Welcome Back, Kotter

[ClassyCo]

I can't remember which station, but I used to watch reruns of WELCOME BACK, KOTTER a few years ago. It was enjoyable enough, and there were even times the show made me laugh. It aired on ABC from 1975 to 1979, producing four seasons and 95 half-hour episodes. It was a star vehicle for Gabe Kaplan, and made John Travolta into a heartthrob.

Any fans out there?

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[Spooky Owl!]

I recall watching it regularly at the time. It was one of those shows I didn't love but sat through... Nearly everybody died youngish (okay, in their sixties -- I just checked) except Kaplan and Travolta.

It was mildly amusing enough to keep me tuning in -- though once Travolta left for SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, I watched less often. Not that he was my favorite.

Marcia Strassman had that Diane Keaton thing goin' on.

 

[Chris2]

Marcia Strassman was one of the best things about Kotter (she and Jan Smithers of WKRP remind me of each other). Gabe Kaplan wasn’t a great actor, though I have mad respect for him putting blowhard Robert Conrad in his place on Battle of the Network Stars.

James Komack was a lousy producer. He also produced the equally cringeworthy Chico and the Man. And he ruined the TV version of 9 to 5 after he wrested control of it away from Jane Fonda and her producing partner.

 

[Spooky Owl!]

Marcia Strassman was one of the best things about Kotter (she and Jan Smithers of WKRP remind me of each other). Gabe Kaplan wasn’t a great actor, though I have mad respect for him putting blowhard Robert Conrad in his place on Battle of the Network Stars.

James Komack was a lousy producer. He also produced the equally cringeworthy Chico and the Man. And he ruined the TV version of 9 to 5 after he wrested control of it away from Jane Fonda and her producing partner.

Agreed. I remember Komack asserting that "and now it's a hit!" once he took over 9 to 5, as the ratings promptly crashed and it was cancelled.

Wishful thinking PR doesn't guarantee Neilsen numbers.