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GUEST BLOG #93: Psst! Wanna Buy "Brooklyn Bridge"? Sorry, Tom Brinkmoeller Reports, It's Not That Easy...
May 26, 2010  | By Tom Brinkmoeller  | 66 comments
 

[Bianculli here: I'm so proud of our TV WORTH WATCHING contributors. Earlier this week, Diane Holloway posted a very comprehensive and helpful initial rundown of the proposed new fall shows, which you can read as a guest entry on Diane Werts' blog by clicking HERE. And today, Tom Brinkmoeller, through a lot of dogged reporting, has news for anyone eagerly awaiting the DVD release of Gary David Goldberg's superb Brooklyn Bridge CBS series. Alas, the news isn't necessarily good...]

Troubled Waters Threaten Fate of "Brooklyn Bridge"

brooklyn_bridge_wtc.jpg


When I was growing up, cool people I tried to hang around with sometimes would tell me, "And if you believe that, I've got a bridge I'd like to sell you." The bridge they referred to was in Brooklyn, and the context was that anyone who would buy into the preposterous statement just spoken was dumb enough to think he could buy the Brooklyn Bridge.

Today, a slight twist on that take on gullibility: Twenty years ago, a wonderfully singular television producer named Gary David Goldberg (Family Ties, Spin City, Lou Grant and more) created a series called Brooklyn Bridge.

brookgrm.jpg

Based on his growing-up years in that borough in the late '40s and early '50s, it was a beautifully written, acted and produced story of a three-generation Jewish family's simple and credible life together. Marion Ross, previously the white-bread Mrs. Cunningham on ABC's Happy Days, starred, and demonstrated her impressive comic range, as the Jewish family matriarch, grandmother Sophie Berger.

Brooklyn Bridge premiered on CBS in late 1991, and its last episode was shown in late 1993. The series won awards, great reviews and the hearts of many viewers.

gary-david-goldberg.jpg

And then it disappeared from view, though not from mind. Many people remember it as superior and standout television and would like to have the chance to see it again. And therein lies the big problem:

Goldberg, who doesn't own the series, can't sell Brooklyn Bridge, but wants it shared with its fans. In an interview last week, he told how, on his book tour for his 2008 autobiographical Sit, Ubu, Sit, "The first or second question I'd always get is 'When is Brooklyn Bridge coming out (on DVD)?' " His Web site, garydavidgoldberg.com, has fielded many requests for the same information, according to his office. Amazon has a sign-up option for being notified when the series DVDs go on sale.

CBS Home Entertainment owns the rights to Brooklyn Bridge. The question seems to be when, or if, it will start selling it. That company says it may release the series. Goldberg, who started work with CBS Home Entertainment almost a year ago to make that happen, recently abandoned any hope of that happening and accuses CBS of misleading him and the people who want the series in their homes again.

What started off as a harmonious concerted effort last August, according to him, has turned into a hot war. Goldberg accuses CBS of "misleading me for months." A CBS Home Entertainment executive calls what's going on "dirty pool" and "very bizarre."

A series of e-mails between the two sides, made available by Goldberg, details the meltdown.

In August 2009, Goldberg is told the series will be released in March 2010.

By October, a CBS lawyer's e-mails show her getting legal clearances for parts of the series that included clips of baseball games and TV series of that era.

brookcast.jpg

November e-mails between the lawyer and Goldberg seem to indicate progress on legal clearances, and she refers him to CBS Home Entertainment Executive Vice President Ken Ross as the person who will work with him on releasing and marketing the DVDs. The two men make contact and set up a Nov. 18 meeting at Ross' New York City office. The day after the meeting, Goldberg e-mails the CBS lawyer to tell her it went well, that he was told the DVDs would be released in May, and to thank her for her help. She answers, "That's great news."

In early December, Ross makes arrangements to send a DVD of some Brooklyn Bridge promos to Goldberg's home. In January, Goldberg e-mails Ross and asks, "Anything I need to know or be worried about?" Ross replies: "Only thing for you to worry about is how the Knicks could lose at home to Dallas by 50 points. . . We're back on the Brooklyn Bridge track. Will know something soon."

In April, Goldberg again e-mails Ross: "As May is approaching, any decision on the Brooklyn Bridge DVD release?" Ross answers that "yes we're going to move forward," that he met with an Amazon representative about selling the DVDs through that on-line outlet and he will send an agreement to Goldberg the following week.

Goldberg said he was never sent the promised agreement, and on April 23 forwarded an e-mail to Ross from a Brooklyn Bridge fan who asked if the promised May DVD release was still happening. Goldberg added this note to the forwarded question: "Hi Ken, Been getting a lot of emails like the one below. Can't say I don't share the concern. Thanks, Gary." Goldberg said he never received an answer.

brooklyn-bridge-cbs.jpg

He wrote Ross again on May 10, that "here we are in mid-May without even the slightest word from you." He described the entire process as "the most annoying frustrating and baffling interaction I've ever had" and ended by saying, "I give up." Ross answered that "I have never been more hurt." And Goldberg, in a final e-mail, told Ross, "You've been misleading me for months. I don't know why."

Goldberg says he has no understanding of what happened. He doesn't think it was a money issue, since he said he promised to put up $100,000 of his own money to defray costs, waive any royalties to which he might be entitled, and pay for a public tour he'd make to promote the DVD release.

Ross, reached by phone last week, described what's happening as "dirty pool" and "bizarre," and suggested the sharing of correspondence by Goldberg was "not only unethical but illegal" before refusing to say for the record if the series would be released and what, if anything, has caused its delay. Later last week, a spokesperson for CBS Home Entertainment issued "the only comment we have" on the subject:

"We have never announced a release date for a Brooklyn Bridge DVD. As we do with every title in our library, we have been investigating the feasibility of releasing Brooklyn Bridge on DVD. This process is ongoing and we hope to be able to bring this beloved show to fans in the future."

brooklyn-bridge-cast.jpg

To which Goldberg responded: "I was told on two separate occasions that there was a release date set for the Brooklyn Bridge DVD. First date I was given was mid-March. That was then pushed back to mid-May. I asked if I should post that on my web-site and was told I should. (The CBS spokesperson) continues down the path of misrepresenting CBS' intentions and misleading fans of the show into believing that Brooklyn Bridge might someday be released on DVD by CBS. I don't think anyone concerned, and certainly not me, believes a single word of what she's saying."

