Tom Hanks had some critiques for Bosom Buddies in the early '80s
Bosom Buddies was never the mega-hit that many people wanted it to be, but it did give Tom Hanks a place to start. We can thank Bosom Buddies for introducing us to Tom Hanks and for making him wear a dress.
The series only lasted two seasons and had mixed reviews from both critics and viewers at home. The series co-starred a young Tom Hanks, who played the role of Kip Wilson, and Peter Scolari.
Many critics believed that the series would be canceled after the first season. Despite the mixed reviews, there was something about Bosom Buddies that kept devoted fans tuned in every Thursday night.
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Bosom Buddies had a very simple premise: Two young men must disguise themselves as women to live in the one apartment they can afford.
In a 1982 interview with Richmond Times-Dispatch, Hanks said the premise was part of the problem.
"I know our taping audience is bored with the dress gags," Hanks said. "We are, and I believe the viewer is too."
Hanks said that more character development and more dynamics between the characters could have helped the show with ratings.
According to the interview, dressing in drag worked for a while, but Hanks believed it wouldn't last long. Bosom Buddies wasn't the first series to feature drag. M*A*S*H (1972) and Some Like It Hot (1959) both featured drag previously.
"To my way of thinking, there's nothing funny about two guys posing as girls after 19 episodes," Hanks said. "How can you still be fresh and unique? It hasn't become painful or pedestrian yet, but in the long run... we'll have to look for another aspect."
Hanks may have had a few notes for Bosom Buddies in the early '80s, but there is no doubt that the series helped develop Hanks as a young actor.
"We're not a mega-hit, but I think we're pretty good wine," Hanks said. "A few years from now people will be saying, 'Remember Bosom Buddies? It was a pretty funny show. Those guys Kip and Henry had a ball.'"