Here’s what Willis is talkin’ about. Jimmy Kimmel and Norman Lear are bringing back their “Live in Front of a Studio Audience” franchise for a third edition this December, and this time they’ll be taking on the iconic sitcom “Diff’rent Strokes’ and its spin-off, “The Facts of Life.”

Already cast in the “Diff’rent Strokes” installment are John Lithgow as Mr.Drummond, Kevin Hart playing Arnold, Damon Wayans as Willis and Ann Dowd as Mrs. Garrett. The cast of “The Facts of Life” will be revealed at a later date.

“Live in Front of a Studio Audience: ‘The Facts of Life’ and ‘Diff’rent Strokes'” will air Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. ET,

https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/jimmy-kimmel-norman-lear-live-in-front-of-a-studio-audience-diffrent-strokes-facts-of-life-1235115754/

That's all very cool, but who is going to play Sue Ann and who will play Cindy?

If they stick with the format of past years (and I think they will), they pick one old episode and do it in its entirety. So which ep would be good?

Commercial just popped up during Kimmel


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If they stick with the format of past years (and I think they will), they pick one old episode and do it in its entirety. So which ep would be good?

"Front Page", "Gossip", "Running", "Dope" would be among my top picks, but there's no Jo in "Running" or "Dope". They could do "The Little Chill", but there's no Mrs. Garrett in that one.

"Front Page", "Gossip", "Running", "Dope" would be among my top picks, but there's no Jo in "Running" or "Dope". They could do "The Little Chill", but there's no Mrs. Garrett in that one.

As an outsider here, I’d be shocked if it was an episode that didn’t have Jo. (Mrs. Garret is already cast for DS, and I figure she’ll just carry over. Be interesting if they had two separate ones though)

As an outsider here, I’d be shocked if it was an episode that didn’t have Jo.

Yeah, I think that's unlikely as well. But there have been surprises before. Kim's Dancing With the Stars FOL set recreation was the dorm common room, created before Jo arrived, and her +2s were Charlotte and Julie Pie, cheering her on from the audience. Nary a sign of Jo. And the Reelz documentary, Behind Closed Doors, was 50% first season, 50% seasons 2 through 9. So while it seems unlikely, it's not impossible.

"Gossip" or "Front Page" would be nice because Jo's there, but we also see Sue Ann and Cindy, and in "Gossip", Nancy gets a plum role. Only Molly is absent.

Oddly enough, the Deadline article with the announcement (https://deadline.com/2021/11/live-in-front-of-a-studio-audience-facts-of-life-diffrent-strokes-kevin-hart-damon-wayans-john-lithgow-1234877285/) uses a Season 1 cast photo. So I'd give it a solid 10% chance of it being S1.

We'll probably "luck out" and it will be a Kelly-heavy episode. :lol:

I've got a better graphic for them...

The most likely candidate is “Double Standard”. I wish Paul Vogt was playing Mrs. G.

The most likely candidate is “Double Standard”.

Why do you think "DS" is likely?

I wish Paul Vogt was playing Mrs. G.

I think they are playing the episodes more straight, not like the "Shoplifting" episode of the Rerun Show.

Why do you think "DS" is likely?

I think it will be DS because it is a quintessential Jo/Blair episode. I think everyone, including casual viewers, has seen it. There is only one guest actor and the rest of action and lines are split fairly evenly amongst the main cast. Everyone has something to do. My other guess was “Cousin Geri”, but I doubt they would be able to cast Geri. It could also be “The Four Musketeers”, but I think people might be lost without having watched everything up to that point.

I think they are playing the episodes more straight, not like the "Shoplifting" episode of the Rerun Show.

I agree, but it’d be fun since he plays her so well. On the other hand, they’re having grown men play Arnold and Willis….

I agree, but it’d be fun since he plays her so well. On the other hand, they’re having grown men play Arnold and Willis….

Yeah, that is odd.

That's all very cool, but who is going to play Sue Ann and who will play Cindy?

No one, because there won't be any Lost Girls. They wouldn't do TLC because that's a reunion show involving girls who "aren't mainstream". They'll stick with a "classic" episode from the "classic" years. Probably Shoplifting, as that one show did with a man playing Mrs. Garrett several years ago. It's always Shoplifting or Double Standard.

If they’re going to to do The Little Chill, they might as well do Jazzbeau.

If they’re going to to do The Little Chill, they might as well do Jazzbeau.

:lol: Exactly.

I was excited until I saw they were using ADULTS to play the kids on Diff'rent Strokes and that told me they aren't taking the casting seriously at all.

Now if fair is fair they are obviously doing an early season Strokes then I want...no I DEMAND (LOL) the FOL one to be first season with the LOST GIRLS....better yet let's make it the pilot since they've already hired the Strokes crew....it would be hilarious to see the veiled attempt to paint Cindy as a lesbian when in 21st century America it no longer shocking or taboo.

I was excited until I saw they were using ADULTS to play the kids on Diff'rent Strokes and that told me they aren't taking the casting seriously at all.

Now if fair is fair they are obviously doing an early season Strokes then I want...no I DEMAND (LOL) the FOL one to be first season with the LOST GIRLS....better yet let's make it the pilot since they've already hired the Strokes crew....it would be hilarious to see the veiled attempt to paint Cindy as a lesbian when in 21st century America it no longer shocking or taboo.

That would be interesting, but I'll bet you Warner dollars to Garrett doughnuts that they'll do a "cafeteria era" show with only the smaller cast.

No one, because there won't be any Lost Girls. They wouldn't do TLC because that's a reunion show involving girls who "aren't mainstream". They'll stick with a "classic" episode from the "classic" years. Probably Shoplifting, as that one show did with a man playing Mrs. Garrett several years ago. It's always Shoplifting or Double Standard.

I doubt they'd do "Shoplifting" again, since it's already been done on the Rerun Show.

I was excited until I saw they were using ADULTS to play the kids on Diff'rent Strokes and that told me they aren't taking the casting seriously at all.

Now if fair is fair they are obviously doing an early season Strokes then I want...no I DEMAND (LOL) the FOL one to be first season with the LOST GIRLS....better yet let's make it the pilot since they've already hired the Strokes crew....it would be hilarious to see the veiled attempt to paint Cindy as a lesbian when in 21st century America it no longer shocking or taboo.

I would absolutely LOVE to see "Rough Housing" done. And I'll note that the poster they made does feature Mrs. Garrett's first-season hairdo. And making the episode "Rough Housing" does lend itself to a nice crossover for the people they hired for DS.

I doubt they'd do "Shoplifting" again, since it's already been done on the Rerun Show.

That was nearly 20 years ago, so pretty much only hard core fans even remember that. I'll bet you Warner dollars to Garrett doughnuts (lol) we would see them do Shoplifting before a season 1 episode.

But Double Standard is probably the most likely candidate since it's a classic and so Blair/Jo-heavy.

If they’re going to to do The Little Chill, they might as well do Jazzbeau.

The Little Chill is ranked #31 (https://www.imdb.com/search/title/?series=tt0078610&view=simple&sort=user_rating,desc) out of all FOL episodes on IMDB.

But who remembers that outside of hard core fans?

I think everyone remembers that OTT Mrs. Garrett impression! :lol:


I'll bet you Warner dollars to Garrett doughnuts (lol) we would see them do Shoplifting before a season 1 episode.

I love your new expression!

Okay, I'll wager one Garrett doughnut that they do a S1 episode before they do "Shoplifting". *offers handshake*


But Double Standard is probably the most likely candidate since it's a classic and so Blair/Jo-heavy.

Hey! We don't need any scales on THIS set! :lol:

Well as someone mentioned GOSSIP above....that would be an episode that would appease ALL fans because you've got LOST GIRLS represented and (God help me that I'm writing this) but...JO fans as well.

But that would require too much thought and consideration so what we'll likely get is some JO-FEST episode where she's the main character threatening violence against Blair. Ugh.

Well as someone mentioned GOSSIP above....that would be an episode that would appease ALL fans because you've got LOST GIRLS represented and (God help me that I'm writing this) but...JO fans as well.

But that would require too much thought and consideration so what we'll likely get is some JO-FEST episode where she's the main character threatening violence against Blair. Ugh.

Yeah, as you say, "Gossip" would appease both types of fans. (Just sayin', producers!)

Well as someone mentioned GOSSIP above....that would be an episode that would appease ALL fans because you've got LOST GIRLS represented and (God help me that I'm writing this) but...JO fans as well.

Yeah, as you say, "Gossip" would appease both types of fans. (Just sayin', producers!)

Yes, but that would be "too many girls" for a one-time production. Ya gotta think like a "suit".


But that would require too much thought and consideration so what we'll likely get is some JO-FEST episode where she's the main character threatening violence against Blair. Ugh.

Exactly. Gotta appease the public at large.

Yes, but that would be "too many girls" for a one-time production. Ya gotta think like a "suit".

But modern TV series set at schools have more than four students.

But modern TV series set at schools have more than four students.

I think every show did except FOL, lol.

And they won't care about "glorified extras" (in their eyes) who aren't the core four. Not unless a super fan of season 1 is behind the production and has creative control.

I think every show did except FOL, lol.

And they won't care about "glorified extras" (in their eyes) who aren't the core four. Not unless a super fan of season 1 is behind the production and has creative control.

I hope that Super-Fan is out there then because the LOST GIRLS deserve representation. As I've said many times over the years. The Lost Girls era represents the TRUE version of THE FACTS OF LIFE...the one that was pitched to the network complete with a dorm full of girls and a headmaster. This was the show NBC bought and paid for. What came after the re-tooling was a watered down version one that didn't need a Jo when they already had the perfect foil for Blair in the form of Sue Ann (and I wouldn't have kept Natalie either but she was Rae's pet so...)

I hope that Super-Fan is out there then because the LOST GIRLS deserve representation. As I've said many times over the years. The Lost Girls era represents the TRUE version of THE FACTS OF LIFE...the one that was pitched to the network complete with a dorm full of girls and a headmaster. This was the show NBC bought and paid for. What came after the re-tooling was a watered down version one that didn't need a Jo when they already had the perfect foil for Blair in the form of Sue Ann

I, too, am hoping for an "originalist" super-fan to take charge and deliver an amazing episode. But we'll see. I suppose anything is better than nothing, unless that episode is "Small But Dangerous" or "Up From Down Under".

I think every show did except FOL, lol.


Well, not Dorothy. (What is it about private girls' schools that make network executives think these schools can only have four girls?)

Well, not Dorothy. (What is it about private girls' schools that make network executives think these schools can only have four girls?)

I guess that was just the norm for school shows then. Kotter, Dorothy, Facts...

It looks like that they are going to be Chuck Cunningham Kimberly. She is not even listed.

It looks like that they are going to be Chuck Cunningham Kimberly. She is not even listed.

So odd! Is there an early DS episode where Kimberly doesn't appear?

So odd! Is there an early DS episode where Kimberly doesn't appear?

The episode with the social worker

The episode with the social worker

Maybe that's the episode they will be recreating, then.

This Live in Front of a Studio Audience is a documentary that shows how a FOL episode is taped, right?

This Live in Front of a Studio Audience is a documentary that shows how a FOL episode is taped, right?

No, it's a recreation of an individual episode, much like "Shoplifting" on the Rerun Show (but likely less parody).

Thanks! :wave:

Going back to the Norman Lear's Good Times Live in Front of an Audience, it's possible that we could see some of the original actors make a cameo in a different role (like the ReRun Show) and some of the surviving actors return and greet the audience for the December 7th Different Strokes and Facts of Life version of Live in Front of a Studio Audience.
https://www.tvinsider.com/842714/live-in-front-of-a-studio-audience-all-in-the-family-good-times-best-moments/

Going back to the Norman Lear's Good Times Live in Front of an Audience, it's possible that we could see some of the original actors make a cameo in a different role (like the ReRun Show) and some of the surviving actors return and greet the audience for the December 7th Different Strokes and Facts of Life version of Live in Front of a Studio Audience.
https://www.tvinsider.com/842714/live-in-front-of-a-studio-audience-all-in-the-family-good-times-best-moments/

Great point, 80s dude! I'd love to see our favorite girls make cameos or at least be seen on camera. For DS, not many of the stars are left: Danny Cooksey, Todd Bridges, and Pearl.

