called THE FURST FAMILY OF WASHINGTON in 1973. The difference was Clifton Davis was not in this show, or Ted Lange. Did anyone else know this? Just like Happy Days was Originally called LOVE AMERICAN STYLE

Originally posted by TVShow Analyzer
Just like Happy Days was Originally called LOVE AMERICAN STYLE

Incorrect. Love, American Style was a long-running anthology series on ABC that showcased comedic/romantic stories every week. When Garry Marshall was unable to sell his pilot for a Happy Days-esque series the segment was broacast on Love, American Style. The title of that broadcast was "Love and Happy Days" and that's where the title for the series was found.

As for That's My Mama being originally called something else, I wasn't aware of that fact but I'm not surprised. Shows go through all sorts of name changes from the first, rough plot outlines, through pre-production and right up until the series goes on the air.

Originally posted by tvobscurities
Incorrect. Love, American Style was a long-running anthology series on ABC that showcased comedic/romantic stories every week. When Garry Marshall was unable to sell his pilot for a Happy Days-esque series the segment was broacast on Love, American Style. The title of that broadcast was "Love and Happy Days" and that's where the title for the series was found.

As for That's My Mama being originally called something else, I wasn't aware of that fact but I'm not surprised. Shows go through all sorts of name changes from the first, rough plot outlines, through pre-production and right up until the series goes on the air.

I saw the Happy Days pilot. It aired in early 1972 which means it must have been filmed in late 1971. Funny that there was 50s nostalgia as early as 1971. People must have really been hankering for a simpler time after all the revolutions of the late 60s.

Originally posted by tvobscurities
Incorrect. Love, American Style was a long-running anthology series on ABC that showcased comedic/romantic stories every week. When Garry Marshall was unable to sell his pilot for a Happy Days-esque series the segment was broacast on Love, American Style. The title of that broadcast was "Love and Happy Days" and that's where the title for the series was found.

As for That's My Mama being originally called something else, I wasn't aware of that fact but I'm not surprised. Shows go through all sorts of name changes from the first, rough plot outlines, through pre-production and right up until the series goes on the air.



It was mentioned that the pilot for The Furst Family of Washington was UNSOLD in the 1973 TV Guide

Originally posted by jamesanthony
I saw the Happy Days pilot. It aired in early 1972 which means it must have been filmed in late 1971. Funny that there was 50s nostalgia as early as 1971. People must have really been hankering for a simpler time after all the revolutions of the late 60s.

If I'm not mistaken the pilot was filmed in 1971, yes, and then shelved until early 1972 when it aired on Love, American Style. The series premiered in January of 1974. It is rumored (perhaps justifiably so) that when George Lucas saw the pilot before it was broadcast on Love, American Style he used it as a jumping off point for his film American Graffiti which was quite popular when it was released. So, in a roundabout way, Happy Days begat American Graffiti which gave birth to Happy Days!

Originally posted by TVShow Analyzer
It was mentioned that the pilot for The Furst Family of Washington was UNSOLD in the 1973 TV Guide

I'm not sure where you're going with this; the fact that the pilot was unsold means nothing in terms of the title being different than the one the series held. Of course, if you're just tossing that tidbit out for our information, thanks.

Originally posted by tvobscurities
If I'm not mistaken the pilot was filmed in 1971, yes, and then shelved until early 1972 when it aired on Love, American Style. The series premiered in January of 1974. It is rumored (perhaps justifiably so) that when George Lucas saw the pilot before it was broadcast on Love, American Style he used it as a jumping off point for his film American Graffiti which was quite popular when it was released. So, in a roundabout way, Happy Days begat American Graffiti which gave birth to Happy Days!



I'm not sure where you're going with this; the fact that the pilot was unsold means nothing in terms of the title being different than the one the series held. Of course, if you're just tossing that tidbit out for our information, thanks.


I was just thinking that's was why everything was changed because the pilot of TFFOW was unsuccessful which led to new actors and a new name.

Originally posted by TVShow Analyzer
I was just thinking that's was why everything was changed because the pilot of TFFOW was unsuccessful which led to new actors and a new name.

Oh, yes, that there is probably the reason the name was changed, wanting to get the series to work. Can you imagine Friends having been titled Six Of One? That's just one of a few titles the series went through.

Originally posted by tvobscurities
Oh, yes, that there is probably the reason the name was changed, wanting to get the series to work. Can you imagine Friends having been titled Six Of One? That's just one of a few titles the series went through.


The first title of Good Times in 1971 was THe Black Family. And The characters were

Florida Black
James Black
Thelma Black
Michael Black
J.J. Black

Originally posted by TVShow Analyzer
The first title of Good Times in 1971 was THe Black Family. And The characters were

Florida Black
James Black
Thelma Black
Michael Black
J.J. Black

I'm assuming you're joking right?

Originally posted by jamesanthony
I'm assuming you're joking right?


No i'm not joking. On the E! True Hollywood Story, Eric Monte talked about when he wrote the first script back in 1971 and how it was called the Black Family. And all the characters had the last name Black.

Originally posted by TVShow Analyzer
No i'm not joking. On the E! True Hollywood Story, Eric Monte talked about when he wrote the first script back in 1971 and how it was called the Black Family. And all the characters had the last name Black.

You know I have only met one person in my whole life who was black whose last name was Black. It's a good thing the characters' last names were changed. Did you hear anything about why it took 3 years for this show to get made?

Originally posted by jamesanthony
You know I have only met one person in my whole life who was black whose last name was Black. It's a good thing the characters' last names were changed. Did you hear anything about why it took 3 years for this show to get made?


I can't remember but when the script was presented to Norman Lear, he liked it but felt it needed major changes.

Many changes.... good thing the names were included!!