Until all of this is resolved, and right now it sounds as though that's not possible, a bright spot in TV history will stay locked in a vault.

Final question: If Brooklyn Bridge IS released on DVD, will you buy it? Add a comment and let us know.

 

112 Comments

 

Barbara said:

I, and many friends, have been inquiring about the purchase of Brooklyn Bridge for quite some time. Including contacting CBS TV.. It's an outrage that they won't give us access to a beloved series. With all the garbage released, you would think they would be anxious to get something out there that is well done

Comment posted on May 26, 2010 4:56 PM


Sherman said:

This is one of my wife's and my favorite series, and we would love to be able to share this with our kids who were born just after the series went off the air.

We would definitely buy at least one of the DVD sets.

Comment posted on May 26, 2010 9:55 PM


Sally W. said:

I don't know if I'd buy the DVD's, but it'd be nice to think that "Brooklyn Bridge" would be available (either for renting on Netflix or other service or borrowing from the library).

I remembered the series as a nice series - great acting and writing, plus, it had captured my neighborhood in a way that my generation would not have realized, whether because we were pre-teens or teens of the late 1980's/early 1990's who didn't think that Brooklyn looked like something else, or - just as likely - because we were of a different ethnic/racial/religious demographics than the Brooklyn of the 1950's (the neighborhood of Bensonhurst specifically and Brooklyn broadly have changed a lot in the last 50 years - not anymore just the Italians and the Jews of Gary David Goldberg's youth).

But, then I liked that the series was about seeing that "hey, some things are just timeless and universal" (the perils of growing up...) - and, really, it was still about seeing Brooklyn on tv!

(and as you point out in your post, there was Marion Ross - Happy Days' own ex-Mrs. Cunningham - as the Jewish grandmother; what acting range!).

Additionally, I remembered that it was a show for the whole family to watch; it was television worth watching indeed, even if CBS didn't give it very many seasons.

Comment posted on May 26, 2010 11:15 PM


Neil said:

I watched a number of episodes when this show originally aired, and frankly I didn't find it all that authentic or captivating, with the possible exception of Art Garfunkel's theme song for the show.

However, I spend almost three decades living in the boroughs which surround Brooklyn, visiting relatives that lived there, commuting to college for four years in downtown Brooklyn, and am married to a Brooklyn native. So I may not be typical -- I feel like I got my fill of the real thing. I don't need an ersatz Hollywood version of The Brooklyn Experience, no matter how heartfelt Gary David Goldberg's nostalgic may be.

I do wish him luck getting his boulder up the hill, but he shouldn't expect me to be standing there with cash in hand should he ever succeed.

Comment posted on May 27, 2010 3:13 PM


Lon Cerel said:

I would be happy to commit NOW, to pay 2x full retail price for this show on DVD. It would be a complete shame for this show to forever be lost!

Comment posted on May 27, 2010 7:08 PM


isabelMalkin said:

i only want entire series and would buy a dozen.

Comment posted on May 27, 2010 8:10 PM


Mike said:

I will buy the entire series on DVD the day it is released, IF it is released. Possibly my favorite show of all time.

Comment posted on May 27, 2010 8:47 PM


Michael said:

Brooklyn Bridge was one of the best programs ever on television. I was very unhappy when it was taken off the air and have been waiting for it's release on dvd for a long time. Trash programming is released almost daily, but not a high quality show like this is not. There can be no excuse for it. Unless anti-Semitism is involved, which I hope is not the case. PLEASE release Brooklyn Bridge ASAP. Thank you.

Comment posted on May 27, 2010 8:53 PM


Teri Buck said:

I am so disapointed!!!! along with many other members of my family and friends. I tried to purchase this for my mom as a mothers day gift and it was a scam..... apparently this has happened to many other people, so I signed up on Amazon to get the notice for release. I also contacted Ken Ross at CBS and he was extremely nice saying he wasn't sure when it would be released and would notify me when it was. I sent him an e-mail with my info.. I hope that the conflict between him and Gary can be resolved so that all the tv lovers of this show won't suffer.... you have many faithful fans who would enjoy this series and would purchase if released. please put your conflict behind you and push forward for a release.... thanks in advance.... Teri Buck

Comment posted on May 27, 2010 9:05 PM


Jack said:

With all the garbage on TV today, we were really looking forward to the release of Brooklyn Bridge on DVD!!! Would we buy it? You got to be kidding!!! Of course we would, along with 1,000's of others who remember this fun loving series!!! We are so-o disappointed!!
Still hopeful,
Jack

Comment posted on May 27, 2010 10:17 PM


Chris said:

I bought the Brooklyn Bridge DVD series through the internet. The product was apparently a copy of a recording off the television evidenced by partial commercials and very poor quality. The postage looked like it came from China.

IT IS A CRIME to not make a quality DVD set of this wonderful series available to the public

Comment posted on May 28, 2010 12:45 AM


Sharon Stewart said:

My son and I have been eagerly awaiting the DVD release of Brooklyn Bridge!
When we heard that Season 1 was coming out in March we were thrilled, and we were very disappointed that it did not happen.
We were heartened when we found out it had been delayed just 2 months and that is would now be the complete series (Seasons 1 & 2). Well worth the wait!
But now, to hear that it is delayed indefinitely, that is very disappointing.
It's a wonderful show, and deserves to be released sooner, not later.
Come on CBS, you can do this!

