ABC developed the 1970s sitcom Mr. T and Tina with George Takei in the lead role before replacing him with Pat Morita ahead of its premiere.
The show centered on widowed Japanese inventor Taro Takahashi, known as Mr. T, who relocates from Tokyo to Chicago for work at Moyati Industries. He hires live-in nanny Tina Kelly, played by Susan Blanchard, leading to cultural clashes between his traditional background and her Nebraska upbringing.
Takei filmed the pilot after the project began as a Welcome Back, Kotter spin-off. According to a 1976 Starlog interview, ABC shifted the time slot earlier and opted for broader humor, prompting the casting change to Morita.
Mr. T and Tina faced protests from Asian-American groups over stereotypes and poor ratings. It aired only five episodes before cancellation in 1976.
Morita had left his Happy Days role as Arnold to star in the series. Takei continued with Star Trek projects afterward.