The Norm Show is an American television sitcom that ran on ABC from March 24, 1999, to April 6, 2001. Starting in September 1999, the show's title was shortened to Norm. The series starred Norm Macdonald, who created the series with Bruce Helford. Plot The show focused on the life of Norm Henderson (Norm Macdonald), a former NHL hockey player who is banned for life from the league because of gambling and tax evasion. To avoid jail time for these crimes, Norm must perform five years of community service as a full-time social worker. Other characters in the show included fellow social workers Laurie Freeman (Laurie Metcalf), Danny Sanchez (Ian Gomez), and Danny's sometime girlfriend and former prostitute Taylor Clayton (Nikki Cox). Norm's boss on the program for the first several episodes was named Anthony Curtis (Bruce Jarchow). This character was quickly replaced by a new boss, Max Denby (Max Wright), whom Norm frequently antagonized and pranked. The second season of the show added Artie Lange as Norm's half-brother Artie, and Faith Ford as Shelly Kilmartin, Norm's probation officer and love interest. Episodes Cast and characters Main cast Norm Macdonald as Norm Henderson: Norm is a former NHL hockey player, though he was purportedly not very good. However, constant gambling and tax evasion catch up with him – leading him to being banned from hockey forever. He avoids jail time by agreeing to five years of community service as a social worker. Norm often shows complete disregard for his work, and is a compulsive gambler. Norm also had a deep fear of death, attributed to his parents telling him nothing good would happen to him after he died. Laurie Metcalf as Laurie Freeman: Laurie was previously Norm's social worker. Once he starts working at the office, she becomes his co-worker and best friend. Often (and usually to her exasperation), she has to guide Norm in social work. Laurie is a dedicated social worker and frequently makes noteworthy proposals to help clients. She also has a twin sister (also played by Metcalf), with whom she is argumentative. Ian Gomez as Danny Sanchez: Another social worker at the office, Danny is usually portrayed as quite effective at his job. He is sometimes Norm's partner-in-crime – aiding in his gambling pool and other schemes. Bruce Jarchow as Anthony Curtis (episodes 1–5): As Norm's first boss, he had a great deal of difficulty managing