89 reviews
It's the 1950's Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The show centers on teenager Richie Cunningham (Ron Howard), his suburban family, his school friends, and local mechanic, the Fonz (Henry Winkler). It does start with a brother Chuck and a grey jacket for Fonzie. The first two seasons are shot single camera style. There is a rougher edge to some serious subject matters. It's not the hardest hitting but the difference with the later years is stark. It's American Graffiti. Heck, it's sometimes close to American Pie. After those initial two, the show becomes the standard for 80's brighter, lighter, family friendly, multi-camera sitcom style done in front of a live studio audience.
Over the years, there are different characters and it becomes a legendary sitcom lasting 11 seasons. Henry Winkler, Marion Ross, and Tom Bosley are the veterans who held up the show all the way to the end. On the other hand, the supposed lead Ron Howard would leave the show after seven seasons. He was never that funny to me and I question his ability as the straight man. He's better as a director anyways. I'm not a fan of Joanie and Chachi who are fighting half of time. I never really liked Chachi and I only tolerated Joanie. I'm not a big fan of Potsie either and I definitely don't like his crooning. At least, Ralph Malph gets a few laughs at his own expense. As for the later additional characters, I like boy-crazy Jenny Piccalo the most. She's a fun character and the definition of the clueless cute single girl. KC is a little bland as a random cousin coming out of nowhere for the 10th season. I like Roger Phillips especially when he's paired up with the Fonz at the school. There is a weird situation with Linda Purl who plays two characters over the years. During the second season, she's Richie's girlfriend Gloria, and during the tenth season, she's Fonzie's girlfriend Ashley Pfister. Think about that. What I forgot is that Ashley's daughter was played by Poltegeist's Heather O'Rourke. Over the years, there are many memorable guest stars. Phil Silvers played Cathy Silvers' father. Robin Williams had a great crazy turn as Mork leading to his own show and becoming a Hollywood legend. There's also Laverne & Shirley who spun off on their own. This show lasted 11 seasons and is one of the legendary network TV shows of all times.
Over the years, there are different characters and it becomes a legendary sitcom lasting 11 seasons. Henry Winkler, Marion Ross, and Tom Bosley are the veterans who held up the show all the way to the end. On the other hand, the supposed lead Ron Howard would leave the show after seven seasons. He was never that funny to me and I question his ability as the straight man. He's better as a director anyways. I'm not a fan of Joanie and Chachi who are fighting half of time. I never really liked Chachi and I only tolerated Joanie. I'm not a big fan of Potsie either and I definitely don't like his crooning. At least, Ralph Malph gets a few laughs at his own expense. As for the later additional characters, I like boy-crazy Jenny Piccalo the most. She's a fun character and the definition of the clueless cute single girl. KC is a little bland as a random cousin coming out of nowhere for the 10th season. I like Roger Phillips especially when he's paired up with the Fonz at the school. There is a weird situation with Linda Purl who plays two characters over the years. During the second season, she's Richie's girlfriend Gloria, and during the tenth season, she's Fonzie's girlfriend Ashley Pfister. Think about that. What I forgot is that Ashley's daughter was played by Poltegeist's Heather O'Rourke. Over the years, there are many memorable guest stars. Phil Silvers played Cathy Silvers' father. Robin Williams had a great crazy turn as Mork leading to his own show and becoming a Hollywood legend. There's also Laverne & Shirley who spun off on their own. This show lasted 11 seasons and is one of the legendary network TV shows of all times.
- SnoopyStyle
- Aug 13, 2020
- Permalink
Cool show, lots of fun, heart warming and really charming and entertaining, and, last but no least, Happy Days got Arthur 'Fonzie' Fonzarell, the coolest cast in town. Like Mork & Mindy, I Dream of Jeannie or Get Smart and many other shows, this one is still excellent entertainment now flavored with a good shot of nostalgic superpowers. There is just one question left: what happened to the movie business? Neflixed, disneyed and superheroed to death, I guess. At least we got still all those exquisite shows of gone times just waiting for us to visit them again.
- Tweetienator
- Mar 31, 2022
- Permalink
For a decade those who grew up in the Seventies got a look back at what the culture was like for their parents with Happy Days. I doubt there were ever such perfect parents as Tom Bosley and Marion Ross who were the answer to Ward and June Cleaver.
