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Michael Lembeck

Michael Lembeck

Director and actor, also producer · Born June 25, 1948 (78) · Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Michael Lembeck (born June 25, 1948) is an actor, television and film director. Lembeck was born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Caroline and Harvey Lembeck, an actor and comedian. He began acting in the late-1960s and directing in the 1970s. His most notable acting role was as Julie Cooper's husband, Max Horvath, on the sitcom, One Day at a Time. He also played "Kaptain Kool" of Kaptain Kool and the Kongs on The Krofft Supershow from 1976 to 1978. He is also known for his role in The Boys in Company C in 1978. Lembeck works now as a full-time film and TV director. He won an Emmy for his work as a director on the Friends episode "The One After the Superbowl", and directed 20 other episodes of the series. He is married to actress Lorna Patterson. He made his feature film debut with The In-Laws. He directed The Santa Clause 2 and The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, as well as the Nia Vardalos movie Connie and Carla. Description above from the Wikipedia article Michael Lembeck,  licensed under CC-BY-SA,full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

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Biography from TMDB.

Born
June 25, 1948 (78)
From
Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA
Works as
Director and actor, also producer
Titles
44 on MovieCove · 90 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 38 days to Oct 27Down 42% in 30 days

What are Michael Lembeck's films like?

Across their 23 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Bonds and Self.

Genres

Comedy12 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 31st percentile
: browse their Comedy movies
Drama3 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 54th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Drama movies
Adventure2 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 40th percentile
: browse their Adventure movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Bonds
35%
Self
32%
Society
15%
Power
6%
Morality
6%
Survival
5%
Ideas
1%
Family bonds7 titles, browse their movies with this themeFriendship6 titles, browse their movies with this themeSelf-worth4 titles, browse their movies with this themeCommunity7 titles, browse their movies with this themeIdentity5 titles, browse their movies with this themeComing of age3 titles, browse their movies with this themePurpose3 titles, browse their movies with this themeRomantic love5 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 20 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Light: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their light movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

Light 15 · Serious 4 · Dark 1

Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

A split, not a type: Grounded 10 · Stylized 8 · Heightened 2

Gentle: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their gentle movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 11 · Charged 9 · Intense 0

Steady: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their steady movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 15 · Shifting 4 · Whiplash 1

Some laughs: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their some laughs movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 3 · Some laughs 10 · Funny 7

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 10 · Even-paced 10 · Relentless 0

Casual: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their casual movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 16 · Engaged 4 · Full focus 0

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 18 · Open-ended 1 · Ambiguous 1

Roles they play

3 analyzed roles

Usually the Ally: 2 of 3 analyzed roles.

Ally
2 of 3
Hero
1 of 3

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Joyful
14
Warm
10
Hopeful
8
Tense
6
Absurd
6
Other
15

How their films linger

Feel-good17 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFun8 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful8 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteUnsettling2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteCozy2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 4 with a twist

  • Happy16
  • Bittersweet4
  • Ambiguous2
  • Cyclical1

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Michael Lembeck's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 34 of their 44 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Tubi (10).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Michael Lembeck's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

90 credits, 44 with a MovieCove page; 1 appearance as themselves is hidden until asked for.

  • Snow Day(2022)

    Director

    Midcredits score: 16th percentile of all films

  • #Xmas(2022)

    Executive Producer

    Midcredits score: 35th percentile of all films

  • The J Team(2021)

    Director

    Midcredits score: 26th percentile of all films

  • Queen Bees(2021)

    Director

    Midcredits score: 58th percentile of all films

  • Friends 25th: The One with the Anniversary (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    Director

  • A Nutcracker Christmas(2016)

    Director

    Midcredits score: 66th percentile of all films

  • Mr. Robinson (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    Show 1 episode · Director

  • Mystery Girls(2014)

    Show Director

    Midcredits score: 1st percentile of all shows

  • Baby Daddy(2012)

    Show 51 episodes · Director · Executive Producer · as Director

    Midcredits score: 67th percentile of all shows

  • Guys with Kids(2012)

    Show Director

    Midcredits score: 25th percentile of all shows

  • The Bling Ring(2011)

    Director

    Midcredits score: 19th percentile of all films

  • Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure(2011)

    Director · Co-Producer

    Midcredits score: 27th percentile of all films

  • Hot in Cleveland(2010)

