Laverne & Shirley (1976)
The beloved ABC sitcom following two Milwaukee brewery workers whose friendship, ambition, and comic misadventures made them icons of American television.
Laverne & Shirley - Series Information
- Original Title: Laverne & Shirley
- First Air Year: 1976
- Last Air Year: 1983
- Created by: Garry Marshall, Mark Rothman et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Family
- Content Rating (US): TV-G
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 28 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 8
- Number of Episodes: 178
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 27, 1976 (United States - TV-G), January 27, 1976 (Australia - PG)
- Networks: ABC
- Alternative Titles: Laverne and Shirley (US)
- Production Companies: Henderson Productions, Miller-Milkis Productions, Paramount Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
Laverne & Shirley - Plot
Best friends, roommates, and polar opposites, Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney work together at the Shotz Brewery in Milwaukee and keep each other's spirits up at home.
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Laverne & Shirley - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Garry Marshall
- Mark Rothman
- Lowell Ganz
Main Cast
- Penny Marshall
- Cindy Williams
- David L. Lander
- Michael McKean
- Phil Foster
- Eddie Mekka
- Betty Garrett
- Leslie Easterbrook
- Carole Ita White
- Ed Marinaro
Writers
- David Ketchum
- David W. Duclon
- Jack Winter
- Judy Pioli
- Stephen Nathan
Laverne & Shirley - FAQs
Where can you stream Laverne & Shirley today?
Laverne & Shirley is available to stream on several platforms in the United States. You can find current streaming, rental, and purchase options by checking JustWatch, which aggregates all available viewing options for your region in one convenient place.
What is the famous Laverne & Shirley theme song?
The iconic theme song is "Making Our Dreams Come True," performed by Cyndi Grecco. The opening sequence also features the chant "Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated!" — a nonsense rhyme the characters recite while skipping, which became one of television's most recognizable catchphrases.
Why did Cindy Williams leave Laverne & Shirley?
Cindy Williams departed the series during Season 8 following a dispute with producers over her pregnancy and working conditions on set. Her character Shirley Feeney was written out mid-season, and the show concluded shortly after, ending its run in 1983 after 178 episodes.
Who are the main actors in Laverne & Shirley?
The series stars Penny Marshall as Laverne DeFazio and Cindy Williams as Shirley Feeney. The supporting cast includes David L. Lander as Squiggy, Michael McKean as Lenny, Phil Foster as Frank DeFazio, Eddie Mekka as Carmine Ragusa, and Betty Garrett as Edna Babish.
Is Laverne & Shirley based on a true story?
No, Laverne & Shirley is not based on a true story. The characters originated as a spin-off from Happy Days, first appearing in a 1975 episode. Creator Garry Marshall developed the concept of two working-class women sharing an apartment in 1950s Milwaukee as a comedic vehicle for Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams.
How many seasons and episodes does Laverne & Shirley have?
Laverne & Shirley ran for 8 seasons and 178 episodes in total on ABC. Seasons ranged from 15 to 26 episodes, with the series airing from January 1976 through May 1983. It was one of the highest-rated shows on American television during its early seasons.
What is Laverne & Shirley about?
Laverne & Shirley follows two best friends and polar opposites — the brash Laverne DeFazio and the optimistic Shirley Feeney — who work at the Shotz Brewery in 1950s Milwaukee. The comedy centers on their friendship, misadventures, and determination to build better lives for themselves.
Who created Laverne & Shirley?
Laverne & Shirley was created by Garry Marshall, Mark Rothman, and Lowell Ganz. The series spun off from Happy Days, another Garry Marshall production, and premiered on ABC on January 27, 1976. It quickly became a massive ratings hit, topping the Nielsen charts in its second season.
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