On this day in 1982, the musical TV drama Fame debuted.

At a time when there were only three broadcast networks, cable was in its infancy, and social media and streaming services were non-existent, musical drama was born. famewas based on the 1980 film of the same name and was a key factor in NBC’s future success. Unfortunately, fame It never drew a large audience on the No. 3 network at the time.In fact, NBC canceled it after just two seasons.But fame It was the predecessor of Peacock’s wildly successful ‘Must See TV’ Thursday night programming brand. It was another early example of life after cancellation on a broadcast network. It also demonstrated the importance and value of finding a fan base outside the United States.

Debuted on this day in 1982, fame Stepped into NBC’s Thursday 8pm ET to replace the failed sitcom Harper Valley When Lewis & Clark. lead comedy different strokes When Gimme A Break! Thursday at 9pm was modest at best.And sophomore crime drama hill street blues 10 pm It didn’t take advantage of its first eight Emmy wins (including Outstanding Drama Series). But after getting ABC’s Emmy-lined comedy, taxi For the fifth season, NBC’s plan was to create a “must see” night of the show in the fall of 1982. fame Still leading off the night, followed by a new comedy cheers into the taxi 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm hill street blues.

Looking at the numbers (specifically Nielsen’s ratings), planning was poor.finally a mega hit cheers In fact, it was the season’s underrated new fall entry, fame When taxi It was modest at best.But hill street blues, and in Season 3, finished the season close to the top 20 (21st overall). And critics took notice.after cancellation fame (Kept alive for four more seasons in first-run syndication) and pass another season taxi, NBC never forgot its “Must See TV” roots. By the 1984-85 television season, the comedy line-up had great success cosby show, family ties, cheers When night coat,Drama Hill Street Blues.

Given its classic “Must See TV” show brand, fame was an important ingredient.

Set in the New York City Performing Arts High School, fame We followed the lives of our students through a mix of comedy, drama and music. Four cast members from the original film have appeared in the TV series: Debbie Allen as dance instructor Lydia Grant, Albert Haig as music teacher Mr. Shorovsky, introverted musical genius Bruno Martelli, Lee Carelli and Gene Anthony Rae, and Leroy Johnson, tough hoods from the project, have a natural flair for dancing.

Unlike other TV series of the time or before, fame They set their own rules and often tackle real-world problems through their songs. She has won numerous awards, including nine Emmy Awards (including his two for Choreography) and a two-time Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series (Comedy or Musical). . The series has generated interest around the world, especially in the UK, leading to several hit records and live concert tours by the cast. Including Billy Hufsey as Donlon, Janet Jackson as Cleo Hewitt, Nia Peoples as Nicole Chapman, and Carrie Hamilton as Reggie Higgins.

In December 2008, Channel 4 in the UK aired a 90 minute special. regain one’s famewhich reunited some of the original cast members.

NBC has revisited the title fame A 2003 reality competition with the same theme music (with new vocals) and produced by Debbie Allen. The goal was to find the next “triple threat”: someone who could sing, dance and have star qualities. As the theme song implies, “Live Forever” doesn’t last one season. But his original TV series Fame and previous movies have left a lasting imprint on the importance of being unique, which was the predecessor of ‘Must See TV’.