Following the passing of Charlotte Rae earlier this week, we’ve been thinking a lot about how enjoyable — and enduring — the sitcom The Facts of Life truly was. Originally conceived as a Diff’rent Strokes spinoff starring Rae’s loving Mrs. Garrett character, the series played with its format several times over the years, eclipsing the success of its parent show in the process. Although the road to popularity was not without its potholes. The first season was a ratings disaster, featuring so many characters that the audience couldn’t keep them all straight. Wisely, the show’s producers decided to retool the show in its second year to focus only on Mrs. Garrett, Natalie, Blair, Tootie and new girl Jo, and thus TV history was born. From the Eastland years through to Edna’s Edibles, Over Our Heads to the Beverly Ann Stickle seasons, The Facts of Life was always evolving during its nine seasons on the airwaves. You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have…television greatness.
Vote for your favorite character from the show below!