THE FACTS OF LIFE spun off of Diff'rent Strokes and debuted on August 24th, 1979, the ratings were less than spectacular and the reviews even worse. The Washington Post called the show worthless and barren even predicting it would help finish off the already weak NBC network. The solution to improve program was to drop five original cast members and adding a tough girl from the Bronx. The producers and directors couldn't have been more pleased with the changes they made, making the sitcom a success. As all sitcoms get older they revolve over time. The scenes changed from the school to a small shop in downtown Peekskill, New York. In 1986 after many changes, Charlotte Rae (Mrs. Garrett), the lead, decided to leave the show feeling that the girls had out growen Mrs. Garrets Advice. Her replacement was to be Cloris Leachman (Beverly Stickle). The show nose dived from there. To boost the ratings they added cast members such as George Clooney, Sherrie Austin, and Mackenzie Astin. In the late 80's NBC was once again the number one network and didn't need declining show like The Facts of Life. In September of 1988 the show that kept the network afloat was cancelled, and in November of 2001, the cast reunited together to star in a Facts of Life Reunion Movie, which aired on ABC.
|
