#diff'rent strokes

[contac]

[elcomfortador]

Have you ever wondered why there were so many 80s shows about orphans being adopted by rich people? Or kids being cared for by non-biological parents? Having done Gayest Episode Ever for seven years (!!!), I've actually learned enough TV history to offer an answer. It involves several U.S. presidents, but surprisingly not Ronald Reagan.

Have a listen to one of the first "general sitcom studies" installments of Gayest Episode Ever, in which we step away from LGBTQ plotlines to answer a question that many keen-eyed TV viewers have been wondering about for decades.

Subscribe to Gayest Episode Ever: Apple Podcasts / Spotify

[haveyouseenthisseries-poll]

[chaptertwo-thepacnw]

the facts of life |1981|

[sonofshermy]

[thelazybutler]

Kinda wild how almost every sitcom ever made has at least one scene that's basically just,

"Character 1: Your actions really negatively affected me, and I'm hurt and confused why you'd do something like that.

Character 2: I literally never even thought about how you might feel and I'm so sorry about that, I've been going through [trauma] and I don't know how to deal with (feelings character 1 can relate to, but never opened up to character 1 about when they went through [similar trauma]), I'm sorry you were so negatively affected, I've been under severe emotional stress and have behaved in a way I regret.

Character 1: Oh my god I had no idea! I know a thing or two about [trauma] myself. Let me share my incredibly similar experience. Lots of people have to deal with this, some would say it's almost universal. Now that I understand your state of mind when I was affected negatively by your actions, and I understand no malice was intended, I feel closer to you.

Character 2: Same. I promise to be more emotionally vulnerable in the future because our bond has strengthened and we will both help each other grow as people. I treasure our friendship.

Spencer: What's crappenin sluts?

Characters 1&2: SPENCERRR!"

Am I the only one that let multiple friendships wither on the vine rather than have one or two frank emotional conversations? I'm terrified this is universal because that would explain way too much

[loveboatinsanity]

[faline-cat444]

Whatever TV era this is if it's a decade definer or "classics" as a whole

[haveyouheardofthisshow]

[fandomlife-confessions]

[sbrown82]

She’s always been beautiful!

Janet Jackson as Charlene DuPrey on “Diff'rent Strokes” (1980)

[duranduratulsa]

Here are my 50 favorite TV shows of all time in order...

47. Diff'rent Strokes #DiffrentStrokes #garycoleman #ripgarycoleman #toddbridges

[chaptertwo-thepacnw]

[retrogoldenmemories]

NBC via Getty images

[sfppn]

From the Pop Culture Bunker 300

A TV Titan has his curtain call. P.S. Happy 10th Anniversary of FTPCB!

FTPCB 300

[greensparty]

This Month In History - November

It has been quite a month for pop culture anniversaries and here are a few I'm celebrating:

Nov. 3, 1978: Diff'rent Strokes premieres

In Nov. 1978, one of my favorite sitcoms of the 70s/80s premiered. Here is my piece I wrote in 2018. Happy 45 DS!

Nov. 3, 1978: Outlandos d'Amour released

In Nov. 1978 (on the same exact day as Diff'rent Strokes' premiere), the debut album from The Police was released. I wouldn't call this my favorite Police album, but it is a very impressive debut of a band announcing themselves. Earlier this year, I saw guitarist Andy Summers and bassist / singer Sting in separate concerts and both did songs off of this album. It's still an incredible collection of songs from the U.K. trio equally influenced by reggae and punk and loads of other genres. The album kicks off with "Next to You" (just try not to air drum to it) and it doesn't lose steam. Happy 45 Od'A!

Nov. 3, 1998: Mutations released

In Nov. 1998, Beck's beginning of "Sad Beck" was released. Here is my piece I wrote in 2018. Happy 25th Mutations!

Nov. 4, 1998: Gods and Monsters opens

In Nov. 1998 one of the best movies about a filmmaker was released. Sir Ian McKellen plays James Whale, the director of Frankenstein, in his last days and the friendship he forms with his gardener (Brendan Fraser). Both actors are at the top of their game and it showed the power of cinema and friendship. Fraser finally won an Oscar for The Whale, but this was one of his strongest performances. Happy 25 G&M!

Nov. 10, 1978: Give 'Em Enough Rope released

In Nov. 1978, the second album from The Clash was released. I named it my #4 Clash Album in my ranking of their albums. Here is my piece I wrote in 2018. Happy 45 GEER!

Nov. 18, 1983: A Christmas Story opens

In Nov. 1983, one of my favorite holiday movies was released. Here is my piece I wrote in 2018. Happy 40th ACS!

Nov. 22, 1963: With The Beatles released

Nov. 22, 1968: The White Album released

What are the chances that The Beatles released 2 classic albums on the same exact day 5 years apart! Here is my piece I wrote about With The Beatles and The White Album in 2018. Happy 60th WTB! Also - here is my album review of the 50th anniversary edition of The White Album from 2018. Happy 55th White Album!

Nov. 26, 2008: Milk opens

In Nov. 2008, Gus Van Sant's Harvey Milk biopic was released. Here is my piece I wrote in 2018. Happy 15 Milk!