About Arli$$ (HBO)

"Arli$$" is an American television sitcom that aired on HBO from 1996 to 2002. The show revolves around Arliss Michaels (Robert Wuhl), the president of a sports agency in California, who is known for his abrasive manners and offbeat client-management strategies. Despite struggling with his morals, he is dedicated to getting the best deals for his diverse collection of clients. The series delivered insightful commentary on the world of professional sports through Arliss's eyes, with a delightful mix of humor, satire, and drama.

Making / Production

"Arli$$" was created by and starred actor and comedian Robert Wuhl, known for his sharp-witted humor and unique brand of comedy. The series was produced by HBO, a network known for pushing boundaries and delivering diverse content. Throughout its seven seasons, "Arli$$" tackled various off-the-field issues in the world of sports, ranging from race and sexuality to the influence of money and the media.

Actors

• Robert Wuhl as Arliss Michaels: Wuhl flawlessly played the character of a high-powered sports agent who, despite sometimes questionable tactics, truly cared for his clients.
• Sandra Oh as Rita Wu: Before her "Grey's Anatomy" fame, Oh played Rita Wu, Arliss's executive assistant. She played the part brilliantly, bringing a mix of intelligence, sass, and loyalty to the role.
• Jim Turner as Kirby Carlisle: Turner portrayed a retired football player and financial adviser with a heart of gold and a penchant for bad decisions.
• Michael Boatman as Stanley Babson: Boatman's character Stanley is the agency's cautious and level-headed CFO, constantly trying to keep Arliss in check.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series successfully predicted real-world sports scenarios, like a hockey team moving to Las Vegas.
• Many real-life sports stars made cameo appearances on the show, including Shaquille O'Neal, Roger Clemens, and Oscar De La Hoya.

Music, Soundtrack

The show is noted for its catchy theme song, "I'm in the Game", performed by Bernie Worrell.

Quotes

• "My name is Arliss Michaels. I represent athletes — These are my stories." - Arliss Michaels
• "If we're not gonna look out for our clients, who's gonna look out for us?" - Arliss Michaels