Comment posted on May 28, 2010 1:39 AM


David Bianco said:

There is no doubt that our family (and others I know) have awaited this release for many years. WIth great anticipation in writing Gary since 2009, I have looked forward to March and then May 2010 for the release. I've signed up on Amazon to be told when it is available for sale.

It is almost as if this series cannot get a break. Such a fabulous series that was cancelled well ahead of when it should have been. When you watch all the garbage that gets renewed season after season today, you wonder how such a thing happened to Brooklyn Bridge.

Comment posted on May 28, 2010 1:41 AM


mcccmar said:

I have been eagarly waiting for the release of Brooklyn Bridge - have it marked on my calendar after I communicated with Mr. Goldberg. I urge CBS to release this show - for those of us who DID grow up in that time and place - it brings back many meaningful memories and values- I would like to share this with my kids and grandkids. I would CERTAINLY buy the show dvds - the entire set

Comment posted on May 28, 2010 7:59 AM


Tom M. said:

Not only would I buy it for myself, I'd buy extra copies for my friends as gifts. CBS screwed the fans before, moving the series around to unpopular time slots (such as Friday nights after Sabbath began) and now with this latest revelation of stonewalling and deceit. no wonder they are angry. If someone exposed my duplicity, I wouldn't be too jolly myself.

Comment posted on May 28, 2010 8:31 AM


Trevis Rothwell said:

Would I buy a copy? Absolutely. I've been waiting for recordings of this series to be available to consumers for years.

Comment posted on May 28, 2010 12:07 PM


Greg Olanoff said:

When this series is released on DVD, it will put a permanent smile on my face, that only a plastic surgeon might be able to remove...Yes, I would buy this without hesitation...and I hope to god that both seasons are released together.....Every conceivable tv show is released in a timely manner...why is this any different?...come on already!!!!

Comment posted on May 28, 2010 5:55 PM


judy love said:

This was one of the few really worthwhile TV series I would buy several sets for my children and grandchildren

Comment posted on May 28, 2010 6:21 PM


peter l. malkin said:

I would buy 16 for family

Comment posted on May 28, 2010 6:24 PM


Andrea said:

CBS is asinine for calling Goldberg names. Nothing that he ever put out anywhere I ever saw claimed that CBS had made it official. All he ever shared until now were the general outlines of when this long-lost gem might be released.

My whole family followed that show everywhere that CBS bounced it during its short but beautiful life. (Much like happened with the shows "I'll Fly Away" on NBC and "Christy" on CBS, it seemed as if the network were deliberately moving it around in order to be able to use the resulting low ratings as an excuse to cancel a quality show they inexplicably didn't want.) I treasure the one episode I found on a VHS cassette from back in the day.

May any executives delaying the move forward find a new line of work, and be replaced by people who not only will make the company money by putting out this great show on DVD for the many longing to buy it, but also will make sure GDG gets a piece of the pie when it finally comes out of the oven. In the meantime, bless Goldberg for having gone on to continue creating great television even after the network originally let him down by killing off his most personal creation, and may he keep renewed energy despite this latest blow.

Comment posted on May 30, 2010 9:48 AM


Smokey said:

This series was and is..Hands Down, My most favorite series on TV. Why it had to end so abrubtly..is still a mystery to me. I will most definitely buy all the episodes that are availa ble. I had taped them all originally..but unfortunately..some have deteriorated with time..and I want the best quality available. I remember an ocurrance in the Boys Room..When The older son was asked by a leather jacketed guy.."Silver..You Jewish?" To which Silver replied.." Not if you don't want me to be!" This series was so heartwarming it made Gentiles feel as if they were somehow cheated if they were not Jewish and living in Brooklyn in the 50's. I am a Yankee fan..But somehow when the family heard The Bums and The Giants were leaving..it was like a piece of my heart went with them! Few shows today have this type of heartwarmth to them!!
Smokey

Comment posted on May 30, 2010 6:16 PM


Spencer Ng said:

I am an Asian male and have nothing remotely close, in terms of culture, background, upbringing, to the characters in the show. Yet I absolutley love the show and would definitely buy the DVD (better yet, Blu Ray) if and when it's released (hopefully soon).

Comment posted on June 1, 2010 12:58 AM


Ken said:

I'd buy up a bunch and give them as holiday gifts. Christmas is truly about family, love, caring and sharing. Not commercialism. Nothing says this better that the realistic heart felt stories of the Brooklyn Bridge series. Luckily, I have a few episodes on video tape.

Comment posted on June 1, 2010 10:02 AM


Shannon said:

This series was one that could make you "feel good" after watching it. It was funny, articulate and certainly family TV. My mother has several episodes recorded so when I go to visit her, we watch them and they ALWAYS make us feel good! Between my mother and my three sisters, this is 5 people that would definitely purchase it on DVD and we are all anxious for this to happen so whatever the public can do to help expedite this, please let us know and we'll do it.

Comment posted on June 1, 2010 12:29 PM


Cynthia Williams said:

Yes! Yes! Yes!, I will buy the Series Brooklyn Bridge if and when it is released. I watched it sporadically, because when it came out, it was a very busy time for me and now I am sorry I did not watch it faithfully. I just remember what I did watch, was excellent. I considered it a very true account of Brooklyn in the 50's. Let me know when it comes out.

Cynthia

Comment posted on June 1, 2010 7:23 PM


Dean Miller said:

I have been waiting for this show for a long time.
I have about 20 episodes on VHS from when it was on Bravo in the late 1990's. This story has hit home as my Mom's family is from Brooklyn and her dad was Jewish and her mom Catholic. I was telling my wife jsut last week that our 5 year old reminded me of Natey. Please bring this show to DVD.

