Editing Andy Richter Controls the Universe

{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox television
| image                = AndyRichterControlsTheUniverse.png
| runtime              = 30 minutes
| company              = {{Plainlist|
* [[Victor Fresco|Garfield Grove Productions]]
* [[20th Century Fox Television]]
* [[Paramount Television (original)|Paramount Network Television]]
}}
| genre                = [[Sitcom]]
| creator              = [[Victor Fresco]]
| starring             = {{Plainlist|
* [[Andy Richter]]
* [[Paget Brewster]]
* [[Irene Molloy]]
* [[Jonathan Slavin]]
* [[James Patrick Stuart]]
}}
| narrated             = Andy Richter
| country              = United States
| network              = [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]
| camera               = [[Single-camera setup|Single-camera]]
| first_aired          = {{Start date|2002|03|19}}
| last_aired           = {{End date|2003|01|12}}
| language             = English
| num_seasons          = 2
| num_episodes         = 19
| list_episodes        = 
}}
'''''Andy Richter Controls the Universe''''' is<!--Do not change to "was" per [[WP:TENSE]]--> an American [[sitcom]] created by [[Victor Fresco]] that originally aired on [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] from March 19, 2002, to January 12, 2003. The series was [[Andy Richter]]'s first starring role after leaving [[NBC]]'s ''[[Late Night with Conan O'Brien]]'' in 2000, and centers around Richter's eponymous character, a writer living in [[Chicago]] who works at a fictional company called Pickering Industries. The show was a joint production of Garfield Grove Productions and [[20th Century Fox Television]] in association with [[Paramount Television]].

Filmed in [[Los Angeles, California]] using a [[single-camera setup]], the series was developed after Richter expressed interest in expanding his acting repertoire beyond his previous sidekick role on late-night television. It utilizes a unique narrative style, blending [[nonlinear storytelling]] with the [[unreliable narrator]] trope. The show features an ensemble cast, including [[Paget Brewster]], [[Irene Molloy]], [[Jonathan Slavin]], and [[James Patrick Stuart]].

''Andy Richter Controls the Universe'' received critical acclaim for its inventive humor and writing, drawing comparisons to other successful Fox comedies such as ''[[The Simpsons]]''. Despite positive reviews, the series suffered from low ratings, leading to its cancellation after two mid-season runs. The series has since gained a [[cult following]] and is regarded as a forerunner to the wave of single-camera comedies that followed, such as ''[[Arrested Development]]''.

==Production==

===Conception and development===
[[Andy Richter]] had departed his long-time role as [[sidekick]] on ''[[Late Night with Conan O'Brien]]'' in 2000, after performing in the role since 1993. He expressed a desire to play different roles to the "fat slob roles" he was being offered at the time, and to expand his profile and "see what's out there".<ref name="RichterLATimes">{{cite web |last1=Brownfield |first1=Paul |title=Andy Richter Jumps Into Life After 'Late Night' |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-may-24-ca-33277-story.html |website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=August 11, 2024 |date=May 24, 2000}}</ref>

''Andy Richter Controls the Universe'' was the first sitcom that Richter starred in. Some were unsure of Richter's acting ability due to his sidekick role on ''Late Night''. Richter described an encounter with a [[Paramount Television|Paramount]] executive after the table read for the series pilot in which the executive exclaimed, "Wow, you can really act!"<ref name="VultureLookingBack">{{cite web |last1=Ess |first1=Ramsey |title=Looking Back at When Andy Richter Controlled the Universe |url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/01/looking-back-at-when-andy-richter-controlled-the-universe.html |website=Vulture |access-date=August 11, 2024 |date=January 15, 2016}}</ref>

Richter met with many creators and writers before deciding to work with [[Victor Fresco]], who already had a deal with [[Paramount Television]]. Actress [[Paget Brewster]] was already separately familiar with both Richter and Fresco and helped to arrange a meeting between the two. In initial meetings, Fresco and Richter developed the show's concept, including the use of narration and the [[unreliable narrator]] trope, following which Fresco wrote the show's [[pilot episode]]. He pitched the show to Fox executives by handing them the first scene to read, and leaving the room as they read it. Executives were enthusiastic, following which he wrote the pilot.<ref name="CrackedOralHistory">{{cite web |last1=VanHooker |first1=Brian |title=The Definitive Oral History of 'Andy Richter Controls the Universe' |url=https://www.cracked.com/article_41766_the-definitive-oral-history-of-andy-richter-controls-the-universe.html |website=Cracked |access-date=August 14, 2024 |date=April 10, 2024}}</ref>

