TV-MA
1996
7 Seasons
Comedy
Dark Comedy
Arli$ (HBO)
: Robert Wuhl stars as eternally optimistic and endlessly resourceful L.A. sports agent Arliss Michaels in this cult classic HBO series.
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1. A Man of Our Times
Arliss reflects on his life as a "superagent" during a dinner honoring him.
2. Negotiating -- It's Never Personal
A feud causes Arliss to launch a full-court press to represent a teen basketball...
3. How To Turn a Minus Into a Plus
Arliss's thoughts of financing a corporate jet go awry.
4. Athletes ARE Role Models
Arliss loses a huge endorsement deal when a squeaky-clean client gets involved i...
5. What About The Fans
A disgruntled hockey-team owner offers Arliss a tempting deal if he can help him...
6. The Company You Keep
Arliss is offered a huge sum of money to sell his firm after a run-in with a pow...
7. Crossing the Line
Arliss is tempted to represent a mediocre female tennis player after she gives h...
8. Colors of the Rainbow
An innocent remark makes Arliss appear to be a racist and jeopardizes the signin...
9. Timing Is Everything
Kirby talks Arliss into launching an indoor beach-volleyball league across the c...
10. The Client's Best Interest
Arliss uses his professional expertise to help him win a big-time rotisserie bas...
11. The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of
Arliss brings a hard-luck baseball hero to a home-shopping network.
A Full-Service Agency
A baseball-player client talks Arliss into acting as a private eye so that he can find out if his wife is cheating on him. Special guests include Michael Andretti, Tim McCarver and Bruce Smith.
The Value of Loyalty
One of Arliss's long-term clients decides to leave on the advice of his fiancée. Meanwhile, Arliss wants Rita to stop dating a client. Special guests include Bill Walsh and Wings Hauser.
Arliss Michaels, American
Arliss is invited to be a guest at the White House until a client -- a wild bowling pro -- gets himself arrested. Special guests include Jim Leyritz, James Carville and Katarina Witt.
The World at Your Feet
A young tennis player presents Arliss with the challenge of bringing in the bucks while satisfying the wishes of the youth's mother. Special guests include Tommy Lasorda.
Salary Cap This!
Arliss deals with the NBA salary cap while simultaneously trying to get himself on the cover of Sports Illustrated for a story about agents. Special guests include Bob Arum, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Jerry West.
Kirby Carlisle, Trouble-Shooter
Kirby must oversee a golf client during a major tournament while Arliss nurses a sore back. Special guests include Norm Crosby, Gary McCord and Jim Nantz.
The Real Thing
One of Arliss's baseball clients hits his 500th home run leading everyone including the player demanding the ball. Just one problem: the guy who has it wants one million bucks for it! Special guests include Henry Aaron, Roger Clemens and Larry King.
Visionary For a New Millennium
Arliss begins dating a marketing wiz who resorts to stealing some of his clients. Special guests include Alexi Lalas, Jim Lampley and Orlando Pace.
How To Be a Good Listener
Arliss's long-awaited golf trip gets put on hold by a series of crises including a client's assault on an umpire. Special guests include Chris Berman, Brett Favre and Lisa Leslie.
Truth and Responsibility
Arliss has vengeance on his brain after he is slandered by a sports talk-show host. Special guests include Jim Harbaugh, Eric Karros and Pete Rose.
My Job is To Get Jobs
Arliss can't find a job for his black backup quarterback because of rumors that the quarterback is gay. Guests include Oscar De La Hoya, Bob Kraft, Al Michaels and Ken Norton Jr.
Whatever It Takes
Arliss helps a linebacker client pass a steroids test while having his running-back client hold out for a better deal. In the opening game, the linebacker knocks out the running-back! Guests: Jerome Bettis, Michael Irvin, Jimmy Johnson, Dave Winfield.
Fans First
A crazed fan stabs a client of Arliss's at AMM's annual Super Bowl party, causing that client to consider sitting out the big game. Guest stars: Oksana Baiul, Terrell Davis, Ryan Leaf, Dorsey Levens, Dan Patrick.
The Family Trust
Arliss must collect commissions from Kirby's deadbeat hockey client while figuring out how to get a trash-talking basketball client back in the league. Guests include Cammi Granato, Willie McGinest, Don Ohlmeyer.
Where Do Clients Come From?
