Surprising Stories from the Set of The Bob Newhart Show

Suzanne Pleshette didn’t audition for The Bob Newhart Show in the usual way. Her path started on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, where she happened to be seated next to Bob Newhart. The two struck up an easy, natural rapport that didn’t go unnoticed.

Producers watching The Tonight Show saw instant chemistry between them and thought it felt perfect for Bob Hartley and his future TV wife. They invited Suzanne Pleshette to read for the role, and the rest is sitcom history. Emily Hartley’s warmth and wit began with a lucky seat and great timing.