Brewster was cast in the role of Jessica Green after another actress played the part in the original pilot. Fox executives vetoed the original actress as they had previously seen her in pilots that were unsuccessful. Brewster had had a development deal with Fox for two years before the show began. She was required to audition for the show three times against many other actresses.<ref name="CrackedOralHistory" />

===Filming===
After Fox picked up the show, a writer's room was assembled. Writer [[Jim Bernstein]] recalled that Richter himself would sometimes be in the writer's room, bucking usual convention, to be supportive and assist. He referred to the writers as "The Nerd Tower".<ref name="CrackedOralHistory" />

The show's working title was ''Anything Can Happen'', which was vetoed by executives. Fox insisted that the title feature Richter's name, which he later said he "wasn't entirely comfortable with". He then pitched the final title, intentionally making it more grandiose for comedic effect. He later called it a "terrible" title, due to viewers' tendency to forget the entire phrase.<ref name="CrackedOralHistory" />

The show was a joint production of Garfield Grove Productions and [[20th Century Fox Television]] in association with [[Paramount Television]].<ref name="VarietyWaterCooler">{{cite web |last1=Gallo |first1=Phil |title=Andy Richter Controls the Universe |url=https://variety.com/2002/tv/reviews/andy-richter-controls-the-universe-1200550781/ |website=Variety |access-date=August 14, 2024 |date=March 15, 2002}}</ref>

===Structure===
''Andy Richter Controls the Universe'' was heavily centered around Richter's eponymous character, who was also the [[narrator]], continually explaining the plot and his thought processes throughout each episode. The show used [[nonlinear narrative]] techniques for comedic effect, for example in the pilot episode, rewinding the scene that had just played out in order to see an alternative version.<ref name="VultureLookingBack" /> This technique was tied to the character's occupation as a writer, and imaginative personality.<ref name="RichterLikeableSFGATE" /> The unique format allowed for the creation of unusual gags and sequences.<ref name="ScreenRantCancelled">{{cite web |last1=Cotter |first1=Padraig |title=Andy Richter Controls The Universe Season 3: Why The Show Was Cancelled |url=https://screenrant.com/andy-richter-controls-universe-show-cancellation-reasons/ |website=ScreenRant |access-date=August 14, 2024 |date=September 4, 2020}}</ref>

The series tried out different tones and styles of humor throughout its run. The premiere episode parodied [[political correctness]] in workplace hirings, and addressed [[race relations]] in a comedic manner.<ref name="EWReview2">{{cite magazine |last1=Tucker |first1=Ken |title=Andy Richter Controls the Universe |url=https://ew.com/article/2002/12/06/andy-richter-controls-universe-2/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=August 13, 2024 |date=December 6, 2002}}</ref> It was noted for its tendency to put a twist on standard sitcom plots and scenarios.<ref name="EWReview1">{{cite magazine |last1=Tucker |first1=Ken |title=Andy Richter Controls the Universe |url=https://ew.com/article/2002/03/26/andy-richter-controls-universe/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=August 14, 2024 |date=March 26, 2002}}</ref> One season one episode featured a live [[kangaroo]], which was a "true test of patience" for Richter.<ref name="CrackedOralHistory" /> The series used music from the 1960s and 1970s.<ref name="VarietyWaterCooler" />

The outside shots of Andy's office are taken from the Duke & Duke building from ''[[Trading Places]]''.<ref name="DVDTalkReview">{{cite web |last1=Bailey |first1=Jason |title=Andy Richter Controls the Universe: The Complete Series |url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/36606/andy-richter-controls-the-universe-the-complete-series/ |website=DVD Talk |access-date=August 14, 2024 |date=March 12, 2009}}</ref>

===Soundtrack===
All music from the show was written by Greg Burns, Jeff Burns, and Brian Kirk. The theme song is sung by [[Jason Cropper]], the original guitarist for [[Weezer]]. The song was written for the show, and there is not a full version beyond the short clip in the beginning. However, a slightly longer version of the song is evident on the pilot episode.{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}}