    Show 1 episode · Director

    Midcredits score: 68th percentile of all shows

  • Tooth Fairy(2010)

    Director

    Midcredits score: 13th percentile of all films

  • The Clique(2008)

    Director

    Midcredits score: 36th percentile of all films

  • Californication(2007)

    Show 1 episode · Director

    Midcredits score: 93rd percentile of all shows

  • Greek(2007)

    Show 1 episode · Director

    Midcredits score: 72nd percentile of all shows

  • The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause(2006)

    Director

    Midcredits score: 14th percentile of all films

  • Connie and Carla(2004)

    Director

    Midcredits score: 57th percentile of all films

  • The Santa Clause 2(2002)

    Director

    Midcredits score: 38th percentile of all films

  • Off Centre (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    Show 1 episode · Director

  • According to Jim(2001)

    Show 2 episodes · Director

    Midcredits score: 28th percentile of all shows

  • Inside Schwartz (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    Show 1 episode · Director

  • What About Joan? (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    Show 1 episode · Director

  • From Where I Sit (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    Director

  • Stark Raving Mad (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    Show 3 episodes · Director

  • Jesse (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1998)

    Show 2 episodes · Director

  • Some Guys (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1998)

    Director

  • Two Guys and a Girl (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1998)

    Show 23 episodes · Director

  • Over the Top (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    Show 11 episodes · Director

  • Chicago Sons (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    Show 2 episodes · Director

  • Men Behaving Badly (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    Show 1 episode · Director

  • Everybody Loves Raymond(1996)

    Show 8 episodes · Director

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all shows

  • Party Girl (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    Show 1 episode · Director

  • High Society (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Show 1 episode · Director

  • Caroline in the City(1995)

    Show 1 episode · Director

    Midcredits score: 20th percentile of all shows

  • The Naked Truth (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Show 1 episode · Director

  • NewsRadio(1995)

    Show 3 episodes · Director

    Midcredits score: 87th percentile of all shows

  • Pride & Joy (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Show 1 episode · Director

  • Hope and Gloria (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Show 8 episodes · Director

  • Double Rush (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Show 12 episodes · Director

  • Friends(1994)

    Show 23 episodes · Director

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all shows

  • Ellen(1994)

    Show 1 episode · Director

    Midcredits score: 15th percentile of all shows

  • Good Advice (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    Show 1 episode · Director

  • Heartbeat (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    as Ted

  • Mad About You(1992)

    Show 24 episodes · Director · as Mr. Shapiro (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 38th percentile of all shows

  • Love & War(1992)

    Show 15 episodes · Director

    Midcredits score: 37th percentile of all shows

  • Flying Blind (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    Show 4 episodes · Director

  • Fish Police (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    Show 1 episode · as Additional Voices (voice)

  • Acting Sheriff (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

    Director

  • The Marshall Chronicles (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    Show 2 episodes · Director

  • Sugar and Spice (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    Show 1 episode · Director

  • Major Dad (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Show 67 episodes · Director

  • Doctor Doctor (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Show 2 episodes · Director

  • Ultraman: The Adventure Begins(1987)

    as Scott Masterson (voice)

    Midcredits score: 58th percentile of all films

  • The Dream Team(1989)

    as Ed

    Midcredits score: 62nd percentile of all films

  • Coach(1989)

    Show 7 episodes · Director

    Midcredits score: 53rd percentile of all shows

  • Coming of Age (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Show 1 episode · Director

  • Side by Side(1988)

    as Tony Mercer

    Midcredits score: 33rd percentile of all films

  • My Two Dads (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Show 1 episode · Director

  • Conspiracy: The Trial of the Chicago 8(1987)

    as Abbie Hoffman

    Midcredits score: 76th percentile of all films

  • L.A. Law(1986)

    Show 1 episode · as Mitchell Schein

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all shows

  • Foley Square (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Show 14 episodes · as Peter Newman

  • Crazy like a Fox (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Show 1 episode · as Dr. Andy Farr

  • Murder, She Wrote(1984)

    Show 1 episode · as Arnie Wakeman

    Midcredits score: 67th percentile of all shows

  • Darkroom (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Show 1 episode · as Barry

  • On the Right Track(1981)

    as Frank Biscardi

    Midcredits score: 29th percentile of all films

  • Aloha Paradise (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Gorp(1980)

    as Kavell

    Midcredits score: 3rd percentile of all films

  • The Comeback Kid (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Tony

  • The In-Laws(1979)

    as Tommy Ricardo

    Midcredits score: 87th percentile of all films

  • The Bay City Rollers Meet the Saturday Superstars (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Kaptain Kool

