1980 You and Me and ABC

[@rickballnik9670]

It's almost surreal to see all of this Talent on one stage together promoting their lineup. This is classic. Bittersweet as many of these stars are no longer with us.

[@jkhoover]

I love that Tom Hanks barely makes the video. We need to highlight the BIG stars.

[@jonthomas8569]

As a kid I remember that it felt like a big deal to see all the tv stars doing these promos. I love this and I wish they'd bring them back.

[@MarkHaggerty-v2i]

Sooo corny, even for 1980. But I absolutely agree it felt like a big deal at the time. And some stats I forgot had shows at the time…Burgess Merideth. Ann Jillian,

[@dougfredricks2017]

From a better era of TV. Today's offerings are Goat tripe

[@demetriusdillard2863]

I enthusiastically concur, @@dougfredricks2017!

[@kylegraham6266]

I . . . could watch this 1,000 times and still enjoy it

[@toddanthony6664]

Confession: Sometimes I do.

[@itsjemmabond]

Me too!

[@RazorsEdge1810]

Would if I could.

[@dezsmith9275]

Sameeee

[@nashshaffer6235]

I remember when these people ruled the world 😊

[@philipdefibaugh5683]

The Fonz with a beard is priceless.

[@mikeandhisdogs]

I was working at an ABC affiliate down in deep south Texas when this first came down the line in, I guess it was late August of 1979. Watching it on the control room monitors, I remember thinking that we were affiliated with a network that was SERIOUS about promotion, and that our jump from NBC a few years before was indeed a very smart move. ABC made the affiliates feel line the network would indeed support THEM. Good days.

[@paulchakola7372]

This is pretty interesting insight from someone who worked in that era of television, thanks for sharing

[@tj921able]

This is a really nice promo for ABC. It's too bad we don't have this sort of thing any more. TY for sharing it. God Bless You & stay safe.

[@arnetrahughes2277]

I specifically looked for this commercial. This was my JAM. When I sang it, everyone in the neighborhood discovered I could sing. 🤣

[@jpgnzlz]

Oh my God I was 13 when this was on!!! Blast from the past!!!

[@demetriusdillard2863]

The opening piano riff reminds me of George Benson's cover of "On Broadway"! And it's entertaining to see Henry Winkler (albeit with a beard and long hair), Tom Hanks, Joyce DeWitt, John Davidson, Missy Gold, Ann Jillian, Hal Linden, Cathy Lee Crosby, Bernie Kopell, Diana Canova, Paul Kreppel, and Jill Whelan strutting their stuff and singing their hearts out! May Robert Urich, Gavin MacLeod, Burgess Meredith, Tom Bosley, Al Molinaro, Ricardo Montalban, Robert Guillaume, Roscoe Lee Browne, Penny Marshall, Cindy Williams, Robert Donner, Tom Poston, Danny Thomas, Inga Swenson, Ted Knight, and James Noble continue to rest in peace...they are still missed!

[@demetriusdillard2863]

Whoops. I didn't even realize that Inga Swenson is still alive and kicking (in fact, she'll turn ninety in December). I'll have to correct my initial comment. Thanks for commenting, @@savellexsse.

[@DNSKansas]

Sadly, Cindy Williams has left us.

[@demetriusdillard2863]

Yes, that is (unfortunately) true. I'll have to update my original comment from five years ago to add Cindy Williams to the memoriam of deceased TV stars of yesteryear...seems like a majority of the cast from "Laverne & Shirley" is no longer among the living, save for Michael "Lenny" McKean. Thanks for commenting, @@DNSKansas.

[@culttelevision]

It's a direct rip from that song with the same instrumentation even down to the muted low end wah :)

[@ericsondesiongco1745]

Don't forget Inga Swenson Marion Ross and Lauren Tewes. But did I see Erin Moran and Anson Williams too?

[@bgva82]

The best thing about all this is seeing the big name stars and supporting actors/actresses all dancing, and nobody's taking themselves too seriously.

[@ragger07]

I can't believe how brilliant this is. Thank you SO MUCH for posting!

