Head of the Class (1986)
The beloved ABC sitcom that turned a Manhattan honors classroom into one of television's most charming and warmhearted comedic stages.
Head of the Class - Series Information
- Original Title: Head of the Class
- First Air Year: 1986
- Last Air Year: 1991
- Created by: Rich Eustis
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Family
- Content Rating (US): TV-G
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 26 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 114
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: French, English
- First Air Date: September 17, 1986 (United States - TV-G), September 17, 1986 (Brazil - L)
- Networks: ABC
- Production Companies: Warner Bros. Television, Eustis Elias Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Head of the Class - Plot
Head of the Class is an American sitcom that ran from 1986 to 1991 on the ABC television network. The series follows a group of gifted students in the Individualized Honors Program at the fictional Monroe High School in Manhattan, and their history teacher Charlie Moore. The program was ostensibly a vehicle for Hesseman, best known for his role as radio DJ Dr. Johnny Fever in the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. Hesseman left Head of the Class in 1990 and was replaced by Billy Connolly as teacher Billy MacGregor for the final season. After the series ended, Connolly appeared in a short-lived spin-off titled Billy. The series was created and executive produced by Rich Eustis and Michael Elias. Rich Eustis had previously worked as a New York City substitute teacher while hoping to become an actor.
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Head of the Class - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Rich Eustis
Main Cast
- William G. Schilling
- Jeannetta Arnette
- Dan Frischman
- Robin Givens
- Khrystyne Haje
- Tony O'Dell
- Brian Robbins
- Kimberly Russell
- Dan Schneider
- Howard Hesseman
Writers
- Rich Eustis
- Jeffrey Duteil
- Mark Fink
- Al Jean
- Jake Weinberger
Head of the Class - FAQs
What is Head of the Class about?
Head of the Class centers on a group of exceptionally gifted students enrolled in the Individualized Honors Program at the fictional Monroe High School in Manhattan. Their laid-back, unconventional history teacher Charlie Moore challenges them to think beyond academics, balancing laughs with genuine heart across five seasons.
Why did Howard Hesseman leave Head of the Class?
Howard Hesseman departed Head of the Class in 1990 after four seasons as teacher Charlie Moore. Creative differences and a desire to pursue other projects led to his exit. Scottish comedian Billy Connolly stepped in as Billy MacGregor for the show's fifth and final season.
Did Head of the Class get a spin-off series?
Yes — after Head of the Class ended in 1991, Billy Connolly's character Billy MacGregor got his own short-lived spin-off simply titled Billy. The series carried over the Scottish teacher from Monroe High School but struggled to find an audience and was cancelled after one season.
When did Head of the Class first air?
Head of the Class premiered on September 17, 1986, on the ABC television network. The show ran for five seasons, concluding in 1991 with a total of 114 episodes spread across its run.
Who are the main actors in Head of the Class?
The ensemble cast includes Howard Hesseman as teacher Charlie Moore, Robin Givens as Darlene Merriman, Dan Frischman as Arvid Engen, Khrystyne Haje as Simone Foster, Tony O'Dell as Alan Pinkard, Brian Robbins as Eric Mardian, Kimberly Russell, Dan Schneider, William G. Schilling, and Jeannetta Arnette.
How many seasons does Head of the Class have?
Head of the Class ran for five seasons on ABC. Season 1 through Season 3 each contained 22 episodes, Season 4 expanded to 26 episodes, and Season 5 wrapped up the series with 22 episodes, bringing the total to 114 episodes.
Where can you watch Head of the Class?
Head of the Class is currently available to purchase on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. Streaming availability may vary by region, so checking a service like JustWatch is the best way to find the most up-to-date viewing options near you.
What shows are similar to Head of the Class?
Fans of Head of the Class often enjoy Abbott Elementary, Saved by the Bell, School of Rock, and Young Sheldon for their classroom humor and ensemble casts. For classic sitcom vibes, Growing Pains and That '70s Show offer a similar warmth and comedic energy from the same era.
More About Head of the Class
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