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Looking back...Primetime Ratings from the 80's


Paul Raven

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And look who landed the No. 2 spot that week?  "The Golden Girls."  Two series (GG and MSW) about women who weren't under 30* managed, at least for one week, to top the Fiesta Bowl, "60 Minutes," all four primetime soaps (although, to be fair, they were all in decline anyway) and every single prestige series (like "Hill Street Blues," "St. Elsewhere" and "Moonlighting") that routinely won the lion's share of Emmy nominations and critical acclaim.

That's why it has always pissed me off how the industry, Madison Avenue and others snub their noses at MSW in particular.  A hit show is still a hit show, people, regardless of the age(s) of its' cast.

(*But don't tell Blanche Devereaux that!)

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Even though The Golden Girls centered on four 50+ women, it appealed to viewers of all walks of life. The Golden Girls was the breakout hit of 1985/86, finishing 7th, and it breathed new life into NBC's Saturday night lineup. 1986/87 The Golden Girls finished 5th. 1987/88 was it's highest finish, 4th, behind The Cosby Show, A Different World, Cheers. NBC really had the sitcom game on lock in the second half of the 1980s.

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Oh, God, it was THAT episode that hit number one?  Sheesh.

Ironically, for an episode where the victim is literally beheaded, "Horseman" was so dull to watch.  Jessica's friend (and obligatory falsely accused party) was such a nerd; the object of his affections, who clearly was not into him, was irritatingly self-absorbed; and Judy Landers was, well, Judy Landers.

Say what you will about "Menace, Anyone?" and its' blatant rewrites that rendered the whole effort a violent and incomprehensible mess, but at least it didn't bore you to tears!

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I loved when she came to visit, and the curses Sophia and Angela would exchange.  

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"May you put your dentures in upside down and chew your head off!"

"May the bags under your eyes grow so large your head falls in them!"

"May you take a diuretic and not be able to get your pantyhose off!"

and the one Sophia reacted to most:

"May your marinarasauce never cling to your pasta!"

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