‘Live in front of a studio audience’

Norman Lear teamed up with Jimmy Kimmel to bring ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ and ‘The Facts of Life’ back to life! ABC News’ Will Ganss has the VERY live details!

[@AngeliaGurnerpersonal]

These shows were the best. So glad that Todd, Lisa, Kim, and Mindy were able to be there.

[@otisroseboro5613]

Same here

[@joememphis1571]

Kevin Hart was excellent as Arnold. He was spot on.

[@illstuffamattresswithyou5657]

Diff’rent Strokes was hilarious. Kevin Hart 😂

[@19HuskyWolf70]

Lisa hasn't aged 😁

[@melshark13]

Did Lisa Welchel "Blair" dip into the fountain of youth!?! 😯😯😯 she has not aged

[@ashleytucker9472]

This was a wonderful redo! I enjoyed the performances!

[@hazemcdanill8336]

Next we need a Sanford and son and Maude live in front of a studio audience

[@ladennayoung2939]

Kevin Hart in John Lithgow's lap. That was hilarious. Lol.

[@davidmccain7662]

Great fun watching these remakes of the shows we grew up with. Everyone involved did a great job , including the sets and wardrobes. Well done.

[@otisroseboro5613]

Yes I agree 👍💯

[@kristinbigham9973]

I loved this LIVE In Front Of A Studio Audience! Great cast!! Lots of memories and fun. The surprise appearances made my night!

[@superfan931]

I think my issue with the Diffrent Strokes special is that they did an episode that didn't include Kimberly. I liked it overall and everyone did a good job.

[@moonsyoungestsun6550]

Yes, I said the same thing. I wonder why her character wasn't included.

[@superfan931]

@@moonsyoungestsun6550 from what I was told Kimberly wasn't in this particular episode.

[@hadihatab3126]

The episode they did of Facts of Life is called Kids Can be Cruel, it’s on KZbin as Slam Book and the lines and wardrobe are spot on.

[@LW7333LW]

Listen. I can't lie. When Kevin said, " I DON"T WANT NO DAMN SOUP!" I was on the floor! Lolol!

[@DJaySplitSecond]

They did a great job!! I enjoyed it and the original Blair is still a beautiful woman!

[@kriss3015]

They all did such a great job! Kevin hart had me laughing out loud though. Keep em coming

[@fureyize]

Considering Lisa Whelchel hasn’t aged one bit I don’t see why she wasn’t picked to play Blair. Aniston was definitely out of her element.

[@moonsyoungestsun6550]

Yes, Lisa hasn't aged at all. For a minute, I thought that they did a camera trick and had her etched into that scene, especiallybecauseof the same uniform she was wearing from back then. Then I realized that it was actually her and my mouth dropped.

[@fureyize]

@@moonsyoungestsun6550 exactly my reaction. I thought it was an original episode from 1982 but then I saw Mindy and I went 😳

[@donh7909]

Keven Heart was or is a perfect Arnold... And those Indian jammies, I had a pair, exactly the same... Over 60 years... 😞

[@tigq1430]

This was great! The life lessons we didn't know we were learning!💜👏🏻✌

[@keimtheactor1865]

Loved it 🙌🏾📺

[@mayettedeguzman8147]

Just luv watching Jen live. She nailed her role in The Facts of Life. She’s really funny & very talented.

[@PabloRuizMega]

let's go for a different strokes remake

[@tonyyoung3985]

So much from Jason Bateman and Alfonso Ribeiro, I feel like I was born with a Silver Spoon in my mouth.

[@mayettedeguzman8147]

Just luv watching Jen live. She’s really funny & very talented. She nailed her role in D Facts of Life.

[@thataurus2492]

Seeing Snoop Dogg was gold lol

[@mattmc5069]

If they do another facts of life special, id like to recommend Tatum ONeal as Jo and Brooke Shields as Blair. (And Of course add a jeans reference so Brooke can say her famous line.)

[@taylordowning2533]

That would be great! Jodie Foster would be a good choice too.

[@ladennayoung2939]

Mrs. Garrett did act like that. Lol. And she sounded like that too. Lol.

[@TheNewFD12346]

Everyone in this played their roles so well that I was never distracted by who was portraying a character.

[@lethallatin5094]

I’ve been living under a rock and didn’t know this has been going of for 3 years. Watch last night for first time Absolutely Enjoyed and Loved This!!!

[@sarcasticallyrearranged]

I just found out about this really late!

[@maximusprime3459]

They've yet to do Maude. And Sanford and Son.

[@LW7333LW]

Not too bad! Jo impressed me good!

[@LPP_2024]

Not many 99 year olds get the chance to use the f-word on TV 😂😂😂

[@snoopypal]

Please 🙏 WKRP in Cincinnati next time!