Arliss tries to recruit a suicidal NASCAR driver while Kirby goes after a retired bass-fishing champion named Kirby Carlisle! Guest stars: Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Richard Petty, Matt Williams, Charles Woodson and Michelle Johnson.
The Legacy
An NCAA investigation jeopardizes a lucrative TV contract that Arliss has negotiated for a major Jesuit university. Guest stars: Barry Switzer and Joe Theismann.
What Arliss Hath Joined Together ...
Arliss tries to arrange a pre-nup for an African basketball client and his Jewish bride. Guest stars: Kenny Anderson, Jerry Colangelo, Mia Hamm, John Randle.
The Working Man's Friend
Arliss finds himself alone in the office when a rainstorm hits. Meanwhile, Rita spends the day with her lover by claiming she's on jury duty. Stanley and Kirby journey to Fresno for an IRS audit.
Stanley Babson, Win, Place or Show
Arliss's purchase of a race horse with a client's money goes bad and forces him to consider killing it to collect the insurance money. Guests include Bob Baffert, Tippi Hedren, Curt Schilling and Eric Young.
Behind Every Great Client ...
A baseball player client gets Arliss to ask his wife for a divorce, but it all goes awry when Arliss has a fling with the woman and the player decides to reconcile! With Cobi Jones, Rick Majerus and Donyell Marshall.
The American Game
Arliss creates trouble with a current client when he considers representing a budding baseball star who was a "scab" player during the 1994 strike. With Bobby Bonilla, Jack Buck, Tony LaRussa, Mithc Richmond and Andre Rison.
What Would I Do Without Wu?
Rita's decision to become an agent backfires when she is forced to compromise her morals for a client. Guests include Fluff Cowan, Jim Edmonds, Dominik Hasek and Katerina Witt.
His Name is Arliss Michaels
Arliss gets swept up in a legal battle after a client sues him and triggers an avalanche of bad publicity. Guests include Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, Bryant Gumbel, Armen Keteyian, Ozzie Smith, Gary Payton and Johnnie Cochran.
Cause and Effect
Arliss has a health scare while Kirby tries to "assist" an old lady with her baseball memorabilia. Guests include Tonya Harding, Cheryl Miller, Roger Clemens, Keith Olbermann and George Steinbrenner.
Our Past, Our Present, Our Future
Arliss represents a young ice-skater whose parents are spending all of her money. Meanwhile, Kirby tries to keep his name atop the failing Kirby Carlisle Car Wash. Guests include Charles Barkley and Billie Jean King.
People Are Assets Too
After learning that he is losing courtside seats in the new Staples Center, Arliss uses "divine intervention" to get them back. Special guests include Dyan Cannon, Jerry Buss, Chick Hearn and Stu Lantz.
The Stories You Don't Hear About
A domestic dispute threatens to disrupt a boxing match that Arliss is promoting. Guest stars include Jamal Anderson, Bob Arum, boxing analysts Al Bernstein and Jim Lampley, Oscar De La Hoya, Jim Hill and Don King.
Taking One For The Team
Arliss has to date a potential client's mother in order to sign him -- and he expects Rita to do the same with the client! Special guests include Steve DeBerg, Ken Griffey Jr., Tim Couch and Bob Costas.
You Gotta Love This Game
While struggling with the men's basketball strike, Arliss is convinced to represent a female hoops player. Guests include WNBA star Chamique Holdsclaw, beach volleyball champ Gabrielle Reece and NBA stars Glenn Rice and John Starks.
The Changing of the Guard
Arliss is forced to negotiate with the cantankerous owner of a small-market baseball team. Guest stars include Kathleen Freeman, George Brett, Eric Karros, Willie Roaf and Pete Sampras.
To Thine Own Self Be True
Kirby and Stanley help a hockey client make the transition to professional wrestling. Guests include Davey Johnson, WCW President Eric Bischoff and wrestlers Randy Savage, Lex Luger and Rick Steiner.
The Cult of Celebrity
A country-western singer wants Arliss to get him a baseball job. Meanwhile, Stanley falls in love. Special guests include Bob Costas, singer Travis Tritt, Jesse Ventura, pitcher Scott Erickson and Hootie and the Blowfish lead singer Darius Rucker.
