This is a wonderful nostalgic series that I always hoped to catch on re runs for my own teenage son, but unfortunately was never able to find it. It revolves around a Milwaukee family, the Cunninghams, consisting of the father Howard (a hardware store owner), mother Marion (a homemaker), son Richie and daughter Joanie. Richie attends Jefferson High where his friends include the prankster, Ralph, and alleged nerd, Potsie. Richie later discovers a love interest in the form of Lori Beth.
Ron Howard is perfect as the fresh faced, squeaky clean boy next door, Richie Cunningham. All the family roles are cleverly cast. It is so refreshing by contrast with modern programming to see a traditional TV family where the parents are portrayed as well intended, caring individuals.
Of course the real star of the series is the Fonz, i.e. Arthur Fonzerelli, a greasy high school drop out who is the coolest guy in town. He acts like a big brother to Richie & his pals and eventually moves into an apartment over the Cunningham's garage. Fonzie's 'office' is the men's washroom at Arnold's, the local burger and soda hangout where these teenagers gather after school. Of course all the pretty girls flock to him at the snap of his fingers! In my opinion, Fonzie's legendary popularity emerged because beneath that cool & tough exterior is a heart of gold and a genuine integrity. Henry Winkler is positively brilliant in the role. Later Fonzie's nephew, Chachi, joins the series and has a romance with the now more mature Joanie.
Oh, that TV had programs like this today. There's a genuine warmth to the show and a heartwarming affection between these characters that seems sadly missing these days. I missed most of the series' later years, but suspect the early ones were the best in any case. Happy Days is a classic comedic slice of teenage Americana and a nostalgic look back to growing up in the 1950's.
Ron Howard is perfect as the fresh faced, squeaky clean boy next door, Richie Cunningham. All the family roles are cleverly cast. It is so refreshing by contrast with modern programming to see a traditional TV family where the parents are portrayed as well intended, caring individuals.
Of course the real star of the series is the Fonz, i.e. Arthur Fonzerelli, a greasy high school drop out who is the coolest guy in town. He acts like a big brother to Richie & his pals and eventually moves into an apartment over the Cunningham's garage. Fonzie's 'office' is the men's washroom at Arnold's, the local burger and soda hangout where these teenagers gather after school. Of course all the pretty girls flock to him at the snap of his fingers! In my opinion, Fonzie's legendary popularity emerged because beneath that cool & tough exterior is a heart of gold and a genuine integrity. Henry Winkler is positively brilliant in the role. Later Fonzie's nephew, Chachi, joins the series and has a romance with the now more mature Joanie.
Oh, that TV had programs like this today. There's a genuine warmth to the show and a heartwarming affection between these characters that seems sadly missing these days. I missed most of the series' later years, but suspect the early ones were the best in any case. Happy Days is a classic comedic slice of teenage Americana and a nostalgic look back to growing up in the 1950's.