kickstand-project.org – He & She (1967–1968) was a short-lived but influential American sitcom that left a lasting impact on the genre, known for its sharp writing, sophisticated humor, and progressive take on marriage and gender roles. Created by Leonard Stern, this clever series centered on a married couple living in New York City—Dick Hollister, a cartoonist, and his wife, Paula Hollister, played by Paula Prentiss, a social worker. Prentiss’s portrayal of Paula Hollister brought a refreshing sense of intelligence, wit, and independence to the show, making her one of the standout characters in a series that was ahead of its time.
Plot Overview: A Marriage of Equals in the City
He & She followed the daily lives of Dick (Richard Benjamin) and Paula Hollister, a modern, urban couple navigating the challenges of work, relationships, and city life. The show was praised for its more realistic and egalitarian depiction of marriage, contrasting with the more traditional or one-dimensional portrayals of married couples on television at the time.
Dick worked as a cartoonist for a superhero comic strip titled Jetman, while Paula had her own career as a social worker. The series revolved around their humorous but relatable domestic situations, their quirky neighbors, and the professional dilemmas they faced. Paula’s character, in particular, was a breath of fresh air—a working woman who was strong, independent, and supportive of her husband while maintaining her own identity.
Paula Hollister: A New Kind of Sitcom Wife
Paula Hollister, as portrayed by Paula Prentiss, was unlike many TV wives of the era. She was a career woman with a mind of her own, who wasn’t solely defined by her role as a wife. Her job as a social worker allowed her character to have agency outside the home, and the show often explored her professional challenges alongside those of her husband. Paula was intelligent, quick-witted, and had a wonderful chemistry with her on-screen husband, Richard Benjamin, who also happened to be Prentiss’s real-life spouse.
Paula’s character was progressive for the time, representing a shift toward more empowered and multifaceted portrayals of women on television. She wasn’t simply there to support her husband or provide comic relief—Paula was a fully realized character with her own goals and opinions, often driving the storylines with her humor and insight.
A Sitcom Ahead of Its Time
He & She was widely regarded as being ahead of its time in terms of both its humor and its depiction of gender dynamics. While many sitcoms of the 1960s portrayed women in more traditional roles, He & She presented a marriage based on mutual respect, where both partners were equally capable and involved in each other’s lives. The Hollisters were a modern couple dealing with the realities of work-life balance, personal aspirations, and the quirks of urban living.
The show’s sophisticated dialogue and witty banter made it a critical favorite, and Paula Prentiss’s portrayal of Paula Hollister was a key element of that success. Her comic timing, natural charisma, and chemistry with Richard Benjamin helped elevate the series beyond the typical sitcom fare of the time.
Impact and Legacy of Paula Hollister’s Character
Although He & She only lasted for one season, it left a lasting impact on television comedy. Paula Hollister’s character helped pave the way for more complex, independent female roles in sitcoms that followed. The dynamic between Dick and Paula provided a template for future sitcoms that explored more egalitarian relationships, such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rhoda.
Paula’s character, in particular, was a precursor to the kind of female leads who would dominate 1970s television—strong, self-assured women who could be funny, vulnerable, and career-oriented without being reduced to stereotypes.
Conclusion
He & She (1967–1968) may have been a short-lived series, but its influence on the sitcom genre was undeniable. At the heart of the show was Paula Hollister, played by Paula Prentiss, whose portrayal of a smart, independent, and loving wife helped to reshape the image of women on television. Paula’s character was groundbreaking in her own right, showing audiences that a woman could be both a devoted partner and a professional with her own aspirations.
Though the show aired for only one season, Paula Hollister remains a memorable and important figure in the evolution of television, marking a shift toward more progressive and realistic portrayals of women and marriages in American sitcoms.