[@funnypicturescomics]

Was that Tom Hanks in the back???????

[@savellexsse]

This was for the 1980-81 new season on ABC. No participation from some of the top hits then ("Hart to Hart," "Taxi" and "Charlie's Angels"). "Mork & Mindy" was actually represented by Tom Poston when he appeared as Mr. Bickley, and Robert Donner represented the show as Exidor, but I believe he was there for the spinoff of his character that never happened. Diana Canova had left "Soap" and was in the new show "I'm a Big Girl Now" along with Danny Thomas. Robert Guillaume also had left "Soap" to appear here with his "Benson" colleagues. It turns out Burgess Meredith was on this as the host of "Those Amazing Animals." Shows from preceding years that missed being included: "Battestar Galactica," "Starsky & Hutch," "Welcome Back, Kotter" and "What's Happening!!" The shows just on the horizon included "Dynasty," "The Greatest American Hero," "Joanie Loves Chachi," "The Fall Guy," "T.J. Hooker" and the way-too-short-lived "Police Squad!"

[@FomorViceroy]

Welcome Back, Kotter, What’s Happening!!, and Starsky and Hutch were cancelled at the end of the 1978-1979 season. Galactica 1980 was cancelled the previous season.

[@savellexsse]

Of course you mean the following season, in fact the flagship series "Battlestar Galactica" along with "Starsky & Hutch," "Kotter" and "What's Happening!!" were all canceled on the same day, along with two others, "Delta House" and "Makin' It." I remember seeing the item in TV Guide.

[@susandenny7500]

Kate Jackson from "Charlie's Angels" is in the promo.

[@JHollowayNetwork]

"Three's Company" was represented by Joyce DeWitt here.

[@DNSKansas]

@@susandenny7500 Um, Kate left Charlie's Angels in May 1979. And by the time of the promo, so had Shelley Hack.

[@rafaelsale6364]

I loved this promo when it first aired. So many stars in one place doing a song and dance number. Hats off to them for putting it together. I'm pretty sure those stars didn't want to do it, but it may have been in their contracts. Especially, when practically everyone of them weren't professional singers and dancers.

[@sierria64]

ricardo maltiban was a MGM Satr he was. watch how he comes down.. he knew

[@dianemoe7222]

I remember this so well. I was 16 years old and tv was great! I couldn’t wait for the start of the new season. This brings back the best memories.

[@SkyBlue-qn8me]

0:14 John Davidson going for the rolled up Miami Vice suit sleeves, beating Don Johnson 4 years early!

[@te663]

I totally remember this- I loved it

[@thejyav]

That is just amazing. can you imagine how much those actors hated their lives in that moment? I would just love if ABC or one of the networks made their stars do something like that now. Also why has no one like Conan pulled that clip to show Hanks?

[@OURadQueen]

I had to watch it again to see Tom Hanks. Thanks for the heads up!

[@jenniferbaldini3527]

Jason Yavor, if they hated themselves in *that* moment, I wonder what they felt doing "Circus of the Stars" and "Battle of the Network Stars"??? Loved those shows as a kid and was glad ABC tried to bring back 'Battle' in 2017.

[@thatsjarrod1965]

They probably loved it! This was back when folks were still allowed to have fun

[@expletivedeleted7853]

I don’t know, Henry Winkler and Danny Thomas seem to be having a genuinely great time!

[@AsYourCruiseDirector]

Everyone except John Davidson.

[@rayvincente]

Wow this takes me back! Looks like they added Joyce DeWitt later. The original of this I saw she was not in and when she is in now it's a closeup and no one around her. Still good fun. Great to see Robert Urich! And the Fonz look wonderful!

[@darcimonet]

I was 10 when this aired...I remember promos like this were what made me want to be a session singer. It's also so crazy to see who went on to rule the world and who ended up fading into "regular" life. So cheesy good!

