Season
Episode
Player server
Taxi

Taxi

19787
DramaComedy
Released
Sep 12, 1978
Country
United States
Productions
Paramount TelevisionJohn-Charles-Walters Productions
Louie De Palma is a cantankerous, acerbic taxi dispatcher in New York City. He tries to maintain order over a collection of varied and strange characters who drive for him. As he bullies and insults them from the safety of his “cage,” they form a special bond among themselves, becoming friends and supporting each other through the inevitable trials and tribulations of life.

About

Quick guide

A New York taxi crew navigates jobs, dreams and grit amid a tough dispatcher’s bullying.

Taxi (1978) follows the night‑shift crew at Sunshine Cab Company, a fictional New York fleet where cabbies Alex, Elaine, Bobby, Tony, Jim, and newcomer Latka work under the domineering Louie De Palma. While the dispatcher keeps the crew in line with sharp wit and harsh remarks from his cage‑like office, the drivers bond over shared struggles and small victories. The series blends humor with sharp dialogue and tackles real‑world topics—single parenthood, addiction, racism, ambition, and friendship—while giving each character a distinct voice.

What to know

  • A sitcom that balances comedy with realistic social issues
  • Five seasons aired 1978–1983 on ABC then NBC
  • Characters include a former hippie, a boxer, a mechanic, and a single mom
  • The crew works night shifts in a Manhattan garage
  • Dialogue is sharp, often sarcastic and sometimes profanity‑laden
  • The show blends humor and drama with mature themes
  • It’s known for its ensemble cast and iconic characters
  • Cultural references to 1970s‑80s NYC nightlife

Watch if

If you enjoy shows that mix situational comedy with thoughtful storytelling, and appreciate a cast that blends quirky personalities with depth—think of a blend of 70s sitcoms and heartfelt drama—Taxi’s humor and realism will keep you hooked.

Skip if

If you’re looking for light‑hearted, slapstick comedy with minimal character development or if you prefer shows that avoid mature or politically charged topics, Taxi may feel too grounded and dialogue‑heavy for your taste.

dialogue heavydark tonemature themeslanguage somelanguage strongpsychological elementssad tone
Premise
Set in a Manhattan garage, the show follows a crew of night‑shift taxi drivers who are pulled together by their shared hardships and by the abrasive manager, Louie De Palma, who keeps them in line from his cage‑like office.
Main Cast
Judd Hirsch leads as Alex, a disenchanted former stage actor; Marilu Henner plays Elaine, a single mom; Tony Danza’s Tony is a veteran boxer; Christopher Lloyd’s Jim is a former hippie; Andy Kaufman’s Latka is a naïve mechanic; Danny De Vito portrays Louie, the ruthless dispatcher.
Tone & Themes
While the series delivers quick wit and sarcasm, it also tackles addiction, racism, single parenthood, and the quest for a better life, balancing humor with heartfelt moments.
Dialogue & Language
The show is dialogue‑heavy, with frequent profanity and snappy banter that reflects the grit of New York’s underbelly.
Cultural Impact
Taxi earned 18 Emmy awards and remains a benchmark for ensemble sitcoms, influencing later shows that mix comedy with real‑world issues.
Availability
All five seasons are available for streaming on Paramount+, with full episodes on other platforms such as Hulu and Amazon Prime.
Similar Shows
Fans of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Cheers, and M*A*S*H will appreciate Taxi’s blend of humor, heart, and realistic setting.

