How a prime-time sitcom became a ratings giant before vanishing from public view
In short: In the late 1990s, Veronica's Closet was a television juggernaut, anchored by Kirstie Alley and positioned between two of the biggest shows in history. Despite its initial status as a top-ten hit, the series eventually faded from the cultural consciousness, disappearing for decades before a recent digital resurgence.
Created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, Veronica's Closet debuted on NBC on September 25, 1997. It served as a high-profile vehicle for Kirstie Alley, marking her return to the network following the conclusion of Cheers. The show centered on Ronnie Chase, the proprietor of a New York City lingerie firm inspired by the real-world brand Victoria's Secret. The premise followed Ronnie as she navigated life as a newly single woman after leaving her unfaithful husband, Bryce, while managing a colorful staff that included her CFO, Olive Massery, and her publicist, Perry Rollins.
The series benefited immensely from its placement within NBC's legendary 'Must See TV' lineup, airing on Thursdays at 9:30 PM. During its first two seasons, it was a massive success, ranking as the third-highest-rated show in its debut year and fifth in its second. However, the show's fortunes shifted dramatically when NBC relocated it to a Monday timeslot for the 1999–2000 season. This move triggered a ratings decline of over 50 percent, leading to multiple hiatuses and eventual cancellation after 66 episodes.
For years, the show remained an elusive piece of television history, never receiving a physical release on formats like VHS or DVD. It was not until the mid-2020s that the series began appearing on streaming platforms, followed by a digital release in late August 2026. These modern versions feature episodes remastered in HD, though some original elements were altered; for instance, music licensing issues necessitated the removal of Moby's 'Bodyrock' from the season three opening credits, replacing it with the theme song 'She's Got Everything' by Jeffrey Osborne.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Veronica's Closet
- Also: Wikidata — Veronica's Closet · CC0
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