===Cancellation===
''Andy Richter Controls the Universe'' was cancelled by Fox in 2003 after two mid-season runs.<ref name="VultureLookingBack" /> The series received lukewarm ratings throughout its run.<ref name="CrackedOralHistory" /><ref name="ScreenRantCancelled" /> Only 14 of the 19 produced episodes were aired by Fox.<ref name="DVDTalkReview" />

Its changing timeslot was later cited as making the show hard to find for viewers, at a time when scheduling was important for television success, and potentially a reason for the poor ratings. Episodes were only ordered in chunks following the pilot. Richter later said he was "deeply, deeply disappointed" about the show's end, and said he was "very very proud" of its legacy. He also speculated that the show not being fully owned by Fox contributed to its cancellation, as well as not being centered around family like other Fox shows of the era.<ref name="CrackedOralHistory" />

[[Reruns]] of all 19 episodes continued to air on [[HDNet]] from mid-2003 until 2006. The series was also shown on the [[Paramount Comedy Channel]], the [[Republic of Ireland|Irish]] network [[TV3 (Ireland)|TV3]], and on the [[Comedy Central Polska|Polish edition of Comedy Central]].{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}}

==Characters==
{{More citations needed section|date=August 2024}}
The surnames of the characters are very rarely mentioned – with the exception of Andy, most are only mentioned once in the entire series.

===Main===
<!-- Cast listed in order of show credits, as per [[WP:TVCAST]] -->
* Andy Richter: The character, sharing his name with [[Andy Richter|the actor]], is an aspiring writer living in [[Chicago]] who wants to write short stories. However, he is forced to work as a technical manual writer for Pickering Industries, the fifth largest company in America, to pay the bills. Andy is shy and not good with women. He does not really want to be working at the company, though he is very good at his job.<ref name="VultureLookingBack" /><ref name="RichterLikeableSFGATE">{{cite web |last1=Goodman |first1=Tim |title=Richter's very likable universe |url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Richter-s-very-likable-universe-2863535.php |website=SFGATE |access-date=August 13, 2024 |date=March 19, 2002}}</ref>
* Jessica Green (played by [[Paget Brewster]]): Jessica worked with Andy for years before she became the head of Andy's department, and thus, his boss. They tried dating once, but it did not work out. She often has to act as an intermediary between her superiors and Andy and his co-workers, forcing her to take sides. She is fairly superficial when it comes to men.
* Wendy McKay (played by [[Irene Molloy]]): Wendy is the receptionist at Andy's office, who Andy is attracted to.<ref name="DVDTalkReview" /> However, he finds out that since he has not made a move in a month, Keith has started to date her.<ref name="VarietyWaterCooler" />
* Byron Togler (played by [[Jonathan Slavin]]): Byron is a new illustrator who moves into Andy's office, which causes Andy annoyance in the pilot episode. Byron is fairly insecure and shy.<ref name="VultureLookingBack" />
* Keith<!--Please do not add the surname "Richards" which is listed on sites like imdb, but does not appear to be found in the series itself. If there is a reference to it on the series that has been found, please note it on the talk page discussion.--> (played by [[James Patrick Stuart]]): Keith is Andy's best friend and co-worker and one usually sticks up for the other. He is the handsome guy in the office who has things handed to him because he's good-looking.

===Others===
Pickering Industries was founded by Mr. Pickering ([[John Bliss]]). Despite being long-dead, he appears in several episodes and has discussions with Andy within the latter's imagination. His viewpoints are typically antiquated and contrary to [[political correctness]] to an extreme degree.<ref name="DVDTalkReview" /> His comments often seem to represent a negative aspect of Andy's mind, such as guilt, or self-doubt.

Teak ([[Charlie Finn]]) and Phil ([[Sean Gunn]]) live in the same building as Andy. They had been members of the same [[Fraternities and sororities|fraternity]] as Andy, ten years after Andy was a member.  As such, they look up to him. It is hinted that Phil might be gay.

