I caught Diff’rent Strokes this morning and I think it’s borderline unwatchable. Conrad Bain’s character is completely unfunny, and the show wears its liberal heart on its sleeve far too much, with pretty heavy handed messages.

I have "the Mrs. Garrett" years on DVD, the first 2 seasons. I binged on them this summer and I still enjoy them. Like FOL, I have strong, vivid memories of watching it at my grandparents'. But my fandom for it is nowhere near my passionate love of FOL.

I've caught several episodes, and have enjoyed them. Some of the episodes may be more dated than FOL, but the OOH years of FOL are more dated than anything on DS.

Please. They’re equally dated. Facts of Life wore its liberal heart on its sleeve during the Eastland years, with those very special episodes, and showed some very cringeworthy hairstyles and clothing during those Over Our Heads years. And who could forget that horrendous synth “New Wave” theme change up on both shows in the later years.

Oh man. I loved that mid-'80s DS theme. Unironically, even.

Please. They’re equally dated. Facts of Life wore its liberal heart on its sleeve during the Eastland years, with those very special episodes, and showed some very cringeworthy hairstyles and clothing during those Over Our Heads years. And who could forget that horrendous synth “New Wave” theme change up on both shows in the later years.


I think they're both dated. I don't know if I just overloaded myself with FOL a few months ago by trying to watch every episode but I can't watch it anymore. I was disappointed (but not surprised) by the crappy way they ended the series and you all know that I cannot stand Tootie. Most annoying character ever on a show that I can recall. I think I might have enjoyed the series a lot more without her.

Oh man. I loved that mid-'80s DS theme. Unironically, even.
You mean the theme song in season 8?

with those very special episodes

It's funny that a lot of people remember FOL this way, because as far as I know, DS was the only sitcom to ever have "very special episodes" actually marketed/announced as such. If any other shows did, I don't know. But FOL had dramatic moments in most of its cafeteria episodes, so that was just part of the regular package.

You mean the theme song in season 8?

Yes.

showed some very cringeworthy hairstyles and clothing during those Over Our Heads years


I don't understand how their appearance overshadows the quality of episodes The Facts of Life produced in the later years. Regardless of what they're wearing, season 8 was a strong season with the writing. Season 9 had one great episode that was just like an Eastland episode with "Rumor Has It". Hairstyles and clothing doesn't bother me unless they make it so obnoxious like what Charmed did trying to sexualize the women into getting horny boys and men to watch.

It's funny that a lot of people remember FOL this way, because as far as I know, DS was the only sitcom to ever have "very special episodes" actually marketed/announced as such. If any other shows did, I don't know. But FOL had dramatic moments in most of its cafeteria episodes, so that was just part of the regular package.


From what was released on the DVD sets, the only special episode that had a marketed announcement before airing was "The First Time". Maybe it's because of the times we live in now but that episode is no where near special to deserve an announcement before airing. I would have on "The Breaking Point" because of how dramatic and realistic that became. Of all the so called special episodes, "The Breaking Point" is the most troubling one because it does happen in teens to this day and it's tragic when they succeed.

Yes.

Haha I liked it too!

I don't understand how their appearance overshadows the quality of episodes The Facts of Life produced in the later years. Regardless of what they're wearing, season 8 was a strong season with the writing. Season 9 had one great episode that was just like an Eastland episode with "Rumor Has It". Hairstyles and clothing doesn't bother me unless they make it so obnoxious like what Charmed did trying to sexualize the women into getting horny boys and men to watch.

I wasn’t saying that. There is no relationship with the appearance and the quality of the episodes. I was just commenting on how dated the show looks and sounds compared to now. I made no mention of the quality of the writing in the later years in the original post. I guess it’s all how you define aging well. I will say though, the writing was still decent in the later years, but by no means was it superb like the Eastland years. I think they did get a little too carried away with the dream sequences and writing for novelty in later years. But it’s all a matter of an opinion. Some people like later years. I think the outfits and hairstyles were fun and colorful, I just wouldn’t say they aged very well.