[@jolbrias1]

I love Lisa Whelchel. I grew up, watching her on the facts of life. I was a huge fan of that show . I’m not sure if many people know that she was on survivor but I’m watching old episodes of Survivor and on season 25 she is one of the contestants and she does very well & out of all the players on the season only one person recognised her but did not tell anyone instead her & the other person formed a bond together. If you’ve never seen season 25, with Lisa Welch on it, it’s on Paramount.

[@tomaradoss3420]

This just made me smile!! This was a genius idea!

[@themiseducationoftheameric7407]

You know what's funny about this. Is I still WATCH these shows. Different Strokes, Facts of Life, Silver Spoons, What's Happening, Leave it to Beaver, Aniston is a Great "Blair"! Gabrielle is a Great "Tootie"! Glad people today are getting a chance to see how awesome a lot of these shows from the "80's" were. A Rich White Dad with Two Black Son's from Harlem. Ground breaking for that time. And it worked! The cast was awesome. Too Bad Gary, Dana, Conrad, and Charlotte are not here to see this celebration of their epic work on this show

[@Liggie55821]

Hoping for "One Day at a Time" next. Jessica Chastain or Amy Adams as Ann, Vanessa Hudgins and Ariana Grande as the daughters, and Jim Carrey as Schneider.

[@clintonmercer2520]

Yep... One Day at a Time; Alice; Three's Company; Taxi; Gimme A Break; and Family Ties.. they gotta do them

[@endora2.046]

Love you Todd Bridges!

[@checkmate4579]

RIP TO MR. LEAR THANK YOU!

[@theevilascotcompany9255]

I know this isn't a Norman Lear show, but they totally need to do this with Happy Days.

[@ry.the.stunner]

"Never in the history off television has a 99-year old person used the F-word". I guarantee you that Betty Whtie has something to say about that.

[@herbertgeddies1844]

I grew up on these shows love those memories

[@nibora7953]

I cannot believe how young Lisa Whelchel looks!! She’s 6 years older than Jennifer, and she looks 10 years younger. Jennifer needs to lay off the Botox.

[@csf7773]

Hear hear

[@minewheaties5029]

Now it is clear that the woman who is "President Lisa Simpson" is among us. In 1994, Lisa pictured reuniting "the entire Facts of Life cast, including longtime holdout Tootie." I guess now, unlike 2001, it can be better accepted that Nancy McKeon's absence from season 1 didn't make her an original cast member. Even sources such as the Entertainment Weekly have accepted Mindy Cohn, Kim Fields and Lisa Welchel as the three original cast members who stayed with the show for its entire run.

[@pinkystinkeye5120]

That was amazing!!!!

[@otisroseboro5613]

Everyone did a great job best performances ever

[@aaronburratwood.6957]

Looks like a good time for sure.

[@ericrojasvelez8891]

Nobody gonna ask where is Kimberly on diffrent strokes???....dana Plato character??

[@nicoleh.6059]

Actually, I was wondering about that myself. They could have chosen an episode that had all three kids in it.

[@loranv3435]

I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO SEE MICHAEL J FOX IN THIS.

[@makeitmakesense2616]

Just why?

[@realestjokeinthedumpster5172]

This gonna be really funny

[@2KGrind09]

they mess up everything from my childhood era ..... you had to be there, this ain't it

[@micmaliss]

I am with you. They missed the mark. Horribly.

[@OgDj2024]

I got to check this out

[@erinmalone2669]

Jimmy and Norman look like Statler and Waldorf from the Muppets in that theater❤

[@yvonnerobinson9544]

Wayyyyy, funny 👍🏾

[@wildboz27]

How can you watch it I've been looking for this damn thing

[@samanthakennedy9514]

Batemen in life of facts can scratch that of his bucket list

[@hfxmusicman]

I haven't seen this yet but I am looking foward to it. But from this clip Jennifer Aniston looks like she's playing Blair as Rachel in a bad wig. Just shows what a great actress Lisa Welchel the original Blair really was.

[@micmaliss]

You aren't missing anything.

[@debbieleonard9160]

As wonderful a job as they did, why on earth did they pick 30 to 50 something adults to play children?

[@taylordowning2533]

My Mom said the same thing too...lol....but it was cute though

[@csf7773]

Probably because they remember the shows and the nostalgia that accompanied them. Therefore could hopefully re-create the feel of the era. Although Lisa Whelchel should have played Blair, not haggard ole JA

[@kendrajsmith]

Isaiah 5 20-21 20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Ephesians 2 8-9 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Acts 2:21 21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Call on JESUS!! ONLY JESUS SAVES

[@AhmadHamzabalad]

I can't believe i missed this 😣

[@bretthardin9239]

great memories

[@peacefullove-loveu4537]

Best wishes for Americans. 💕 Merry Christmas. God bless you. You are special. 🥰 Everyone is worthy of love. 🌹 My best wishes for all of you. Helping more for each other in these uncertain times. ❤️ God loves you. Everything will be ok. ❤️

[@aarongardner4734]

Welcome Back Kotter would be interesting to see Live.