===Guest appearances===
[[Conan O'Brien]] appears as Pickering's new CEO in the episode "Crazy in Rio".<ref name="DVDTalkReview" /><ref name="ScreenRantCancelled" /> Other stars to have guest roles include [[Cedric Yarbrough]], [[Jon Cryer]], [[Molly Sims]], [[Beth Littleford]], [[Rick Peters]], [[Bree Turner]], [[Jarrad Paul]], [[Rex Lee (actor)|Rex Lee]], [[Lola Glaudini]], [[Patricia Belcher]] and [[June Lockhart]], who plays Andy's grandmother.

==Episodes==

===Broadcast history===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Season !! Time
|-
| [[2001–02 United States network television schedule|2001–02]] || Tuesday at 8:30<ref name="RichterLikeableSFGATE" />
|-
| [[2002–03 United States network television schedule|2002–03]] || Sunday at 9:30 <small>(Episodes 1–2, 4, 6–8)</small><br/>Tuesday at 8:30 <small>(Episodes 3, 5)</small>
|}

===Season 1 (2002)===
{{Episode table |background=7CB9E8 |overall= |season= |title= |director= |writer= |airdate= |viewers= |country=U.S.|prodcode= |episodes=
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=1
 |EpisodeNumber2=1
 |Title= Pilot
 |DirectedBy=[[Andy Ackerman]] 
 |WrittenBy=[[Victor Fresco]]
 |OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2002|03|19}}
 |Viewers=9.77<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/04/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20020324.html|title=Broadcast & Cable Nielsens: Week Ending March 24, 2002|date=April 15, 2022|work=Ratings Ryan|access-date=September 4, 2022|archive-date=October 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007155206/https://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/04/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20020324.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 |ProdCode= 001
 |ShortSummary= Andy has a crush on Wendy, but she is dating Keith.  A new employee, Byron, is put in Andy's office which is barely big enough for Andy to begin with.  Andy can't stay mad about it for too long, however, since Byron turns out to be a great guy.
 |LineColor=7CB9E8
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=4
 |EpisodeNumber2=2
 |Title= Grief Counselor
 |DirectedBy=Andy Ackerman 
 |WrittenBy=Michael A. Ross
 |OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2002|03|26}}
 |Viewers=8.73<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/04/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20020331.html|title=Broadcast & Cable Nielsens: Week Ending March 31, 2002|date=April 17, 2022|work=Ratings Ryan|access-date=September 4, 2022|archive-date=March 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305044515/https://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/04/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20020331.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 |ProdCode=004
 |ShortSummary= After a man named Charlie dies, the company forces everyone to see a grief counselor. Byron uses it to open up all of his sorrow and causes the grief counselor to commit suicide.
 |LineColor=7CB9E8
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=6
 |EpisodeNumber2=3
 |Title= Little Andy in Charge
 |DirectedBy=Andy Ackerman 
 |WrittenBy=[[Michael Shipley (screenwriter)|Michael Shipley]] & [[Jim Bernstein]] 
 |OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2002|04|02}}
 |Viewers=6.62<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/04/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20020407.html|title=Broadcast & Cable Nielsens: Week Ending April 7, 2002|date=April 20, 2022|work=Ratings Ryan|access-date=September 4, 2022|archive-date=February 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229145831/https://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/04/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20020407.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 |ProdCode=006
 |ShortSummary= Andy has a crisis of conscience when he learns that the beautiful woman he is dating is a bigot.  Jessica goes out partying before a big meeting and her tiredness plays to her advantage.
 |LineColor=7CB9E8
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=2
 |EpisodeNumber2=4
 |Title= The Second Episode
 |DirectedBy=Andy Ackerman
 |WrittenBy=Victor Fresco 
 |OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2002|04|09}}
 |Viewers=7.12<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/04/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20020414.html|title=Broadcast & Cable Nielsens: Week Ending April 14, 2002|date=April 22, 2022|work=Ratings Ryan|access-date=September 4, 2022|archive-date=May 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519090000/http://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/04/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20020414.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 |ProdCode=002
 |ShortSummary= Andy is upset to be forced to share his office with yet another person ([[Cedric Yarbrough]]), making 3 people total in an office designed for one, this time an overly friendly and cheerful man who is also named Andy.
 |LineColor=7CB9E8
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=5
 |EpisodeNumber2=5
 |Title= Gimme a C
 |DirectedBy=[[Will Mackenzie]] 
 |WrittenBy=[[Jennifer Celotta]] 
 |OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2002|04|16}}
 |Viewers=6.36<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/04/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20020421.html|title=Broadcast & Cable Nielsens: Week Ending April 21, 2002|date=April 28, 2022|work=Ratings Ryan|access-date=September 4, 2022|archive-date=April 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413103827/https://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/04/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20020421.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 |ProdCode=005
 |ShortSummary= The gang gets irritated at Lemuel Praeger ([[Jon Cryer]]), vice-president of the company, constant cost cutting and so plays a prank on him, which they later regret when they learn he has cancer. Praeger then uses this against them and makes them do various things to make up for it.
 |LineColor=7CB9E8
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=7
 |EpisodeNumber2=6
 |Title= Wedding
 |DirectedBy=Andy Ackerman
 |WrittenBy=[[Tim Doyle]] 
 |OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2002|04|23}}
 |Viewers=6.04<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/04/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20020428.html|title=Broadcast & Cable Nielsens: Week Ending April 28, 2002|date=April 29, 2022|work=Ratings Ryan|access-date=September 4, 2022|archive-date=May 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519072755/http://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/04/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20020428.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 |ProdCode=007
 |ShortSummary= The gang goes to a wedding. Andy wakes up in Byron's bed and they wonder how that happened.
 |LineColor=7CB9E8
}}
}}