I think the problem with DS is that so much of it relied on the cuteness and charm of Gary Coleman that it grates as you watch it older. Of course Tootie was really cute early on as well, but the show wasn't centered around it

Plus, I also think its almost impossible in this day and age to divorce DS from the tragedy surrounding the show.

I think the problem with DS is that so much of it relied on the cuteness and charm of Gary Coleman that it grates as you watch it older. Of course Tootie was really cute early on as well, but the show wasn't centered around it

Plus, I also think its almost impossible in this day and age to divorce DS from the tragedy surrounding the show.

You raise a great point about the "Diff'rent Strokes curse". It's difficult to watch the show without thinking about the struggles of Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Gary Coleman during and after the show.

You raise a great point about the "Diff'rent Strokes curse". It's difficult to watch the show without thinking about the struggles of Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Gary Coleman during and after the show.

I can watch without thinking about that because it's not reality. All that stuff you are referring to happened once the show went off the air.

I can watch without thinking about that because it's not reality. All that stuff you are referring to happened once the show went off the air.

Not really. Dana's pregnancy and firing happened during the show. According to Kim Fields' book, Gary's melt-downs happened on set. And I suspect Dana and Todd's introduction to drugs happened during their years on the show.

Not really. Dana's pregnancy and firing happened during the show. According to Kim Fields' book, Gary's melt-downs happened on set. And I suspect Dana and Todd's introduction to drugs happened during their years on the show.

But its still a fun laid back type of show and not depressing like Good Times

But its still a fun laid back type of show and not depressing like Good Times

OMG! Good Times! There was a parody, years ago, that made fun of the huge discrepancy between the depressing plots of the show and the "Good Times" lyrics. :lol:

I think that one good reason why Diff'rent Strokes hasn't really aged well is that at the end of the day, it was a very formulaic (http://www.manic-expression.com/random-thoughts-the-other-diffrent-strokes-curse/) show. It was likely very emblematic of many sitcoms from the late 1970s-early '80s.

Also, DS had way too many (and quite frankly disturbing and potentially traumatizing) special message episodes. Granted, it kind of makes sense since it was done in the era of Norman Lear. There are too many to name right now, but a perfect example of this (and I'm not going with the "Bicycle Man" episode, since that's usually the first go-to among "very special Diff'rent Strokes episode") the one where Arnold and Kimberly are kidnapped and held captive by the deranged man who picked them up while hitchhiking:
https://img.sharetv.com/shows/episodes/standard/180071.jpg

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNDBkZGM3OWYtYTFlZi00OTI5LWE2YjMtMDJjZDQzNGY1M2FkXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNTM3MDMyMDQ@._V1_UY268_CR87,0,182,268_AL_.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bp09WFGNOwY/T_ttH7MxAgI/AAAAAAAACOQ/tghM0BgOLyU/s1600/diffstrokesbill4.jpg

Stuff like this would today, be more at home on say, Criminal Minds or Law & Order: SVU.

Meanwhile, depending on who you ask, Phillip Drummond despite being a loving father who took in and adopted his late housekeeper's sons, can sometimes come off as arrogant and pompous.

I think that one good reason why Diff'rent Strokes hasn't really aged well is that at the end of the day, it was a very formulaic (http://www.manic-expression.com/random-thoughts-the-other-diffrent-strokes-curse/) show. It was likely very emblematic of many sitcoms from the late 1970s-early '80s.

