Cult adult comedy about dreamer Martin Tupper, whose life is full of colourful characters. Divorced and living with his growing teenage son, still friends with his ex-wife, and constantly looking for dates, but without a clue how to relate to women. Working as a book editor, with a ditsy, headstrong secretary, who cramps his style as often as helping him. The series is crammed full of hundreds of clips from all manner of old films, used as metaphors for Martin's reactions (hence the title); and it is renowned for its use of sexual references, plus, in its early seasons, occasional swearing and numerous scenes of nudity.

John Landis asked Universal Studios if he could make a show out of all the old TV programs that Universal had in its library, a lot of which were anthology shows. He then asked David Crane and Marta Kauffman to come up with an premise. This was the result.

Claire:
I'm sorry, is the smoke bothering you?


Martin:
Actually, yes.


Claire:
Then don't inhale.