Meet the Cunningham family parents already noted and their all American kids Ron Howard and Erin Moran. They hailed from Milwaukee, Wisconsin where Howard Cunningham had a hardware store and Marion was a housewife in the truest sense, she was married to both Howard and their home. The thought of a second income was anathema, but in those days of Eisenhower one income homes were not unusual.
But what made Happy Days have some spark was their boarder Arthur Fonzarelli, the inimitable Fonz. Fonzie started out as a peripheral character, but Henry Winkler got such notice that he got moved into the Cunningham household where he dispensed a lot of good advice to the younger ones who might have thought the parents just didn't get it.
Having grown up in the Fifties life was hardly anything like the Cunningham household any more than it was with the Cleavers. Still it was a good family show and if you liked the sounds of the later part of the decade than this was certainly your show.
Meet the Cunningham family parents already noted and their all American kids Ron Howard and Erin Moran. They hailed from Milwaukee, Wisconsin where Howard Cunningham had a hardware store and Marion was a housewife in the truest sense, she was married to both Howard and their home. The thought of a second income was anathema, but in those days of Eisenhower one income homes were not unusual.
But what made Happy Days have some spark was their boarder Arthur Fonzarelli, the inimitable Fonz. Fonzie started out as a peripheral character, but Henry Winkler got such notice that he got moved into the Cunningham household where he dispensed a lot of good advice to the younger ones who might have thought the parents just didn't get it.
Having grown up in the Fifties life was hardly anything like the Cunningham household any more than it was with the Cleavers. Still it was a good family show and if you liked the sounds of the later part of the decade than this was certainly your show.
- bkoganbing
- Jun 2, 2015
- Permalink
When Happy Days aired, I was in grade school, and like all the kids in my day, I loved "The Fonz" and his "cool" image and what it represented. Of course, ratings are ratings, and the Fonzie became the dominant figure in the show.
Now, as I've watched the reruns on "Nickelodean", I have to admit that the show was of much better quality in its early episodes. It truly was a "family" show with a moral at the end of each episode, without being preachy. It seems that in those early episodes (the first year or year and a half), the show truly did capture the 50's suburban lifestyle.
Once Fonzie became the focus, it does seem now that the show got kind of silly and unbelieveable, and saturated by "Fonzie." Of course, it's not quality of writing that keeps shows alive, unfortunately, and I realize that the show wouldn't have survived as long as it had if it had kept its earlier format. Still, I do greatly enjoy those early episodes when I watch them.
Now, as I've watched the reruns on "Nickelodean", I have to admit that the show was of much better quality in its early episodes. It truly was a "family" show with a moral at the end of each episode, without being preachy. It seems that in those early episodes (the first year or year and a half), the show truly did capture the 50's suburban lifestyle.
Once Fonzie became the focus, it does seem now that the show got kind of silly and unbelieveable, and saturated by "Fonzie." Of course, it's not quality of writing that keeps shows alive, unfortunately, and I realize that the show wouldn't have survived as long as it had if it had kept its earlier format. Still, I do greatly enjoy those early episodes when I watch them.
- wikkedladi
- May 11, 2000
- Permalink
Growing up in the 1980s where seeing shows in reruns or syndication was the norm, I remember Happy Days as a silly, conventional family comedy with Marion Ross as the mother and Tom Bosley as the father with children, Ron Howard and Erin Moran as Richie and Joanie Cunningham. Who could forget Henry Winkler as the Fonz with his black leather jacket? The show appeared light-hearted and rarely did anything more than entertain audiences and families without being so offensive. There was no bathroom humor and we were introduced to characters such as Laverne and Shirley and Mork played by Robin Williams. Happy Days was the opposite of All in the Family where it was more friendly and kind to it's family. We remember the Cunninghams owned a hardware store and Mama Cunningham stayed home but the characters were more than just one notes. They became full-fledged as time went on and the show lasted 10 years but the memories are still intact.
