One in a Million

1980

One In A Million is an American television sitcom that aired on ABC for one season in 1980. The show was developed as a starring vehicle for comedienne Shirley Hemphill after the success of What's Happening!! in which she played a supporting role. The show was not a success and was cancelled after just 13 episodes. The series was broadcast on Saturdays at 8 p.m Eastern time. The series centers around Shirley Simmons, a sharp-tongued taxicab driver who inherits controlling interest in the multimillion dollar conglomerate Grayson Enterprises at the death of its founder, Jonathan Grayson, one of Shirley's regular fares. Gleefully assuming her position as CEO, she declares war on 'pompous stuffed shirts', especially company vice president Roland Cushing. She finds an ally in Nancy, Grayson's secretary. The series was set in New York City. The cast included several well-known character actors including Richard Paul as Mr. Grayson's nephew and Carl Ballantine as the owner of Shirely's favorite deli.