And let us not forget this moment from prior to the All In The Family episode

i961LaOZAiA
https://youtu.be/i961LaOZAiA

And let us not forget this moment from prior to the All In The Family episode

i961LaOZAiA
https://youtu.be/i961LaOZAiA

Yeah, I just wish he'd gotten the lyrics right. "The Facts of Life are for you"? :lol:

Julie Pie is promoting this on her Instragram account. Perhaps she will make an appearance.

Julie Pie is promoting this on her Instragram account. Perhaps she will make an appearance.

I am crossing my fingers! They could do "Gossip", "Sex Symbol", etc, and still please whatever Jo fans are still out there.

Julie writes (https://www.instagram.com/p/CWgV_aopYii/) of the photo they used: "What's really scary is I think I still have those pink wedges." I guess she is talking about shoes.

I am crossing my fingers! They could do "Gossip", "Sex Symbol", etc, and still please whatever Jo fans are still out there.

Julie writes (https://www.instagram.com/p/CWgV_aopYii/) of the photo they used: "What's really scary is I think I still have those pink wedges." I guess she is talking about shoes.

I just Googled "pink wedges" and it shows up shoes with a tall shoe. I guess it was to make Sue Ann look taller.

I hope they do "Gossip". It's a classic episode and it features Edna, the Core Four and three Lost Girls

I hope they do "Gossip". It's a classic episode and it features Edna, the Core Four and three Lost Girls

It would be my top choice as well.

Here are the runners up:

2. Dope
3. Running
4. Rough Housing
5. IQ
6. Dieting
7. Flash Flood
8. Molly's Holiday
9. The Return of Mr. Garrett
10. The Facts of Love
11. Adoption
12. Like Mother, Like Daughter
13. Overachieving
14. Emily Dickinson
15. Sex Symbol
16. The Little Chill
17. Front Page
18. The New Girl, Part 2
19. Green-Eyed Monster
20. Pretty Babies
21. Dear Me

I just Googled "pink wedges" and it shows up shoes with a tall shoe. I guess it was to make Sue Ann look taller.

Maybe so, but she was sitting down! :lol:

Here's a pic promo for the show. I'm 99% sure they will recreate a cafeteria episode.

Thanks! :wave:

And it's done "live" on television.

Here's a pic promo for the show. I'm 99% sure they will recreate a cafeteria episode.

Oo, great point about the promo material. Now it's a sure thing there will be nothing from season 1. It will indeed be Jo, Blair, Nat, 'n Toot in the cafeteria building with Mrs. Garrett (I say "building" and not just "cafeteria" in case they do "Take My Finals, Please! lol).

(but don't tell Retro--he's crossing his fingers soooooo hard for this, and it's really sweet! I hate for his bubble to burst, lol)

Well GOSSIP is a cafeteria episode so there is a slender hope but I'm gritting my teeth fearing a Jo-Apalooza episode.

I am expecting a cameo hopefully from Lisa or Kim the way Marla Gibbs showed up in the JEFFERSON'S live episode.

If they did Gossip, they could have John Lawlor show up as Howard the Cook.

Oo, great point about the promo material. Now it's a sure thing there will be nothing from season 1. It will indeed be Jo, Blair, Nat, 'n Toot in the cafeteria building with Mrs. Garrett (I say "building" and not just "cafeteria" in case they do "Take My Finals, Please! lol).

(but don't tell Retro--he's crossing his fingers soooooo hard for this, and it's really sweet! I hate for his bubble to burst, lol)

Aw, that's so kind of you, 80s!

I'm sure I will enjoy whatever Eastland episode they do, whether it's "Rough Housing", "Gossip", or "Sex Symbol". You hear that, LiFoaSA producers? :lol:

Well GOSSIP is a cafeteria episode so there is a slender hope but I'm gritting my teeth fearing a Jo-Apalooza episode.

I am expecting a cameo hopefully from Lisa or Kim the way Marla Gibbs showed up in the JEFFERSON'S live episode.

If they did Gossip, they could have John Lawlor show up as Howard the Cook.

Two more most excellent reasons for reenacting "Gossip".

AC, you KNOW Lisa would do a cameo in a heartbeat! I don't remember her ever turning down an interview or reunion. She knows her fanbase and clearly respects them.

80s Dude, I'd love to see John honored in such a cool way.

...With our luck, they'll randomly do "Small But Dangerous". :lol:

[/SIZE]...With our luck, they'll randomly do "Small But Dangerous". :lol:

:lol: Well thanks to the promo art, we know it will be from Eastland's cafeteria, and not EE or OOH.

I love that this is happening.

I'm getting mixed signals from the poster. It's hard to speculate what episode it could be. So it has Mrs. G's bouffant from season 1 (but also she was in seasons 1 and 2 of Diff'rent Strokes, so that could explain that: I think it will be a DS episode from that era), but they show the cafeteria in the poster from seasons 2-4. I don't think it'll be a season 1 episode at all. So I'm pretty sure it will be from the cafeteria's era. I think we can rule out a two-parter episode. I'm hoping it's "Take My Finals, Please," "Green-Eyed Monster," or "The Four Musketeers." I hope it's not "Shoplifting" because The Rerun Show did that...but judging that Blair is holding a pink box there's a very strong possibility that this will be the episode. Also, wouldn't be awesome if someone from the OG cast made a cameo as one of the characters? Lisa, Kim, or Mindy reprising their role or as an adult on the show?


But...since this is airing as a special near the holidays, wouldn't it make sense for them to do a Christmas episode? I'd love to see "Christmas in the Big House" or "Christmas Baby," but there's a very good chance that won't be happening since those are the shows in the later years.

I'm excited to hear what episode it could be.

I love that this is happening.

I'm getting mixed signals from the poster. It's hard to speculate what episode it could be. So it has Mrs. G's bouffant from season 1 (but also she was in seasons 1 and 2 of Diff'rent Strokes, so that could explain that: I think it will be a DS episode from that era), but they show the cafeteria in the poster from seasons 2-4. I don't think it'll be a season 1 episode at all. So I'm pretty sure it will be from the cafeteria's era. I think we can rule out a two-parter episode.



All very good points. The graphic could be a red herring. No one has deduced from the graphic that DS's episode will be from before the set changes with the show's move to ABC, so why the analysis of FOL's part of the graphic? But you are still probably right about the episode likely being from S 2-4; that's what many people remember.


I'm hoping it's "Take My Finals, Please," "Green-Eyed Monster," or "The Four Musketeers."

"Take My Finals, Please" is the most popular episode, according to IMDB. "Green-Eyed Monster" has a nice Lost Girl moment with Felice.


I hope it's not "Shoplifting" because The Rerun Show did that...but judging that Blair is holding a pink box there's a very strong possibility that this will be the episode. Also, wouldn't be awesome if someone from the OG cast made a cameo as one of the characters? Lisa, Kim, or Mindy reprising their role or as an adult on the show?

Cameos would be great. A huge surprise would be seeing Nancy McKeon.



But...since this is airing as a special near the holidays, wouldn't it make sense for them to do a Christmas episode? I'd love to see "Christmas in the Big House" or "Christmas Baby," but there's a very good chance that won't be happening since those are the shows in the later years.

I'm excited to hear what episode it could be.

It will be a fun episode no matter what. Seeing this show honored like this will be GREAT! A Christmas special would be cool, but I guess we'll see...

All very good points. The graphic could be a red herring. No one has deduced from the graphic that DS's episode will be from before the set changes with the show's move to ABC, so why the analysis of FOL's part of the graphic? But you are still probably right about the episode likely being from S 2-4; that's what many people remember.

With Mrs. G's bouffant, Jo being present, and the cafeteria being shown all in the poster, I've deduced that the DS episode will be from seasons 1-2, and the FOL episode will be seasons 2-4.

Also, another clue is that pink box that Blair is holding...I'm trying to figure out what episode had Blair holding a pink gift box. I looked at the Shoplifting episode, and Blair had her Gucci bag gift in a purple polka dot box, so maybe that's not it. Does anyone know? It's driving me crazy.

With Mrs. G's bouffant, Jo being present, and the cafeteria being shown all in the poster, I've deduced that the DS episode will be from seasons 1-2, and the FOL episode will be seasons 2-4.

Also, another clue is that pink box that Blair is holding...I'm trying to figure out what episode had Blair holding a pink gift box. I looked at the Shoplifting episode, and Blair had her Gucci bag gift in a purple polka dot box, so maybe that's not it. Does anyone know? It's driving me crazy.

Maybe "Kids Can Be Cruel"? I remember there were some pink gift boxes.

It looks like that they are going to be Chuck Cunningham Kimberly. She is not even listed.We don't know that. The Sitcoms Online blog when they announced this said more casting was coming, nothing was mentioned about omitting Kimberly. This was the 2nd paragraph of the Live- Studio Audience portion of the blog from Friday. "Casting details for Diff'rent Strokes includes John Lithgow as Mr. Drummond, Kevin Hart as Arnold, Damon Wayans as Willis and Ann Dowd as Mrs. Garrett, with more to be announced. Casting details for The Facts of Life has not been announced yet but Ann Dowd as Mrs. Garrett will certainly be on both episodes. Norman Lear, Jimmy Kimmel, Brent Miller, Kerry Washington, Will Ferrell, Justin Theroux and Jim Burrows will executive produce. Details on the episodes being recreated will also be announced soon! More to come!"
Really though, ABC already failed with adults playing Arnold and Willis. :rolleyes:

Yeah, it's "Kids Can Be Cruel" (or "gruel", as '80sSitcoms hilariously parodied during Halloween). Note the pink box, Blair's outfit, and the total jerk in this screenshot.

We don't know that. The Sitcoms Online blog when they announced this said more casting was coming, nothing was mentioned about omitting Kimberly. This was the 2nd paragraph of the Live- Studio Audience portion of the blog from Friday. "Casting details for Diff'rent Strokes includes John Lithgow as Mr. Drummond, Kevin Hart as Arnold, Damon Wayans as Willis and Ann Dowd as Mrs. Garrett, with more to be announced. Casting details for The Facts of Life has not been announced yet but Ann Dowd as Mrs. Garrett will certainly be on both episodes. Norman Lear, Jimmy Kimmel, Brent Miller, Kerry Washington, Will Ferrell, Justin Theroux and Jim Burrows will executive produce. Details on the episodes being recreated will also be announced soon! More to come!"

Great point about there still being more casting details forthcoming for DS. I don't want to see Kimberly Chuck Cunninghammed.


Really though, ABC already failed with adults playing Arnold and Willis. :rolleyes:

It is so strange. I hope they won't be acting on their knees or something. This isn't The Rerun Show.

Yeah, it's "Kids Can Be Cruel" (or "gruel", as '80sSitcoms hilariously parodied during Halloween).

:lol: That was a fun activity. :p


Note the pink box, Blair's outfit, and the total jerk in this screenshot.

Oh, that is really weird...I mean, I would just expect a "bottled cast" episode, not one with guest stars--and certainly not a guest star as a major role.

So there is a chance the episode is "Kids Can Be Cruel", based on the fact (see what I did there?) that Blair and her gift box on the graphic are from "Kids Can Be Cruel".

However, the graphic also shows Jo in an Eastland maroon vest. Jo does not wear a maroon vest at any point in "Kids Can Be Cruel". She only wears an Eastland uniform featuring the blue sweater, and later just standard clothes for the dinner scene.

So the graphic mixes images from different FOL episodes. Jo wears the maroon vest in dozens of episodes.

However, the graphic also shows Jo in an Eastland maroon vest. Jo does not wear a maroon vest at any point in "Kids Can Be Cruel". She only wears an Eastland uniform featuring the blue sweater, and later just standard clothes for the dinner scene.

Jeez, did you just now watch the episode?? That is extremely specific!!! :lol:

That is really odd they got that specific image of Blair if it's not that episode; why not just get a regular uniform Blair image?