Comment posted on June 4, 2010 10:41 AM


JO ANN BEAUMONT said:

I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING AND WAITING FOR THIS TO COME OUT ON DVD. I WAS SO EXCITED WHEN I HEARD THAT IT WAS TO BE RELEASED ON DVD AND SO DISAPPOINTED TO LEARN THAT THIS WAS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. HOW COULD YOU DISAPPOINT US ALL LIKE THIS. I WOULD DEFINITELY BUY THE DVD SERIES. I WATCHED IT WHEN IT WAS ON AND IN RERUNS AND WOULD WATCH IT ENJOYING EVERY MINUTE ON DVD

Comment posted on June 4, 2010 11:36 PM


Chris said:

Not only would I buy it for myself, but my dad, brother and sister would all buy their own copies. We were BIG fans of the show. I would also buy copies for gifts. I know if a number of people that would LOVE the show if they get a chance to see it...

Comment posted on June 7, 2010 1:27 PM


Sandy said:

I wanted to buy two copies of this series- one for my parents and one for my family. We all remember it as being one of the best comedies on television. Cannot believe that CBS has been so misleading - emails don't lie, but apparently CBS does.

Comment posted on June 7, 2010 6:05 PM


Kim Hatfield said:

I would definitely buy it. I am really disappointed it hasn't been released.

Comment posted on June 9, 2010 9:21 PM


MVMG said:

Someone who doesn't use the computer had ask me to search for months where to get the DVD....so will get at least 2

Comment posted on June 10, 2010 7:26 AM


ray said:

I would absolutely, absolutely, ABSOLUTELY buy the Brooklyn Bridge series. I am signed up for the Amazon.com alert so that I can get it the earliest possible instant. My family used to watch Brooklyn Bridge together (despite navigating the different air times) and we still reminisce about it. There is so much truth to the characters... it's extremely touching and funny and lovely.

I will buy this show for many people... In fact, I would buy as many copies as it takes to convince whoever needs convincing that they should put out the DVD! Please, please, please!

Comment posted on June 10, 2010 1:30 PM


Lily said:

Would definitely buy this the day it came out. I've been waiting for a very long time to be able to purchase my family's favorite series on DVD and share it with friends who weren't lucky enough to see it the first time around. Can't believe they still haven't been released.

Comment posted on June 12, 2010 3:55 PM


Elliot said:

Sure I'd buy it! That was my time, my age and my Brooklyn. I remember a crashing sensation when the show was canceled. It reminded me of how I felt when I heard that the Dodgers were leaving Brooklyn. Fortunately, I had grown up a bit between the two and was able to handle the insult better!

Comment posted on June 14, 2010 3:03 PM


William Haugen said:

I'll definitely be one of the buyers of the Brooklyn Bridge series if it comes out on DVD. I'm hoping the release has only been delayed, as I very much want to buy the series. I remember this program from the 1990's with fond memories and want to share it with my family.

Comment posted on June 21, 2010 11:20 AM


Joe said:

If they were to announce an official release date, I would pre-order it the second they announced it. One of my favorite shows of all time.

Comment posted on June 24, 2010 3:00 PM


Bob Dulinski said:

Without a DOUBT!!! Most Certainly. One of the best shows....EVER. Values,tradition,character. NOTHING on TV today comes EVEN close.

Comment posted on June 24, 2010 8:06 PM


Bobby Allan said:

We have been waiting for years for this DVD. My wife is driving me crazy trying to determine a possible release date. Please make it happen!
Bobby A.

Comment posted on June 27, 2010 12:37 PM


Mildred said:

Waiting, Waiting, Waiting!!! Yes I would buy this dvd set. And you know many others would also. Come on people. Lighten up and live a little. We want to remember the good things in life. Still waiting!

Comment posted on June 27, 2010 3:34 PM


dorothy said:

I would definitely buy this dvd set - I loved Brooklyn Bridge and have anxiously waited for its release - stinkweeds to the person or people holding it up

Comment posted on July 5, 2010 10:34 AM


Susie said:

I would buy this DVD series as soon as it is available! It was a great family show, like going down memory lane of your own childhood. I grew up in Chicago with Italian and Irish families and it is the same as the Jewish family on the show!Families of that time were all the same. Please bring to DVD!!! I was very lucky that I had taped these shows and have them on VHS but I would like the show on DVD!!

Comment posted on July 7, 2010 8:23 PM


Jack said:

I am very interested in buying the DVD set!

Comment posted on July 7, 2010 8:28 PM


Michael M Kadish said:

"Brooklyn Bridge" was one of the best shows EVER on television. It is the number one DVD on my must have list. And it's a crime that it has not yet been released. Shame on CBS.

Comment posted on July 7, 2010 10:57 PM


Cindy said:

I'd like to see this released before I die. Yes, I would buy the DVDs.

Comment posted on July 23, 2010 7:36 AM


Cynthia Gillis said:

Oh yes, I would buy it. I have been checking for it periodically, and was surprised that it was not available. And I still don't understand. Surely a disagreement / quarrel / misunderstanding -- whatever happened - would not prevent CBS from issuing this popular series.

Comment posted on July 23, 2010 1:46 PM


dorothy said:

I recently emailed and called Mr. Ross at CBS Entertainment- asking him very nicely when this might be released - I have received NO response at all - i could get into a conspiracy theory here but Im fighting against it - I certainly DO hope it is released and soon - I would buy the entire series on dvd.

Comment posted on July 24, 2010 8:05 AM


Christiana said:

I have been waiting for this show to be released to DVD for *years!* Growing up, we watched this show with my grandmother who was originally from Brooklyn. My grandmother died 10 years ago, my family still cherishes this show as a memory of her and how much simpler life was then. I would purchase at least five copies if it were released to DVD - I was hoping to surprise my mother with it this holiday season.

-Christiana

Comment posted on July 28, 2010 5:20 PM


Becki said:

I will definitely buy at least 2 full sets of the series. Last November, I gave my parents' an IOU for their wedding anniversary for the full series DVD set of Brooklyn Bridge after reading on Gary David Goldberg's website that the release date was set for the following March. Then it got pushed back to May and now there isn't a definite answer of if it will even get put on DVD. Brooklyn Bridge is a show that my family and I watched every week and we were all devastated when it was taken off the air. We very much would like to have it back and be able to watch it whenever we can on DVD! Please get it put on DVD and help me out with coming through on their anniversary present!!!!!!