- Sylviastel
- Dec 26, 2007
- Permalink
- happipuppi13
- Jun 26, 2022
- Permalink
- chrisbrwdr-90734
- Dec 8, 2021
- Permalink
Happy Days brings back so many happy childhood memories. I remember every Tuesday night 8PM waiting to see the show. I loved all the cast members, and it helped me get through a wicked childhood. The show touched on so many important issues, especially bullying. Fonzie showed our generation that it was not cool to BULLY!! I still watch every episode that I can find on TV and introduced my children to my favorite show. I am sorry Tom Bosley has passed, he was a true entertainer. I am so happy to hear that the cast remained friends, their chemistry on the show was magical. Thank you for entertaining so many throughout the years.
- marimull719
- May 7, 2013
- Permalink
The first two seasons of Happy Days were great.They were like thirty minute mini-movies with a great fifties vibe.All the characters had a bit of an edge and Fonzie had a bit of mystique.But then she show went live and I can understand from a business standpoint of doing this but the show changed after that.All the characters lost their edge and got stupider and stupider as time went on and Fonzie lost his mystique and became a loud braggart.So my advice is two watch season one and season two except for the live episode which seems out of place and should have been done with the start of season three.
- bevo-13678
- Jun 11, 2020
- Permalink
In addition to everything else, Happy Days' Fonzie gave some of the best advice ever. My favorite piece of advice was given to Chachi after Joanie broke up with him. After giving advice that didn't work out and being berated by Chachi, the Fonz said that he gave the advice because Chachi needed to do something to get Joanie back, even though Fonz knew the advice was bad. Chachi then said "How do you get your girl back?" Fonz said "Sometimes you don't." He then said that Chachi feels very small and that the pain of his heartbreak is very big, but that each day Chachi will get bigger and the pain will get smaller until one day Chachi will be bigger than the pain. In his own way Fonz pointed out that one never gets over the tragedies in life, but that one does go on and make the best of whatever situation one is dealt. Not many shows can present moments like this. Yes, my favorite character on the show is the Fonz. I'm not "nutso".
I don't know what Joel S. was watching when he was making comments about Fonzie being a loser.
Fonzie was supposed to be older than the rest of the gang, but not by that many years. Perhaps it was because Henry Winkler was older than the rest of the cast that he looked, as you said, twenty years older.
Fonzie never dated high school girls. He knew they were too young for him. He had morals.
Fonzie being an illiterate high school drop-out? I don't know where you got that from. Fonzie had dropped out of high school when the show started, but one of plot points of the episode where Richie graduated high school was that Fonzie revealed that he'd been secretly going to night school to earn his high school diploma. He graduated with the rest of the gang.
Fonzie living above the Cunningham's garage. That was because he'd given up his own apartment to his grandmother after she'd been forced to leave her own place. He stayed above the garage for so long because he loved he Cunninghams like his own family. He essentially was a part of the family. In the last season, he did move out into a regular apartment. In the last episode he bought a house so that he would be allowed to adopt an orphaned boy he'd befriended. Gee...buying a house so you can provide a good home and be a good parent? Doesn't sound like a loser.
As well, Fonzie also worked several jobs at once. He was (or became) the owner of the garage he worked at. When Arnold's burned down, he put up money to help Al rebuild and became the part-owner. Then, he started teaching shop class at Jefferson High. He later went to a tough school and became the Dean of Boys, so he could help kids who needed guidance.
So, I think Fonzie was a cool character not because of his leather jacket, or motorcycle, or his prowess with girls. I think he was cool because he was a good person who was always willing to help a friend in need. Did you ever see the episode where Al wants to go down to Alabama to join a Civil Rights march? (This was a later episode when the time was the 1960's). Fonzie is concerned about Al's safety and goes with him to look out for him. Fonzie joins Al and a young African-American man in a sit-in at a diner. That doesn't sound like something a loser would do.
Fonzie was supposed to be older than the rest of the gang, but not by that many years. Perhaps it was because Henry Winkler was older than the rest of the cast that he looked, as you said, twenty years older.
Fonzie never dated high school girls. He knew they were too young for him. He had morals.
Fonzie being an illiterate high school drop-out? I don't know where you got that from. Fonzie had dropped out of high school when the show started, but one of plot points of the episode where Richie graduated high school was that Fonzie revealed that he'd been secretly going to night school to earn his high school diploma. He graduated with the rest of the gang.