Jeez, did you just now watch the episode?? That is extremely specific!!! :lol:

Yes, I just watched the episode. No, I don't remember what everyone was wearing in every episode. Although, of course, there are many of us (including you) who remember what people were wearing in specific episodes, because those clothes were so iconic. Certainly we all remember Blair's maroon designer dress in "Like Mother, Like Daughter", Cindy's peasant gown in "Rough Housing", Tootie's 'Molly-style" outfit in "Gossip", Molly's striped sweater and pink bib overalls in "Molly's Holiday", Natalie's Charlie Chaplin costume in "Fear Strikes Back", Nancy's tight jeans in "Dieting", Sue Ann's bandana in "Running", and Jo's biker clothes in "Double Standard".


That is really odd they got that specific image of Blair if it's not that episode; why not just get a regular uniform Blair image?

It might just be what the artist pulled up in a Google search. This graphic is clearly a collage of various images from two diff'rent (see what I did there?) series, combining images from a lot of episodes. I wouldn't draw too many conclusions from the graphic. They may even change the graphic once more people are cast.

Two weeks till it goes on live. All questions will be answered sooner rather then later.

All questions will be answered sooner rather then later.

#magic8ball

;)

"Answer unclear; ask again later." :lol:

Great point about there still being more casting details forthcoming for DS. I don't want to see Kimberly Chuck Cunninghammed.



It is so strange. I hope they won't be acting on their knees or something. This isn't The Rerun Show.

The Diff'rent Strokes episode is probably going to be Willis' Privacy. Dana Plato didn't appear in the episode, so they won't need to cast Kimberly.

Kids Can Be Cruel seems like a good guess.

The Diff'rent Strokes episode is probably going to be Willis' Privacy. Dana Plato didn't appear in the episode, so they won't need to cast Kimberly.

Kids Can Be Cruel seems like a good guess.

The "Super Arnold" outfit and lack of Kimberly casting are good indications you may be right.

We shall see about "Kids Can Be Cruel". Maybe they could get Rocky (Arvid from HotC) to make a cameo.

We shall see about "Kids Can Be Cruel".

But will America accept a Blair/Natalie fight instead of the classic, traditional Blair/Jo fight? They don't want to risk angry mob feedback. :lol:

#magic8ball

;)

I had those. Fun fact: They don't respond well to being hurled against the wall when they don't give the answer you want accidently dropped.

But will America accept a Blair/Natalie fight instead of the classic, traditional Blair/Jo fight? They don't want to risk angry mob feedback. :lol:

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

It's not like they're doing an Andy/Pippa fight episode.

And if they do "Kids Can Be Cruel", you will win one Garrett donut from me. What with all of Mrs. Garrett's amazing pastries, you may very well receive the most delicious donut ever won on a Facts of Life bet! 🍩

I had those. Fun fact: They don't respond well to being hurled against the wall when they don't give the answer you want accidently dropped.

:lol:

Was the question, "Will Valerie Bertinelli and I get together in the future?"

:lol:

Was the question, "Will Valerie Bertinelli and I get together in the future?"

Why did "NO CHANCE IN HELL" keep coming up? :(

Why did "NO CHANCE IN HELL" keep coming up? :(

Very, very sad! :(

...But, at least you two can still do ̶c̶o̶f̶f̶e̶e̶ lunch.

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

It's not like they're doing an Andy/Pippa fight episode.

And if they do "Kids Can Be Cruel", you will win one Garrett donut from me. What with all of Mrs. Garrett's amazing pastries, you may very well receive the most delicious donut ever won on a Facts of Life bet! 🍩

:lol:

The Diff'rent Strokes episode is probably going to be Willis' Privacy. Dana Plato didn't appear in the episode, so they won't need to cast Kimberly.

Kids Can Be Cruel seems like a good guess.That is really pathetic if ABC refuses to make a Kimberly episode, shame on them! :rolleyes: If that is true they really are Chuck Cunninghaming her, except Kimberly added a lot more to her show. Kimberly also added a lot more to Diff'rent Strokes than Mrs. Garrett, her show to shine on was Facts. But then they have already shown they know nothing about the original and aren't casting this seriously with adults playing Arnold and Willis. :crazy:

Dana Plato appears in every season 2 episode, so I think they will do a first season show. In season 1, she is absent in:

"The Social Worker"
"Prep School"
"The Relative"
"Willis' Privacy"

I'm surprised they came up with idea of recreate an early episode of DS with Mrs. Garrett. In most cases, people forget Mrs. Garrett was originally on that show, when they think of her they often think about FOL

.

This reporter thinks they should try to get George Clooney to appear. (https://www.showbiz411.com/2021/11/19/can-norman-lear-jimmy-kimmel-get-george-clooney-to-appear-in-their-facts-of-life-diffrent-strokes-revival)

That is really pathetic if ABC refuses to make a Kimberly episode, shame on them! :rolleyes: If that is true they really are Chuck Cunninghaming her, except Kimberly added a lot more to her show. Kimberly also added a lot more to Diff'rent Strokes than Mrs. Garrett, her show to shine on was Facts. But then they have already shown they know nothing about the original and aren't casting this seriously with adults playing Arnold and Willis. :crazy:

I agree. Leaving out Kimberly and having adults not kids play the Jackson brothers shows that this is just a half baked effort. Kimberly may not have had the biggest role on the show but she WAS the fourth bannana and to leave her out is lame just like not finding a couple child actors...why not grab the kid that plays Lucas on STRANGER THINGS? He could easily play Willis and be recognizable to the general public.

Too bad they cast whoever this Dowd person is as I've never heard of her...if you really wanted to respect the fans Lisa Welchel would have been cast as Mrs. G.

I think it will be an episode that Sue Ann is in. Julie Pie generally does not promote Facts of Life events where she doesn't appear either in person or in flashbacks.

Kim Fields briefly talks about it

LbFf8Nk7Xxg
https://youtu.be/LbFf8Nk7Xxg

You know if there going to have adult actors play Arnold and Willis then why not get the four original actresses (Lisa, Mindy, Kim and Nancy) to play girls for the FOL show.

You know if there going to have adult actors play Arnold and Willis then why not get the four original actresses (Lisa, Mindy, Kim and Nancy) to play girls for the FOL show.

I hope they use teenage girls (because a 50-year-old woman would be ridiculous reciting lines about, for example, her officially being a woman, now), but I still would welcome the original cast.

It sounds like, from the interview above, Kim will not be reprising her role, since she's not sure scheduling will even work out. But even a cameo from Kim would be very cool!

(BTW, it's so good to see you, JoPol!)

I think it will be an episode that Sue Ann is in. Julie Pie generally does not promote Facts of Life events where she doesn't appear either in person or in flashbacks.

That's a good point. No sense in her promoting things she's not in. She was promoting Kim's DWTS "Facts" night, and she was in the episode. Both she and Julie Anne promoted the Reelz documentary, and they were in it.

Kim Fields briefly talks about it

LbFf8Nk7Xxg
https://youtu.be/LbFf8Nk7Xxg

Thank you, Opus! You are really dishing in this thread! :cool:

I agree. Leaving out Kimberly and having adults not kids play the Jackson brothers shows that this is just a half baked effort. Kimberly may not have had the biggest role on the show but she WAS the fourth bannana and to leave her out is lame just like not finding a couple child actors...why not grab the kid that plays Lucas on STRANGER THINGS? He could easily play Willis and be recognizable to the general public.

Too bad they cast whoever this Dowd person is as I've never heard of her...if you really wanted to respect the fans Lisa Welchel would have been cast as Mrs. G.

Lucas on Stranger Things would have been so cool as Willis.

I'm reserving my judgement on Ms. Dowd until I see her performance. She's certainly got to be better than a very big man in drag (that Rerun Show was funny, but I'm hoping for an episode that honors the characters).

The guy on the Rerun Show was really funny. When he said "Hey Gaaang" he totally sounded like Mrs. Garrett :lol::lol:

Anyway, I agree with you, Retro. We need a "real" episode

Thank you, Opus! You are really dishing in this thread! :cool:

I like things like this, and the Different Strokes thread about it is relatively inactive, so here I am. Norman must be saving doing ODAAT for his 100th birthday.

I like things like this, and the Different Strokes thread about it is relatively inactive, so here I am.

I think there would be more speculation about DS if we didn't already know the actors and the episode.

Norman must be saving doing ODAAT for his 100th birthday.

Maybe so. Who do you think should play Barbara Cooper in a ODAAT live?

Anyway, I agree with you, Retro. We need a "real" episode

:yeahthat

Maybe so. Who do you think should play Barbara Cooper in a ODAAT live?

Too many good choices. I'd just trust Norman, and sit back and enjoy.

I think there would be more speculation about DS if we didn't already know the actors and the episode.


I figure rehearsals will start after Thanksgiving weekend. All info should leak out soon.

I figure rehearsals will start after Thanksgiving weekend. All info should leak out soon.

I think you are right, Opus.

We will also get an updated graphic, since the network will want to promote both shows. And there will be commercials, as well.

I hope they choose a good episode.

"We'll either get a thoroughbred... or a clydesdale!"* :lol::lol::lol::lol:


* Which episode was that from? First caller with the correct answer wins two tickets to the ABBA concert!

I think it will be an episode that Sue Ann is in. Julie Pie generally does not promote Facts of Life events where she doesn't appear either in person or in flashbacks.

That's a good point. No sense in her promoting things she's not in.

I disagree. I get the sense Julie Pie loves the show so much she's happy to promote it even if she's not featured in it. I think she's just getting word out because it's giving attention to Facts, to "keep it alive" with the public.

After all, if they were selling t-shirts promoting threads on the FOL board here that you hadn't posted in, wouldn't you still promote the shirt for public awareness of the FOL board? I would. :wave:

Cindy "Captain of the Games Committee" Webster has pulled taut the tug-of-war rope with 80sDude and Retro on one side, and Eightsy on the other side. Who will win? Tune in after the Thanksgiving holiday! :lol:

I just thought though, what if she's involved synthetically? Like, if they do a "regular" episode (cafeteria, Mrs. Garrett and the Core Four) but maybe she comes on as an extra or someone with a couple of lines?

Man, if they would just tell us the episode and the cast, then we'd all know all of this stuff for sure! :lol:

I hope they choose a good episode.

"We'll either get a thoroughbred... or a clydesdale!"* :lol::lol::lol::lol:


* Which episode was that from? First caller with the correct answer wins two tickets to the ABBA concert!

Cindy Webster, the last scene of "Running"!

:D

I'll take my tickets now. :lol:

Cindy Webster, the last scene of "Running"!

:D

I'll take my tickets now. :lol:

Ding ding ding!

And that is exactly right! Congratulations! Here are your ABBA concert tickets!

🎟️🎟️

...unfortunately, they're for the 1984 ABBA reunion on The Facts of Life. You'll need to hop in the time machine to use them, and go back to "Cruisin'". :lol:

I disagree. I get the sense Julie Pie loves the show so much she's happy to promote it even if she's not featured in it. I think she's just getting word out because it's giving attention to Facts, to "keep it alive" with the public.

After all, if they were selling t-shirts promoting threads on the FOL board here that you hadn't posted in, wouldn't you still promote the shirt for public awareness of the FOL board? I would. :wave:

It's true that Julie Pie has always been, in Felice's words, "a cheerleader for the show". Very bubbly, very high energy, always willing to lend a hand to promote The Facts of Life. So you could be right.


Cindy "Captain of the Games Committee" Webster has pulled taut the tug-of-war rope with 80sDude and Retro on one side, and Eightsy on the other side. Who will win? Tune in after the Thanksgiving holiday! :lol:

:lol::lol::lol::lol:


I just thought though, what if she's involved synthetically? Like, if they do a "regular" episode (cafeteria, Mrs. Garrett and the Core Four) but maybe she comes on as an extra or someone with a couple of lines?

You know, many of us, including Lorimar, would LOVE that. I guess we'll see!


Man, if they would just tell us the episode and the cast, then we'd all know all of this stuff for sure! :lol:

"Patience, '80s-San!" :lol:

But I know how you feel. I'm just hoping it isn't something dreadful. Like that episode where it's mostly just El Debarge. :eek:

I read about this last week and figured it would be a hot topic on here. As a devoted FOL fan, I'll pass on this. I'm not interested in seeing another parody show make fun of the FOL. If any of the girls make a cameo though or appear as their character since they're having adult performers play the kids, I might give it a shot. And I totally would watch if Kim was playing Mrs. Garrett. That was a good idea the host had when she asked Kim. Not sure why Kim said no. She's a talented actress who could pull it off.

