The Golden Girls

I was six when this show first aired, but I caught the reruns, first on NBC and then on Lifetime. This is the ONLY sitcom I can watch over and over again and still laugh hysterically. What made it work was the combination of brilliant (brilliant!!) writing, and a cast that worked magic with the words. Each character was totally iconic, memorable, and independent of the other; and yet, the chemistry between the four actresses was perhaps the best ever seen on television. It's no wonder they all won Emmy awards for their performances. The heart of the show, though, was the friendship they formed with each other. This was THE show for people who felt isolated, or alienated in some way from life, family, or society. No matter how bad or weird you felt, you knew you'd be accepted and fit in with The Golden Girls. I can't say enough about this classic show.

There is a reason why this show is one of the most beloved shows of all time, with a rabid fan base.

With its bright, wicker-strewn set and four distinct female characters, I don't see how "The Golden Girls" could've missed. Add a terrific cast, and you've got a goldmine. My favorite episodes are the serious one about Alzheimers, the hilarious one where the women have to decide between a new roof or a painting by a dying artist, and any of those that prominently feature Beatrice Arthur (portraying my favorite golden girl, Dorothy Zbornak). Occasionally there was a dip in inspiration, such as the groan-filled two-parter about Blanche's moonlight madness party, or some fearsome overacting (Estelle Getty was the usual culprit). Still, the reruns never fail to get a laugh out of me, and I must know the episodes by heart by now. Sharp, canny writing, funny second plots to match the main action, brilliant characterizations and good writing for the supporting players. It is my generation's "I Love Lucy".

The sweet Betty White, the glamorous Rue McClanahan, the sharp Bea Arthur and the hilarious Estelle Getty join forces to star in this unforgettable, nostalgic, utterly hilarious, warm, family comedy that entwines every feeling and emotion that us humans experience and covers it with verbal and visual comedy.

After her husbands death, Blanche Deveraux (Rue McClanahan), a sexy, Texas southerner, advertises for two roommates to live in her smart, Floridian bungalow. After several candidates, she receives grief-councilor Rose Nyland (Betty White), an adorable, naïve widow from St. Olaf, Minnesota and Dorothy Zbornak (Beatrice Arthur), a recently divorced substitute high-school, literature teacher, from New York City. The three live together until in the pilot episode where Dorothy's witty, Sicilian mother, Sofia Petrillo (Estelle Getty) appears, after her nursing home 'burnt down'. Together, the four women live together, accompanied by sex, cheesecake, gossip, arguments and every other element that makes true friendship.

If I was ever asked what five things I'd take with me onto a tropical island – it'd be the three Golden Girls series I have on DVD, my TV and my DVD Player. The Golden Girls remains my forever favorite sitcom, simply because its true – its not fake. Its totally and utterly believable.

Herb Edelman also made frequent appearances as Dorothy's sleazy ex-husband, who left her for an air hostess. As did Harold Gould as Rose's major love interest. Equipped with its famous guest appearances, including Tony Jay, Anne Haney, Polly Holiday, George Clooney, Paula Kelly, Nancy Walker, Lloyd Bochner, Murray Hamilton, Deborah May, Jeanette Nolan and Leslie Neilson. Not to mention the Special Guest Appearances – people as themselves – including Burt Reynolds, Alex Trebek and Merv Griffin this is also another key factor.

I actually wrote to my two favourite Golden Girls' Betty/Rose and Rue/Blanche back in 2004 who BOTH sent back beautiful signed photos personally addressed to me. I was so happy. Since I purchased the first three series of amazon.com (I live in the UK, but own a DVD player – which, thank God, plays American DVDs), I've also grown to like Dorothy. If Bea Arthur is reading this, I am planning to write to her as well, but due to the constant worry of my upcoming GSCE's – I just haven't had time. Please, bare with me! I'd also right to Estelle but sadly due to her suffering with the dreadful Alzheimer's Disease, I can't.

My own personal top five favorites would have to be: (NOT in order)

1. The Operation 2. The Actor (Dorothy – life on stage: You're a dirt bag!) 3. Pilot 4. The Heart Attack 5. The Housekeeper

The cheerful opening theme tune 'Thank You For Being a Friend' sung by a lady who's name I don't know, helps create the sense of security and joy when watching. I can't recall a storyline that wasn't profound and funny at the same time. What more can I say? I love this programe, much better than 'The Nanny' (Another favourite American sitcom of mine) and 'Will and Grace' an overrated American comedy. I'm so pleased all three won award for their treasured portrayals. I now look forward to buying series four – due to release in February 2006, so a little while to wait.

A pure diamond of a show!

This show was a friggin' classic!

This came out when I was very young, before they showed it in reruns on Lifetime, I had no clue what was so funny... now I know!

I'm a guy, but I enjoy shows like this because of almost everything... especially when the other three girls insult Rose.

The way I see it, no matter how many times you've seen this show, it's always funny.

This is definately a 10 in my book.

I loved this show the minute I saw it as a teen. I saw it once or twice as a kid, but never got the jokes. Now that I'm a bit more grown-up, I've seen every epi at least 10 times and watch it whenever it comes on. They were the precursor to every show about 4 women talking about everything under the sun. The similarity to Sex and the City is very striking and many other shows like that. Blanche and Dorothy were my favorite. But, of course, each one represents the different sides of women. Like that episode with the Hungarian sculpturer who said the stature was all 3 of them because together, they make the perfect woman. I love this show to death and don't mind watching it over and over. It broke a lot of barriers and is just plain funny. They were so good at their characters that to see them doing something outside of it in real life is a shock, lol. Golden Girls Forever!