20th Television, CBS Television Distribution, Warner Bros. Television Distribution, Sony Pictures Television
The excitement and slow burn fulfillment of the Fall TV Season has me looking back at the source of my fangirling frenzy. While there have been many, many shows, these are the early ones that often had me dancing and singing around my living room.
1. CARTOON EXPRESS
Where did the Cartoon Express go and how can I get back on? I need to reconnect with some early besties: The Hair Bear Bunch, JabberJaw, Fat Albert, Grape Ape, and Yogi's Gang.
2. MEL'S DINER
Mel's Diner gave me one of my favorite childhood phrases, 'Kiss my grits!' - a beautiful blend of smart ass sass and sweet southern goodness. Thanks, Flo!
3. THE JEFFERSONS
Every week when the opening track played, I'd strut around my living room, arms swinging behind me, just like George Jefferson. I also liked him a lot because he kind of looked like my dad.
4. WELCOME BACK, KOTTER
While The Jeffersons track had me strutting around the living room, the track to Welcome Back, Kotter had me to dancing in circles for the full duration of the song. As for the characters, sure Vinnie Barbarino was cool, but I had more fun imitating Arnold Horshack when he knew the answer in class.
5. WKRP IN CINCINNATI
Yet another catchy track! Who wouldn't want to be as cool as Dr. Johnny Fever and Venus Flytrap?! Or draw offices with doors like Less Nessman? Which I still do. Thanks, cubicle life.
6. WHO'S THE BOSS
After school, I usually caught the tail end of either The Flintstones or Scooby Doo, Who's the Boss was the first live-action show to follow, leading into an afternoon, then evening of live-action shows. So basically, Who's the Boss was the gateway show.
7. GROWING PAINS
A BFF named Boner, and guest appearances by Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, yes, please!
8. FAMILY TIES
Who could resist my first Canadian boyfriend, a money-worshipping Alex P. Keaton?? Being a republican never looked so good! Billy Vera & The Beaters' At This Moment will always be Alex, Ellen and a train station.
9. CHEERS
Legendary track. I still want to be where everyone knows my name. For a kid like me, staying up way past my bedtime, this wasn't about hanging at a bar but hanging with my friends. Norm!
10. A DIFFERENT WORLD
Every week, Whitley completely reminded me of my sister with her style, marching to the beat of her own drum, no matter how drab her classmates may dress. To this day if my sister questions whether or not I actually put on make-up, I still smile thinking it's comes from a very Whitley place. Also, who wouldn't root for Whitley and Dwayne Wayne?
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Benson (Robert Guillaume), and Facts of Life (Jo!). LATER CAME: MTV,The Real World (Season 1), 21 Jumpstreet, Life Goes On, My So Called Life, and Friends.