D-Day
Arliss comes down with the chicken pox forcing Kirby and Stanley to prepare a client for the NFL draft. Guests include Mike Holmgren, Jerry Jones, Carmen Policy and Stuart Scott.
The Art of Give and Take
Arliss uses money from his foundation to buy off a bad childhood memory. Guest stars include Marcus Allen and basketball star Juwan Howard.
Rules of the Game
Arliss gets a makeover, Rita dates an agent and Stanley is asked to join a prestigious country club. Guest stars include champion skateboarder Tony Hawk, NFL star Lincoln Kennedy and basketball player Wally Szczerbiak.
Making Things Happen
Arliss learns that a good friend and client -- who is about to be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame -- is being charged with domestic abuse.
Creatures of Habit
After Arliss has a client quit chewing tobacco through a hypnotist, he sends Kirby there to cure his gambling addiction. Meanwhile, Rita tries to keep a golf client on the wagon.
I Get Involved
Arliss must walk a fine line when two teammate clients begin dating the same girl. Meanwhile, Rita plays Cyrano for one of the clients, and a TV reporter shows up to do a "Where Are They Now?" segment on Kirby.
Comings and Goings
Arliss helps a client bury his mother while Stanley's run of bad luck has him searching for a "slumpbuster." Meanwhile, Kirby runs into one of his own slumpbusters from years earlier.
It's Who You Know
Arliss tries to talk the "pot dealer to the NBA" out of retiring by offering to get his kid into a fancy private school. Meanwhile, Rita plays a relationship with a physical trainer by "The Rules."
The Value of Honesty
Arliss has an affair with a WNBA coach, but his client (also the coach's star player) wants her fired. Meanwhile, in the aftermath of a wild birthday celebration, Kirby and Rita suspect they may have "done it."
The Sum of the Parts
A baseball client needs a kidney, and Arliss tries to convince the player's minor league brother to donate his. Meanwhile, a soccer client scores a goal for the opposing team, causing him to take refuge at Rita's apartment while Kirby goes into hiding.
Honoring Our Past
When one of his boxing clients enlists in the Army, Arliss tries to figure out a way to get him out. Meanwhile, Stanley and a Native American tribal chief attempt to get a football team to change its "offensive" mascot.
A Breed Apart
Arliss pursues the world's most popular sports mascot by way of a fundraiser for another mascot who has been injured in the line of duty. Rita takes up boxing after a number of obscene phone calls. Special guests include Laila Ali, Jason Giambi and Jeremy Giambi.
Last Call
Arliss tries to get a wealthy team owner to re-sign an aging broadcaster. Meanwhile, Rita ghostwrites a column for Arliss and Kirby helps discipline Stanley's unruly dog. Special guests include Edward Asner, Tom Lasorda and Al Leiter.
You Can Pick Your Friends ...
Arliss's brother Archie uses Arliss' name to further his latest scam. Kirby and Stranley try to pull a scam of their own against a stadium concession millionaire. Special guests include Jim Brown, Ryan Klesko, Leonard Maltin and Lawrence Taylor.
Where There's a Will
Arliss is named the executor of a dead superstar jockey's will which leaves everything to his wife but the jockey had two wives. Kirby discovers that a former coach of his is now homeless. Special guest star: Keith Van Horn.
When Opportunity Knocks
Arliss, Rita and Stanley must deal with Kirby's absence when he leaves the agency to join a fledgling football league run by a flashy TV producer. Special guests include Doug Flutie and Barry Larkin.
Setting Precedents
Arliss (Robert Wuhl) helps a lesbian client and her lover realize their dream. Meanwhile, Kirby helps an athlete earn his degree. With Sandra Oh, Jim Turner and Michael Boatman. Special cameo appearance by Minnesota Vikings quarterback Duante Culpepper.
You Are Your Priorities
While Stanley and Kirby consider investing in the rodeo business, Arliss re-kindles an old flame. With Robert Wuhl, Sandra Oh, guest star Andrea Marcovicci and cameos by Tony Siragusa, John Lynch and Ty Murray.
Fielding Offers
Arliss treks to Canada in an effort to steal a hockey team. Rita uses alternative medicine in her war against age. With Robert Wuhl, guest stars Lou Diamond Phillips and Charles Durning and cameos by David Wells and Jason Sehorn.