I read about this last week and figured it would be a hot topic on here. As a devoted FOL fan, I'll pass on this. I'm not interested in seeing another parody show make fun of the FOL. If any of the girls make a cameo though or appear as their character since they're having adult performers play the kids, I might give it a shot. And I totally would watch if Kim was playing Mrs. Garrett. That was a good idea the host had when she asked Kim. Not sure why Kim said no. She's a talented actress who could pull it off.
:wave:

Kim could have done it... But maybe she's too close to Charlotte to consider it.

Mindy could have played Mrs. Garrett. Since Charlotte "created" Mindy/Natalie, it would have been a sweet continuity nod :lol:.

Mindy could have played Mrs. Garrett. Since Charlotte "created" Mindy/Natalie, it would have been a sweet continuity nod :lol:.



I think LISA, MINDY or JULIE PIE indeed would have been ideal candidates, and maybe MOLLY? (somehow i cannot see NANCY MKEON being a MRS G, neither KIM and definitely not the other JULIE or FELICE lol!)

:dance::dance::dance::dance::dance::dance::dance::dance::dance::dance:

Lisa and Mindy would have been my choice :wave:

Kim has her own series and probably won't be able to do it. Julie Pie has been very mum about it, despite promoting it. Lisa could make an appearance. I doubt Molly would still have anything to do with the show. Mindy is a possibility. Nancy M. could have something in it.

Kim has her own series and probably won't be able to do it. Julie Pie has been very mum about it, despite promoting it. Lisa could make an appearance. I doubt Molly would still have anything to do with the show. Mindy is a possibility. Nancy M. could have something in it.

Yes, Lisa could make an appearence. Mindy and Nancy have always tried to distance themselves from Facts in recent years but they could do something

None of the girls should play Mrs. Garrett IMO. Now that Charlotte has passed, it is too hallowed a role for someone else from the show to perform.

None of the girls should play Mrs. Garrett IMO. Now that Charlotte has passed, it is too hallowed a role for someone else from the show to perform.

You're right, Eighty. Charlotte is irreplaceable, I can't imagine a different actress playing Mrs. Garrett :wave:

You're right, Eighty. Charlotte is irreplaceable, I can't imagine a different actress playing Mrs. Garrett :wave:

Yeah, I mean, I know they'd obviously have to have someone else play her, but what I'm saying is I don't think any of Mrs. Garrett's girls should play her; it should be an outsider. The girls are the girls, and Mrs. Garrett was Mrs. Garrett. I don't want them mixed up. :wave:

Yeah, I mean, I know they'd obviously have to have someone else play her, but what I'm saying is I don't think any of Mrs. Garrett's girls should play her; it should be an outsider. The girls are the girls, and Mrs. Garrett was Mrs. Garrett. I don't want them mixed up. :wave:

I would have loved Lisa as the new Edna but, I agree, the girls are the girls :wave:

Yes, Lisa could make an appearence. Mindy and Nancy have always tried to distance themselves from Facts in recent years but they could do something

Is Nancy trying to Nancy the Facts of Life?

Joining the previously announced Ann Dowd (as Edna Garrett) will be Jennifer Aniston as Blair, Gabrielle Union as Tootie, Allison Tolman as Natalie and Kathryn Hahn as Jo.

https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/jennifer-aniston-gabrielle-union-kathryn-hahn-allison-tolman-the-facts-of-life-1235121732/

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFanvbUVUAEGCdG?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

Joining the previously announced Ann Dowd (as Edna Garrett) will be Jennifer Aniston as Blair, Gabrielle Union as Tootie, Allison Tolman as Natalie and Kathryn Hahn as Jo.

https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/jennifer-aniston-gabrielle-union-kathryn-hahn-allison-tolman-the-facts-of-life-1235121732/

Jennifer Aniston as Blair! Wow, she's quite the draw for this special! Part of me is sad they didn't get appropriately-aged girls to play the characters. But I'm still excited to see the special. Jennifer can certainly play out-of-touch-rich-girl-now-forced-to-serve-food, as we learned from ten years of Friends.

...I don't recognize these other names.

Jennifer Aniston as Blair! Wow, she's quite the draw for this special! Part of me is sad they didn't get appropriately-aged girls to play the characters. But I'm still excited to see the special. Jennifer can certainly play out-of-touch-rich-girl-now-forced-to-serve-food, as we learned from ten years of Friends.

Kimmel and Aniston are good friends.

...I don't recognize these other names.

No? I thought you watched WandaVision. Kathryn Hahn was the neighbor witch.

Jennifer Aniston!!! Amazing, I love it :lol:

Ironically, Lisa tried out for Jennifer's role on Friends and now Jennifer is going to play Lisa's role on Facts

...I don't recognize these other names.

As Opus said, Kathryn played Agatha on Wandavision. She is also known for her roles in popular movies like Bad Moms and We're The Millers, which also starred Jennifer Aniston. Gabrielle Union played on an episode of Friends. It was the one where both Ross and Joey are trying to date her. I had to look up the actress playing Natalie. I know her from Good Girls but I never knew her name.


Ironically, Lisa tried out for Jennifer's role on Friends and now Jennifer is going to play Lisa's role on Facts


I'm surprise Jennifer Aniston is playing Blair. I might give it a watch just to see how she does it. Jennifer and Lisa played similar characters on their shows so I'm sure it'll be like seeing a different version of Rachel Green she's playing.

Kimmel and Aniston are good friends.

Yep. She even did his Friends "Reunion". The script wasn't all that great, but that Monica's apartment set was amazing!


No? I thought you watched WandaVision. Kathryn Hahn was the neighbor witch.

Yes, I watched WandaVision. Just didn't recognize the name.

Jennifer Aniston!!! Amazing, I love it :lol:

Ironically, Lisa tried out for Jennifer's role on Friends and now Jennifer is going to play Lisa's role on Facts

I thought of that, too! :lol:

As Opus said, Kathryn played Agatha on Wandavision. She is also known for her roles in popular movies like Bad Moms and We're The Millers, which also starred Jennifer Aniston. Gabrielle Union played on an episode of Friends. It was the one where both Ross and Joey are trying to date her. I had to look up the actress playing Natalie. I know her from Good Girls but I never knew her name.

It was the same with me and Kathryn Hahn.


I'm surprise Jennifer Aniston is playing Blair. I might give it a watch just to see how she does it. Jennifer and Lisa played similar characters on their shows so I'm sure it'll be like seeing a different version of Rachel Green she's playing.

I think Jennifer Aniston is going to attract a lot of eyes to this project. She has a big following from Friends. People like you will tune in just to see her perform the role.

I'm setting my DVR...

I think Jennifer Aniston is going to attract a lot of eyes to this project. She has a big following from Friends. People like you will tune in just to see her perform the role.

I'm setting my DVR...

If you haven't seen We're The Millers, I highly recommend it. Jennifer and Kathryn were funny in that movie. I like that they chose actresses for Blair and Jo that have the on screen chemistry. The only reason Jo worked is because Nancy and Lisa clicked as rivals in the show. I love Kathryn's work. Kathryn will be bringing in a lot of viewers as well because she's amazing in everything she does. I hope this sparks interest for people who haven't seen FOL to give it a chance.

If you haven't seen We're The Millers, I highly recommend it. Jennifer and Kathryn were funny in that movie. I like that they chose actresses for Blair and Jo that have the on screen chemistry. The only reason Jo worked is because Nancy and Lisa clicked as rivals in the show. I love Kathryn's work. Kathryn will be bringing in a lot of viewers as well because she's amazing in everything she does.

I think you are right, and thanks for the We're the Millers recommendation.

I hope this sparks interest for people who haven't seen FOL to give it a chance.

Maybe it will! We shall see...

This is cool, but if they were going for older why couldn't the core four just reprise their roles?

This is cool, but if they were going for older why couldn't the core four just reprise their roles?

That's a good point. Buuuuut what are you going to do? Some of the girls may still make cameos.

Lisa posted this on Instagram. It's a promo for the upcoming special

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CW5xRbcoarm/?utm_medium=copy_link

Lisa posted this on Instagram. It's a promo for the upcoming special

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CW5xRbcoarm/?utm_medium=copy_link

Cool find! It seems Lisa is on board with her "replacement"!

Cool find! It seems Lisa is on board with her "replacement"!

Hmm no Kimberly? I wonder if it’s a later season Ep.

Hmm no Kimberly? I wonder if it’s a later season Ep.

It must be season 1. Mrs. Garrett was on DS only for the first year and Kimberly was absent in a good portion of that first season

Hmm no Kimberly? I wonder if it’s a later season Ep.

It is Season 1, episode 17, "Willis' Privacy". No Kimberly in the episode. Apparently, Willis wanted things VERY private. :lol:

Now that you guys know the cast, I'll take some bets on which FOL episode...

Now that you guys know the cast, I'll take some bets on which FOL episode...

It's definitely "Running". ;)

It's definitely "Running". ;)

Haha! Judging by Tooties wig it has to be later s3 or S4

I saw some people discussing it on Facebook and because Blair is holding a pink box in the ad, they think it’s “Kids Can Be Cruel.” I checked and she is wearing the same outfit Blair wears in the episode, too.

Everything is pointing to "Kid Can Be Cruel".

I saw some people discussing it on Facebook and because Blair is holding a pink box in the ad, they think it’s “Kids Can Be Cruel.” I checked and she is wearing the same outfit Blair wears in the episode, too.

We mentioned this on page 5 (https://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=407449&page=5), seven days ago, so it's definitely a possibility.


Everything is pointing to "Kid Can Be Cruel".

Not everything points to that episode. The photo of Jo does not come from the same episode; Jo does not wear a maroon vest in "Kids Can Be Cruel". If Blair's outfit can be taken as a sign that it's KCBC, then Jo's outfit can be taken as a sign that it's not KCBC.

Haha! Judging by Tooties wig it has to be later s3 or S4

Yeah, that hairstyle definitely is The Bowl! :lol:

[QUOTE=RetroGuy2000;5994704]We mentioned this on page 5 (https://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=407449&page=5), seven days ago, so it's definitely a possibility.

Ohh, sorry, missed it. I was trying to remember an episode where Blair is holding a box and I could even not think of “Gossip” because she’s opening a new outfit at the beginning. I think “Kids Can Be Cruel” is a good choice. It’s not super familiar (right?).

Does anyone else think David Schwimmer might play Carl, then?

Ohh, sorry, missed it. I was trying to remember an episode where Blair is holding a box and I could even not think of “Gossip” because she’s opening a new outfit at the beginning. I think “Kids Can Be Cruel” is a good choice. It’s not super familiar (right?).

It definitely would be better than doing "Shoplifting" again.


Does anyone else think David Schwimmer might play Carl, then?


That'd be hilarious! :lol:

I thought JENNIFER ANISTON looked very much like BLAIR lol!

Courtney Cox should have played Jo :lol:

Courtney Cox should have played Jo :lol:

I would have loved that.

Love the casting of Jennifer Aniston. Lisa not only tried out for Rachel, but didn't she turn it down, as she didn't like the "tone" of the show? (And Nancy M. was up for Monica, I believe.)

In any event, if they ever have a live "Friends" event, Lisa W. must play Rachel. :D

Love the casting of Jennifer Aniston. Lisa not only tried out for Rachel, but didn't she turn it down, as she didn't like the "tone" of the show? (And Nancy M. was up for Monica, I believe.)

Yeah, if Lisa had gotten the part, Rachel would have been "missing" for many episodes: any episode where an unmarried couple had sex. That would have eliminated the first episode, even! :lol:


In any event, if they ever have a live "Friends" event, Lisa W. must play Rachel. :D

That would be hilarious! :lol:

Lisa didn’t audition at all, as I understand it. She read the script, liked it, but knew it would conflict with her beliefs.