Comment posted on August 1, 2010 3:59 PM


Jerry Greenberg said:

When I first saw a brooklyn bridge on television, tears came to my eyes. I am an old Brooklyn kid, who grew up in Boro Park. We lived in 48th street at I ran around with a gang of other Jewish kids during the forties. I went to school at Erasmus High. To me, Brooklyn is "the old country." You might say I am a Mensch. And those days John Cashmore was the borough president and the dodgers were king and New York was still "Baghdad-on-the-Hudson." .

I mourned with everyone else when the dodgers moved to Los Angeles. They were our "bums" and they had deserted us.

I still remember those days, playing stickball in the street, running through vacant lots and trying very hard to be kosher under strict instructions from the old folks even though we really didn't give a damn. Some of the morality stuck with us, though, and the old time Jewish kids from Brooklyn still try to help the poor and shudder nervously when we read of atrocities committed by Israel against starving Palestinians.

Comment posted on August 6, 2010 1:23 PM


Dan DeRyckere said:

ABSOLUTELY!!! I have been waiting to buy the Brooklyn Bridge series on DVD for years.

Although I was raised in Detroit in the '50s and rooted for the Detroit Tigers instead of the Brooklyn Dodgers, the family love and warmth shown in Brooklyn Bridge rings true. It is simply one of the few "perfect" TV series ever made.

Comment posted on August 10, 2010 1:26 AM


Mark Rapp said:

I would purchase the series in a blink of an eye.

Comment posted on August 13, 2010 11:51 AM


Bob said:

Simply one of the best shows ever on television. This son of a Brooklyn girl, who spent many a Sunday in my grandmother's Flatbush apartment celebrating the latest baptism, communion, confirmation, or holiday relished every minute of it. Honest, hard-working real people, raising their kids, living their lives and cherishing their families.

In a new York minute, I'd buy it! Come on CBS - get off the shnide!!!

Comment posted on September 14, 2010 1:42 PM


Richard said:

This has to be done. Come on CBS,what logic are you using to delay/stop this show from being released on DVD?
This was one of the best ever TV shows. You show reality show crap so much that the airwaves are now polluted.
Restore some sanity here, put this show on DVD.
I am already on the Amazon wait list.

Comment posted on September 17, 2010 11:25 PM


Ariel said:

I would definitely buy it and I know many others who would. A wonderful show! Please release this on DVD!

Comment posted on September 25, 2010 1:29 AM


Richard said:

Gee whiz CBS, I thought my last comment would do it.
Now, you make me come back to this site to push you again.
What is your problem???
Too much time on your hands?
Too much junk to put on the air?
Too many junk shows to put on DVD?
Do it now.
Put Brooklyn Bridge on DVD.
Now.

Comment posted on September 28, 2010 1:34 PM


Trish said:

I would definitely buy the DVD's. This is one of my alltime favorite shows.

Comment posted on September 28, 2010 3:51 PM


Logan said:

I e-mailed Ken Ross about this issue, and someone else from CBS Home Entertainment wrote back with the following message:

"Thanks for your interest in Brooklyn Bridge. We have been investigating the feasibility of releasing Brooklyn Bridge on DVD, but it is not currently on our schedule. The process is ongoing and, if possible, we hope to be able to bring this beloved show to fans in the future."

This was dated Sep. 29, 2010.

I e-mailed back with the link to this page so that CBS could see how many people really wanted this show, so hopefully something will happen.

Comment posted on October 2, 2010 6:39 PM


Dave said:

I would absolutely buy this DVD. Our family all enjoyed the show as it embodied how much fun life was at that time. It also showed how different cultures could find ways to understand one another while keeping their own identity.

Comment posted on October 16, 2010 3:49 PM


Greg said:

This was a fabulous family oriented television show, reflecting life in the 1950's. Baby-Boomers can relate to the more innocent times in our country, while bring up nostalgic memories, just as New York City baseball, when there were three teams and more importantly, family values. In a world filled with moral decay, this show was a breathe of fresh air and eternal hope. I am looking forward to this wonderful and timeless show on DVD!

Comment posted on October 20, 2010 10:01 AM


michael said:

ABSOLUTELY I WILL BUY IT-even though i taped all the episodes and bought the boot series i would STILL PAY for a pristine version of one of the best series ever. I showed it to my son as he was growing up to show him how things were-i can't say enough about how i love and miss this show-and what a cast. I am lucky to have a signed script by the whole cast as well.

Comment posted on October 30, 2010 3:23 PM


paul said:

Would I buy it? You bet I would, even though I've scrounged videotape and DVD copies (all poor quality) through the years. Please release it, CBS!

Comment posted on November 3, 2010 12:41 PM


Emma said:

This was a great series. I would buy a copy for myself and two more for my children.

Comment posted on November 4, 2010 5:01 PM


Daniel Lauber said:

ARRGGHHHH! Last spring I visited this site and was thrilled to read that the Brooklyn Bridge DVDs would be out in May 2010. Six months later I revisit and discover CBS has been leading us all on and breaking our hearts.

I would buy the DVDs in a flash. I had started converting my old poor quality videotapes a the few episodes I had the presence of mind to record -- and stopped in anticipation of buying the DVDs.

I think that CBS underestimates the market for Brooklyn Bridge DVDs. It was one of the most entertaining and moving programs to hit the air -- and jump started the careers of so many of its actors, including giving Marion Ross the opportunity to show what a good actress she was. It's a shame that CBS would continue to impose impediments to its release.

Comment posted on November 26, 2010 11:17 PM


Adam Weiland said:

I just found this site after spending 2 hours on the web looking for the DVDs. My wife and I just watched the pilot and the next 2 episodes when I taped them from Bravo back around 1995 or so. We thought the DVD set would be wonderful Christmas gift for some dear older friends. I signed up with Amazon for an alert, but now I know not to hold my breath. I found many sites (although most appear to be the same company with poor editing skills) selling boot copies with and without artwork. The very high shipping costs scared me off as I assumed they were foreign "made to order" copies.

