Fame (1982)
The groundbreaking drama series set inside New York City's High School for the Performing Arts, where talent, ambition, and sacrifice collide.
Fame - Series Information
- Original Title: Fame
- First Air Year: 1982
- Last Air Year: 1987
- Created by: Christopher Gore
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 45 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 136
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: NBC, Syndication
- Production Companies: MGM Television, Eilenna Productions Inc.
- Production Countries: United States of America
Fame - Plot
An American television series originally produced between 1982 and 1987. The show is based on the 1980 motion picture of the same name. With a mixture of drama and music, it followed the lives of the students and faculty at the New York City High School for the Performing Arts. Although fictional, it was based heavily on the actual Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York. Most interior scenes were filmed in Hollywood, California, and in all seasons but the third, several exterior scenes were shot on location in New York City.
The popularity of the series, particularly in the UK, led to several hit records and live concert tours by the cast. Despite its success, very few of the actors maintained high-profile careers after the series was cancelled. A number of the cast members were seen again briefly in Bring Back...Fame, a reunion special made for British television in 2008.
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Fame - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Christopher Gore
Main Cast
- Debbie Allen
- Gene Anthony Ray
- Carlo Imperato
- Ann Nelson
- Albert Hague
- Carol Mayo Jenkins
- Billy Hufsey
- Valerie Landsburg
- Cynthia Gibb
- Nia Peeples
Writers
- Hollis Rich
- William Blinn
- Robert Caplain
- Abe Polsky
Executive Producers
- William Blinn
- Gerald I. Isenberg
Fame - FAQs
What is the Fame TV series about?
Fame follows the lives of students and teachers at the fictional New York City High School for the Performing Arts. Blending drama and music, it explores ambition, sacrifice, and talent as young performers pursue careers in dance, music, and acting across six seasons from 1982 to 1987.
Is Fame based on a true story or real school?
Fame is not a true story, but it is closely inspired by the real Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City. The series adapted the fictional premise of the 1980 film of the same name, grounding its drama in a recognizable real-world setting.
Where can you stream or watch Fame?
Streaming availability for Fame varies by region and platform. You can check current viewing options, including subscription services, rental, and purchase options, by visiting JustWatch, which provides up-to-date streaming information for your specific location.
Who are the main actors in Fame?
The main cast of Fame includes Debbie Allen as Lydia Grant, Gene Anthony Ray as Leroy Johnson, Carlo Imperato as Danny Amatullo, Albert Hague as Benjamin Shorofsky, Carol Mayo Jenkins as Elizabeth Sherwood, Valerie Landsburg as Doris Schwartz, Cynthia Gibb as Holly Laird, and Nia Peeples as Nicole Chapman.
How many seasons and episodes does Fame have?
Fame ran for 6 seasons and a total of 136 episodes. Season 1 had 16 episodes, Season 2 had 23, Season 3 had 24, Season 4 had 25, and both Seasons 5 and 6 had 24 episodes each. The series aired from 1982 to 1987.
Did Fame win any awards or achieve critical recognition?
Fame earned considerable recognition during its run, receiving Emmy Award nominations and winning Golden Globe Awards. Debbie Allen, in particular, won multiple Emmy Awards for her choreography on the show. The series was also celebrated for its diverse cast and its positive portrayal of arts education.
Why was Fame especially popular in the United Kingdom?
Fame became a cultural phenomenon in the UK, generating several chart-topping hit records and successful live concert tours by the cast. British audiences embraced the show's energy, music, and youthful spirit with particular enthusiasm, making it one of the most beloved American imports of the 1980s in Britain.
What network originally aired the Fame TV series?
Fame originally aired on NBC for its first two seasons before being cancelled due to low ratings. The series was subsequently revived through syndication, where it ran for four additional seasons from 1983 to 1987, ultimately completing its full six-season run thanks to strong international and syndicated audience support.
More About Fame
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