Jon Stewart has joined Jennifer Aniston, Gabrielle Union, Kathryn Hahn and Allison Tolman in the cast for the live episode, part of the network’s third Live in Front of a Studio Audience special, set to air Dec. 7. Stewart will be playing a “surprise role” in the show, per ABC.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/jon-stewart-boards-abcs-live-facts-of-life-restaging/ar-AARoQRB?ocid=uxbndlbing

Courtney Cox should have played Jo :lol:


Absolutely! COURTNEY COX and NANCY MCKEON look kind of similar: same blue-green eyes and intelligent/sharp attitude!

party:party:party:party:party:party:party:party:party:party:party:party:

Now Tracey Polian and Nancy McKeon would have been interesting together.

Now Tracey Polian and Nancy McKeon would have been interesting together.

Or Tracey Pollan and Courteney Cox! :lol:

Sitcommania- I buy that. I don't really recall hearing she auditioned, just that the premise wasn't for her.

Retro- indeed it would be hilarious. :)

A number of sites are now reporting that Jon Stewart will appear on the special (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jon-stewart-abc-live-facts-of-life-1235056374/), in some kind of surprise role. The only person I can see him doing is maybe George Clooney's role as George, but that doesn't match anything that was on the graphic.

A number of sites are now reporting that Jon Stewart will appear on the special (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jon-stewart-abc-live-facts-of-life-1235056374/), in some kind of surprise role. The only person I can see him doing is maybe George Clooney's role as George, but that doesn't match anything that was on the graphic.

I posted that on the previous page this afternoon :wave:

I posted that on the previous page this afternoon :wave:

Oh. So you did.

...and now you know the secret of how the FOL board is so far ahead of all the other boards! :lol:

Oh. So you did.

...and now you know the secret of how the FOL board is so far ahead of all the other boards! :lol:

Just came across this…


How Jimmy Kimmel and Norman Lear Choose Which Shows to Do for ‘Live in Front of a Studio Audience’ (https://www.thewrap.com/live-in-front-of-a-studio-audience-facts-of-life-diffrent-strokes-episodes/)

One key line —— Kimmel, Lear and Miller are remaining tight-lipped about which episodes of “The Facts of Life” and “Diff’rent Strokes” will be re-enacted on next week’s “Live in Front of a Studio Audience.”

Just came across this…


How Jimmy Kimmel and Norman Lear Choose Which Shows to Do for ‘Live in Front of a Studio Audience’ (https://www.thewrap.com/live-in-front-of-a-studio-audience-facts-of-life-diffrent-strokes-episodes/)

One key line —— Kimmel, Lear and Miller are remaining tight-lipped about which episodes of “The Facts of Life” and “Diff’rent Strokes” will be re-enacted on next week’s “Live in Front of a Studio Audience.”


Kimmel continued: “It’s funny because, there are friends I’ve had since I was in junior high school whose kids’ names I can’t remember, and yet I know Mr. Drummond, Mrs. Garrett, Arnold, Willis. I know it’s Tootie, it’s Joe, it’s Blair, it’s Natalie.

I wonder if Tony Maglio and Jennifer Maas at The Wrap know that Joe is actually Jo? Some of these journalists are so young they actually never knew these shows.

TVLine has made some educated guesses (https://tvline.com/2021/12/02/jon-stewart-facts-of-life-live-in-front-of-a-studio-audience-cast/), suggesting Jon Stewart might be Mr. Bradley or Mr. Parker:


The network isn’t saying which Facts of Life and Diff’rent Strokes episodes will be reenacted during the event, so it’s not immediately clear whom Stewart might play. But that won’t stop us from guessing! We’re thinking that the Facts of Life episode will be from the show’s early run (when the girls were at Eastland and Mrs. Garrett was their house mother) versus from a later season (when the girls were grown-up and worked at Edna’s Edibles with Mrs. Garrett); if that’s true, then it will preclude Stewart from playing handyman George Burnett, a part originated by George Clooney in Season 7. Perhaps Stewart will take on the role of Eastland School headmaster Steven Bradley, which was played in Facts of Life Season 1 by John Lawlor? Or Charles Parker, who later replaced Bradley as headmaster and who was played by Roger Perry?

Maybe Jon Stewart will play Jo's dad, Charlie. Maybe the episode will be "The Secret".

We can exclude Mr. Bradley and George. He could play Mr. Parker in "Give and Take" or Jo's dad, as you said, Retro :wave:

One key line —— Kimmel, Lear and Miller are remaining tight-lipped about which episodes of “The Facts of Life” and “Diff’rent Strokes” will be re-enacted on next week’s “Live in Front of a Studio Audience.”

What's key about it? :confused:

Ask Matt: Why Cast Grown-Ups as the Kids From ‘Facts of Life’ & ‘Diff’rent Strokes’?

Question: What are ABC, Sony, Jimmy Kimmel and Norman Lear thinking, casting middle-aged adult actors in roles that were originally played by kids and teenagers in the upcoming Live in Front of a Studio Audience special (Dec. 7), recreating classic episodes from Diff’rent Strokes and The Facts of Life? Why couldn’t they cast currently well-known actual child, teen and young adult actors, anyone from any show that airs on Nickelodeon, Freeform, The Disney Channel or current ABC sitcoms like The Conners, The Goldbergs, black-ish or The Wonder Years reboot? Kevin Hart, Damon Wayans, Jennifer Aniston, Kathryn Hahn, Gabrielle Union and Allison Tolman are all way too old to play those characters. The thought of these actors recreating shows that had kids in starring roles sounds like a very bad SNL sketch! — Chris B

Matt Roush: As longtime readers of this column know, I’m not one to prejudge, and in this case, I’d advise lightening up and just see how it plays, because these are the campiest and cheesiest sitcom “classics” yet to be revived in this format. Part of the draw since this experiment began was to see today’s biggest stars paying homage to, and in some cases commenting on, iconic characters of a bygone time, and for major players like Kevin Hart (as Arnold) and Damon Wayans (as Willis) and the quartet of accomplished actresses taking on those private-school BFFs is stunt casting on a whole other level. It could backfire terribly, I suppose, but if young actors were taking on the kids’ roles, this wouldn’t feel like nearly as big an event. Personally, I’m just as eager to see the great John Lithgow fill Conrad Bain’s shoes as Strokes’ Mr. Drummond, and to watch The Handmaid’s Tale’s formidable Ann Dowd channel Charlotte Rae as Mrs. Garrett.


https://www.tvinsider.com/1024380/ask-matt-facts-of-life-diffrent-strokes-the-resident-dexter-the-sinner/

(I personally apologize for this part——‘ because these are the campiest and cheesiest sitcom “classics” yet to be revived in this format.’)

What's key about it? :confused:

Shrug. I dunno. I guess what I was going for is that they weren’t going to pre announce which ep.

Ask Matt: Why Cast Grown-Ups as the Kids From ‘Facts of Life’ & ‘Diff’rent Strokes’?

Question: What are ABC, Sony, Jimmy Kimmel and Norman Lear thinking, casting middle-aged adult actors in roles that were originally played by kids and teenagers in the upcoming Live in Front of a Studio Audience special (Dec. 7), recreating classic episodes from Diff’rent Strokes and The Facts of Life? Why couldn’t they cast currently well-known actual child, teen and young adult actors, anyone from any show that airs on Nickelodeon, Freeform, The Disney Channel or current ABC sitcoms like The Conners, The Goldbergs, black-ish or The Wonder Years reboot? Kevin Hart, Damon Wayans, Jennifer Aniston, Kathryn Hahn, Gabrielle Union and Allison Tolman are all way too old to play those characters. The thought of these actors recreating shows that had kids in starring roles sounds like a very bad SNL sketch! — Chris B

Matt Roush: As longtime readers of this column know, I’m not one to prejudge, and in this case, I’d advise lightening up and just see how it plays, because these are the campiest and cheesiest sitcom “classics” yet to be revived in this format. Part of the draw since this experiment began was to see today’s biggest stars paying homage to, and in some cases commenting on, iconic characters of a bygone time, and for major players like Kevin Hart (as Arnold) and Damon Wayans (as Willis) and the quartet of accomplished actresses taking on those private-school BFFs is stunt casting on a whole other level. It could backfire terribly, I suppose, but if young actors were taking on the kids’ roles, this wouldn’t feel like nearly as big an event. Personally, I’m just as eager to see the great John Lithgow fill Conrad Bain’s shoes as Strokes’ Mr. Drummond, and to watch The Handmaid’s Tale’s formidable Ann Dowd channel Charlotte Rae as Mrs. Garrett.


https://www.tvinsider.com/1024380/ask-matt-facts-of-life-diffrent-strokes-the-resident-dexter-the-sinner/

(I personally apologize for this part——‘ because these are the campiest and cheesiest sitcom “classics” yet to be revived in this format.’)

No need to apologize; I've certainly heard this before. TV critics are gonna critic. :lol:

Mr. Roush has forgotten that these shows were groundbreaking in their early years: showing black people and white people being friends/family in a time when there was a lot of racial tension; showcasing the very first disabled performers on network television (Geri and Kathy); including storylines on eating disorders, suicide, drugs, rape, date rape, abortion, slut-shaming, income inequality, gender equality, bullying, lesbianism, and many other serious topics. I wouldn't be the person I am today without these two shows.


Maybe they will reconstruct "Take My Finals Please", which is the most popular episode on IMDB by far, and Jon Stewart can play the (previously unseen) pizza delivery guy! :lol:

I don't think it will be "Take My Finals, Please" since they often have cameos for the original actors in some of the Live in Front of a Studio Audience.

(I personally apologize for this part——‘ because these are the campiest and cheesiest sitcom “classics” yet to be revived in this format.’)

Yeah, there's still that stigma with many that FOL was a cheesy show. People need to look at these things on their own merit. Screen an episode of FOL and then an episode of Small Wonder and let's see which show gets "that cheese bit."

People were speculating if it would be "Kids Can Be Cruel". Whether it is or not, it would be interesting to see them do an episode that's not heavy on the Jo/Blair frienemy relationship. People will expect the Jo vs Blair thing, but we saw how Blair was Blair pre-Jo, and Jo worked well in her relations with others too. She had an interesting relationship with Mrs. Garrett that developed over her years on the show and was organic and great to see, and she had a funny/interesting relationship with Natalie and Tootie as a big sister type but also kinda scary older "bad girl" at first, lol.

Yeah, there's still that stigma with many that FOL was a cheesy show. People need to look at these things on their own merit. Screen an episode of FOL and then an episode of Small Wonder and let's see which show gets "that cheese bit."

The Small Wonder family is very upset at what you've said.

So I've now officially set my DVR to record the special. We'll see if it does the source material justice...!

Word on the street is that it's going to be "Brian and Sylvia". ;)

So I've now officially set my DVR to record the special. We'll see if it does the source material justice...!

Retro, do you happen to know what role Jennifer Aniston will be playing?

Retro, do you happen to know what role Jennifer Aniston will be playing?

Yes; she's playing Blair (https://decider.com/2021/11/30/jennifer-aniston-facts-of-life-special/).

Jen can act the hell out of a role where she plays a spoiled rich girl forced to wait tables, so she will be GREAT in this role!

Yes; she's playing Blair (https://decider.com/2021/11/30/jennifer-aniston-facts-of-life-special/).

Jen can act the hell out of a role where she plays a spoiled rich girl forced to wait tables, so she will be GREAT in this role!

I adore Jennifer Aniston. I'm sure she will do an excellent job! Jennifer Aniston has aged so well. She barely changed at all. She's one of those people who will always be gorgeous. She's still such a beauty in those Aveeno commercials that she's in.

I adore Jennifer Aniston. I'm sure she will do an excellent job! Jennifer Aniston has aged so well. She barely changed at all. She's one of those people who will always be gorgeous. She's still such a beauty in those Aveeno commercials that she's in.
I agree that Jennifer has aged quite slowly... but not as slowly as Lisa Whelchel. My god!

Word on the street is that it's going to be "Brian and Sylvia". ;)

Hahaha! I thought it would be Molly’s Holiday!

Hahaha! I thought it would be Molly’s Holiday!

Well, if they do "The Secret", it will kind of be "Molly's Holiday".

Blair: ̶M̶o̶l̶l̶y̶, Jo, I've had a father and two stepfathers, and all of them put together haven't given me as much love as your father is trying to give you right now.

:lol:

Well, if they do "The Secret", it will kind of be "Molly's Holiday".

Blair: ̶M̶o̶l̶l̶y̶, Jo, I've had a father and two stepfathers, and all of them put together haven't given me as much love as your father is trying to give you right now.