  • Having Babies III (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Russ Bridges

  • The Boys in Company C(1978)

    as Pvt. Vinnie Fazio

    Midcredits score: 76th percentile of all films

  • What Really Happened to the Class of '65? (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Love Boat(1977)

    Show 2 episodes · as Bill Burgess · as Joey · as Nicholas Nelson

    Midcredits score: 20th percentile of all shows

  • The Krofft Supershow (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    Show 32 episodes · as Kaptain Kool

  • Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    Show 28 episodes · as Clete Meizenheimer

  • One Day at a Time(1975)

    Show 80 episodes · as Max Horvath

    Midcredits score: 30th percentile of all shows

  • It's a Bird... It's a Plane... It's Superman!(1975)

    as Joe

    Midcredits score: 14th percentile of all films

  • Barney Miller(1975)

    Show 1 episode · as Det. Paul Gardeno

    Midcredits score: 93rd percentile of all shows

  • Happy Days(1974)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 73rd percentile of all shows

  • Blood Sport (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    as Reuben

  • A Summer Without Boys (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    as Burt

  • Haunts of the Very Rich(1972)

    as Johnny Delmonico

    Midcredits score: 54th percentile of all films

  • The Rookies (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    Show 2 episodes · Actor

  • The Funny Side (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1971)

    Show 14 episodes · as Teenage Husband

  • The Partridge Family(1970)

    Show 1 episode · as Marc

    Midcredits score: 31st percentile of all shows

  • Gidget Grows Up (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    as Arnold

  • Room 222 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

Career shape

A full career of 88 titles from 1969 to 2022.

Biggest box office

The Santa Clause 2 (2002)

$173M worldwide

Highest rated

The In-Laws (1979)

Midcredits 87th

Most popular right now

One Day at a Time (1975)

Film career

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting37 of 88: 35 only acting, 2 with another role · typical Midcredits score56thDirecting52 of 88: 49 only directing, 3 with another role · typical Midcredits score38thProducing3 of 88: 1 only producing, 2 with another role

88 titles, 3 with more than one role — directing and acting overlap on 2 of them.

By decade

1960s2 · acting1970s18 · acting1980s18 · 13 acting · 5 crew1990s27 · 3 acting · 25 crew2000s11 · crew2010s8 · 1 acting · 8 crew2020s4 · crew

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored.

How do Michael Lembeck's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 36th percentile, the median of all 22; across their 20 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 35th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

35thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 20

Approval · how many liked their films

36thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 20

Reach · how many have seen their films

65thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 20

Midcredits score across 44 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up7
  • 50th to 74th14
  • 25th to 49th13
  • Below 25th10

Shape of the crowd

20 of their 44 titles are Mixed.

  • Universally Loved4
  • Divisive2
  • Cult Classic2
  • Crowd Pleaser15
  • Broadly Agreed1
  • Mixed20

Most divisive · director

The J Team (2021)

99th percentile spread · 54% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · director

Friends (1994)

Midcredits 97th · 90% liked

Reviewers score the atmosphere 54/100 and the pacing 43/100 in their films, across 19 reviewed titles. The element that speaks to their work as a director.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Is Michael Lembeck's work okay for kids?

Across up to 7 MovieCove titles with content scores, sex & nudity, profanity and alcohol & drugs run lighter than most films.

Their medianMedian of all filmsMiddle 80% of their titles
Violence & Gore4 titlesmedian 24 · mildMedian of all films: 44
Sex & Nudity7 titles11–25 · median 19 · mildlighter than most filmsMedian of all films: 32
Profanity6 titles12–38 · median 24 · mildlighter than most filmsMedian of all films: 36
Alcohol & Drugs5 titles5–46 · median 20 · mildlighter than most filmsMedian of all films: 33
Frightening / Intense4 titlesmedian 21 · mildMedian of all films: 39

Severity 0–100 from the Content Guide. Categories with under 10 votes on a title are not counted. The band's colour is the severity of their median, named beside it.

Who does Michael Lembeck work with?

People who share at least 2 of Michael Lembeck's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; David Finfer shares the most, 6.

Writers

Actors

Composers, cinematographers and editors

Producers