Although I find some of the current CBS comedies funny, this particular situation is not very funny.

Perhaps someone at CBS will post something here with the real reason for the delay. I will not hold my breath on this either.

Comment posted on November 29, 2010 6:40 PM


diane said:

This was a great show! I would buy multiple copies and surprise my uncle with dvds of his favorite show. Perhaps you should let Rilo Kiley fans know they could see Jenny Lewis as a young girl. They would be thrilled.

Comment posted on December 3, 2010 2:12 PM


julius in tucson said:

No question about it - we have our checkbook out and ready to sign...

Comment posted on December 12, 2010 11:53 AM


Jennifer in Dallas said:

This DVD would have been the ultimate Christmas (AND Hanukkah) present from me to my dad and my dad to me. CBS' stupidity knows no bounds -- they can't even test out streaming to measure our devotion?

Comment posted on December 31, 2010 3:56 PM


Charna said:

I have been waiting anxiously for the chance to buy this on DVD for years. One of my favorite shows ever. CBS employees should be ashamed of the company for its behavior on this one.it's preposterous when you consider the dreck they do promote. Each episode was a gem. A phenomenal cast, and guest stars, as well. I would love to see it again.

Comment posted on January 2, 2011 5:29 PM


ken evans said:

I applaud CBS for Blue Bloods and the Good Wife,
but holding up release of Brooklyn Bridge? Unforgiveable, selfish, egostical. Lets put 60 minutes on this.

Comment posted on January 6, 2011 12:56 PM


Naomi Milliner said:

My only regret concerning BROOKLYN BRIDGE used to be that it ended too quickly. Now I regret that I can't share it with my own sons. At this rate, by the time it IS available, they'll be parents with sons of their own! This delay is inexcusable.

CBS - get with the program (literally)! Pretty please?

Comment posted on January 16, 2011 11:02 AM


Carol said:

I have been waiting for "Brooklyn Bridge" to be available on DVD for years. I'm so glad that so many others are also. I loved the show and hope that we will all get to see it again soon.

Comment posted on January 24, 2011 12:00 PM


Ray Boivie said:

A great show. Two episodes - the one in which Alan brings his grandfather to a bank to "reunite" with Gil Hodges, with whom the grandfather said he played baseball in Russia, and the one in which Joel Gray, as a holocaust survivor visits the family are two of the best episodes of any TV series.

Comment posted on January 24, 2011 7:05 PM


dorothy corbett said:

this show is very unlikely to be released to dvd for whatever reason CBS is unwilling to do so - how sad - I would have loved to have purchased it and shared it with my daughters.

Comment posted on January 25, 2011 5:19 AM


Gary S said:

Without a doubt one of the finest television programs ever made. I related so much to the characters in this show even though I grew up in the Bronx during the late 50's - early 60's. This is what television should be rather than the drivel that is currently shown. I would gladly buy this DVD set without hesitation. What's taking so long?

Comment posted on January 27, 2011 12:52 PM


Jay Tomlinson said:

I was 7 years old when I watched this show on TV with my parents. If it was released on DVD I'd pre-order two copies. One for me and one for them.

Comment posted on January 31, 2011 10:17 PM


Donna Aaron said:

I would definitely buy the season series of Brooklyn Bridge!!!
Please notify me should this come about?
Thank you!!!

Comment posted on February 5, 2011 4:36 PM


Jon Paschal said:

Like everyone else on this site, my wife and I would jump at the chance to buy this series on DVD. My late father-in-law lived in Brooklyn from 1931 to 1964, and he always said this show captured the spirit of Brooklyn in the 40's and 50's perfectly. It is very disappointing that we can't share with our children this glimpse into their heritage.

Comment posted on February 7, 2011 5:03 PM


Connie said:

I would buy this series in a heartbeat. We didn't live in Brooklyn, but my dad worked for the post office, my sister and I were 5 years apart in age and our relatives lived downstairs from us. This series was heartwarming, well written and a pleasure to watch. I'd love to see it again.

Comment posted on February 8, 2011 9:25 PM


Steven Solomon said:

I would gladly purchase enough DVD sets to give to friends and family for their birthday and holiday presents. This show is much more than a well written entertaining sitcom to those who were brought up in Brooklyn. It is a way of showing our children what life was really like during that period of time. It gives insight into our fears as well as our dreams. It shows how we got along with each other and worked through the problems and events of day to day life.

Comment posted on April 18, 2011 3:15 PM


Mikrush said:

It is time to bypass Mr Ross
and contact Les Moonves

and If you are a CBS/VIACOM STOCKHOLDER
bring Brooklyn Bridge up at stockholder meeting
because CBS isn't making money for you by not releasing the series on DVD

Comment posted on April 25, 2011 1:08 AM


al lederer said:

The non-release of Brooklyn Bridge to DVD by CBS is unconscionable! Unless reasons for the failure to do are produced, how can this not be a win-win situation? Since money and religious considerations are not the basis for refusal, why the stone walling? There are enough people, including myself, who would order at least one set in a heartbeat. For all who grew up in this era and those who have been exposed to it by word of mouth, this is a series that would overshadow some of those being aired today. I, too, was able to buy a home made set from China, via the internet. It was of very poor quality, with lapses and skips, which made viewing difficult. In spite of these obstacles, it was refreshing to, once again visit with the Bergers and the Silvers. I'm fearful that this posting will do little to expedite the release to DVD Brooklyn Bridge, but I've managed to "release" some of my frustrations of not being able to do anything about something worthwhile. Thank You

Comment posted on April 30, 2011 4:27 PM


Pam said:

I will definitely buy at least one set of this DVD series. I miss Brooklyn Bridge so much, and I had taped a few of the episodes on VHS videotapes, but most of them I didn't tape because I thought the series would at least be back in reruns. I lent one of my precious tapes to a friend who never returned it, so now I'm down to just a handful of episodes, and the quality on those old tapes is not good. I am really annoyed that CBS will not release this for DVD. Presumably they are waiting until there is no one left alive who remembers it, which is a questionable strategy. I say release it now while there are still so many people around who love it dearly and want to buy it for themselves and gift it to their friends.

