Alice (American TV series)

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Alice is an American television sitcom that aired on CBS from August 31, 1976, to March 19, 1985. The series is based on the 1974 film Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. The show stars Linda Lavin in the title role, a widow who moves with her young son to start a new life and finds a job working at a roadside diner in Phoenix, Arizona.

Premise

The series follows Alice Hyatt, a recently widowed mother, who moves to Phoenix, Arizona, with her son Tommy Hyatt to start a new life. She takes a job as a waitress at Mel's Diner, which is owned by the grumpy but kind-hearted Mel Sharples. The show focuses on Alice's interactions with her fellow waitresses, Flo Castleberry and Vera Gorman, as well as the various customers who frequent the diner.

Main Characters

• Alice Hyatt (Linda Lavin): The protagonist, a widow who works at Mel's Diner.
• Mel Sharples (Vic Tayback): The owner and cook of Mel's Diner.
• Flo Castleberry (Polly Holliday): A sassy waitress known for her catchphrase, "Kiss my grits!"
• Vera Gorman (Beth Howland): A ditzy but lovable waitress.
• Tommy Hyatt (Philip McKeon): Alice's teenage son.

Recurring Characters

• Earl Hicks (Dave Madden): A regular customer at Mel's Diner.
• Henry Beesmeyer (Marvin Kaplan): A telephone repairman and regular customer.
• Jolene Hunnicutt (Celia Weston): A waitress who replaces Flo.

Production

The series was created by Robert Getchell, who also wrote the screenplay for Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. The show was produced by Warner Bros. Television and was filmed in front of a live studio audience. The theme song, "There's a New Girl in Town," was performed by Linda Lavin.

Reception

Alice was well-received by audiences and critics alike, running for nine seasons and producing a total of 202 episodes. The show was praised for its strong performances, particularly by Linda Lavin and Polly Holliday. Polly Holliday's character, Flo, became so popular that she was given her own spin-off series, Flo.

Legacy

Alice remains a beloved classic of 1970s and 1980s television. The show has been syndicated on various networks and streaming platforms, allowing new generations to enjoy the series. The character of Flo and her catchphrase "Kiss my grits!" have become iconic in American pop culture.

Related Pages

• Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore
• Flo (TV series)
• Linda Lavin
• Vic Tayback
• Polly Holliday
• Beth Howland
• Philip McKeon
• Warner Bros. Television
• CBS