Also, DS had way too many (and quite frankly disturbing and potentially traumatizing) special message episodes. Granted, it kind of makes sense since it was done in the era of Norman Lear. There are too many to name right now, but a perfect example of this (and I'm not going with the "Bicycle Man" episode, since that's usually the first go-to among "very special Diff'rent Strokes episode") the one where Arnold and Kimberly are kidnapped and held captive by the deranged man who picked them up while hitchhiking:
https://img.sharetv.com/shows/episodes/standard/180071.jpg

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNDBkZGM3OWYtYTFlZi00OTI5LWE2YjMtMDJjZDQzNGY1M2FkXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNTM3MDMyMDQ@._V1_UY268_CR87,0,182,268_AL_.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bp09WFGNOwY/T_ttH7MxAgI/AAAAAAAACOQ/tghM0BgOLyU/s1600/diffstrokesbill4.jpg

Stuff like this would today, be more at home on say, Criminal Minds or Law & Order: SVU.

Meanwhile, depending on who you ask, Phillip Drummond despite being a loving father who took in and adopted his late housekeeper's sons, can sometimes come off as arrogant and pompous.

Those eps are only for live viewing or DVD not syndication

OMG! Good Times! There was a parody, years ago, that made fun of the huge discrepancy between the depressing plots of the show and the "Good Times" lyrics. :lol:

Probably not the one you're thinking of, but there was a really funny take-off on Good Times on The Wayans Bros.

I think that one good reason why Diff'rent Strokes hasn't really aged well is that at the end of the day, it was a very formulaic (http://www.manic-expression.com/random-thoughts-the-other-diffrent-strokes-curse/) show. It was likely very emblematic of many sitcoms from the late 1970s-early '80s.

Also, DS had way too many (and quite frankly disturbing and potentially traumatizing) special message episodes. Granted, it kind of makes sense since it was done in the era of Norman Lear. There are too many to name right now, but a perfect example of this (and I'm not going with the "Bicycle Man" episode, since that's usually the first go-to among "very special Diff'rent Strokes episode") the one where Arnold and Kimberly are kidnapped and held captive by the deranged man who picked them up while hitchhiking:.


To be fair, Facts was pretty guilty of the Very Special Episodes too, especially in season 3 where the serious-to-funny episode ratio was 2 to 1. Difference is that Facts mostly phased those episodes out after season 5 and became more of a comedy whereas DS kept those episodes (Sam's Kidnapping, Kimberly's bulimia, the white supremacists) until the very end

And I suspect Dana and Todd's introduction to drugs happened during their years on the show.

I remember reading a quote one time from one of Dana's old friends that claimed that Dana got into drugs even before Diff'rent Strokes made its debut. Todd claims that Dana introduced him to drugs.

You raise a great point about the "Diff'rent Strokes curse". It's difficult to watch the show without thinking about the struggles of Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Gary Coleman during and after the show.

Yeah its sad

I can watch without thinking about that because it's not reality. All that stuff you are referring to happened once the show went off the air.

Right, same here. You don't see Todd or Dana or Gary on the show. You see Willis, Kimberly, and Arnold. I just think about the show while I watch it, not what happened later.

To be fair, Facts was pretty guilty of the Very Special Episodes too, especially in season 3 where the serious-to-funny episode ratio was 2 to 1. Difference is that Facts mostly phased those episodes out after season 5 and became more of a comedy whereas DS kept those episodes (Sam's Kidnapping, Kimberly's bulimia, the white supremacists) until the very end

I don't think it's fair to say FOL had "very special" episodes. That was a DS staple. I think of FOL of having mostly balanced episodes---comedy and drama together, though some could have more drama. The closest they got to a very special episode was "Breaking Point" (where the final act had no comedy).

I don't think it's fair to say FOL had "very special" episodes. That was a DS staple. I think of FOL of having mostly balanced episodes---comedy and drama together, though some could have more drama. The closest they got to a very special episode was "Breaking Point" (where the final act had no comedy).

"Breaking Point", "Front Page", "Let's Party" and "Fear Strikes Back" are almost textbook cases of what people associate as "Very Special Episodes". But I think it balanced it out better than DS did and after season 5 or so they were basically non-existent on the show any longer but Diff'rent Strokes kept those going pretty much until the end.