FAQ

41 Q&A
What was the name of the bar the characters frequented?
The characters from Taxi often went to "The"; it was a local bar where they would relax and socialize.
What was the show's theme song?
The theme song for Taxi was an instrumental jazz piece called "Angela" by Bob James.
How many seasons of Taxi were there?
There were five seasons of the television show Taxi.
Who played the character Tony Banta?
The character Tony Banta was played by actor Tony Danza.
Who played Alex Rieger?
Alex Rieger was played by Judd Hirsch.
Who was the owner of the Sunshine Cab Company?
The owner of the Sunshine Cab Company was Mr. Fagan. Louie De Palma was the dispatcher and manager.
Did Latka have a crush on Elaine?
Yes, Latka Gravas had a crush on Elaine Nardo. He often showed his affection in awkward and funny ways.
What was the name of the building where the taxi company was located?
The taxi company, Sunshine Cab Company, was located in a garage in New York City.
What happened to Tony Banta?
Tony Banta left the show to pursue a boxing career. He later returned for a few episodes before departing again.
Who played the character Rev. John Burke?
The character Reverend John Burke was played by actor Dick O'Neill.
What was the name of the taxi company on the show?
The name of the taxi company on the show was the Sunshine Cab Company.
What was Elaine Nardo's role?
Elaine Nardo worked as a dispatcher at the Sunshine Cab Company. She was often the voice of reason among the drivers.
Who played the character Jeff McCullough?
The character Jeff McCullough was played by actor Sam Simon. However, this information seems to be incorrect. Jeff McCullough was played by actor Tom Hanks in his early career on the show.
Who sang the theme song?
The theme song for Taxi, "Angela," was an instrumental piece composed and performed by Bob James. No one sang the main theme song.
Who played the character Louie De Palma?
The character Louie De Palma was played by actor Danny DeVito.
When did Taxi first air?
Taxi first aired on September 12, 1978.
What was Jim Ignatowski's nickname?
Jim Ignatowski's nickname was "The Reverend." He was known for his eccentric behavior and unique worldview.
Who was the most eccentric character?
Jim Ignatowski was arguably the most eccentric character on Taxi due to his bizarre behavior, unusual fashion, and peculiar philosophies.
What was the relationship between Alex and Elaine?
Alex Rieger and Elaine Nardo had a complex relationship that evolved over the series. They were close friends, and there were romantic undertones, but they never officially became a couple.
Were there any real-life taxi drivers who inspired the show?
The show was inspired by the real-life experiences and stories of taxi drivers in New York City, reflecting the diverse and often challenging lives they led.
What was Latka Gravas's job at the garage?
Latka Gravas worked as a mechanic at the Sunshine Cab Company garage. He was known for his quirky personality and his ability to impersonate others.
What was Alex Rieger's main personality trait?
Alex Rieger's main personality trait was his intellectual and philosophical nature. He often questioned the meaning of life and his place in it.
When did Taxi end?
Taxi ended its run on June 14, 1983.
What was the name of the main taxi driver character?
While there were several main taxi driver characters, Alex Rieger, played by Judd Hirsch, was often considered one of the central figures of the show.
What was Louie De Palma's catchphrase?
Louie De Palma had several memorable lines, but a frequent one was "What do you want?" when drivers called the dispatcher.
What was the inspiration for the character Louie De Palma?
The character of Louie De Palma was inspired by the abrasive personalities of some taxi dispatchers, and actor Danny DeVito's own assertive audition style contributed to the character's portrayal.
What was the name of the character played by Marilu Henner?
Marilu Henner played the character Elaine Nardo on Taxi.
What was the name of the actress who played Elaine Nardo?
Marilu Henner played the role of Elaine Nardo.
What was the real reason Jeff McCullough left the show?
Jeff Conaway, who played Bobby Wheeler, left the show because his dialogue was successfully reassigned to other cast members when he was absent, making producers feel he was expendable.
What was the name of the character played by Tony Danza?
Tony Danza played the character Tony Banta.
What was the name of the character played by Danny DeVito?
Danny DeVito played the character Louie De Palma.
Who played the character Jim Ignatowski?
Christopher Lloyd played the character Reverend Jim Ignatowski.
What was the name of the actor who played Tony Banta?
Tony Danza played the character Tony Banta.
Was Taxi filmed in New York City?
Taxi was filmed on Stage 23 at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California, although it was set in New York City.
Did Andy Kaufman ad-lib a lot as Latka?
Andy Kaufman drew from his "Foreign Man" character for Latka, which he developed in his stage act. The character's use of gibberish and invented phrases was part of his performance.
What was the name of the character played by Judd Hirsch?
Judd Hirsch played the character Alex Reiger.
What was the name of the character played by Carol Kane?
Carol Kane played the character Simka Dahblitz-Gravas.
What was the name of the character played by Christopher Lloyd?
Christopher Lloyd played the character Reverend Jim Ignatowski.
Did Latka's character change over time?
Latka's character did change over time, with his English improving significantly in the second season. His dissociative identity disorder was introduced later in the series, allowing Andy Kaufman to play different personas.
What network aired Taxi?
Taxi originally aired on ABC from September 12, 1978, to May 6, 1982, and then on NBC from September 30, 1982, to June 15, 1983.
What was the name of Latka's alter ego?
Latka's alter egos included Vic Ferrari, Harlow, and Sir Geoffrey, which Andy Kaufman developed due to boredom with the original character.

Actors

Judd Hirsch
Judd Hirsch
Alex Reiger
Danny DeVito
Danny DeVito
Louie De Palma
Marilu Henner
Marilu Henner
Elaine O'Connor-Nardo
Tony Danza
Tony Danza
Tony Banta
Andy Kaufman
Andy Kaufman
Latka Gravas
Christopher Lloyd
Christopher Lloyd
Reverend Jim 'Iggy' Ignatowski
Carol Kane
Carol Kane
Simka Gravas