May 9, 2022 – The Golden Girls

30 years ago today, the finale of The Golden Girls ran on NBC. It was watched by 27.2 million viewers, which is the 17th most-watched TV finale in history.
The Golden Girls premiered on September 14, 1985 and ran for 7 seasons. It was an immediate hit, ranking in the top 10 shows for 6 of its seasons. Estelle Getty was the first to be cast in the role of Sophia Petrillo, Dorothy’s feisty mother. It took 3 hours in hair and makeup to transform into Sophia – she was actually a year younger than Bea Arthur, her TV daughter!
Producers of the show were interested in casting Rue McLanahan and Betty White, who had both starred in Mama’s Family. However, they originally wanted to cast McClanahan as Rose and White and Blanche, based on parts they had previously played. But the actresses didn’t want to be typecast, so they switched roles at the last minute.
While the Girls lived in Miami, the house used for exterior shots is in Los Angeles. It’s still there, but it’s surrounded by walls and foliage to discourage nosy fans!
One of the show’s biggest fans was Queen Elizabeth. She loved the show so much she invited the 4 stars to perform live at the Royal Variety Performance in London in 1988.
The Golden Girls came to an end when Bea Arthur decided to leave the show. There was a spin off series, The Golden Palace, but it only lasted one season.
Learn more here.