[@camoanddonuts7894]

1980 was a happier time than we let on, especially after the Miracle on Ice and Reagan getting elected...in the sense that it was new and took the disco late 70s and started to give it a 80s vibe and pinch on the rear

[@Comictalent]

This video is so funny to rewatch now. It's equally joyous and ridiculous. Fonzie at 1:00 is like "Who's got the coke bowl?!?!"

[@itsjemmabond]

It's only the beginning!

[@GeorgeRother]

I love this!

[@robertnycguyraisedonrecord7587]

I was 15 and looked forward to TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT, IT'S A LIVING, BOSOM BUDDIES and I'M A BIG GIRL NOW, all 4 new ABC comedies. Sad, so many have passed on as of June 2018. I remember these ABC promos. When Primetime was still worth watching.

[@rockturtleneck]

Love "off season" Winkler with the beard and long hair. What a freaking icon.

[@robertbeaudoin3755]

I remember this back when I was 12. Awesome.

[@crassyfrake]

Henry Winkler looks so awesome with the shaggy hair and beard....straight out of the late 70s/early 80s

[@DNSKansas]

Faux Bee Gee

[@jerrylive365]

Love it!

[@parmesancrisp]

1:10 - Hal Linden really feeling himself

[@brockreynolds870]

Hal Linden is originally a musical theater man. He's in his element!

[@phil83ish]

Love the shimmy by Cathy Lee Crosby at 0:29...mm hm...

[@shyamdevadas6099]

Very bittersweet to see this. I'm 60 now and can remember when this was the pinnacle of TV excellence. It's an age that will never happen again, due to the change in economics, tastes, technology, and the mass market. Television has now become so diluted with mediocrity. You'll never see the concentration of talent like this, ever again. The current and future generations will be ignorant of it. Just sad.

[@kevindrake4529]

I wish there were stars like this now. Today, the celebs are all either reality “stars” or “influencers” and they don’t have as deep of an audience.

[@earthweek]

To show what a big, happy family the stars of ABC were. Listen to the lyrics.

[@molinalong3468]

1:01 Henry Winkler with Beard Look Like Barry Gibb With Beard

[@thewipsportstalkfan3160]

I was thinking Kenny Loggins myself but any 70s 80s artist would fit the bill.

[@greglawrence1314]

RIP Ted Knight, Danny Thomas, & Tom Bosley. Most of the people in this commercial are still alive. Henry Winkler looks so 70s here.

[@Michaelahol]

Penny Marshall, Erin Moran, Robert Guillaume

[@totallytivo]

It makes sense that Henry Winkler would let the hair and beard grow during time off between seasons. It was like a Clark Kent disguise so he could vacation in peace.

[@t-bo2734]

@@totallytivo He looks like a middle of the road singer-songwriter.

[@DNSKansas]

@@totallytivo Maybe Ron Howard knew this promo was coming so he got out before they stuffed him into a white tux and made him dance. LOL

[@t.b.g.504]

Ted Knight would have been 100 this year. DOB 7 December 1923.

[@denisespurlock7869]

Great promo!

[@hamursh]

Welcome to the 80's!

[@galateasca]

OK..from as best as I can figure, here are the answers to your questions. I have no idea who is next to Hal Linden. Dianne Kay from Eight is Enough is the girl at :10. Right after that is Inga Swenson with James Noble from Benson. The actress with Gavin McLeod is Cathryn Damon from Soap.

[@earthweek]

You are sooo wrong, for the most part. All of those actors were proud to have their own shows on ABC in 1979 and knew this promo appearance was part of the deal. Plus, they got to run into colleagues they probably hardly ever got to see. ABC was a big family back then, unlike network TV now.

[@jonthomas8569]

I was going to say the same thing! They were all actors who had gigs on network television, and this was probably a lot of fun.

[@totallytivo]

1) Who is the woman strutting down the stairs right at the beginning? 2) Is Diana Canova the woman at 0:06 or the one at 0:24? Either way, who is the other one? 3) Who is the woman at :40? 4) Is that Teri Garr at :044?

