The Texas Wheelers

The Texas Wheelers is an American sitcom that aired in 1974 and 1975. The series, produced by MTM Enterprises, is about the cantankerous but lovable Zack Wheeler, a long-lost father who returned to raise his children Truckie, Doobie, Boo, and T.J. in rural Texas after their mother died.

The Texas Wheelers
Mark Hamill, Gary Busey and Jack Elam (1974)
GenreSitcom
Created byDale McRaven
Starring
Theme music composerJohn Prine
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes8 (list of episodes)
Production
ProducerChris Hayward
Running time22 minutes
Production companyMTM Enterprises
Release
Original networkABC
Original releaseSeptember 13, 1974 (1974-09-13) –
July 24, 1975 (1975-07-24)

The show was not successful, due to being broadcast against the second half of NBC's Top 20 hit The Rockford Files, and was canceled after four episodes in the fall of 1974. An additional four episodes were aired in June and July 1975. The show is notable as one of MTM's few flops, and for the well-known actors in its cast, including Jack Elam as Zack, Gary Busey as Truckie, Mark Hamill as Doobie, Tony Becker as T.J., and Lisa Eilbacher as the Wheelers' friend Sally.

The theme song for the show was "Illegal Smile" by John Prine.

Cast
Mark Hamill in The Texas Wheelers (1975)

Episodes
No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
1"Wailin' Wheeler Is Dead"UnknownDale McRavenSeptember 13, 1974 (1974-09-13)
Truckie Wheeler, oldest brother and chief provider for his younger brothers and sisters, is faced with a school mutiny and the return of "irresponsible but lovable daddy."
2"The X-Rated Movie"UnknownDale McRavenSeptember 20, 1974 (1974-09-20)
Doobie watches an X-rated movie to get ready for a date, is repulsed by it and seeks advice from older brother Truckie.
3"The Accident"UnknownGeorge AtkinsSeptember 27, 1974 (1974-09-27)
When Truckie discovers a dent in his truck, Zack denies doing it, although he used it the night before.
4"The Twister"UnknownDale McRavenOctober 4, 1974 (1974-10-04)
As a tornado approaches Lamont, Truckie takes the kids to safety while Zack and Doobie are trapped together in the Wheeler basement.
5"The Bookmobile"UnknownDale McRavenJuly 3, 1975 (1975-07-03)
Truckie falls hard for a pretty librarian, but he has a difficult time reconciling his feelings for her with her "wanderlust" spirit.
6"The Music Box"UnknownJerry BelsonJuly 10, 1975 (1975-07-10)
Zack has an antique sale when he discovers the pile of junk in his barn is considered valuable, but inadvertently sells his daughter's cherished music box.
7"The Call"Jackie CooperDale McRavenJuly 17, 1975 (1975-07-17)
When Zack gets a wandering foot and attempts to find the Lost Dutchman gold mine, his daughter Boo demands to accompany him, much to his chagrin.
8"The Rebel"Jackie CooperJohn Regier & Gary MarkowitzJuly 24, 1975 (1975-07-24)
While working several jobs in order to support the family, Truckie calls it quits and goes on strike.

References
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