A Question of Character
While attempting to sign the ultimate client, Arliss (Robert Wuhl) must deal with a race-car driver's numerous wives. Guest stars: Floyd Mayweather Jr., James Worthy.
The Price of Their Toys
Arliss (Robert Wuhl) tries to get a husband-and-wife broadcasting team their own show; Kirby deals with a spoiled client. Guest stars: Rachel York, Dick Clark, Gary Miller, Dick Stockton, Lesley Visser and Bob Costas.
Like No Business I Know
Arliss seeks revenge after being embarrassed by a baseball manager. An actor studies Kirby as part of his research for a role. Guest stars: Tom Arnold, Steve Kmetko, Lennox Lewis, Jeffrey Lyons, Jeff Fahey.
Of Cabbages and Kings
Kirby represents a mercurial college-hoops coach. Arliss is frustrated trying to sell beachfront property. Guest stars: Kelly Slater, Ken Howard, Warrick Dunn, Jerry Stackhouse.
As Others See Us
While Rita is visiting her family, Kirby and Stanley prepare a surprise roast for Arliss (Robert Wuhl). Guest stars: David Brenner, Jay Buhner, Phyllis Diller, Marshall Faulk, Sparky Anderson, Tim Salmon.
Giving Something Back
A female professional-golf client conceals a dark secret. Also, Kirby (Jim Turner) gets hold of a rare piece of memorabilia. With Robert Wuhl. Guest stars: Susan Hunt, Marion Jones, Michelle McGann, Bert Sugar, Zach Thomas, Dan Lauria, Ted Leonsis.
Hard Choices
Kirby finds himself dealing with his model girlfriend; and Arliss faces his first fiscal year in the red. With Robert Wuhl. Guest stars include Mark Cuban, Sugar Shane Mosley, Rich Eisen and Pat O'Brien.
The Immortal
Arliss deals with a beloved baseball legend and his namesake daughter. Meanwhile, Stanley must escort a boxer to his HBO debut. Guest stars include James Coburn and Lindsay Crouse. Cameos by Hideo Nomo and Yogi Berra.
What You See Is What You Get
Rita manages a client's political passion while Arliss helps a team member find her passion! Meanwhile, Stanley's new car gets dinged. Guest stars: Keith Carradine, Cynthia Sikes, Susan Egan. Cameos by Elton Brand, Jerry Dunphy and Ray Lewis.
In With the New
Arliss tries to make a dream come true for an NBA client and Stanley mentors a student project. Guests include David Garrison. Also with cameos by Bill Goldberg, Robert Shapiro, Pat Croce and Jason Giambi.
There's No "I" In Team
Arliss hires a protege to Kirby's dismay. Meanwhile, Rita finds herself attracted to the chef at Stanley's new restaurant. Guests: Fabio, Kristoff St. John, John Reilly. Cameos by Jillian Barberie, Deion Sanders and Kordell Stewart.
Playing It Safe
Arliss attempts to realize his gold-record dream while helping a baseball player make a tough decision.
Moments To Remember
Kirby begins dating a female body-builder. Arliss provides a traumatized NFL client with motivation.
It's All in the Game
Arliss and Kirby provide support for a former client's new political career. Meanwhile, Rita seeks a spokesmodel for a specialty clothing item.
Standards and Practices
Stanley provides college advice to his football-star nephew. Meanwhile, Arliss helps a female broadcasting client deal with network demands.
End Game
A former lover returns to win back Rita's affection while Arliss and Stanley attempt to lure a reclusive former chess champion back to the game.
Profiles in Agenting
Arliss becomes smitten with Rita's friend, an adventurous sports photographer. Meanwhile, Stanley and Kirby enlist guest star Roy Jones Jr. to endorse a cooking innovation.
All That Glitters
AMM is left in the hands of Rita, Kirby and Stanley while Arliss is soul-searching.
Arli$ (HBO)
Genres
Comedy, Dark Comedy, Sports
Episodes
7 Seasons Available (80 Episodes)
Release Year
1996
About This Series
"Arli$" is back! The cult classic HBO comedy series that takes a behind-the-scenes look at the glitzy, big-money world of professional sports stars Robert Wuhl as the eternally optimistic and endlessly resourceful L.A. sports agent whose Achilles' heel is his inability to say "no" to clients and employees.
Cast and Crew
Starring: Robert Wuhl, Jim Turner, Sandra Oh, Michael Boatman
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