Fonzie living above the Cunningham's garage. That was because he'd given up his own apartment to his grandmother after she'd been forced to leave her own place. He stayed above the garage for so long because he loved he Cunninghams like his own family. He essentially was a part of the family. In the last season, he did move out into a regular apartment. In the last episode he bought a house so that he would be allowed to adopt an orphaned boy he'd befriended. Gee...buying a house so you can provide a good home and be a good parent? Doesn't sound like a loser.
As well, Fonzie also worked several jobs at once. He was (or became) the owner of the garage he worked at. When Arnold's burned down, he put up money to help Al rebuild and became the part-owner. Then, he started teaching shop class at Jefferson High. He later went to a tough school and became the Dean of Boys, so he could help kids who needed guidance.
So, I think Fonzie was a cool character not because of his leather jacket, or motorcycle, or his prowess with girls. I think he was cool because he was a good person who was always willing to help a friend in need. Did you ever see the episode where Al wants to go down to Alabama to join a Civil Rights march? (This was a later episode when the time was the 1960's). Fonzie is concerned about Al's safety and goes with him to look out for him. Fonzie joins Al and a young African-American man in a sit-in at a diner. That doesn't sound like something a loser would do.
- TorontoJediMaster
- Aug 27, 2004
- Permalink
When I was 7 or 8 I went to see this filmed live at Paamount Studios, the episode was Joanies First Kiss. After we got onto the lot past the guard shack...I see a yellow convertible coming into the lot approaching the guard. He has mirrored sun glasses on clearly coked out , music blaring...he ignores the guard and speeds right on by. That made me q Ralph fan forever. Hope hes still doing that primo yayo
- NutMustardx
- Jul 20, 2018
- Permalink
"HAPPY DAYS," in my opinion, is a must-see ABC hit! Despite the fact that I've never seen every episode, I still enjoyed it. It's hard to say which one is my favorite. Also, I really loved the theme song. If you ask me, even though I liked everyone, it would have been nice if everyone had stayed on the show throughout its entire run. Everyone always gave a good performance, the production design was spectacular, the costumes were well-designed, and the writing was always very strong. In conclusion, even though it can be seen in syndication now, I strongly recommend you catch it just in case it goes off the air for good.
- Catherine_Grace_Zeh
- Jul 26, 2006
- Permalink
- guillevica
- Mar 28, 2019
- Permalink
Such a cool and legendary show.
Fonz revolutionized the game. Before Urkle, Willard Smith and Arnold there was Fonz.
He would have been bigger if he had debuted in the 90s.
Overall the show is so good. It has laughs and coolness.
Verdict: Be cool. Look Cool. You are Cool.
Fonz revolutionized the game. Before Urkle, Willard Smith and Arnold there was Fonz.
He would have been bigger if he had debuted in the 90s.
Overall the show is so good. It has laughs and coolness.
Verdict: Be cool. Look Cool. You are Cool.
- ThunderKing6
- Feb 9, 2021
- Permalink
This is a wonderful nostalgic series that I always hoped to catch on re runs for my own teenage son, but unfortunately was never able to find it. It revolves around a Milwaukee family, the Cunninghams, consisting of the father Howard (a hardware store owner), mother Marion (a homemaker), son Richie and daughter Joanie. Richie attends Jefferson High where his friends include the prankster, Ralph, and alleged nerd, Potsie. Richie later discovers a love interest in the form of Lori Beth.
Ron Howard is perfect as the fresh faced, squeaky clean boy next door, Richie Cunningham. All the family roles are cleverly cast. It is so refreshing by contrast with modern programming to see a traditional TV family where the parents are portrayed as well intended, caring individuals.
Of course the real star of the series is the Fonz, i.e. Arthur Fonzerelli, a greasy high school drop out who is the coolest guy in town. He acts like a big brother to Richie & his pals and eventually moves into an apartment over the Cunningham's garage. Fonzie's 'office' is the men's washroom at Arnold's, the local burger and soda hangout where these teenagers gather after school. Of course all the pretty girls flock to him at the snap of his fingers! In my opinion, Fonzie's legendary popularity emerged because beneath that cool & tough exterior is a heart of gold and a genuine integrity. Henry Winkler is positively brilliant in the role. Later Fonzie's nephew, Chachi, joins the series and has a romance with the now more mature Joanie.
