Ah, the TV premiere of “Happy Days” on January 14, 1974. What a time to be alive!
Growing up in the 70s, “Happy Days” was a staple in my household. Every week, my family and I would gather around the TV to watch the latest adventures of Richie Cunningham and his friends.
At the center of it was Henry Winkler’s iconic portrayal of Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli, the cool and collected motorcycle-riding ladies’ man. Then there was Ron Howard as Richie, the all-American nice guy with a heart of gold. Marion Cunningham, played by Marion Ross, was the matriarch of the family and always had a kind word and a warm meal for anyone who needed it.
Of course, no episode of “Happy Days” was complete without appearances from the rest of the gang, including the humorous and lovable Warren “Potsie” Weber (Anson Williams) and “Ralph Malph” (Donny Most).
As the years went on and the show continued to air, new characters were introduced. They became fan favorites, such as Fonzie’s love interest, Pinky Tuscadero (Roz Kelly), and Richie’s love interest, Lori Beth Allen (Lynda Goodfriend).
The show took place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the Cunninghams’ official address was listed as 565 North Clinton Drive. However, the house that served as the exterior for the Cunningham residence was actually located at 565 North Cahuenga Boulevard in Los Angeles, just a few blocks from the Paramount Studios lot.
“Happy Days” also featured various iconic locations, such as Arnold’s Drive-In. The inspiration for the original Arnold’s was the Milky Way Drive-In, located on Port Washington Road in the North Shore suburb of Glendale. The exterior of Arnold’s was actually a dressed area on the Paramount Studios lot, which has since been demolished.
The set for the diner in the first season was a room with the same general details as the later set, but when the show switched to studio-based filming, the set was redesigned and became the Arnold’s that is most remembered. The new set featured orange booths and college pennants on the walls, as well as a Seeburg jukebox and a pinball machine.
Unfortunately, storylines dictated that the set would be destroyed by fire, so in later seasons, a different Arnold’s Drive-In emerged. This new set featured wood paneling and stained glass and lasted through the later years of the show. In 2004, for the “Happy Days” 30th Anniversary Reunion, the familiar set was rebuilt by Production Designer James Yarnell and this was the first time that the “Happy Days” cast had been in this set since the 1970s.
Looking back on the premiere of “Happy Days” nearly 50 years ago, it’s hard not to feel a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time. The show brought joy and laughter to households across the country and will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who grew up with it.
So here’s to “Happy Days” and all of its lovable characters. We may not be able to go back in time, but thanks to reruns and streaming services, we can always relive the magic of this classic show.
In this collection, we have compiled some of the show’s most memorable and heartwarming moments. From Fonzie’s cool and collected demeanor to Marion Cunningham’s maternal warmth, these moments will take you back in time and bring a smile to your face. So sit back, relax, and relive “Happy Days” magic with us.
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