Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

by G. Jack Urso


Note: Linked names go to their respective interviews with the Hot Hero Sandwich Project unless otherwise indicated.

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Who created Hot Hero Sandwich?

Hot Hero Sandwich was created by the executive producers Bruce and Carole Hart, two of the original producers for Sesame Street who also produced Marlo Thomas’ award-winning TV special and album, Free To Be . . . You and Me.

2. Where was the series filmed?

The series was filmed at Rockefeller Center, in NBC’s famous Studio 8H, the long-time home of Saturday Night Live, which was on its 1979 summer hiatus while Hot Hero Sandwich was being filmed.

3. Who starred on the show? [Note: The links below, unless otherwise indicated, go to a corresponding interview or article about the individual on the Hot Hero Sandwich Project.]

The main cast includes:


Supporting Cast:

 
4. Who played in the show’s house band, the Hot Hero Band?

The band members include:

Also:
 
5. What bands appeared on the show?

The music performers appearing include:

  • Eddie Money
  • Joe Jackson
  • KISS (June 1979 filmed performance at Madison Square Garden)
  • Rex Smith
  • Sister Sledge
  • Stephen Stills
  • The Little River Band
  • The Palmieri Brothers
  • The Persuasions
See the Music Performances page for links to all performances!

6. Who designed the logo?
David Kaestle, noted graphic designer, who also did graphics and logo designs for National Lampoon and Henson Associates (producer of the Muppets), among many others, designed the iconic Hot Hero Sandwich logo.
 
7. What is the connection to Sesame Street?
Hot Hero Sandwich executive producers Bruce and Carole Hart wrote and produced for Sesame Street in its early years. Bruce Hart and his music writing partner Stephen Lawrence co-wrote the classic Sesame Street theme song in addition to writing the very awesome Hot Hero Sandwich theme song.

Sesame Street debuted Nov. 10, 1969, and Hot Hero Sandwich debuted Nov. 10, 1979. This was entirely a coincidence.

Additionally, Sesame Street actor Northern Calloway, who portrayed David on the show, served as creative consultant for Hot Hero Sandwich.
 
8. Who were the writers?
The writers include:

 
9. Why was the series cancelled? 
NBC decided to produce Bruce and Carole Hart's Hot Hero Sandwich series to complement the 1979 NBC Year of the Child campaign and show its commitment to children's educational television. Unfortunately, the network’s support for the series was short-term and several factors played into this decision.

First, the series got a late start for the Fall 1979 season debuting on Nov. 10. By November, viewing patterns have already been established and pulling children away from their favorite shows could be problematic, and was.

Second, due to the show’s timeslot at either 11 AM or 12 Noon, depending on the market, the show was frequently preempted for sports programming. This was not consistent nationwide and affected West Coast markets more than those on the East Coast. While the show reportedly enjoyed high opening ratings of approximately 28 million viewers, due to the preemptions, the ratings dropped. The show aired on 186 of the 216 NBC network affiliated stations. Due to these preemptions, the last episode was only seen in about five to ten markets.

Finally, production costs for the series exceeded more than US$1 million (approximately US$ $4,332,506.89 in 2024). Combined with dropping ratings, lost ad revenue due to preemptions in numerous markets, the time slot, and weak network support, once the 1979 UN Year of the Child campaign was over (which NBC heavily promoted), there was little incentive for the network to continue the series. This is a point covered extensively in our interview with Hot Hero Sandwich Production Administrator (and former SNL Producer) Ken Aymong.
 
10. Were there any recordings or merchandise ever released?
Unfortunately, there were no albums, singles, posters, t-shirts, or related merchandise ever released, including making the series available on VHS or DVD.
 
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