Oh, that TV had programs like this today. There's a genuine warmth to the show and a heartwarming affection between these characters that seems sadly missing these days. I missed most of the series' later years, but suspect the early ones were the best in any case. Happy Days is a classic comedic slice of teenage Americana and a nostalgic look back to growing up in the 1950's.
Ron Howard is perfect as the fresh faced, squeaky clean boy next door, Richie Cunningham. All the family roles are cleverly cast. It is so refreshing by contrast with modern programming to see a traditional TV family where the parents are portrayed as well intended, caring individuals.
Of course the real star of the series is the Fonz, i.e. Arthur Fonzerelli, a greasy high school drop out who is the coolest guy in town. He acts like a big brother to Richie & his pals and eventually moves into an apartment over the Cunningham's garage. Fonzie's 'office' is the men's washroom at Arnold's, the local burger and soda hangout where these teenagers gather after school. Of course all the pretty girls flock to him at the snap of his fingers! In my opinion, Fonzie's legendary popularity emerged because beneath that cool & tough exterior is a heart of gold and a genuine integrity. Henry Winkler is positively brilliant in the role. Later Fonzie's nephew, Chachi, joins the series and has a romance with the now more mature Joanie.
Oh, that TV had programs like this today. There's a genuine warmth to the show and a heartwarming affection between these characters that seems sadly missing these days. I missed most of the series' later years, but suspect the early ones were the best in any case. Happy Days is a classic comedic slice of teenage Americana and a nostalgic look back to growing up in the 1950's.
Along with Laverne and Shirley, Joanie Love SomebodyOrOther, Mork and Mindy, and others, this is a low-level sitcom with the usual GM sophomoric "humor". Immature, insipid, trite, dumb....those words pretty well describe this classless, juvenile, colossal waste of time. The 70s was full of bold, mature, timely sitcoms (Mary Tyler Moore, All In The Family, etc) , and then there was mindless drivel like this. Go figure....
Along with Laverne and Shirley, Joanie Love SomebodyOrOther, Mork and Mindy, and others, this is a low-level sitcom with the usual GM sophomoric "humor". Immature, insipid, trite, dumb....those words pretty well describe this classless, juvenile, colossal waste of time. The 70s was full of bold, mature, timely sitcoms (Mary Tyler Moore, All In The Family, etc) , and then there was mindless drivel like this. Go figure...
Along with Laverne and Shirley, Joanie Love SomebodyOrOther, Mork and Mindy, and others, this is a low-level sitcom with the usual GM sophomoric "humor". Immature, insipid, trite, dumb....those words pretty well describe this classless, juvenile, colossal waste of time. The 70s was full of bold, mature, timely sitcoms (Mary Tyler Moore, All In The Family, etc) , and then there was mindless drivel like this. Go figure...
- pmike-11312
- Oct 11, 2022
- Permalink
This was one of the greatest shows of the 1970's. Many people think of it as a simple comedy, but in the early years the series tackled some serious issues such as racism and nuclear war. The strength of the show was the friendship between Richie and Fonzie. The chemistry between Ron Howard and Henry Winkler made this show a classic. Unfortunately, after Howard left, they tried to keep the show going by focusing on Joanie and Chachi and that was when the show began to go downhill. However, just ignore the final years of the show and pay attention to the early years.
I'm re watching these and the production values are huge, each episode is like a film set. The Americans are great at sit-coms and this is no exception. It's good writing, maybe not as slick as Friend's or Frasier but it was the 70's. So it's vintage TV that's well worth a watch..
- eskimosound
- Dec 29, 2021
- Permalink
It doesn't seem possible but this series became the number 1 show in the late 1970's but it started modestly without the Fonz as a pilot episode on Love American Style in 1972. It took Gary Marshall 2 years after that to get it on ABC. Once ABC got it on, this became part of the late 1970's ABC rise in the overall ratings.
Richie, Potsie, Ralph Mouth, & the Fonz rode the top of the sitcom landscape for several years. Howard Cunnigham's Hardware Store was the most talked about and never seen business in the history of TV. This show literally gave a lot or performers a place to start then. Amzaingly, most of the main cast members are still around even though it's been over 30 years since this show started.
