In these uncertain times we need to take solace in the arts more than ever and so in a new series of essays writers reflect on particular pieces of culture that bring them joy beginning with Arwa Haider on the classic sitcom thats still loved 35 years after it first aired.
Miami 1985 the starting point for arguably one of the greatest TV shows of all time. The Golden Girls ran for seven seasons spanning 180 episodes from that original NBC transmission 35 years ago seizing numerous awards including Golden Globes and Emmys, and broadcasting all over the world inspiring international versions including Spain Russia and The Philippines. The original premise and its star quartet still feels exceptional: here was a prime time sitcom that revelled in its focus on four female senior citizen housemates. The Golden Girls was fiercely funny unashamedly soppy brazenly glamorous with an abundance of 80s shoulder pads and hairspray and bravely outspoken and there has never been a better time to treasure its legacy.
In real life as well as the entertainment business we are regularly given the impression that being elderly devalues us The Golden Girls has always been a vivacious antidote to that seniority reigns supreme here and its four seasoned women live love and laugh to the fullest. There is statuesque acerbic academic Dorothy Zbornak Bea Arthur whose raised eyebrow expressions deserved star billing in their own right wide eyed yet sharp tongued Scandi American Rose Nylund Betty White flirtatious Southern peach Blanche Devereaux Rue McClanahan and Dorothys wizened wisecracking Sicilian Brooklynite mother Sophia Petrillo Estelle Getty who was in reality a year younger than her screen daughter. The fact that Arthur McClanahan and Getty are no longer with us somehow intensifies the chemistry of this on screen bond White now 98 has continued to prove a sparkling presence across roles from contemporary sitcom Hot In Cleveland to voice acting in Toy Story 4.
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