Barrybgb

ABC's popular comedy block, known as TGIF, was a successful night of family oriented/kid friendly on Fridays that lasted for 12 years. It was born from an idea from an ABC executive who wanted a programming block like he remembered as a kid when he would watch 'TheWonderful World Of Disney'. It began, without the TGIF moniker, in 1988, and that 88-89 season debuted from 8-10 with Perfect Strangers, Full House, Mr. Belvedere, and Just The Ten Of Us. It was finally branded with the TGIF (Thank Goodness It's Funny) title the following season, 89-90, and that year aired Full House, Family Matters, Perfect Strangers, and Just The Ten Of Us.



Promos from 1988:
1988 ABC Fridays - YouTube

Closing theme from 1988:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkEyWgtYWuI





1989 Promo:
First Official ABC TGIF Footage- September 1989 - YouTube





TGIF went on to air such other popular shows as "Step By Step", "Boy Meets World" and "Sabrina, The Teenage Witch". It ceased airing after the 99-00 season.

Melis

Yay! I loved watching TGIF! Such fun.

Barrybgb

Even though these shows already have their own thread, I thought it would be fun to have one for TGIF! It's mostly associated with the 90s, but it was 80s born and bred!

It looks like ABC is trying to get it off the ground again. This fall, Tim Allen's old fashioned family sitcom "Last Man Standing" is moving to Fridays at 8, followed by another new family friendly sitcom "Malibu Country" with Reba McEntire.

Melis

That'd be cool though I don't really like his new show.

Barrybgb

It's been growing on me. Wish it were 8-10 with two more shows.

Melis

Maybe eventually.

AutumnColorsღ

I loved TGIF too!

Barrybgb

Ah, the memories. I wished things were simpler. So many shows and sitcoms nowadays try to be high concept, edgy, and overly clever. Why not just a nice family show?

Melis

I guess they think it's boring.

Barrybgb

I guess. That's sad.

Melis

Yes, too bad. People are missing out.

Barrybgb

Or shows that live in front of an audience. More and more do without live audiences nowadays. I like a show having an audience, as long as it's real and not canned laughter.

Melis

I miss those, too.

Barrybgb

It's just nice to get that immediate reaction. Somtimes it makes a joke or a situation even funnier.

Melis

Yes, I do love the canned laughter. I miss it, too.