Binghamton Grad Paul Reiser Returning to Campus for Homecoming 2026
Paul Reiser graduated from Binghamton University’s music program in 1977. This October, the comedian, actor, writer, author, and musician returns to the Vestal campus for Homecoming weekend.
Reiser will bring An Evening of Standup & Stories to the Anderson Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 7:30 p.m.
For audiences who know him as Paul Buchman from Mad About You, Dr. Sam Owens from Stranger Things, or Detective Jeffrey Friedman from the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, it can be easy to forget that one of his earliest chapters unfolded right here in the Southern Tier.
Paul Reiser’s Connection to Binghamton University
A member of Binghamton’s Class of 1977, Reiser studied music before going on to build a career in entertainment. The university later awarded him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 2000.
His musical training has remained a thread throughout his career. According to the Anderson Center, Reiser co wrote the Mad About You theme song, “The Final Frontier,” with Grammy winning producer Don Was. He later collaborated with British singer songwriter Julia Fordham on an album of original songs.
How Paul Reiser Built His Television and Film Career
Since his time in Vestal, Reiser has built a career spanning standup comedy, film, television, books, and music.
His film credits include Diner, Aliens, Beverly Hills Cop, Whiplash, and Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. On television, he co created and starred in Mad About You with Helen Hunt.
The Television Academy lists multiple Emmy nominations for Reiser’s work on Mad About You, as well as his nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for playing Martin on The Kominsky Method.
A new generation of viewers recognizes him as Dr. Sam Owens in Netflix’s Stranger Things. Netflix identifies Reiser as the actor behind the character in its official coverage of the series.
Paul Reiser’s Work Beyond Acting
Reiser’s work extends well beyond the screen. His books Couplehood, Babyhood, and Familyhood became bestsellers. The Anderson Center says Couplehood sold more than two million copies and reached No. 1 on The New York Times bestseller list.
He also co authored What a Fool Believes, the memoir of Michael McDonald. McDonald announced the book’s release on his official website, confirming that Reiser wrote it with him.
When Paul Reiser Performs at Binghamton Homecoming
Reiser’s performance is part of Binghamton University’s Homecoming celebration, which runs Oct. 2 through 4 and coincides with the university’s 80th anniversary.
The show takes place in the Osterhout Concert Theater at the Anderson Center, located at 4400 Vestal Parkway East. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show starting at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets range from $75 to $125 and are available through the Anderson Center box office.
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