Lip Service Poster

Lip Service 1988

★ 3.02 votes67 min📅 1988-10-17

"It's Small-Town News with Big-Time Laughs!"

Lip Service (1988) delivers sharp, small-town satire wrapped in a breezy comedy. Directed by future stage and screen icon William H.

Director: William H. Macy

Cast

Griffin Dunne
Griffin Dunne
Len Burdette
Paul Dooley
Paul Dooley
Gil Hutchinson
Jonathan Katz
Jonathan Katz
Jerry
Fran Brill
Fran Brill
Debbie
Felicity Huffman
Felicity Huffman
Woman P.A.
Clark Gregg
Clark Gregg
Stage Manager
William H. Macy
William H. Macy
Farmer
Bill Devany
TV Studio Crew #4
Colin Stinton
Colin Stinton
Salesman #2
Raynor Scheine
Raynor Scheine
Walter the 'Weather Moose'

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lip Service (1988) about?

Lip Service (1988) follows a young news reporter tasked with boosting a veteran anchor's ratings, only to secretly scheme his way into the anchor's job. It's a fast-paced comedy about ambition, rivalry, and the messy world of local broadcasting. Think 'fake it till you make it' meets small-town gossip.

Who directed Lip Service?

Lip Service was directed by William H. Macy, known for his sharp comedic timing and later work in film and television.

Who stars in Lip Service?

The film features Griffin Dunne in the lead role, supported by Paul Dooley, Jonathan Katz, Fran Brill, and Felicity Huffman.

Is Lip Service (1988) worth watching?

While Lip Service (1988) is unrated on IMDb, its blend of sharp humor and small-town satire makes it a hidden gem for fans of 80s comedies. It's a quick, witty watch that pokes fun at media ambition without taking itself too seriously.

How long is Lip Service?

Lip Service runs for 67 minutes.

About Lip Service (1988) — A Sharp Small-Town Comedy with Big Ambitions

Lip Service (1988) delivers sharp, small-town satire wrapped in a breezy comedy. Directed by future stage and screen icon William H. Macy, this TV movie follows an ambitious young reporter who's hired to boost the ratings of a veteran news anchor—only to plot an underhanded takeover of the anchor's coveted desk. With a wink to the cutthroat world of local news, the film balances workplace rivalry with small-town charm, where ego clashes and ambition collide in a 67-minute sprint packed with quips and clever twists. The atmosphere is light yet biting, a snapshot of 80s media culture that feels oddly timeless.

Starring Griffin Dunne as the hungry reporter, the ensemble—including Paul Dooley, Jonathan Katz, and a scene-stealing Fran Brill—brings energy and warmth to Macy's darkly comedic vision. Lip Service (1988) is a love letter to underdogs and overachievers alike, where the punchlines land just as hard as the satire.