===Season 2 (2002–03)===
{{Episode table |background=A1291B |overall= |season= |title= |director= |writer= |airdate= |viewers= |country=U.S. |prodcode= |episodes=
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=11
 |EpisodeNumber2=1
 |Title=We're All The Same, Only Different
 |DirectedBy=[[Andy Ackerman]]
 |WrittenBy=[[Victor Fresco]]
 |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2002|12|01}}
 |Viewers=7.42<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/07/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20021201.html|title=Broadcast & Cable Nielsens: Week Ending December 1, 2002|date=July 24, 2022|work=Ratings Ryan|access-date=September 4, 2022|archive-date=May 22, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522110644/http://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/07/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20021201.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 |ProdCode=011
 |ShortSummary=Andy makes a disparaging remark about Irish people, offending a friend of his that he didn't know was of Irish descent.  No one else thinks it's a big deal until the Irish CEO finds out about it and makes everyone in Andy's department as well as every manager in the chain of command between himself and Andy take sensitivity training classes.  Meanwhile, Andy learns sensitivity as a relationship blossoms between himself and his new African/Irish/American girlfriend ([[Dawnn Lewis]]).
 |LineColor=A1291B
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=12
 |EpisodeNumber2=2
 |Title=Twins
 |DirectedBy=Andy Ackerman 
 |WrittenBy=Rob Ulin 
 |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2002|12|08}}
 |Viewers=6.89<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/07/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20021208.html|title=Broadcast & Cable Nielsens: Week Ending December 8, 2002|date=July 27, 2022|work=Ratings Ryan|access-date=September 4, 2022|archive-date=February 22, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222142442/http://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/07/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20021208.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 |ProdCode=012
 |ShortSummary=A pair of identical twins is sharing Jessica as their girlfriend.  Everything will be fine as long as they don't find out that she knows.
 |LineColor=A1291B
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=3
 |EpisodeNumber2=3
 |Title=France
 |DirectedBy=[[John Fortenberry]] 
 |WrittenBy=[[Will Gluck]] 
 |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2002|12|10}}
 |Viewers=5.92<ref name="Nielsen121502">{{cite news|url=https://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/07/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20021215.html|title=Broadcast & Cable Nielsens: Week Ending December 15, 2002|date=July 30, 2022|work=Ratings Ryan|access-date=September 4, 2022|archive-date=December 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209182147/http://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/07/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20021215.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 |ProdCode=003
 |ShortSummary=Andy convinces Jessica to send him instead of Keith (who really doesn't want to go anyway) on an important business trip to France.  Then, Andy and Jessica learn that Byron speaks fluent French!
 |LineColor=A1291B
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=13
 |EpisodeNumber2=4
 |Title=Holy Sheep 
 |DirectedBy=Andy Ackerman	
 |WrittenBy=[[Jennifer Celotta]]
 |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2002|12|15}}
 |Viewers=7.45<ref name="Nielsen121502" />
 |ProdCode=013
 |ShortSummary=Byron struggles to remain celibate so that he can be initiated into his new religion, "Zumanism" as the beautiful daughter of the founder of the church ([[Molly Sims]]) tries desperately to seduce him.
 |LineColor=A1291B
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=14
 |EpisodeNumber2=5
 |Title=Relationship Ripcord
 |DirectedBy=[[Lee Shallat-Chemel]] 
 |WrittenBy=[[Michael Shipley (screenwriter)|Michael Shipley]] & [[Jim Bernstein]]
 |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2002|12|17}}
 |Viewers=6.75<ref name="Nielsen122202">{{cite news|url=https://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/07/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20021222.html|title=Broadcast & Cable Nielsens: Week Ending December 22, 2002|date=July 30, 2022|work=Ratings Ryan|access-date=September 4, 2022|archive-date=March 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305110326/http://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/07/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20021222.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 |ProdCode=014
