Garry Marshall stated if Happy Days premeired in 1964 instead of 1974 it would have..

[TVFactFan]

died.

During his interview he stated that some shows succeed because they were created at the right time in history. And said since the decade of the 1960's has so many political and social changes, by time the 70's arrived the American viewing public wanted something nice that wouldn't give them a headache like so many things did in the 60's

So since Happy Days dealt with a more simple time in history before the 60's, viewers became addicted to the show.


Gary Marshall Interview, from "One Season in American Television", Marc Elliot, 1983

[antman67]

I agree. TIMING is everything. America had been so beat up with images of the Vietnam war on TV every night, protestors being killed on campuses, Woddstock, drugs, MLK, JFK assasinations, so much violence on TV people needed a break. They just wanted to go back to simpler times with less stress.

[TVFactFan]

Originally Posted by antman67

I agree. TIMING is everything. America had been so beat up with images of the Vietnam war on TV every night, protestors being killed on campuses, Woddstock, drugs, MLK, JFK assasinations, so much violence on TV people needed a break. They just wanted to go back to simpler times with less stress.

His exact words


"At the time People wanted something nice, don't give me a headache, I had it already"

[Retro4Life]

Plus not enough time had elapsed in 1964 between then and the 1950's. For nostalgia to work, you have to wait a while.

For instance, right now I doubt anyone would be up for nostalgia about the 2000's. But give them about ten years, and they may be (Heaven help them).

[TVFactFan]

Originally Posted by Retro4Life

Plus not enough time had elapsed in 1964 between then and the 1950's. For nostalgia to work, you have to wait a while.

For instance, right now I doubt anyone would be up for nostalgia about the 2000's. But give them about ten years, and they may be (Heaven help them).

Wasn't there an attempt to do a 80's show in the early 2000's? I don't think it was too successful

[704Hauser]

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

Wasn't there an attempt to do a 80's show in the early 2000's? I don't think it was too successful

Are you referring to That 80's Show? If so, it probably flopped because people were already getting their nostalgia fix from That 70's Show. Personally, I don't think That 70's Show is that good, if you want something from the '70s, I suggest watching an actual '70s show!

[Yooch]

Originally Posted by antman67

I agree. TIMING is everything. America had been so beat up with images of the Vietnam war on TV every night, protestors being killed on campuses, Woddstock, drugs, MLK, JFK assasinations, so much violence on TV people needed a break. They just wanted to go back to simpler times with less stress.

So true!