:lol:

Blair is saving that speech for Jo in "The Second Time Around" after Jo fakes an injury to get her parents back together and hangs up the phone on her father. Sounds familiar.

My speculation is that the Diff'rent Strokes episode will be from season 1, episode 16: "Willis' Privacy." Arnold wears the superhero costume, shown in that episode, which is also shown in the poster.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0560106/

It'd be nice to see one of the OG cast members make an appearance, but I'm not holding my breath. I think some of you are missing the point, this is not supposed to be a show reunion, it's to celebrate Norman Lear's shows.

They're having 40 to 50-year-old actresses play teenage girls, obviously out of stunt-casting and to get as many eyeballs on the screen as possible. It was super obvious to me that this was a business decision, and not an attempt to be as realistic as possible. I honestly don't care how old they are, I'm just glad they're honoring this show at all. Being uber Facts fans, I think most of us would all want an OG cast member to appear or to have teenagers cast to stay true to the show, but I realize that this special is supposed to be incredibly over the top (but not to the level of The Rerun Show, of course).

I'm excited to watch this special. I already have my TiVo set. I'm pumped.

I agree that Jennifer has aged quite slowly... but not as slowly as Lisa Whelchel. My god!


Agreed 100% once again!

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

My speculation is that the Diff'rent Strokes episode will be from season 1, episode 16: "Willis' Privacy." Arnold wears the superhero costume, shown in that episode, which is also shown in the poster.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0560106/

It'd be nice to see one of the OG cast members make an appearance, but I'm not holding my breath. I think some of you are missing the point, this is not supposed to be a show reunion, it's to celebrate Norman Lear's shows.

They're having 40 to 50-year-old actresses play teenage girls, obviously out of stunt-casting and to get as many eyeballs on the screen as possible. It was super obvious to me that this was a business decision, and not an attempt to be as realistic as possible. I honestly don't care how old they are, I'm just glad they're honoring this show at all. Being uber Facts fans, I think most of us would all want an OG cast member to appear or to have teenagers cast to stay true to the show, but I realize that this special is supposed to be incredibly over the top (but not to the level of The Rerun Show, of course).

I'm excited to watch this special. I already have my TiVo set. I'm pumped.

Too many people are taking this way to seriously. It's to celebrate Norman Lear's accomplishments as his 100th birthday approaches.

TVLine has an interesting interview with Norman Lear and Brent Miller. (https://tvline.com/2021/12/05/kevin-hart-aniston-cast-live-diffrent-strokes-facts-of-life-norman-lear/)

Jimmy Kimmel was the one who insisted on hiring adults to play child actors:


“It started with Jimmy [Kimmel] and his desire to have Kevin Hart play Arnold Jackson, the Gary Coleman role,” Miller, who is Lear’s creative partner, tells TVLine. “He had mentioned it when we were doing our second special, that the third one has to be Kevin Hart. At the time, I didn’t know: Is he going to want to cast everybody old, or is he just going to have the joke be Kevin? But as we started talking through it, it made sense to be consistent with that conceit of having older people play kids.”

It's possible Kimberly will actually be seen:


Notable missing from the announcement for this third Live in Front of a Studio Audience special was any casting for Diff’rent Strokes‘ Kimberly, but don’t take that to mean they’re recreating one of the few episodes from which Dana Plato’s character was absent or light. “Maybe she’s been cast…,” Miller hints. “We do have surprise guests, and we intentionally want to keep it that, way, to keep it fun and exciting, to make sure they stay tuned for both episodes.”

There will be three surprise guests:


How many such surprise guests can viewers expect across the two episodes? Lear quipped, “About 44!,” while Miller himself narrowed it down to “over a handful. With the personalities involved, maybe two handfuls.” (FWIW: Jennifer Aniston, in an ABC featurette, said that The Facts of Life will feature “three unexpected visitors,” presumably in addition to Jon Stewart’s “mystery” role (https://tvline.com/2021/12/02/jon-stewart-facts-of-life-live-in-front-of-a-studio-audience-cast/).)

DS will not be "The Bicycle Man":


As usual, the specific episodes being revisited is also intended as a surprise, though Miller confirms for TVLine that Diff’rent Strokes is not tackling what we will call “the Gordon Jump episode (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bicycle_Man).” (As the EP explained, “After the pandemic and our two-year break, we really wanted to lighten things up.”)

Other future shows could be One Day at a Time or even Happy Days or Laverne and Shirley:


What’s next for Live in Front of a Studio Audience, which typically delivers a nice ratings bump for ABC? Lear is “absolutely” is open to doing One Day at a Time, even though that sitcom of his was recently (if too briefly) rebooted for Netflix/Pop TV. Similarly, the sitcom icon says, at our suggestion, that he would be “proud” to serve up a Happy Days/Laverne & Shirley double bill.
“I loved those shows and thought the world of [their creator] Garry Marshall,” Lear says. “We were very good friends.”

I'm not holding my breath. I think some of you are missing the point, this is not supposed to be a show reunion, it's to celebrate Norman Lear's shows.

They're having 40 to 50-year-old actresses play teenage girls, obviously out of stunt-casting and to get as many eyeballs on the screen as possible. It was super obvious to me that this was a business decision, and not an attempt to be as realistic as possible. I honestly don't care how old they are, I'm just glad they're honoring this show at all. Being uber Facts fans, I think most of us would all want an OG cast member to appear or to have teenagers cast to stay true to the show, but I realize that this special is supposed to be incredibly over the top (but not to the level of The Rerun Show, of course).

:yeahthat

Lear is “absolutely” is open to doing One Day at a Time, even though that sitcom of his was recently (if too briefly) rebooted for Netflix/Pop TV.

Just my luck, they’ll eventually decide to do a script from the new series :). (Which I’ve never seen, but to be fair, have read many good things about).

Haters hate :o

Facts isn't cheesy. If you don't like it, you can just say it's not your type of TV show

Perhaps Nancy M. will play Nancy O. in this.

We do have two original cast members promoting this episode. They said 2 or 3 guest stars. The two original cast members promoting this wore mouse ears before Facts of Life.

A bunch of the Live in Front Of A Studio Audience cast will be on Jimmy Kimmel Live tonight.

Whoa! They're putting this on TV! :eek:

Just kidding, I know. But I didn't think to look at the listing until tonight. :lol:

I wasn't gonna tune in, but now I will because of the build-up of curiosity. :lookaroun

I doubt I'll enjoy it but I gave away my television in 2005 and have actually looked up how to watch this tomorrow. I've been paying more attention to this show since Cloris Leachman's death than I did when I was watching new episodes.

It has to be set at Eastland and it has to include Jo so 3/4 of the series isn't an option. By my count there's 64 episodes that qualify. 11 of those episodes were two-parters or backdoor pilots for other shows. 14 more focused almost entirely on one of the girls or someone who wasn't in the main cast like Cousin Geri. So that's 39 possibilities.

This one has a male guest star which lowers the possibilities immensely and there I'm having trouble figuring out which episode would work best.

"New Girl Part 1" (possible but not likely)
"Double Standard" (I like it but probably not too likely)
"Shoplifting" (it gives all the girls something to do so it would be a good choice)
"Sex Symbol" (maybe, mostly about Natalie)
"Pretty Babies" (doubt it, mostly about Tootie)
"Free Spirit" (possible, mostly about Natalie)
"Front Page" (probably not, it's mostly about Jo)
"Give and Take" (it gives all the girls something to do)
"Legacy" (I don't care for that episode, but Mr. Parker is in it, isn't he?)
"The Affair" (doubt it, it's all about Natalie)
"Kids Can Be Cruel" (possible)
"Oldest Living Graduate" (doubt it)
"Different Drummer" (I hope not, they're trying to avoid 'very special episodes,' aren't they?)
"Daddy's Girl" (doubt it, mostly a Blair episode)
"For the Asking" (a good choice, I do like this episode)
"September Song" (hope not, it's mostly about Mrs. Garrett)
"Magnificent Obsession" (hope not)
"Under Pressure" (possible, the girls all have something to do and the male character is just there briefly)
"Teacher's Pet" (maybe)
"Guess Who's Coming To Dinner" (probably not, it's based on the Paris trip)
"Who's on First" (maybe but it's mostly Natalie and Tootie)

If I were in charge I'd choose the 'paint fight' or the 'pillow fight' but I'm not in charge yet.

Whoa! They're putting this on TV! :eek:

Just kidding, I know. But I didn't think to look at the listing until tonight. :lol:

I wasn't gonna tune in, but now I will because of the build-up of curiosity. :lookaroun

Haha cool!

Mindy just posted this photo on Instagram with Kevin Hart.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXKu2bbrLFG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Mindy just posted this photo on Instagram with Kevin Hart.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXKu2bbrLFG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Cool find! I suspect she'll be a special guest.

Here's an interview with the cast on the Seasons 2-4 Eastland kitchen set. As with any Kimmel production, the set is a fantastic reproduction.

Xgw-l82P0Tg

I think the three special guests will be Brenda, Girl #1, and Pizza as itself.

Last chance pool!

What episode do YOU think it will be tonight?

Post your top 3 choices!

In my order of prediction, I think it will be either:


Kids Can be Cruel
Double Standard
Shoplifting


Anyone else want in? (no actual prizes except "woo-hoo"-ing rights :lol:)

Retro has been unusually silent all day today. I bet he's running around turning his living room into a replica of the cafeteria and lounge in excitement for tonight's show. :lol: And getting "Facts snacks" ready! popcorn: :so

Retro has been unusually silent all day today. I bet he's running around turning his living room into a replica of the cafeteria and lounge in excitement for tonight's show. :lol: And getting "Facts snacks" ready! popcorn: :so



You're hilarious 80 s!!:lol:

:brent:brent:brent:brent:brent:brent:brent:brent:brent:brent:brent

Guys, I want every detail of the special :lol::lol:

Cool find! I suspect she'll be a special guest.

Here's an interview with the cast on the Seasons 2-4 Eastland kitchen set. As with any Kimmel production, the set is a fantastic reproduction.

Xgw-l82P0Tg


You know Retro: that woman who plays MRS G really looks a lot like CHARLOTTE RAE! (the resemblance is amazing wow!)

:dance::dance::dance::dance::dance::dance::dance::dance::dance::dance:

Kids Can Be Cruel!!!

And Kim, Lisa, and Mindy show up!

Kids Can Be Cruel!!!

And Kim, Lisa, and Mindy show up!

I loved that! Lisa sang the theme song!

Nancy McKeon Nancied herself.

I'm watching it right now since I'm on the West Coast. They also have retro commercials in between--sort of like how Saturday Night Live does commercial spoofs. I recognize Alfonso Ribero doing the Oscar Mayer/Calvin Klein spoof, but who is the actress in the commercial spoofs.

Retro has been unusually silent all day today. I bet he's running around turning his living room into a replica of the cafeteria and lounge in excitement for tonight's show. :lol: And getting "Facts snacks" ready! popcorn: :so

Hahaha!

No, no time for rearranging my furniture (and if I did, it would be the dorm common room, not the cafeteria!) :lol:

This week I got a new full-time job, so I have been busy with that. Of course, I did DVR the special, and my comments will soon follow...

I'm watching it right now since I'm on the West Coast. They also have retro commercials in between--sort of like how Saturday Night Live does commercial spoofs. I recognize Alfonso Ribero doing the Oscar Mayer/Calvin Klein spoof, but who is the actress in the commercial spoofs.

Yeah, the fake retro commercials were very cool! The bad video quality, Kool-Aid Man, This Old House, etc, were all very cool.

I have no idea who the actress was.

Nancy McKeon Nancied herself.

I was not at all surprised there was no sign of Nancy McKeon. She can't remove herself far enough from anything having to do with FOL.

Buuuuuuut.... Lisa was incredible. She sang the theme song, wore her Eastland uniform, and totally got into this event. I have always appreciated her "Eastland spirit"; she continually gives fans the most awesome experience. Love her always.

I was great seeing Kim and Mindy, as well, though of course they were never going to don the Eastland uniform again.

The cafeteria set was also very cool; I don't know why they moved the ice cream machine, put the pay phone in the entryway, and turned the lounge sideways, but these felt like minor details. The kitchen felt quite authentic.

