Sit, Ubu, sit! …Good dog!
Ubu Productions, an independent production company established in 1982 by producer Gary David Goldberg, has left an indelible mark on the television landscape. Notable for creating renowned shows like "Family Ties" and "Spin City," Ubu Productions might ring a bell for those who cherish these series. More commonly, however, the name is associated with a distinct sign-off that capped off many Ubu-produced shows—an image of a black Labrador Retriever clutching a Frisbee.
This canine cameo triggered a familiar voice uttering the words, "Sit, Ubu, sit! ...Good dog!" followed by the sound of a dog's bark.
Interestingly, the voice behind this directive belongs to none other than Ubu's founder, Goldberg. The dog featured in the image is Ubu Roi, Goldberg's loyal travel companion and pet. The snapshot captures a moment of playfulness as Ubu Roi enjoys the Tuileries Garden adjacent to the Louvre Museum in Paris. While Ubu's earthly journey ended in 1984, his memory lives on, preserved by his devoted owner. This tribute has propelled Ubu Roi into the realm of household recognition, potentially even eclipsing some of the stars who graced Ubu-produced sitcoms.