The Real Thing

The Real Thing (1980)

EndedDocumentary show

Asking how you tell what's real and what isn't sounds like an obvious question. But in this series of six programmes, James Burke shows that the more you think about it the harder it is to answer.

Network
Scheduleevery Tuesday at 20:30 (30 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E06Life Sentenceavr. 24, 1980
S01E05The View from Withinavr. 17, 1980
S01E04The Memory Lingers Onavr. 10, 1980
S01E03Time Out of Mindavr. 3, 1980
S01E02This Way Upmars 27, 1980
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did 'The Real Thing' premiere?

'The Real Thing' premiered on September 5, 1980.

Who were the main characters in 'The Real Thing'?

The main characters in 'The Real Thing' were Joe Girelli, Frankie Girelli, and Tony Russo.

Where was 'The Real Thing' set?

'The Real Thing' was set in New York City.

What was the genre of 'The Real Thing'?

'The Real Thing' was a comedy-drama series.

Who was the creator of 'The Real Thing'?

The creator of 'The Real Thing' was Tom Patchett.

Which actor played the character Joe Girelli in 'The Real Thing'?

Joe Santos played the character Joe Girelli in 'The Real Thing'.

Who played the character Frankie Girelli in 'The Real Thing'?

Jim Youngs played the character Frankie Girelli in 'The Real Thing'.

What was the relationship between Joe and Frankie Girelli in 'The Real Thing'?

Joe and Frankie Girelli were brothers in 'The Real Thing'.

What was Tony Russo's profession in 'The Real Thing'?

Tony Russo was a songwriter in 'The Real Thing'.

Did 'The Real Thing' feature any recurring characters?

Yes, 'The Real Thing' had recurring characters such as Carmine, Rachel, and Phyllis.

What was the main theme of 'The Real Thing'?

'The Real Thing' explored the ups and downs of pursuing dreams and finding success in the entertainment industry.

How many episodes were there in the first season of 'The Real Thing'?

The first season of 'The Real Thing' consisted of 13 episodes.

Did 'The Real Thing' receive any awards or nominations during its run?

No, 'The Real Thing' did not receive any major awards or nominations during its run.

Were there any notable guest stars in 'The Real Thing'?

Yes, 'The Real Thing' featured guest stars like Don Rickles, Joan Collins, and Tony Bennett.

Did 'The Real Thing' have a memorable catchphrase?

Yes, the catchphrase "It's the real thing!" was often used in 'The Real Thing'.

How long did 'The Real Thing' air on television?

'The Real Thing' aired for one season from 1980 to 1981.

Cast

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
Rick and Morty
Running

Rick and Morty

Rick is a mentally gifted, but sociopathic and alcoholic scientist and a grandfather to Morty; an awkward, impressionable, and somewhat spineless teenage boy. Rick moves into the family home of Morty, where he immediately becomes a bad influence.

American Dad!
Running

American Dad!

In American Dad!, Stan Smith leads the all-American family in this animated sitcom filled with wild and crazy extremes. Everyday life is taken to the limit as Stan applies the same drastic measures used in his job at the CIA to his home life. Driven by machismo and the American dream, he often is blind to how horribly he fails at his attempts. This father might not know best, but he never stops trying.

Silent Witness
Running

Silent Witness

Expert forensic pathologists speak on behalf of the voiceless in this compelling crime drama.

GenreDrama, Crime
The Talisman
Upcoming

The Talisman

The Talisman follows a 12-year old boy named Jack Sawyer who sets off on an epic road-trip quest in order to save his dying mother's life. He is in search of the Talisman, a powerful relic that can not only heal his mother but, as he learns, save the world. Sawyer's journey crisscrosses two realities: the America we know and its dangerous, fantasy-world twin, The Territories.

The Diplomat
Running

The Diplomat

In the midst of an international crisis, a career diplomat lands in a high-profile job she's unsuited for, with tectonic implications for her marriage and her political future.