John Stewart as Carl was terrible. Jennifer Anniston was okay as Blair, but she was no Lisa Whelchel. They could have just used Lisa, since she was already in the uniform and STILL FREAKING LOOKS ALMOST IDENTICAL to how she looked four decades ago. The other actresses did an okay job. "Natalie" was better than "Jo" or "Tootie".

So... 80s Sitcoms was correct with his prediction that the episode would be a Season 2-4 episode, so he wins one Edna's Edibles donut:
🍩
TJ was first with the correct name of the DS episode: "Willis' Privacy". He also receives one EE donut:
🍩


And I was first with the correct name of the FOL episode: "Kids Can Be Cruel". I'm giving myself an EE donut:
🍩

And now here are donuts for everyone else:
🍩🍩 🍩 🍩🍩 🍩 🍩

In FOL land, is ‘Kids Can Be Cruel’ considered funny?

So... 80s Sitcoms was correct with his prediction that the episode would be a Season 2-4 episode, so he wins one Edna's Edibles donut:
🍩
TJ was first with the correct name of the DS episode: "Willis' Privacy". He also receives one EE donut:
🍩


And I was first with the correct name of the FOL episode: "Kids Can Be Cruel". I'm giving myself an EE donut:
🍩

And now here are donuts for everyone else:
🍩🍩 🍩 🍩🍩 🍩 🍩
Haha I will take one

In FOL land, is ‘Kids Can Be Cruel’ considered funny?

Not at all. I'd say it's a slightly more serious episode.

Haha I will take one

Careful. Tootie made that batch. She said something about substituting frosting with vinegar and ovaltine. :lol:

Careful. Tootie made that batch. She said something about substituting frosting with vinegar and ovaltine. :lol:

:eek: TOOTIEEEE!!!!

I have watched some clips on Twitter. Both sets looked exactly like the original ones. Todd Bridges showing up for the special was a sweet cameo, since he's the only one left. Same for the three girls but, without Charlotte and Nancy, it felt "incomplete". The acting was good but I would have chosen a different episode, at least for Facts. "Kids Can Be Cruel" is a good episode but it focuses on Blair and Natalie. I would have liked an ensemble episode, like "Gossip", "Shoplifting", "The Marriage Brokers", "Give and Take".

Anyway, it's a good special and I enjoy it for what it is. What do you think of Ann Dowd as Mrs. Garrett?

I was not at all surprised there was no sign of Nancy McKeon. She can't remove herself far enough from anything having to do with FOL.

Buuuuuuut.... Lisa was incredible. She sang the theme song, wore her Eastland uniform, and totally got into this event. I have always appreciated her "Eastland spirit"; she continually gives fans the most awesome experience. Love her always.

I was great seeing Kim and Mindy, as well, though of course they were never going to don the Eastland uniform again.

The cafeteria set was also very cool; I don't know why they moved the ice cream machine, put the pay phone in the entryway, and turned the lounge sideways, but these felt like minor details. The kitchen felt quite authentic.

John Stewart as Carl was terrible. Jennifer Anniston was okay as Blair, but she was no Lisa Whelchel. They could have just used Lisa, since she was already in the uniform and STILL FREAKING LOOKS ALMOST IDENTICAL to how she looked four decades ago. The other actresses did an okay job. "Natalie" was better than "Jo" or "Tootie".

Somebody on Lisa's Instagram suggested (https://www.instagram.com/p/CXHYiShhH16/c/18197043550135521/) Christine Taylor (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christine_Taylor) as Blair instead of Jennifer Aniston.

Somebody on Lisa's Instagram suggested (https://www.instagram.com/p/CXHYiShhH16/c/18197043550135521/) Christine Taylor (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christine_Taylor) as Blair instead of Jennifer Aniston.

I associate Christine Taylor with Marcia Brady so closely that I have a hard time picturing her as Blair.

I have watched some clips on Twitter. Both sets looked exactly like the original ones.

DS's set looked closer to the original than FOL's set, which was still very well done.


Todd Bridges showing up for the special was a sweet cameo, since he's the only one left. Same for the three girls but, without Charlotte and Nancy, it felt "incomplete". The acting was good but I would have chosen a different episode, at least for Facts. "Kids Can Be Cruel" is a good episode but it focuses on Blair and Natalie. I would have liked an ensemble episode, like "Gossip", "Shoplifting", "The Marriage Brokers", "Give and Take".

"Shoplifting" had already been parodied. I wish they had done "Gossip".

Ann Dowd was the night's star as Edna Garrett (https://deadline.com/2021/12/live-in-front-of-a-studio-audience-facts-of-life-diffrent-strokes-recap-1234886445/): Dowd pulled double duty on the Diff'rent Strokes and The Facts of Life re-creations with her dead-on performance as the late Charlotte Rae's character. "Not only does Dowd capture Rae’s essence in every scene, she never broke character when cameras stopped rolling," says Rosy Cordero. "She even earned the approval of the show’s original cast members Lisa Whelchel and Mindy Cohn, who opened Live with their rendition of the Facts of Life theme song. Kim Fields joined Whelchel and Cohn during the live performance but was absent during the rehearsals."

Lisa performing the theme song (Includes an appearance by Mindy Cohn)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cWc5LRNr4w

Jimmy Kimmel with the original Facts Of Life cast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDaeJ8AETlk

From Mindy Cohn's Instagram

.

Lisa performing the theme song (Includes an appearance by Mindy Cohn)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cWc5LRNr4w

Jimmy Kimmel with the original Facts Of Life cast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDaeJ8AETlk

It's kind of odd that Kim isn't credited. Was she a last-minute addition?

Well last nights recreation of FOL wasn’t bad there are a couple things i’d like to point out. First of all the character Carl was not a metal mouth he had bad acne and they called him pizza face. Mrs. Garrett when she announced the food items in Blairs dinner box in the original she pronounced them all correctly with a little Italian accent. And I know Jo has an attitude but when she says a charming dinner date and that’s what he is gonna get she says that with a big smile on her face not in a angry tone. But I got to give it to Ann Dowd she killed it as Mrs. G. And I loved seeing Lisa in her uniform and I think someone else said it too that she looks like she hasn’t aged a single bit since her FOL days. She did a great job singing the theme song and was nice seeing Mindy and Kim but wish Nancy would of been there. Also thought Kevin Heart did a great job as Arnold and Damon Wayans was good as Willis but It made me laugh when I saw they had Snoop Dogg in it. Over all it was a good special. I would of rather them did an episode like the 4 musketeers where it’s based on all 4 characters but then they would of had to have more sets like the girls bathroom and bedroom, but watching them do the paint scene would of been fun.

I liked the episode they chose to recreate because it has a timeless message and is just as relevant today as it was then, which is be kind to others, and think about how your actions can affect others, etc. The only negative is that Tootie is hardly featured, and only has a few lines.

Not at all. I'd say it's a slightly more serious episode.

OK, because I was feeling the show was succeeding heavily on nostalgia, star power, and the "liveness" of it all (would anyone flub? break? Who would surprise come out next?). The actual original scripts weren't doing it for me (FOL and DS)

There hasn't been one of these since 2019, so I'm glad some people hopefully got reminded the intent and heart behind these specials isn't to mock the original source material, but to shine a spotlight on and celebrate it. The execution can always be debated, but the intent is always sincere.

I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. I was not surprised that the episode was "Kid's Can Be Cruel." I'm not sure why they chose this episode. It was not memorable or noteworthy, but I'm glad they did an Eastland years episode. I was pleasantly surprised Lisa Whelchel announced and sang the theme song. Then even greatly surprised they Lisa, Mindy, and Kim were all there. I honestly was a little peeved that Nancy wasn't there, it seems like she had become more accepting of her Facts of Life past, and would at least show-up, but nope. Oh well. The set looked amazing. So close to the original. They did a great job, except for a few minor details which Retro mentions.

Ann Dowd hit it out of the park. She was as close as you could get to Mrs. Garrett. Allison Tolman and Gabrielle Union were acceptable as Natalie and Tootie. Jennifer Aniston as Blair and Kathryn Hahn as Jo were terrible. There was no emotion behind Aniston's performance, it felt like her heart wasn't in it at all. Lisa Whelchel should have reprised it, Christine Taylor would have done it awesome too. Hahn was so one-dimensional, it felt like an SNL sketch.

I watched the original episode prior to this airing, and they were a lot that they got wrong, some of which you all already pointed out. The big thing is Carl wearing a mouth guard instead of having zits all over his face. They couldn't get anyone younger and better than John Stewart? He sucked, and because he had gray hair, it made it even less believable that he was playing a teenager. Even the original actor, Dan Frischman, would have been amazing to have made an appearance in his place.

I liked how the original cast was brought in for an interview in the kitchen again, but there were a few things that irked me. It seemed like Kim was shamelessly promoting her movie, and Jimmy Kimmel said something along the lines of Kim being the only one from the cast who was on Diff'rent Strokes, which wasn't true. There were quite a few episodes where Lisa and Natalie appeared, noteworthy should be "The Girls' School."

I enjoyed it, and I watched the Diff'rent Stokes episode too and loved that Todd Bridges and Snoop Dog appeared. I heard a lot of people say they liked this episode way better.

I watched it. I don't feel like this was to honor Norman Lear or FOL. I felt it was a way to showcase more of today's stars. I think the only reason they picked Kids Can Be Cruel was to give Will and Jason a part. They're everywhere these days. I love Kathryn's acting but she way overdid Jo. Nancy was never like that with Jo. I thought they'd at least watch the episode to see how to present themselves since they're reacting the episode but they obviously didn't. I was so disappointed with Jennifer. She was so stale as Blair. I thought we'd get Rachel with some of the acting but it was just bleh. Ann was terrific as Mrs. Garrett. You can tell she watched FOL because she knew how to channel the character. The only best part about this special was seeing Lisa, Mindy, and Kim together. I don't blame Nancy for not appearing since Kathryn didn't play Jo the way she was in the show. Nancy is still friends with the girls and has appeared with them on other outlets.

I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. I was not surprised that the episode was "Kid's Can Be Cruel." I'm not sure why they chose this episode. It was not memorable or noteworthy, but I'm glad they did an Eastland years episode. I was pleasantly surprised Lisa Whelchel announced and sang the theme song. Then even greatly surprised they Lisa, Mindy, and Kim were all there. I honestly was a little peeved that Nancy wasn't there, it seems like she had become more accepting of her Facts of Life past, and would at least show-up, but nope. Oh well. The set looked amazing. So close to the original. They did a great job, except for a few minor details which Retro mentions.

Ann Dowd hit it out of the park. She was as close as you could get to Mrs. Garrett. Allison Tolman and Gabrielle Union were acceptable as Natalie and Tootie. Jennifer Aniston as Blair and Kathryn Hahn as Jo were terrible. There was no emotion behind Aniston's performance, it felt like her heart wasn't in it at all. Lisa Whelchel should have reprised it, Christine Taylor would have done it awesome too. Hahn was so one-dimensional, it felt like an SNL sketch.

I watched the original episode prior to this airing, and they were a lot that they got wrong, some of which you all already pointed out. The big thing is Carl wearing a mouth guard instead of having zits all over his face. They couldn't get anyone younger and better than John Stewart? He sucked, and because he had gray hair, it made it even less believable that he was playing a teenager. Even the original actor, Dan Frischman, would have been amazing to have made an appearance in his place.

I liked how the original cast was brought in for an interview in the kitchen again, but there were a few things that irked me. It seemed like Kim was shamelessly promoting her movie, and Jimmy Kimmel said something along the lines of Kim being the only one from the cast who was on Diff'rent Strokes, which wasn't true. There were quite a few episodes where Lisa and Natalie appeared, noteworthy should be "The Girls' School."

I enjoyed it, and I watched the Diff'rent Stokes episode too and loved that Todd Bridges and Snoop Dog appeared. I heard a lot of people say they liked this episode way better.

The Different Strokes episode was better.

Look at who else showed up last night.