Yeah, and DS actually promoted "very special episodes", whereas I don't know that FOL ever did.

I remember reading a quote one time from one of Dana's old friends that claimed that Dana got into drugs even before Diff'rent Strokes made its debut. Todd claims that Dana introduced him to drugs.

I definitely believe Todd that Dana introduced him to drugs. But Dana was just 13 when she was cast on DS. Was she really doing drugs at age 11-12? Freaky. I find that less believable.

"Breaking Point", "Front Page", "Let's Party" and "Fear Strikes Back" are almost textbook cases of what people associate as "Very Special Episodes". But I think it balanced it out better than DS did and after season 5 or so they were basically non-existent on the show any longer but Diff'rent Strokes kept those going pretty much until the end.

I think of the Natalie Loses Her Virginity episode as a Very Special Episode. Same with the episode where Blair is scarred (and the scar magically disappears the next episode). These are later season episodes.

I think of the Natalie Loses Her Virginity episode as a Very Special Episode. Same with the episode where Blair is scarred (and the scar magically disappears the next episode). These are later season episodes.

I think of "VSE"s having such weight on drama, but the virginity episode doesn't have that. I mean of course it's dramatic subject matter, but it's not laughless pointed drama like the last of "Breaking Point", for example.

As for that Blair episode, I just skip that one now. Ugh.

As for that Blair episode, I just skip that one now. Ugh.

:lol: I remember watching it on nick as a kid.

:lol: I remember watching it on nick as a kid.

Lorsie watching "Facts of Life" on N@N in the 2000s:

:baby:






;)

I like both shows around the same. Diff'rent Strokes is excellent the first 5 seasons, but the addition of Sam (one of the worst characters in any show ever) and Maggie ruined it. The Facts of Life is mostly good, but wasn't the same after Charlotte Rae left. It is excellent news that both of these shows will be coming to Antenna TV in January, I would like them to replace the Norman Lear shows from 6-8PM weeknights.

The Facts of Life is mostly good, but wasn't the same after Charlotte Rae left.

I definitely agree. A big part of the show was missing, after her departure in S8. But even huge amounts of money couldn't keep her there.

I've always prefered The Facts of Life. You could do so much more with that cast than on Diffrant Strokes.

I think one of the reasons why Different Strokes hasn't aged well is all but one of the original characters are now deceased. They offer no new stories or reunions from the show. Meanwhile on FOL, all the major characters except for Charlotte Rae are alive and Charlotte lived to be 92. They are still doing specials, interviews and documentaries on the show so it's like can still is easy to connect the characters and actors.

I think one of the reasons why Different Strokes hasn't aged well is all but one of the original characters are now deceased. They offer no new stories or reunions from the show. Meanwhile on FOL, all the major characters except for Charlotte Rae are alive and Charlotte lived to be 92. They are still doing specials, interviews and documentaries on the show so it's like can still is easy to connect the characters and actors.

That is a really good point. The show still feels immediate, in part because we still see cast interviews and news stories.

I think Gary Coleman turning out to be such a nasty dipsh## didn’t help DS. And besides FOL was a better show, IMO anyways. Natalie, Blair, Jo, Tootie, Mrs. Garrett ALL sparkled. I’ll take Peekskill over the penthouse any day!)

I think Gary Coleman turning out to be such a nasty dipsh## didn’t help. And besides FOL was a better show, IMO anyways.

Aside from slapping a fan, suing his parents, demanding hamburgers be brought to the set, and treating Dixie Carter badly, what else did Gary do?

I agree that FOL was a better show, but why was that?

Aside from slapping a fan, suing his parents, demanding hamburgers be brought to the set, and treating Dixie Carter badly, what else did Gary do? what you said was pah-lennn-ty; I don’t even want to waste my time thinking about that nasty little p.o.s.

I agree that FOL was a better show, but why was that?Much better actors and MUCH BETTER writing

He needed to do more?

