Get a Life

“Get a Life” is a U.S. television sitcom that aired on the Fox Network from September 23, 1990, to March 8, 1992. The series features Chris Elliott as Chris Peterson, a 30-year-old paperboy who resides in an apartment above his parents’ garage. The opening sequence shows Peterson delivering newspapers on his bike to the tune of “Stand” by R.E.M.

The show was conceived by Elliott, Adam Resnick, and writer/director David Mirkin. Mirkin served as the executive producer and showrunner, directing most of the episodes. The writing team included notable figures like Charlie Kaufman, known for “Being John Malkovich,” and Bob Odenkirk, co-creator of “Mr. Show with Bob and David” and “Tenacious D.”

“Get a Life” was unconventional for a prime-time sitcom, often featuring surreal storylines. For instance, Elliott’s character dies in twelve episodes, with causes ranging from being crushed by a giant boulder to old age, tonsillitis, stab wounds, gunshot wounds, falling from an airplane, strangulation, being run over by cars, choking on cereal, and even exploding. Due to its unusual content, Elliott and Mirkin faced challenges getting the show on air, as many Fox Network executives found it too disturbing and considered Elliott’s character too insane.