 |ShortSummary=Andy and friends eavesdrop on the therapy session of a beautiful woman and Andy decides to exploit what he hears to start a relationship with her.
 |LineColor=A1291B
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=9
 |EpisodeNumber2=6
 |Title=The Show Might Go On
 |DirectedBy=Andy Ackerman
 |WrittenBy=Jay Dyer
 |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2002|12|22}}
 |Viewers=5.71<ref name="Nielsen122202" />
 |ProdCode=009
 |ShortSummary=Wendy is the understudy to the leading actress ([[Beth Littleford]]) in a local play.  Andy and Keith conspire to make the actress miss a performance so that Wendy can get her big break.
 |LineColor=A1291B
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=17
 |EpisodeNumber2=7
 |Title=Crazy in Rio
 |DirectedBy=Andy Ackerman
 |WrittenBy=Michael A. Ross
 |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2003|01|05}}
 |Viewers=7.92<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/08/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20030105.html|title=Broadcast & Cable Nielsens: Week Ending January 5, 2003|date=August 2, 2022|work=Ratings Ryan|access-date=September 4, 2022|archive-date=March 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303063431/http://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/08/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20030105.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 |ProdCode=017
 |ShortSummary=The new CEO of Pickering industries ([[Conan O'Brien]]) takes a liking to Andy and promotes him to a lofty executive position.  There's only one problem, the new CEO is completely insane.
 |LineColor=A1291B
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=15
 |EpisodeNumber2=8
 |Title=The Maid Man
 |DirectedBy=Andy Ackerman
 |WrittenBy=[[Matthew Weiner]] 
 |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2003|01|12}}
 |Viewers=6.61<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/08/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20030112.html|title=Broadcast & Cable Nielsens: Week Ending January 12, 2003|date=August 10, 2022|work=Ratings Ryan|access-date=September 4, 2022|archive-date=April 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413101135/http://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/08/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20030112.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 |ProdCode=015
 |ShortSummary=Andy falls for Jessica's Russian housekeeper ([[Lola Glaudini]]), creating friction between himself and Jessica when the shallow infatuation runs its course.
 |LineColor=A1291B
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=8
 |EpisodeNumber2=9
 |Title=Bully the Kid
 |DirectedBy=[[Bryan Gordon]]
 |WrittenBy=Steve Baldikoski & Bryan Behar
 |OriginalAirDate=Unaired
(Aired: Jun.14,2004 on HDNet)
 |Viewers=<span style="color: grey;">{{TableTBA|N/A}}</span>
 |ProdCode=008
 |ShortSummary=Andy drops the ball when asked to watch Jessica's nephew, who then blackmails Andy and Jessica so that he won't tell his mom about Andy and Jessica's lack of responsibility.
 |LineColor=A1291B
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=10
 |EpisodeNumber2=10
 |Title=Duh Dog
 |DirectedBy=John Fortenberry 
 |WrittenBy=[[Tommy Blacha]] 
 |OriginalAirDate=Unaired
(Aired: Jun.21,2004 on HDNet)
 |Viewers=<span style="color: grey;">{{TableTBA|N/A}}</span>
 |ProdCode=010
 |ShortSummary=Andy makes a sarcastic remark about a "big stupid dog" that catches everyone's attention and ends up becoming the company mascot.
 |LineColor=A1291B
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=16
 |EpisodeNumber2=11
 |Title=Final Fantasy
 |DirectedBy=John Fortenberry 
 |WrittenBy=[[Eric Kaplan]] 
 |OriginalAirDate=Unaired
(Aired: Jun.28,2004 on HDNet)
 |Viewers=<span style="color: grey;">{{TableTBA|N/A}}</span>
 |ProdCode=016
 |ShortSummary=Wendy takes a crack at writing fantasy fiction.  Byron accidentally becomes a pimp.
 |LineColor=A1291B
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=19
 |EpisodeNumber2=12
 |Title=Charity Begins in D Block
 |DirectedBy=Andy Ackerman
 |WrittenBy=[[Dave Jeser]] & [[Matt Silverstein]]
 |OriginalAirDate=Unaired
(Aired: Jul.5,2004 on HDNet)
 |Viewers=<span style="color: grey;">{{TableTBA|N/A}}</span>
 |ProdCode=019
 |ShortSummary=Andy and Jessica volunteer as mentors at a prison.  Their competitiveness gets the better of them as they coach their respective prisoners in a poetry competition.
 |LineColor=A1291B
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=18
 |EpisodeNumber2=13
 |Title=Saturday Early Evening Fever
 |DirectedBy=[[Jay Chandrasekhar]]
 |WrittenBy=Tommy Blacha
 |OriginalAirDate=Unaired
(Aired: Jul.12,2004 on HDNet)
 |Viewers=<span style="color: grey;">{{TableTBA|N/A}}</span>
 |ProdCode=018
 |ShortSummary=Twenty-something Byron begins dating Andy's eighty-something grandmother ([[June Lockhart]]).
 |LineColor=A1291B
}}
}}