:lol: No. I just meant: he got in far less trouble than Dana Plato or Todd Bridges. :lol: Once the rest of the cast went to jail for attempted murder or armed robbery, demanding hamburgers started to seem so tame.


Much better actors and MUCH BETTER writing

There definitely was some good writing and acting on FOL. But it was the same production team, and even the same studio. What allowed FOL to keep things together for the first six seasons, while DS fell apart?

Meanwhile on FOL, all the major characters except for Charlotte Rae are alive.

For now. But you never know. Look at Philip McKeon. Our girls are around his age. It's sad to think those we grew up watching on TV may not always be around. :(

For now. But you never know. Look at Philip McKeon. Our girls are around his age. It's sad to think those we grew up watching on TV may not always be around. :(

You raise a valid point. Eventually, even the lovely, near-ageless FOL girls (including Lisa, who looked almost identical to herself, in an Eastland uniform a few years ago) will pass on, and no-one will be prepared. Philip's death is an uncomfortable reminder that death will take us all.

Aside from slapping a fan, suing his parents, demanding hamburgers be brought to the set, and treating Dixie Carter badly, what else did Gary do?

I agree that FOL was a better show, but why was that?

I think it's way more complicated than that. Not that I'm completely making excuses for Gary Coleman but we have to bare in mind that he was dealing from overwork and lifelong heath problems. I recall Todd Bridges himself saying that Gary's parents didn't really care about him other than being their meal-ticket. Like they would make him work even when he was sick. Todd added that that was a big reason why Gary had such terrible memories working on Diff'rent Strokes.

Speaking of which, Gary's parents pretty much stole from him, so I don't really blame him for suing them:

7 Celebs Whose Parents Decimated Their Fortunes (https://www.businessinsider.com/7-celebs-whose-parents-decimated-their-fortunes-2014-4)

10 child stars whose parents allegedly ripped them off (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/10-child-stars-whose-parents-allegedly-ripped-them-off-093634111.html)

15 Famous Kids Who Were Robbed By Their Own Parents (https://www.babygaga.com/15-famous-kids-who-were-robbed-by-their-own-parents/)


And while I don't know for sure what happened between Gary and Dixie Carter (and why Dixie Carter was replaced by Mary Ann Mobley for the final season on ABC), it's interesting to note that Dixie Carter also didn't get along (https://www.datalounge.com/thread/22485687--jack%C3%A9e-harry-and-dixie-carter-did-not-get-along.-at-all.) with Jackee Harry on Designing Women.

I think one of the reasons why Different Strokes hasn't aged well is all but one of the original characters are now deceased. They offer no new stories or reunions from the show. Meanwhile on FOL, all the major characters except for Charlotte Rae are alive and Charlotte lived to be 92. They are still doing specials, interviews and documentaries on the show so it's like can still is easy to connect the characters and actors.

The Facts of Life for better or worse, reinvented itself and more naturally evolved instead of keeping close to the same formula like Diff'rent Strokes. When DS tried to sake up the formula, we got the forced introduction of Sam and Maggie, which (along with Dana Plato's firing and Gary Coleman outgrowing the "cute little kid" role) turned out to be the death kneel of the show.

I think it's way more complicated than that. Not that I'm completely making excuses for Gary Coleman but we have to bare in mind that he was dealing from overwork and lifelong heath problems. I recall Todd Bridges himself saying that Gary's parents didn't really care about him other than being their meal-ticket.

Exactly, that's what I was thinking too.


And while I don't know for sure what happened between Gary and Dixie Carter (and why Dixie Carter was replaced by Mary Ann Mobley for the final season on ABC)

This may be mentioned in Dixie's "Lifetime Intimate Portrait" installment? I can't remember for sure though if it is or not.


it's interesting to note that Dixie Carter also didn't get along (https://www.datalounge.com/thread/22485687--jack%C3%A9e-harry-and-dixie-carter-did-not-get-along.-at-all.) with Jackee Harry on Designing Women.