Comment posted on May 25, 2011 5:51 PM


mcccmar said:

id buy it in a second - i hope we will be alerted if and when this series is released from this quagmire

Comment posted on May 28, 2011 7:47 PM


Pat said:

I have been hoping that the show would come out on anything - DVD, VHS, I don't care. I will definitely buy it. There are sites online purporting to be selling it for $49.95 for five DVDs (the whole series). What's that about?

Comment posted on June 15, 2011 6:13 PM


Shelly from Jack and Irv's said:

Lets try this again , I would buy this DVD in a heart beat, I lived this story, I knew those people, not the TV people, the real people, Gary and Gerty zaner, Jack and Irv's candy store, the dime savings bank , on and on, Gary put his places and people out there, Mr. Web.....
this was wonderful........I want it...

Shelly from the Candy store

Comment posted on June 21, 2011 3:34 AM


kwayne said:

This series was special. I would definitely purchase the series if it was on dvd.

Comment posted on June 24, 2011 6:48 PM


Carl said:

I have been waiting for this wonderful show to be released on DVD for years. There's no question that I would buy it immediately upon announcement. I also grew up in Brooklyn during the 50s and it brought back so many wonderful memories. Please, someone at CBS, PLEASE make this available to us. Maybe we just need to contact Julie Chen.

Comment posted on July 1, 2011 11:40 PM


Gwenn Levine said:

The moment the Brooklyn Bridge DVD is released, I'll buy it!

Comment posted on July 2, 2011 12:07 AM


Michael James said:

looks like someone started a facebook page - "bring brooklyn bridge to dvd". who knows... it worked to get betty white on saturday night live. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bring-Brooklyn-Bridge-TV-Series-to-DVD/125770457447971

Comment posted on July 6, 2011 8:50 PM


Lenore Nicolay said:

yes I WILL BUY THE DVD WHEN IT IS RELEASED. I MAY BUY TWO OR THREE COPIES TO GIVE AS GIFTS. PLEASE RELEASE IT SOON!! WE'VE BEEN WAITING A LONG TIME......

Comment posted on July 6, 2011 9:38 PM


Madeline ferris said:

I'd purchase several copies...several members of family and friends want copies for their libraries....HURRY !!!!

Comment posted on July 16, 2011 1:33 PM


Naomi said:

I would love to purchase Brooklyn Bridge for my home video library. I have recently been showing VHS recordings of my favorite shows to my 9 yr. old daughter and she loves them. We have been watching The Waltons, Little House on the Prairie, The Wonder Years and Brooklyn Bridge. We only have 2 episodes of BB though, and would like more! Please release it soon.

Comment posted on July 19, 2011 11:31 AM


Todd W. said:

CBS Home Entertainment's facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/cbshomeentertainment

Everyone start posting there that you want Brooklyn Bridge released on DVD!

Comment posted on August 6, 2011 10:46 PM


Mark and Judy Arnold said:

Loved the show. Would buy it in a second for my video library - now comprised of three pieces: MJFox' Back to the Future, Part 1, and Fiddler on the Roof and Home Alone.

Comment posted on August 20, 2011 7:57 AM


Marie said:

I'm confused, who are the powers that be punishing, the fans that support their many other shows? This was a nice show, I would be very happy to buy and share with those younger who didn't have the opportunity to enjoy the first time around while I enjoyed the nostalgia.

Comment posted on August 21, 2011 11:28 PM


volwolf said:

I would buy the dvd. This was a quality family drama series that takes place in the late 1950's.

Comment posted on August 23, 2011 6:13 PM


Judy said:

How very sad. We are being deprived of such a wonderful story. The program should never have been cancelled, but since it was, we should at least be able to purchase the complete DVD set. I'll keep my fingers crossed the powers that be will come to their senses!

Comment posted on September 16, 2011 5:04 PM


Jan said:

I am still hoping that 'Brooklyn Bridge' will be released in DVD. The family portrayed, with the older brother who cared about his younger brother, was such a joy compared to the competing sitcom 'Hometime' with Tim Allen, where the older brothers constantly picking on the younger brother was supposed to be entertaining.

Comment posted on October 12, 2011 10:20 PM


Dorothy said:

obviously this wonderful show is NOT likely to be coming out on dvd - a loss for those of us who really loved it -

Comment posted on November 3, 2011 3:25 PM


John Vinciguerra said:

Gary and I grew up and attended the same schools in Brooklyn. We shared a similar upbringing and family life-styles. Their are thousands who wish they could relive that era through Brooklyn Bridge. You don't have to be brought up in the 50's to connect to that culture. Brooklyn Bridge is an almost sacred series that can be shared from cultures from Brooklyn to Kalamazoo. What is CBS thinking by not releasing it? Oh, to be a fly on a wall!

Comment posted on November 7, 2011 3:44 PM


dorothy said:

obviously John thats the issue - they ARENT thinking - there is a demand for this series and it would behoove cbs entertainment to release it. Sadly its become casualty of a professional disagreement - Im still hoping but Im NOT hopeful this is going to happen

Comment posted on November 17, 2011 12:30 PM


Michael M Kadish said:

Brooklyn Bridge was one of the finest shows ever on television. It is criminal that it has not been released on DVD.

Of course I will buy it. On the day it's released.

Comment posted on December 2, 2011 3:46 PM


Margaret Graham said:

If Brookln Bridge came out on DVD, I would buy two
sets instantly, as it was such a fine show.