[@brockreynolds870]

No... at :44, that is Phyllis Davis from Vegas

[@ShermanWestlake]

It's definitely Diana Canova at 0:24. I think at the beginning of the promo, the women in the first row are professional dancers, rather than ABC personalities. I think this production number is a mix of both. The woman at 0:06, in front of Hal Linden, is one of those dancers, I think.

[@bimbam5490]

Tom Hanks at 1:27 :)

[@purefoldnz3070]

1:27 Tom Hanks!

[@molinalong3468]

Who died Burgess Meredith 1908-1997 Danny Thomas 1912-1991 Robert Urich 1945-2002 Riccardo Montalban 1920-2009 Tom Bosley 1927-2010 Ted knight 1926-1986

[@EwingOil]

I never saw this one, very 1980.

[@michaelt2974]

This was back when there was something worth watching on television.

[@parmesancrisp]

Please. About 95 percent of these shows were total crap. Before The Sopranos, The Wire, Mad Men, The Bear, etc, we had three channels of subpar entertainment and we just dealt with it because we had no choice. Nostalgia is misleading

[@BaseballPlayer0]

@@parmesancrisp U are wrong. The shows were better than today

[@BAYAREA-kd1ig]

@@parmesancrisppreach to these boomers

[@Gerkinstock]

Do you remember the version that showed various stars dancing while a voiceover (the guy from The Love Boat, I think) did sort of a role call? I specifically remember Dianne Kay dancing and being introduced, while a different kind of song called "You and Me and ABC" played in the background.

[@ericsondesiongco1745]

They should've take this performance on Broadway. That would be something. Lol 😆!!! After all these years, it's still very entertaining I could still watch this over and over again 🤣!!! That time, I felt that it was a big deal for all these actors and actresses from their respective ABC shows to band together and do all these promos especially for the 1980-81 fall lineup.

[@brockreynolds870]

There are two promos for this season of ABC shows, there is another where they all get together and paint the wall of a building, and you see many of the other stars in THAT one that you don't see here, such as John Ritter, Pam Dawber, Danny Thomas, Deborah Van Valkenurgh, Scott Baio, Telma Hopkins, Greg Morris.

[@ccbudd]

And Jackie Earle Haley

[@robertthomas5736]

Back When Networks, Like Abc, Would Have a Party, to Thank The Audience and The Stars of The Shows,To Make More Great Shows, and Thank Them Again, for The Great Music, Comedy and Entertainment

[@seatspud]

I miss the Saturday Morning Preview Specials myself.

[@AdrianChristian]

I’ll take Cathy Lee Crosby, Penny Marshall and Henry Winkler for the WIN!

[@AJ0880]

Do you have the local version WXYZ in Detroit used: "You and Me and WXYZ" WEWS in Cleveland and WLS in Chicago both had local versions of the 1980 ABC campaign as well.

[@jackhproductions]

1:39, "It's only the beginning."

[@demetriusdillard2863]

Of a ratings slump, that is...ABC slid to second place after CBS rebounded with "Dallas" that year.

[@MrRevphil]

@galateasca Oops, wrong about Diana Canova...she appears at 0:22 with Danny Thomas when the singing starts...sorry, at 0:51, Cindy Williams has no rhythm...Inga Swenson looked fiiinnne.w/James Noble :)

[@malletpropstudios]

The best part is the voice of doom at the end saying, "It's only the beginning", which should have been followed by, "May God have mercy on our souls".

[@BAYAREA-kd1ig]

😂😂😂

[@JHollowayNetwork]

Were there any other sets of the 1980 ABC Fall Promo (You & Me) with Suzanne Somers (her last season on Three's Company), John Ritter (who was in the other promo with the stars painting the building), Susan Richardson, Willie Aames, Dick Van Patten, Scott Baio, Robert Mandan, and several others?...

[@yotsubafanfan]

What was Hal Linden on when this was made and where can I get it? He looks like he's having the time of his life! It's also worth noting you get a young Tom Hanks at 1:27. He's the one in the front right side.

[@yotsubafanfan]

@kirkleach I know that, I mean he's so over excited. It's admirable.