==Reception==
''Andy Richter Controls the Universe'' received positive reviews from critics.<ref name="ScreenRantCancelled" /> Tim Goodman of ''SFGATE'' praised the series, particularly the writing, saying that it had "smart wit" and favorably comparing it to fellow Fox sitcom ''[[The Simpsons]]''.<ref name="RichterLikeableSFGATE" /> Ken Tucker of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' said in a review of the second season that the series had become its own "perfectly realized comic universe", praising its improvement over the first season, which was "funny but hit-or-miss". He further praised the cast performances, particularly Brewster's.<ref name="EWReview2" /> Tucker criticised some jokes in an earlier review that he regarded to be in poor taste.<ref name="EWReview1" />

''[[Salon.com]]'' praised the series as "absurdly hilarious" and lauded its take on [[office humor]].<ref name="SalonReview">{{cite web |last1=Chocano |first1=Carina |title=Bureaucracy made hilarious |url=https://www.salon.com/2002/12/12/richter/ |website=Salon |access-date=August 14, 2024 |date=December 12, 2002}}</ref> ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' said the series "has the feel of a singular vision — there isn’t a single line in any of the three episodes that felt like it was written by a committee" and said it had the potential to be the most-talked-about comedy from the [[2001–02 United States network television schedule|2001–02 television season]], calling it "a true water-cooler conversation generator".<ref name="VarietyWaterCooler" />

''[[TIME]]'' praised the DVD release, saying the show was "what the DVD format was created for".<ref name="RichterTIME">{{cite magazine |title=Andy Richter Controls the Universe |url=https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1870628_1888256_1888251,00.html |magazine=TIME |date=January 23, 2009 |access-date=August 14, 2024}}</ref>