Shout out to Retroguy2000 I saw you in the same thread I was in on Youtube where I posted my belief that seeing our three original girls was the best part of the show. In that same thread a gentleman made the bold claim that Jo was brought on to save the show! My counterpoint was they could have still done the cafeteria setting but using Sue Ann. Jo actually made this fan like the show less and by the time the Eastland setting was lost the show was spiralling

Anyway- Fantastic job recreating the Cafeteria but thumbs down to the whole effort...I'm sorry but it was horrendous listening to Tootie sound like a 55 year old chain smoker and Katheryn Hahn who arguably everyone loves after her turn in WANDAVISION couldn't save this mess.

So happy that Lisa, Kim and Natalie were game to participate even in a limited capacity.

Well last nights recreation of FOL wasn’t bad there are a couple things i’d like to point out. First of all the character Carl was not a metal mouth he had bad acne and they called him pizza face.

Yeah, I have no idea why they even changed that. Jon Stewart looked just as ridiculous with a metal mouth as he would have looked with what Molly would call "zits!"


Mrs. Garrett when she announced the food items in Blairs dinner box in the original she pronounced them all correctly with a little Italian accent.

Yes, it was odd that they added that. Great point!

And I know Jo has an attitude but when she says a charming dinner date and that’s what he is gonna get she says that with a big smile on her face not in a angry tone. But I got to give it to Ann Dowd she killed it as Mrs. G. And I loved seeing Lisa in her uniform and I think someone else said it too that she looks like she hasn’t aged a single bit since her FOL days.

It is so true! She looked amazing!

She did a great job singing the theme song and was nice seeing Mindy and Kim but wish Nancy would of been there.

Nancy wouldn't have been caught dead at a Facts of Life event... she's made exceptions, however, for award ceremonies only.

I liked the episode they chose to recreate because it has a timeless message and is just as relevant today as it was then, which is be kind to others, and think about how your actions can affect others, etc. The only negative is that Tootie is hardly featured, and only has a few lines.

Yeah, I have no idea why they picked the episode they did; Tootie's part was incredibly small, and it makes no sense to get a big-name actress only to award her no lines. But it was what it was. But as you say, they did choose an episode which had a good moral.

OK, because I was feeling the show was succeeding heavily on nostalgia, star power, and the "liveness" of it all (would anyone flub? break? Who would surprise come out next?). The actual original scripts weren't doing it for me (FOL and DS)

There hasn't been one of these since 2019, so I'm glad some people hopefully got reminded the intent and heart behind these specials isn't to mock the original source material, but to shine a spotlight on and celebrate it. The execution can always be debated, but the intent is always sincere.

I think Jon Stewart hamming it up as Carl worked incredibly poorly, but I'm glad FOL and DS were picked to be honored on ABC. The "fact" of the matter is that NBC made millions from The Facts of Life, and it's so strange that the show has really never been honored by the network which profited from the show's broadcast. It's odd that ABC aired this, but I suppose it's the Kimmel connection (DS did air on ABC for one season).

I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. I was not surprised that the episode was "Kid's Can Be Cruel." I'm not sure why they chose this episode. It was not memorable or noteworthy, but I'm glad they did an Eastland years episode. I was pleasantly surprised Lisa Whelchel announced and sang the theme song. Then even greatly surprised they Lisa, Mindy, and Kim were all there. I honestly was a little peeved that Nancy wasn't there, it seems like she had become more accepting of her Facts of Life past, and would at least show-up, but nope. Oh well. The set looked amazing. So close to the original. They did a great job, except for a few minor details which Retro mentions.

I honestly don't know why they made those set alterations, as the studio audience would have seen the lounge better if it had been facing the original way. Then the payphone could have been placed in its original position. Still, this is a minor criticism, and I did get a thrill from seeing the Cafeteria and Kitchen set.


Ann Dowd hit it out of the park. She was as close as you could get to Mrs. Garrett. Allison Tolman and Gabrielle Union were acceptable as Natalie and Tootie. Jennifer Aniston as Blair and Kathryn Hahn as Jo were terrible. There was no emotion behind Aniston's performance, it felt like her heart wasn't in it at all. Lisa Whelchel should have reprised it, Christine Taylor would have done it awesome too. Hahn was so one-dimensional, it felt like an SNL sketch.

Agreed completely. "Jo" was so OTT. "Blair" was under-performed. I have no idea what was happening with Jennifer's lines: Blair is the one character who hams things up. Yet "Jo" was the one who was hamming up her scenes. It was the exact opposite of what it should be.


They couldn't get anyone younger and better than John Stewart? He sucked, and because he had gray hair, it made it even less believable that he was playing a teenager. Even the original actor, Dan Frischman, would have been amazing to have made an appearance in his place.

Yes.


I liked how the original cast was brought in for an interview in the kitchen again, but there were a few things that irked me. It seemed like Kim was shamelessly promoting her movie, and Jimmy Kimmel said something along the lines of Kim being the only one from the cast who was on Diff'rent Strokes, which wasn't true. There were quite a few episodes where Lisa and Natalie appeared, noteworthy should be "The Girls' School."

And Natalie was in "The Slumber Party", and Blair and Natalie were in "The Older Man", too.

I watched it. I don't feel like this was to honor Norman Lear or FOL. I felt it was a way to showcase more of today's stars. I think the only reason they picked Kids Can Be Cruel was to give Will and Jason a part. They're everywhere these days. I love Kathryn's acting but she way overdid Jo. Nancy was never like that with Jo. I thought they'd at least watch the episode to see how to present themselves since they're reacting the episode but they obviously didn't. I was so disappointed with Jennifer. She was so stale as Blair. I thought we'd get Rachel with some of the acting but it was just bleh. Ann was terrific as Mrs. Garrett. You can tell she watched FOL because she knew how to channel the character. The only best part about this special was seeing Lisa, Mindy, and Kim together. I don't blame Nancy for not appearing since Kathryn didn't play Jo the way she was in the show. Nancy is still friends with the girls and has appeared with them on other outlets.

Seeing Lisa, Mindy, and Kim reunited at "Eastland" was worth this whole project. Anniston underacted; Hahn overacted. Jon Stewart was a clown. But I appreciate the effort.

Look at who else showed up last night.

Julie Anne! WAY cool! So glad she was there! Wish she had been on camera, but at least she participated. Love me some Julie Anne, representing the Lost Girls! :eyes:

Shout out to Retroguy2000 I saw you in the same thread I was in on Youtube where I posted my belief that seeing our three original girls was the best part of the show. In that same thread a gentleman made the bold claim that Jo was brought on to save the show! My counterpoint was they could have still done the cafeteria setting but using Sue Ann. Jo actually made this fan like the show less and by the time the Eastland setting was lost the show was spiralling

:wave: Hey AC!

Yeah, since they should have known Nancy McKeon never would have appeared, they should have just done a first season episode. Oh well.


Anyway- Fantastic job recreating the Cafeteria but thumbs down to the whole effort...I'm sorry but it was horrendous listening to Tootie sound like a 55 year old chain smoker and Katheryn Hahn who arguably everyone loves after her turn in WANDAVISION couldn't save this mess.

So happy that Lisa, Kim and Natalie were game to participate even in a limited capacity.

I didn't think it was a mess, exactly, as I felt "Natalie" and "Tootie" did okay, and "Mrs. Garrett"'s portrayal was good. Overall, I'm glad FOL was honored. I just don't know why they made some of the decisions they made.

Look at who else showed up last night.

Our little Cindy a model!!!

Our little Cindy a model!!!

The only cover I thought she'd appear on is Boys' Life. :lol:

'Facts of Life' star Lisa Whelchel shocks viewers more than 30 years later: 'Has not aged at all' (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/facts-of-life-star-lisa-whelchel-shocks-viewers-more-than-30-years-later-has-not-aged-at-all-140455325.html)

Kyle Moss
Wed, December 8, 2021, 6:04 AM

The ABC special Live in Front of a Studio Audience: The Facts of Life and Diff'rent Strokes treated viewers to reenactments of two classic sitcoms, introduced by some of the original stars from both shows.

One of those original cast members was Lisa Whelchel, who played Blair on The Facts of Life for the show’s entire run, from 1979 to 1988.

https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/hKOQZOtO4qmQBaOZCQbZDg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtjZj13ZWJw/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2021-11/d75a28b0-5854-11ec-8f63-1cbb24aea6c5

The 58-year-old actress had viewers (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-10288777/Lisa-Whelchel-58-looks-EXACTLY-did-40-YEARS-AGO-Facts-Life-redo.html) on Twitter stunned (https://www.instagram.com/p/CXP0AukIIQY/), with many commenting (https://www.instagram.com/p/CXHYiShhH16/) on how she “has not aged at all!”

Lisa has clearly drunk a forever-young potion :lol::lol:

I watched other clips on Twitter and Instagram. I have to say Jennifer Aniston has been a huge disappointment, I would have expected more from an actress like her. I'm not sure why they did "Kids Can Be Cruel". Can you imagine "The Four Musketeers" and the paint fight? It would have been hilarious.

I like Ann Dowd as Mrs. Garrett. Charlotte Rae is a legend but Mrs. Dowd was great. If they'll ever do a reboot of FOL, Ann Dowd should play Edna.

Lisa has clearly drunk a forever-young potion :lol::lol:

I watched other clips on Twitter and Instagram. I have to say Jennifer Aniston has been a huge disappointment, I would have expected more from an actress like her. I'm not sure why they did "Kids Can Be Cruel". Can you imagine "The Four Musketeers" and the paint fight? It would have been hilarious.

I was surprised by how off Jennifer was. All she had to be was almost as hammy as the real Blair. "The Four Musketeers" would definitely have been better.


I like Ann Dowd as Mrs. Garrett. Charlotte Rae is a legend but Mrs. Dowd was great. If they'll ever do a reboot of FOL, Ann Dowd should play Edna.

She was good.

I think Jon Stewart hamming it up as Carl worked incredibly poorly, but I'm glad FOL and DS were picked to be honored on ABC. The "fact" of the matter is that NBC made millions from The Facts of Life, and it's so strange that the show has really never been honored by the network which profited from the show's broadcast. It's odd that ABC aired this, but I suppose it's the Kimmel connection (DS did air on ABC for one season).

Tootie got Nancied for this episode and Nancy M. then Nancied herself.

Our little Cindy a model!!!

A model who doesn't like to wear make up.

Our little Cindy a model!!!

I never really bought that business in THE LITTLE CHILL. Just seemed against character...they should have made her an Olympian.

I never really bought that business in THE LITTLE CHILL. Just seemed against character...they should have made her an Olympian.

It would have been a good idea, but I think it's better she became a model. In her first episode she was a tomboy, in her final episode she was the most feminine of the bunch

It would have been a good idea, but I think it's better she became a model. In her first episode she was a tomboy, in her final episode she was the most feminine of the bunch

Perhaps but it seemed like the moral of the pilot episode was "stay true to yourself-there's nothing wrong with it." Cindy suddenly growing up to become a model was too much of a left turn...Nancy, that I could see. If she dumped Roger LOL

'Facts of Life' star Lisa Whelchel shocks viewers more than 30 years later: 'Has not aged at all' (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/facts-of-life-star-lisa-whelchel-shocks-viewers-more-than-30-years-later-has-not-aged-at-all-140455325.html)

Simply amazing and Kim was no slouch either. It was so obvious from the first episode that Blair was going to be the breakout character and credit Lisa for that.

Man, it looks like she could pick right up where she left off. With all the reboots its time for Blair to buy back Eastland and deliver on the back door pilot that went nowhere.

OK, it was nice that they had the surviving cast mates do cameos (even if Miss McKeon STILL was a no-show) but what was the point of casting folks WAAAY past their teens to play teen parts?!

At least all the previous 'Live in Front of a Studio Audience' shows with Mr. Kimmel and Mr. Lear DID attempt to cast folks who were reasonably close to the original performers' (and characters') ages but it made no sense for them to have done this for these last two shows and somewhat sabotaged the goal of making it relatable but entertaining to contemporary audiences!

At the end, when Blair told Carl "I'll be there for you", was that in the original FOL script, or just slipped in as Friends in-joke?

LISA is indeed the best looking and youthful looking one out of the bunch, and in my eyes a star: forever BLAIR/LISA! (she was plastered all over the news how people were shocked to see her looking so great still!)

:birthday::birthday::birthday::birthday::birthday::birthday::birthday::birthday