Henry Winkler became so type cast as the Fonz, that try as he did, he really never got another role folks remember him more for than this one. Ronny Howard went on to become a great director of films. One of the few folks no longer around, Pat Morita (original Arnold of Arnolds Drive-In Restaurant) went on to a lot of roles, most famous of which was Mr. Miyagi, the Karate Kids Teacher.
This show spun off Laverne & Shirley which had great success and produced another good movie director in Penny Marshall. It also spun out Joanie Loves Chachi whose success was limited to a very short run.
What was most successful about this show was it played on 1950's Nostalgia after the Vietnam War. As people wanted to forget that era, this show was the answer. Going back to the 1950's was really in and Gary Marshall really hit the right formula with this show inspired by George Lucas famous 1973 classic film American Graffatti. Of course Marshall had already aired everything but the Fonz on Love American Style.
The original theme (Rock Around The Clock) for this by Bill Haley & the Comets was a great theme. Later on, Richie & the Cast did a second theme song which was pretty good too. The Fonz became a cultural icon.
Then there was always Arnold, who installed the dime thing on his bathroom stall doors, and then uttered the now nostalgic line to someone needing to get in the stall, "Why don't you do like the other kids do & crawl under?"
Richie, Potsie, Ralph Mouth, & the Fonz rode the top of the sitcom landscape for several years. Howard Cunnigham's Hardware Store was the most talked about and never seen business in the history of TV. This show literally gave a lot or performers a place to start then. Amzaingly, most of the main cast members are still around even though it's been over 30 years since this show started.
Henry Winkler became so type cast as the Fonz, that try as he did, he really never got another role folks remember him more for than this one. Ronny Howard went on to become a great director of films. One of the few folks no longer around, Pat Morita (original Arnold of Arnolds Drive-In Restaurant) went on to a lot of roles, most famous of which was Mr. Miyagi, the Karate Kids Teacher.
This show spun off Laverne & Shirley which had great success and produced another good movie director in Penny Marshall. It also spun out Joanie Loves Chachi whose success was limited to a very short run.
What was most successful about this show was it played on 1950's Nostalgia after the Vietnam War. As people wanted to forget that era, this show was the answer. Going back to the 1950's was really in and Gary Marshall really hit the right formula with this show inspired by George Lucas famous 1973 classic film American Graffatti. Of course Marshall had already aired everything but the Fonz on Love American Style.
The original theme (Rock Around The Clock) for this by Bill Haley & the Comets was a great theme. Later on, Richie & the Cast did a second theme song which was pretty good too. The Fonz became a cultural icon.
Then there was always Arnold, who installed the dime thing on his bathroom stall doors, and then uttered the now nostalgic line to someone needing to get in the stall, "Why don't you do like the other kids do & crawl under?"
In Happy Days Henry Winkler is the one I picture myself as for a role model I would like to met him my address is 11100 strathern st. #40 Sun Valley, CA 91352 or he can call at (818) 765 - 5649 Thank you Mr. Winkler for being a big role model for me, I am using harrisgre1 you can call me also on my (818) 433 - 8875 my name is Justin S. Harrison please call me Mr. Winkler. I love your show. Mr. Winkler my friend Howard Ginsberg likes to call me the Fonz because I like your character from the show that you played . We were talking about the show and said that what ever character you like we will call you by that character and I chose the Fonz because your my role model.
- harrisgre1
- Nov 12, 2007
- Permalink
- shelbythuylinh
- Nov 13, 2021
- Permalink
Happy Days exists in four distinct stages:
Seasons 1-2: Filmed without a studio audience (barring one episode) and a more realistic, if sentimental, evocation of the 1950s, with Fonzie a mysterious cool guy rather than near demi-god. There's some genuinely great, heartfelt moments in both seasons, and the episodes almost feel like mini-movies.
Seasons 3-4: A more traditional sitcom, with Fonzie more pronounced (and Potsie dumbed down. And don't mention Chuck!).
Yes, the humour is broader, but it's also genuinely laugh out loud funny, and it's not hard to see why Fonzie-mania took off.