===Legacy===
''[[TV Guide]]'' included the series in their 2013 list of 60 shows that were "Cancelled Too Soon".<ref name="TVGuideCancelled">{{cite news |last1=Roush |first1=Matt |title=Cancelled Too Soon |work=TV Guide |date=June 3, 2013 |pages=20–21}}</ref> ''ScreenRant'' said in 2020 that it had become "something of a cult sitcom", even going back to the airing of its second season.<ref name="ScreenRantCancelled" /> Tara Ariano of ''[[Cracked.com|Cracked]]'' called it an "extremely underrated surrealist sitcom", and lamented its lack of inclusion on modern [[streaming]] services.<ref name="Cracked28Best">{{cite web |last1=Ariano |first1=Tara |title=The 28 Best TV Comedies from the 2000s That You Can Stream Right Now |url=https://www.cracked.com/article_39492_the-28-best-tv-comedies-from-the-2000s-that-you-can-stream-right-now.html |website=Cracked |access-date=August 14, 2024 |date=September 14, 2023}}</ref> ''[[Vulture (magazine)|Vulture]]'' said it was the "most inventive and funny" of Richter's sitcoms.<ref name="VultureResurrectDead">{{cite web |last1=Cormier |first1=Roger |title=12 More TV Comedies That Netflix Should Resurrect From the Dead |url=https://www.vulture.com/2013/05/12-more-comedies-that-netflix-should-resurrect-from-the-dead.html |website=Vulture |access-date=August 14, 2024 |date=May 20, 2013}}</ref>

The series has continued to be positively compared to similar shows such as ''[[Arrested Development]]'', also on Fox.<ref name="VultureLookingBack" /> Frequent series director [[Andy Ackerman]] speculated in a retrospective interview that the show was "a year too soon", before the rise of [[single-camera]] television, and praised the show, calling it one of his favorite working experiences.<ref name="AckermanAcademyInterview">{{cite web |last1=Matz |first1=Jenni |title=Andy Ackerman Interview Part 6 of 6 |url=https://interviews.televisionacademy.com/shows/andy-richter-controls-universe |website=Television Academy |access-date=August 14, 2024 |date=September 9, 2009}}</ref> Brewster later said that the cast and crew "definitely got the impression that we weren't welcome on the network at the time". ''Andy Richter Controls the Universe'' was later noted as being part of a wave of similar single-camera comedies that experimented with the traditional sitcom format, such as ''[[Malcolm in the Middle]]'' and ''[[Scrubs (TV series)|Scrubs]]''.<ref name="CrackedOralHistory" />

===Accolades===
Creator and writer Victor Fresco was nominated for the [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series]] in 2002 for his work on the show.<ref name="AcademyEmmyNom">{{cite web |title=Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series - 2002 |url=https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2002/outstanding-writing-for-a-comedy-series |website=Television Academy |access-date=August 14, 2024}}</ref>

==Home release==
On March 24, 2009, [[CBS Home Entertainment|CBS DVD]] (distributed by [[Paramount Home Entertainment|Paramount]]) released all 19 episodes of ''Andy Richter Controls the Universe'' on DVD in Region 1.<ref name="SeriesDVD">{{cite web |last1=Lambert |first1=David |title=Andy Richter Controls the Universe - Package Art, Bonus Material & Other New Info for the Highly Anticipated DVDs |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Andy-Richter-Controls-Universe-The-Complete-Series/11155 |website=TVShowsonDVD.com |access-date=August 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224001700/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Andy-Richter-Controls-Universe-The-Complete-Series/11155 |archive-date=February 24, 2009 |date=January 13, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Some music cues were replaced for the home media release due to licensing issues.<ref name="DVDTalkReview" />

{| class="wikitable"
!DVD Name
!Ep #
!Release Date
!Additional Information
|-
| Andy Richter Controls the Universe: The Complete Series
| align="center"|19
| March 24, 2009
| 
* Audio commentaries
* ''How Andy Richter Controlled the Universe'' featurette
* ''What if Andy Richter Controlled the Universe'' featurette
|}

==See also==
* ''[[Quintuplets]]'' – [[Andy Richter]]'s subsequent sitcom
* ''[[Andy Barker, P.I.]]'' – Andy Richter's third sitcom

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{wikiquote}}
* {{IMDb title|0307716}}

[[Category:2000s American single-camera sitcoms]]
[[Category:2002 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:2003 American television series endings]]
[[Category:2000s American workplace comedy television series]]
[[Category:American English-language television shows]]
[[Category:Television series by CBS Studios]] <!-- North America -->
[[Category:Television series by 20th Century Fox Television]] <!-- International -->
[[Category:Television shows set in Chicago]]
[[Category:Television series created by Victor Fresco]]
[[Category:Fox Broadcasting Company sitcoms]]