Arli$$

Arliss Michaels runs a small but flashy Los Angeles sports agency where deals, egos, and image are all part of the product. He’s endlessly optimistic, quick with a scheme, and genuinely loyal to his clients, but he struggles to refuse favors and keep personal lines clear. Episodes usually follow Arliss juggling player contracts, PR disasters, and staff requests while trying to keep the business profitable and his reputation intact. The tone is comedic and insider-focused, showing the behind-the-scenes mechanics of professional sports without giving away any major plot twists or final outcomes.

Premiering in 1996, the series is a TV comedy led by Robert Wuhl as Arliss Michaels, with strong support from Sandra Oh as Rita Wu, Jim Turner as Kirby Carlisle, and Michael Boatman as Stanley Babson. Its Los Angeles setting gives it a glossy, industry-savvy backdrop.

During its run the show picked up modest industry recognition, earning some nominations that reflected praise for its writing and performances. It wasn’t a sweep at major award shows, but the attention it received helped cement the cast and creative team in the minds of critics and industry observers.

Critics and viewers tended to respond to the show’s sharp satire of the sports business and its focus on ethics, loyalty, and ambition. It averages around a mid-range score from aggregated votes, and fans appreciate its mix of workplace comedy and insider detail rather than broad slapstick. The writing leans on fast banter and moral gray areas, often asking whether success is worth personal compromise.

The series left a mark by treating the sports agent world as ripe for comedy, giving audiences a look at the mechanics of deals and publicity. It also served as an early high-profile role for Sandra Oh and helped raise Robert Wuhl’s profile as a performer who could carry a workplace comedy with industry-specific humor. Fans of sports media and workplace sitcoms still reference its tone and setup.