It's Garry Shandling's Show is one of the first original programs created by the fledgling Showtime network in the mid-1980s to compete with original HBO comedies like Not Necessarily the News.

The 30-minute sitcom starred Shandling as, more or less, himself - a neurotic, somewhat self-obsessed ("how's my hair?") stand-up comedian who just happened to be aware he was a TV sitcom character. Garry spent just as much time interacting with the studio audience as he did the regular cast members, offering up opening monologues (something Seinfeld was later to copy) and show-closing summations of the episode's events. Garry's show took things a step further by allowing all of the supporting characters in on the joke, as well. Garry's friends would come by to get the audience's opinions about their problems, chastise Garry for annoying the viewers with his problems, and so on. On one episode, Garry allowed the studio audience to come down and have a party in his apartment while he was away; in another he moved out of town only to see the show taken over by Red Buttons; when he tried to return, his friends admitted they liked Red better and wanted him to stay.

The supporting cast for all four seasons were Molly Cheek as Garry's 'platonic friend' Nancy, Michael Tucci, Scott Nemes and Bernadette Birkett as his neighbours the family Schumaker, Paul Willson as condo kingpin Leonard Smith, and Barbara Cason as Garry's mother, Ruth Shandling. From series three, Ian Buchanan played Nancy's boyfriend (and eventually husband) Ian, and Bruno Kirby was Garry's agent Brad Brillnick. In the fourth series Jessica Harper joined the cast as Garry's new girlfriend Phoebe. Other regulars included Roy Brocksmith as Mr Guest, Richard Fancy as network boss Mr Stravely, Danny Dayton as comedy club owner Mr Peck, and Rob Reiner, Martin Mull and Tom Petty as themselves.

Storylines were often manipulated by Garry to create more favorable outcomes, or simply to speed things along (one episode ended years later, for example). On America's presidential election night in 1988, Showtime presented a live episode wherein Garry brought in Soul Train host Don Cornelius to incorrectly announce that Michael Dukakis had soundly defeated George H. W. Bush.

After fighting ovarian cancer, Gilda Radner guest-starred as herself on the show in 1988 in what would be her final television appearance. When Garry asked her why she had not been seen for a while, Radner replied "Oh, I had cancer. What did you have?"

Considered largely a critical and niche success, It's Garry Shandling's Show ran 72 episodes and was on the air for five years (1986-1990). The show was later picked up by Fox Broadcasting Company from 1988 to 1990 as part of its Sunday night lineup; FOX started the show from the beginning, but due to longer seasons for network shows versus cable, had caught up by the time the show left FOX in 1989. It continued for one more year on Showtime.

The show introduced much of the country to Shandling and paved the way for his more successful run as late-night talk show host Larry Sanders on HBO's The Larry Sanders Show.

The show's bouncy, well-remembered theme song was called "This is the theme to Garry's Show", and was often a target of ridicule and disdain by the other castmembers. It was performed by Bill Lynch.

Garry Shandling (born November 29, 1949) is an American comedian. He is best known for his work in It's Garry Shandling's Show and The Larry Sanders Show.

Paul Feig's TV debut.

Lived with sometimes co-star, Linda Doucett from 1987-94. When they broke up, she filed charges against him for sex discrimination and sexual harassment.

Sued former manager Brad Grey, dispute is over talents that Grey met through their business association.

Wrote for television early in his career on such shows as "Sanford and Son" (1972) and "Welcome Back, Kotter" (1975). An automobile accident left him in critical condition. It was during recovery that he decided to get into stand-up comedy.

Turned down an offer from NBC to take over "Late Night With..." after David Letterman left for CBS, because he was launching "Larry Sanders Show, The" (1992).

Friend of Dana Delany.

Grew up in Tucson, Arizona. He attended Palo Verde High School and the University of Arizona. He initially majored in electrical engineering, but graduated with a degree in marketing. He studied creative writing for a year as a grad student.

Older brother Barry died of cystic fibrosis in 1960.