holiday in the TV series. The program aired on ABC from 1996 to 1997 and with a network change on UPN from 1997 to 1999. The theme song for the TV series, "Ordinary Girl", was written by Charlotte Caffey (of the Go-Go's) and Anna Waronker, and was performed by China Forbes.

There are several notable inconsistencies in both characters and storylines between the Clueless film and the subsequent television series.

In addition to Rachel Blanchard as Cher, two other major roles were recast for the television series. The role of Cher's father Mel, the part Dan Hedaya originated in the film, was portrayed by Michael Lerner and was again recast with Doug Sheehan by the beginning of the show's second season on the air. At this time, Mel had grown significantly more mellow and humane than the character Hedaya had originated.