[@ScoopNemeth]

Did they mention Frank Gari's HELLO PITTSBURGH in the WTAE Version of the ABC 1980-81 promo?

[@ScoopNemeth]

When WEWS made their own version of "You and Me and TV5," didn't Channel 5 mention CATCH 5 from Frank Gari in the promo?

[@softrockrules]

Love this. The excitement of the new TV Season!

[@kdizzle79]

That's Henry Winkler, aka Fonzie

[@ccbudd]

I know every single celebrity in this clip and remember this year vividly. But for the life of me, does ANYONE know who the fist pumper with Robert Donner (Mork and MIndy) is? Cannot figure it even with the single season premieres that season.

[@ShermanWestlake]

She's moving around so much, it's hard to tell. Could it possibly be Lynda Goodfriend, who played Richie's girlfriend/wife Lori Beth on 'Happy Days?' I know she's not a huge star or anything, but she was on 'Happy Days' more often than Robert Donner was on 'Mork & Mindy.'

[@ccbudd]

@@ShermanWestlake I thought the same, but it's hard to see her being that goofy.

[@brockreynolds870]

The fist pumpin lady is Joanna Cassidy, who starred on 240 Robert at the time.

[@ccbudd]

I just can't see that. @@brockreynolds870

[@captainpaintball8122]

@@ShermanWestlake I was going crazy thinking about this, as well. I thought Robert Donner (thank you!) was Harry Dean Stanton! And I thought the fist pumper was Terri Garr with a dark dye job. Thank you @brockreynolds870 for the answer

[@richg4189]

The Fonz with a beard? Someone on Twitter said it looked like Ellis from Die Hard. Classic.

[@AJ0880]

WXYZ-TV had a local version of the 1980 ABC campaign: "You and Me and Channel 7"

[@ryanhilliard1620]

I’m not saying it was perfect, by no means, but life was so much better back then.❤

[@geraldlewis432]

Love Like This commercial

[@RazorsEdge1810]

Pretty sure I spotted Robert Urich briefly.

[@MrRevphil]

@galateasca Thanks so much for the help! About Gina Hecht, I don't remember her being that good-looking...one in front of Hal Linden at the first I'm pretty sure is Diana Canova from Soap...Marion Ross was with Roscoe Lee Browne at the first, don't think that's her at the end...once again, thanks!

[@joejoewest]

That's not Judd Hirsch and Danny DeVito. That's Al Molinaro (top) and Tom Bosley from Happy Days. Al played the dude at Arnold's and Tom was Mr. Cunningham.

[@PeterParker-nc5ke]

Is that Diana Canova at the 24 second mark?

[@crappy4478]

Wow! Am I that damn old? You never see that sort of advertising anymore and never will again. And was that really Henry Winkler looking like Barry Gibb? Did anyone notice the very young future OSCAR winner in that group? Mr. Tom Hanks hamming it up with the likes of Ted Knight, Tom Bosley, and the guy who played Exidor on "Mork and MindY" (all 3 of them dead)

[@galateasca]

The girl behind John Davidson appears to be Gina Hecht from Mork and Mindy, but I'm not 100%. Fist pumper? Not sure. At :44 with Tom Poston looks to be Phyllis Davis, from Vegas. At :59, although the AA actress bears a small resemblance to Sheryl Lee Ralph from It's A Living, I don't think it is her. The three blonds with Tom Hanks are for sure Ann Jillian and Marion Mercer and I think the third is Donna Dixon.

[@brockreynolds870]

Fist pumper is Joanna Cassidy from 240 Robert

[@ccbudd]

@@brockreynolds870 no

[@VaultMasterDBT]

Ralph didn't join It's a Living until 1986, during its syndicated run.

[@ONESORROW]

when did the Fonz made a movie where he had to grew a beard or did he had to use for disguise ?

[@demetriusdillard2863]

Whenever production on "Happy Days" ceased for the summer, Henry Winkler would grow a beard and allow his hair to grow, ONESORROW.

[@pastorkevin52]

@ONESORROW Actually Henry just liked growing a beard while on sabbatical. He did that for quiet a few years.