Yeah, I was kinda bummed to learn that. :-\


turned out to be the death nail of the show.

"knell" :)

I think it's way more complicated than that. Not that I'm completely making excuses for Gary Coleman but we have to bare in mind that he was dealing from overwork and lifelong heath problems. I recall Todd Bridges himself saying that Gary's parents didn't really care about him other than being their meal-ticket. Like they would make him work even when he was sick. Todd added that that was a big reason why Gary had such terrible memories working on Diff'rent Strokes.

I don't think you're making excuses for Gary; it was a terrible situation, and I'm very sorry that he suffered so during his brief life. But even Kim mentions in her book how out of line Gary was, when she did her guest appearances.


Speaking of which, Gary's parents pretty much stole from him, so I don't really blame him for suing them:

7 Celebs Whose Parents Decimated Their Fortunes (https://www.businessinsider.com/7-celebs-whose-parents-decimated-their-fortunes-2014-4)

10 child stars whose parents allegedly ripped them off (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/10-child-stars-whose-parents-allegedly-ripped-them-off-093634111.html)

15 Famous Kids Who Were Robbed By Their Own Parents (https://www.babygaga.com/15-famous-kids-who-were-robbed-by-their-own-parents/)



I didn't have time to check all of those lists, but if Angela Watson (from Step By Step) is on any of them, the situation now seems much different than we were led to believe. Angela has reunited with her parents, and the problem may have been an agent/manager. Allegedly. Vague info has been revealed in Christine Lakin's podcasts.


And while I don't know for sure what happened between Gary and Dixie Carter (and why Dixie Carter was replaced by Mary Ann Mobley for the final season on ABC),

I THINK it was Kim's book which mentioned Gary being so poorly-behaved that it drove Dixie off the set, permanently.

it's interesting to note that Dixie Carter also didn't get along (https://www.datalounge.com/thread/22485687--jack%C3%A9e-harry-and-dixie-carter-did-not-get-along.-at-all.) with Jackee Harry on Designing Women.

I didn't know that about a Dixie/Jackee feud; only the Delta/Dixie kerfuffle and the Gary/Dixie stuff. Thanks for the info!

I didn't know that about a Dixie/Jackee feud; only the Delta/Dixie kerfuffle and the Gary/Dixie stuff. Thanks for the info!

Thankfully Delta and Dixie healed their relationship, and Delta healed with the "Designing Women" cast on their Lifetime TV reunion special. I FINALLY watched it on YouTube a couple of years ago, and it really did heal my "viewer heart" to see them all hugging and talking about Delta's issues, and how those were things that weren't talked about back then. Now they're all friends again. SO heartwarming. :heart: :grouphug: :heart:

Thankfully Delta and Dixie healed their relationship, and Delta healed with the "Designing Women" cast on their Lifetime TV reunion special. I FINALLY watched it on YouTube a couple of years ago, and it really did heal my "viewer heart" to see them all hugging and talking about Delta's issues, and how those were things that weren't talked about back then. Now they're all friends again. SO heartwarming. :heart: :grouphug: :heart:

I know exactly what you mean. Not just with Delta/Dixie/DW producers, but also with that horrible Angela Watson/Staci Keenan and Christine Lakin feud. It tore my heart in half when Christine said (paraphrased) "[Angela] is the reason I can't trust any women in my life". When the split was finally mended after so long, I could actually breathe again.

Aw, yay that they've mended too :)

And things with Delta and the producers got pretty ugly by the end of Delta's time on DW, thanks to a lot of circumstances and outside interference, but surprisingly Linda wanted to work with Delta again a couple of years later. I remember seeing Delta's "Intimate Portrait" episode and when they started to talk about her next starring role, "Women of the House", Delta said she got a call one day from Linda saying she wanted to work with her again, and Delta said, "I never expected to hear from Linda ever again---ever".

