The Facts of Life (1979)
The beloved NBC sitcom that followed housemother Mrs. Garrett and her spirited charges through the joys and struggles of growing up.
The Facts of Life - Series Information
- Original Title: The Facts of Life
- First Air Year: 1979
- Last Air Year: 1988
- Created by: Dick Clair, Norman Lear et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (26 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 9
- Number of Episodes: 201
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: August 24, 1979 (United States - TV-PG)
- Networks: NBC
- Alternative Titles: Garrett's Girls (US)
- Production Companies: TAT Communications Company, Embassy Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Facts of Life - Plot
Mrs. Edna Garrett, housemother and dietitian at the Eastland School, teaches a group of girls in her charge how to solve those problems that every teenager has to face.
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The Facts of Life - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Dick Clair
- Norman Lear
- Jenna McMahon
Main Cast
- Lisa Whelchel
- Kim Fields
- Mindy Cohn
- Nancy McKeon
- Charlotte Rae
- Mackenzie Astin
- Cloris Leachman
- Pamela Adlon
- Sherrié Austin
- George Clooney
Writers
- Jerry Mayer
- Linda Marsh
- Paul Haggis
- Michael Poryes
- Michael Maurer
The Facts of Life - FAQs
Where can you stream The Facts of Life?
The Facts of Life is available to stream on The Roku Channel and Tubi TV at no cost with ads. Episodes can also be purchased digitally through Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. Availability may vary by region, so check JustWatch for the most current options near you.
Did George Clooney appear in The Facts of Life?
Yes, George Clooney had a recurring role in The Facts of Life as George Burnett, a handyman at the Eastland School. He appeared in Seasons 6 and 7 (1985–1987), making it one of his earliest television roles before his breakthrough on ER.
Who are the main cast members of The Facts of Life?
The core cast features Charlotte Rae as housemother Edna Garrett, Lisa Whelchel as privileged Blair Warner, Kim Fields as Tootie Ramsey, Mindy Cohn as Natalie Green, and Nancy McKeon as streetwise Jo Polniaczek. Cloris Leachman later joined as Beverly Ann Stickle.
How many seasons does The Facts of Life have?
The Facts of Life ran for 9 seasons on NBC, totaling 201 episodes. It premiered on August 24, 1979, and concluded in 1988, making it one of the longest-running sitcoms of its era. A special season of bonus content also exists alongside the main run.
What is The Facts of Life about?
The Facts of Life centers on Mrs. Edna Garrett, housemother and dietitian at the fictional Eastland School, a girls' boarding academy. She guides a diverse group of students through the real-world challenges of adolescence — from friendship and identity to social pressures and moral dilemmas.
Was The Facts of Life a spinoff of another show?
Yes, The Facts of Life is a spinoff of Diff'rent Strokes. Charlotte Rae's character, Edna Garrett, first appeared as the Drummond family housekeeper on that series before getting her own show. The spinoff debuted on NBC in 1979 and quickly surpassed its parent series in popularity.
What is the content rating for The Facts of Life?
The Facts of Life carries a TV-PG rating, reflecting its family-friendly but socially aware approach. While the series tackled serious topics like eating disorders, racism, and substance abuse, it did so in a manner considered appropriate for general audiences, particularly older children and teenagers.
Who created The Facts of Life?
The Facts of Life was created by Dick Clair, Norman Lear, and Jenna McMahon. Norman Lear, the legendary television producer behind All in the Family and Maude, brought his trademark social conscience to the series, helping shape its willingness to address challenging real-world issues within a comedic framework.
More About The Facts of Life
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