[@VBaskin2010]

@malletpropstudios That Voice Is None Other Than Texas Native And Voice Announcer/Radio DJ At 98 KZEW FM Mr. John B. Wells.

[@TIPTON340]

There's more production in the promo than the shows themselves.

[@molinalong3468]

R I P Tom Bosley Danny Thomas Burgess Meredith Robert Urich

[@alfonsogreen2722]

N Robert Guilliame

[@Michaelahol]

Erin Moran & Penny Marshall

[@molinalong3468]

Rest in peace Burgess Meredith Richardo Montalban Danny Thomas Penny Marshall Ted knight Tom Bosley

[@culttelevision]

Ricardo Montalban swaggering in like the Don he was!

[@greg6363]

Look at Tom Hanks near the end of the sequence. Maybe Letterman can have a good laugh by showing this clip the next time Tom is a guest on The Late Show.

[@DNSKansas]

I bet Rita found it and teases Tom about it

[@DimmyV]

Tom Hanks 1:29 😂 loving the hair

[@nx01alpha]

Would you be willing to post that whole video here for us to enjoy?

[@purefoldnz3070]

1:01 Disco Fonz??????????

[@vistulacooper6802]

TOM HANKS with the JEW FRO!!❤❤❤❤

[@noellawlor6838]

Mr.Tom Hanks with all that hair 😂

[@molinalong3468]

0:15 Robert Urich Look Like Dudley Moore

[@janicekambarn1163]

John Davidson you’re in this one too.

[@VaultMasterDBT]

Obviously for the network's promotional campaign..like all networks have done throughout the anals of TV history.

[@rft1961]

was that tom hanks?

[@demetriusdillard2863]

Yep.

[@molinalong3468]

Abc television shows from 1980 Charlie's angels with Jaclyn smith Taxi with Judd Hirsch Too close for comfort with Ted knight Fantasy island with Richardo Montalban

[@TIPTON340]

ABC was #2 that year. Soap, Charlie's Angels, Eight is enough and Vegas were all cancelled.

[@demetriusdillard2863]

Yep. CBS was numero uno that year, thanks to "Dallas."

[@FomorViceroy]

They fell to number two the previous season because of some terrible rescheduling decisions that resulted in several hit shows losing millions of viewers. This was also the year Ron Howard did not return to Happy Days. Laverne and Shirley switched their setting to L.A., and I believe this was also the season Suzanne Somers was finally pushed out of Three’s Company. Dynasty did premiere mid-season this year.

[@DNSKansas]

@@demetriusdillard2863 Don't forget Dukes of Hazzard, The Incredible Hulk, MASH and Trapper John, M.D. were all popular at that time as well

[@demetriusdillard2863]

Don't forget "60 Minutes," "The Jeffersons," "One Day At A Time," "Lou Grant," "Knots Landing," "Archie Bunker's Place," "WKRP In Cincinnati," and "Alice"! CBS was truly kicking ass in the ratings during that period! Thanks for commenting, @@DNSKansas!

[@demetriusdillard2863]

@@FomorViceroy, ABC did indeed move several of their hit programs to different timeslots (most notably "Mork & Mindy") during the 1979-80 fall season in a futile and ultimately unsuccessful attempt in order to increase viewership on those aforementioned nights; "Mork & Mindy's" once-solid ratings rapidly plummeted as a result, and many of their established successes--"Happy Days," "Laverne & Shirley," "Barney Miller," and "Charlie's Angels"--began to decline.

[@belkyhernandez8281]

I used to think this was an advertisement for a variety show special. I was so disappointed when I learned it wasn't.

[@tegannichols749]

You and me on channel 3 WVEC-TV Norfolk Virginia.

[@Diskoboy1974]

Holy crap, I didn't even recognize him!

[@AsYourCruiseDirector]

Two words: contractual obligation. 😂

[@earthweek]

@KRAFTWERK2K6 That was from a BVU unit

[@Diskoboy1974]

Is it me, or does the guy at 1:01 look like Ellis from Die Hard?