Comment posted on December 5, 2011 9:17 AM


Howard Brookstein said:

Releasing Brooklyn Bridge on DVD would be a Mitzvah. You don't have to be Jewish to love it.
In fact, you don't even have to be from Brooklyn. The series transcends religion and the Silver family becomes everyone's family. To let this series gather dust in a movie vault is a sin. It may be the property of CBS, but it belongs to all of us.

Comment posted on January 18, 2012 5:38 PM


Sharon Burrows said:

I loved the show and would definitely buy the DVD. It was quality material and surpasses anything that you find on tv today. Please keep trying to get this available to the public. Thank you.

Comment posted on January 20, 2012 9:52 AM


DAVID P said:

OF COURSE I WILL!!!! THE SHOW WAS SABOTAGED BY PUTTING IT ON DURING SHABBOS, THEN ONCE AGAIN DURING THIS DVD PROCESS. SHAME ON CBS!!!!!!

Comment posted on January 23, 2012 12:39 PM


lucyflo said:

I have been inquiring and on Amazon's list for DVD release since 2009. My family is waiting for this to share with their families. I simply don't understand why it can't be released. Maybe someone doesn't like the series as much as we do and therefore won't push the process. I pray they change their mind because at the present time there are so few shows a family can watch together on TV. I plan to purchase 4 sets. It will make lovely gifts and is soooooooo pleasant to watch. Here's hoping someone will honor our requests with favor.

Comment posted on January 24, 2012 1:52 AM


Judith Gilbert said:

I wish to add my personal request to all who, like me, would very much enjoy having something special to watch. It brings tears to my eyes recalling the episode where a child cannot see his grandmother and they are shown thinking of one another. Very touching. Thank you Mr. G,for great viewing!

Comment posted on March 7, 2012 3:51 PM


Ron Jacobson said:

Been waiting for years for a dvd release or at least syndication to see it again on tv.

Comment posted on March 23, 2012 2:01 PM


Ron Davies said:

I have waited for years to purchase the entire series. Will it be released?
Thanks,
Ron

Comment posted on March 25, 2012 12:24 AM


Mary Lehrbaum said:

I would certainly buy the DVD version of "Brooklyn Bridge" as soon as it comes out. My husband and I liked the show very much when it was on TV and were very frustrated by the way it was constantly moved from one time slot to another. We would recommend the show to a friend and then when they tried to watch it we would find that once again the time slot had been changed. I can't understand why this fine show does not get released on DVD. I've looked for this show in order to buy it for years.

Comment posted on March 26, 2012 10:57 AM


linny said:

Please add my name to the long list of people who are waiting for BROOKLYN BRIDGE

Comment posted on March 26, 2012 6:10 PM
 
 
 
 
 
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Amer Berger
I grew up in Brooklyn and I lived this exact lifestyle. It was the greatest show ever. I would love to show it to my grandchildren, so they could see what my life was like growing up in Brooklyn. All the street games, johnny pumps, candy stores, egg creams, stick ball, punch ball, stoop ball, building scooters out of wooden crates and one skate, etc. Who needed computers we had imagination, and used it well. Please release the DVD of Brooklyn Bridge so I can purchase it. This was all about families, and clean fun. This is what the world could use more of instead of all the violence. PLEASE MAKE IT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. THANK YOU
Oct 10, 2017   |  Reply
 
 
Linda K.
Probably my favorite show of all time. I would love to share it with my young grandchildren. Please release the DVDs.
Aug 28, 2017   |  Reply
 
 
Margaret Woodard
I started watching Brooklyn Bridge when it first came out and thoroughly enjoyed it. Both my parents were Polish, but I don't know if that means anything here but I would definitely buy it on DVD. Please make it happen.
Jun 22, 2017   |  Reply
 
 
Patricia Diamond Wendell
My family absolutely loved the series Brooklyn Bridge! I am wondering if you're not releasing it because you no longer have it to release - whether they were ruined somehow or lost..whatever. Please don't keep all of us in limbo.
Jan 14, 2017   |  Reply
 
 
Kathleen
I would love to buy this DVD TODAY! With really good programs so difficult to stumble upon any more, this series is refreshing. I'm happy to share it with adults and children alike.
Dec 27, 2016   |  Reply
 
 
Margaret Sokolnicki
Google CBS and go to the bottom of the website and contact them about releasing Under the Brooklyn Bridge on DVD I clicked Marketing and when it said value pope needed I put other. Let them know we would like this released. Also you may be able to send a chain of requests through Facebook or Twitter
Dec 17, 2016   |  Reply
 
 
Margaret Sokolnicki
I would lo e to purchase the Brooklyn Bridge series on DVD Hilarious!
Dec 17, 2016   |  Reply
 
 
Brennan
Every Christmas I search for this, as my aging parents would absolutely adore this series on DVD. We grew up watching it as a family, and it would be so special.
Dec 11, 2016   |  Reply
 
 
Valerie
It breaks my heart that this series isn't available on DVD. It was absolutely one of my favorite TV shows of all time and I would love to share it with my children. Nice, wholesome, nostalgic shows like that just don't exist anymore. I can't even begin to imagine what the issue is that it can't be released. Do the world a favor CBS and put this wholesome piece of goodness back out in the world again for more generations to enjoy.
Nov 10, 2016   |  Reply
 
 
Edward Simon
I wouldn't walk to buy the DVD, I'd run. Would love to own every episode. What a great tribute to Gary David Goldberg (R. I. P.)
Dec 10, 2015   |  Reply
 
 
rhody
Now it's 2015 and I would still buy a dvd of Brooklyn Bridge.
Jun 28, 2015   |  Reply
 
 
Barry Zamoff
It would be so wonderful to be able to share the Brooklyn Bridge episodes with my grandchildren. Just watching the 20 second promo that is available brought tears of joy ... one just doesn't see today the dialogue, story lines, character development that characterized each episode. In the interest of all that can be good about television, let this generation view the episodes and release the shows on DVD.
May 31, 2015   |  Reply
 
 
 
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