Wow...so glad everything is water under the southern bridge!

Aw, yay that they've mended too :)

And things with Delta and the producers got pretty ugly by the end of Delta's time on DW, thanks to a lot of circumstances and outside interference, but surprisingly Linda wanted to work with Delta again a couple of years later. I remember seeing Delta's "Intimate Portrait" episode and when they started to talk about her next starring role, "Women of the House", Delta said she got a call one day from Linda saying she wanted to work with her again, and Delta said, "I never expected to hear from Linda ever again---ever".

I didn't see that interview, but I'll try to look it up. I remember the press reporting all of the feud stuff, back in the day, between Delta and the DW producers. It wasn't just in the tabloids; it was in EW, etc.

I can imagine that Delta was surprised when LBT called her.


Wow...so glad everything is water under the southern bridge!

Haha! Yep; it's crazy how relieved we can feel when there's a cast dispute that's finally been resolved.

Haha! Yep; it's crazy how relieved we can feel when there's a cast dispute that's finally been resolved.

Which reminds me, seeing as you're a big "Three's Company" fan, I assume you've seen the video from Suzanne's own show some years ago where Joyce FINALLY acquiesced to make up with her??????? :eek:

Which reminds me, seeing as you're a big "Three's Company" fan, I assume you've seen the video from Suzanne's own show some years ago where Joyce FINALLY acquiesced to make up with her??????? :eek:

YES!!!! :lol: OMG, that moment when they hugged... I thought the world was going to explode.

Thanks for bringing up that reunion, '80s. That must have been, like, 35 years of not speaking to one another. Did they really never run into each other in Hollywood during all those decades?

YES!!!! :lol: OMG, that moment when they hugged... I thought the world was going to explode.

:lol:


Thanks for bringing up that reunion, '80s. That must have been, like, 35 years of not speaking to one another. Did they really never run into each other in Hollywood during all those decades?

Probably not! I mean, I haven't followed it as closely as others, but it's my assumption Joyce went out of her way to AVOOOOIIIIIIIIID that "HORRIBLE" Suzanne! lol...she seemed like she had the biggest chip in the world on her shoulder about that whole thing. But it's kinda like Rhea being angry at Shelley for leaving "Cheers"---once they were off the show, they were replaced, which probably made the show run longer than if the original cast had stayed on ("Cheers" ran for even more seasons with Rebecca than it did with Diane!). Suzanne's leaving in no way hurt Joyce, so why the bitter resentment for DECADES??? I mean, even going to far as to make sure "your people" tell "her (Suzanne's) people" you will agree to honor John at the Emmys after his passing, but ONLY if you do NOT interact with "her"? (???)

That's why I too was utterly SHOCKED when I saw her not only willingly come onto Suzanne's show, but FINALLY put the past behind her!

Aside from slapping a fan, suing his parents, demanding hamburgers be brought to the set, and treating Dixie Carter badly, what else did Gary do?

I agree that FOL was a better show, but why was that?

WHAAAAAAAT? :eek::eek::eek:

WHAAAAAAAT? :eek::eek::eek:

In July 1998, Gary Coleman was arrested for slapping a fan (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cops-gary-coleman-slugs-fan/) while shopping for a bulletproof vest. At the time, Gary was working as a security guard in a mall.

Probably not! I mean, I haven't followed it as closely as others, but it's my assumption Joyce went out of her way to AVOOOOIIIIIIIIID that "HORRIBLE" Suzanne! lol...she seemed like she had the biggest chip in the world on her shoulder about that whole thing. But it's kinda like Rhea being angry at Shelley for leaving "Cheers"---once they were off the show, they were replaced, which probably made the show run longer than if the original cast had stayed on ("Cheers" ran for even more seasons with Rebecca than it did with Diane!). Suzanne's leaving in no way hurt Joyce, so why the bitter resentment for DECADES???