Seasons 5-7: Chachi! Why didn't Baio just play a re-cast Spike, who they'd already introduced in previous seasons?
Fonzie increasingly demonstrates ridiculous super-powers, and, while it's funny, he's also prone to kiddy-like petulance that ruins the mystique of the character as it was originally portrayed.
Ralph and Potsie are still good value, particularly when they get their apartment together - what a shame they didn't get a spin-off show.
The show itself becomes noticeably more sentimental - there are still clever jokes, and very funny jokes, but also lots more heart-to-heart moments.
Seasons 8-11: Ah, the post-Richie years. They really ought to have called it a day after he left, but I suppose when you have a hit show you want to keep it going as long as possible.
Fonzie becoming a teacher is a massive betrayal of the character - I'm assuming Arthur lied his teeth during the interview! - but Live And Learn is a brilliant episode, with Winkler the undoubted star of the show having nominally shared first position with Howard since season 3.
Roger Phillips, played by Ted McGinley, is an obvious attempt to have a new Richie - but, as noted above with Baio, why not just have McGinley as the old Chuck, returned from - oh, who cares! Chuck is back! :)
Fonzie is starting to look his age, and his hanging around high school girls is getting a bit weird at best, and creepy at worst. Giving him a permanent girlfriend in Ashley in season 10 was a logical development, but also seems to diminish him as a character.
Too many old favourite characters are gone (even if Joanie and Chachi do come back), many of the new ones - KC in particular - are just bland, and everything's starting to look a bit threadbare.
Season 11 was a fine return to form, with Richie getting a genuinely emotional return AND goodbye. Although it's a shame that Ralph and Potsie weren't in the show's proper finale, Passages.
All in all, a great show. Come on Paramount, pay up for the music rights and give us a complete DVD/Blu Ray box set!
Seasons 1-2: Filmed without a studio audience (barring one episode) and a more realistic, if sentimental, evocation of the 1950s, with Fonzie a mysterious cool guy rather than near demi-god. There's some genuinely great, heartfelt moments in both seasons, and the episodes almost feel like mini-movies.
Seasons 3-4: A more traditional sitcom, with Fonzie more pronounced (and Potsie dumbed down. And don't mention Chuck!).
Yes, the humour is broader, but it's also genuinely laugh out loud funny, and it's not hard to see why Fonzie-mania took off.
Seasons 5-7: Chachi! Why didn't Baio just play a re-cast Spike, who they'd already introduced in previous seasons?
Fonzie increasingly demonstrates ridiculous super-powers, and, while it's funny, he's also prone to kiddy-like petulance that ruins the mystique of the character as it was originally portrayed.
Ralph and Potsie are still good value, particularly when they get their apartment together - what a shame they didn't get a spin-off show.
The show itself becomes noticeably more sentimental - there are still clever jokes, and very funny jokes, but also lots more heart-to-heart moments.
Seasons 8-11: Ah, the post-Richie years. They really ought to have called it a day after he left, but I suppose when you have a hit show you want to keep it going as long as possible.
Fonzie becoming a teacher is a massive betrayal of the character - I'm assuming Arthur lied his teeth during the interview! - but Live And Learn is a brilliant episode, with Winkler the undoubted star of the show having nominally shared first position with Howard since season 3.
Roger Phillips, played by Ted McGinley, is an obvious attempt to have a new Richie - but, as noted above with Baio, why not just have McGinley as the old Chuck, returned from - oh, who cares! Chuck is back! :)
Fonzie is starting to look his age, and his hanging around high school girls is getting a bit weird at best, and creepy at worst. Giving him a permanent girlfriend in Ashley in season 10 was a logical development, but also seems to diminish him as a character.
Too many old favourite characters are gone (even if Joanie and Chachi do come back), many of the new ones - KC in particular - are just bland, and everything's starting to look a bit threadbare.
Season 11 was a fine return to form, with Richie getting a genuinely emotional return AND goodbye. Although it's a shame that Ralph and Potsie weren't in the show's proper finale, Passages.
All in all, a great show. Come on Paramount, pay up for the music rights and give us a complete DVD/Blu Ray box set!
- stebsmeister
- Dec 21, 2020
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