Oh, you definitely need to watch the Unauthorized Three's company film, which is on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaAsfD2z0QA). It explains why Joyce was mad at Suzanne. She had some valid points.


I mean, even going to far as to make sure "your people" tell "her (Suzanne's) people" you will agree to honor John at the Emmys after his passing, but ONLY if you do NOT interact with "her"? (???)

I never heard about that. Tell me more!


That's why I too was utterly SHOCKED when I saw her not only willingly come onto Suzanne's show, but FINALLY put the past behind her!

Yes, same here!

That was one of the longest feuds in Hollywood (but it doesn't come close to the 70-year feud between sisters Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine).

Oh, you definitely need to watch the Unauthorized Three's company film, which is on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaAsfD2z0QA). It explains why Joyce was mad at Suzanne. She had some valid points.

I did see some of that when it was first on. I remember how odd it was having the cute perky little "Glad" girl play bitter, stewing Joyce! :lol:


I never heard about that. Tell me more!

Well I don't know details beyond that, I just remember reading online that Joyce agreed to do it if there were NO interaction with Suzanne. If there are more details, I'm sure the TC board would have answers.


That was one of the longest feuds in Hollywood (but it doesn't come close to the 70-year feud between sisters Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine).

But we can't call it a "feud", can we? Olivia and Joan, yes. Davis and Crawford, yes. But the TC one all seemed to be on Joyce's part, not on Suzanne's at all. After all, she never even wanted off the show.

I did see some of that when it was first on. I remember how odd it was having the cute perky little "Glad" girl play bitter, stewing Joyce! :lol:

Yes! The little Glad girl! :lol:


Well I don't know details beyond that, I just remember reading online that Joyce agreed to do it if there were NO interaction with Suzanne. If there are more details, I'm sure the TC board would have answers.

Oh, wow. I never knew this. That sure is holding a long grudge! :lol:


But we can't call it a "feud", can we? Olivia and Joan, yes. Davis and Crawford, yes. But the TC one all seemed to be on Joyce's part, not on Suzanne's at all. After all, she never even wanted off the show.

Well, Suzanne did push her way into getting the spotlight on the TV Guide cover, to John and Joyce's detriment. And Suzanne pretending to have a cracked rib did hold up production on the set, causing John and Joyce to end up waiting in their dressing rooms for hours. And Suzanne failing to show up for tapings caused John and Joyce, and the rest of the cast, to have to memorize two versions of the script: one with Chrissy and one without. So, I can understand the origin of the dispute, and why Joyce was so mad to begin with.

Well, Suzanne did push her way into getting the spotlight on the TV Guide cover, to John and Joyce's detriment. And Suzanne pretending to have a cracked rib did hold up production on the set, causing John and Joyce to end up waiting in their dressing rooms for hours. And Suzanne failing to show up for tapings caused John and Joyce, and the rest of the cast, to have to memorize two versions of the script: one with Chrissy and one without. So, I can understand the origin of the dispute, and why Joyce was so mad to begin with.

I can understand those things too (though some I'm just now learning about, lol). But no wonder Suzanne's always been willing to open her arms---she was the one taking all the action! :lol:

In July 1998, Gary Coleman was arrested for slapping a fan (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cops-gary-coleman-slugs-fan/) while shopping for a bulletproof vest. At the time, Gary was working as a security guard in a mall.

Yikes

Joyce reached out to Suzanne with an Olive Branch shortly after John's death. They have been at least friendly toward one another since.

Unlike FOL, DS has had a bad curse. So bad they can't even do a reunion episode or film, never could, and never will. FOL had one, and it's possible, even without Mrs. G., they could get a reboot, even if the girls make minor appearances as staff at the school, et.


FOL lasted 9 seasons. DS lasted 7, and its 8th is usually given a lot of bad mouthing when it switched networks.


FOL also had special movies when they aired originally. DS had nothing.