[@ladennayoung2939]

I don't know the young that played Jo', but from what I can see. They did a good job with that pick. Not sure about Jennifer for Blair, or Gabrielle for Tootie. I would have to watch the whole thing. But I'm not feeling it.

[@hollygolytely3478]

Norman Lear, you are a f*cking genius!!!

[@elisanorman1469]

These were Hits Show's❤

[@csf7773]

Lisa Whelchel should have done Blair! She still looks gorgeous too. Jennifer Aniston doesn't have the Blair vibe.

[@gidget4543]

Where was Nancy McKeon?

[@jmjfanss]

She declined

[@Imagoofygoober220]

aww broke my heart that Todd Bridges is the only one remaining.😢

[@paparazzi85]

I’m sorry I love Jennifer Aniston but this is one role that didn’t fit her!

[@stevenwhite8936]

the commercials made for the night were the best part. The facts of life was nearly a jo -less episode and at best was an odd choice episode wise.

[@coachkfan1]

Was actually better than I thought it would be.

[@Lang77609]

Different Strokes went from 1978 to 1986 not 1979

[@ModernDayRenaissanceMan]

This proves 2 things: 1) Live TV is better 2) The 80s & 90s kicked ass

[@d12duke]

A whole slew of people in the back wearing a mask... Jimmy Kimmel talking to a 90 year old man without a mask two feet from him. I hate double standards.

[@tomfish8338]

Aniston was horrible the rest of the cast was great

[@billturner8823]

*Trump Tower has made a new drink for it's guests called the 45. It secretly reports to a white Russian. 🍸*

[@robotdowney]

I remember how Aniston said how much she missed being in a sitcom on smartless podcast

[@DyenamicFilms]

Norman Lear has basically become Mr. Quiqley.

[@74Spirit1]

Grown ups playing teenagers

[@starlord7573]

Almost ruined in with Jimmy Kimmel being there but I enjoyed the shows.

[@alfredosanmiguel8121]

Actually the commercial is from Jordache jeans

[@yasminvaughn2975]

I enjoyed Kevin Hart on the reboot of Different Strokes!

[@lavellwilliams1541]

Todd Bridges and Kevin Hart

[@vistulacooper6802]

Whats up with Jen's FACE??

[@richardlincourt2519]

Coo I guess but yet another distraction from actual issues like eternity.

[@csf7773]

You said it friend

[@paulaitix77]

please end this goofy craze before we are subjected to a very special episode of blossom

[@clintonmercer2520]

They need to make a Alice live special too

[@MissterX]

Jennifer Aniston finally got her face pulled back!

[@lavellwilliams1541]

Well yeah Gary Coleman and Kevin Hart Was Actually the Same Height

[@KMetz-fe7dj]

I hate that I missed this!! 😢

[@KP82457]

It's on Hulu 🙂

[@TG-fn2ri]

Jennifer Aniston cannot act.

[@csf7773]

True. Doesn't represent Blair at all. Everything JA does is some neurotic repeat of Rachel. Except when she is making pizza with Selena Gomez, Adam Sandler, and Ellen DeG if u no u no

[@nas10iris]

Where can this be watched afterwards?

[@nicoleh.6059]

It's on the ABC app.

[@1010ninabina]

Family ties please

[@patriciahill2320]

Will Arnett looks like Cameron Crowe.

[@Mike-ln1wf]

Everyone from different strokes was spot on. Kevin hart by far stole the show. As for the facts of life. Garbrielle Union was great as tootie. The girl who played Natalie was ok. Ann Dowd did a great job playing Mrs G. What a difference from playing aunt Lydia on handmaids tale. Joe was too over the top. Jennifer Aniston was horrible as Blair. Lisa Whelchel should have just played Blair. It would have made a better show. She looks exactly the same. I can’t believe she is 58.

[@theconsciouschronic]

ACTORS OF TODAY MUST NOT HAVE ANYTHING ELSE TO DO. THIS IS TERRIBLE. ALL OF THE SO-CALLED "NEW" ONES.😮😢😂

[@arestoaresto5299]

Jennifer Aniston is a bad actor! She makes Blair unfeminine & sloppy. She is playing Rachel wherever she goes..

[@pierrecalderone]

One thing is for sure, she's rich for doing it. I also think her acting isn't good but she keeps getting work so obviously we're both wrong.

[@csf7773]

@@pierrecalderone Money doesn't make you right

[@micmaliss]

How masculine can Anniston get? Her voice is deeper than a lion's roar. They made the wrong choice showing the OG Blair then showing Anniston as Blake.

[@kathleentyson6727]

Ohh,that was really cute .

[@chastitylampkin6028]

This lady that supposed 2 b joe don't look nothing like Joe at all and that other lady don't look nothing like Blair at all ❗❗❗ Kevin Hart is a funny Arnold ,🤣🤣🤣😅😅😅🌹🌹🌹💙💙⭐💜💜💜💚💙💙⭐🌺💙🌹🌹🌹💙💙⭐🌹🌹💙🌹🌹

[@zuespist2159]

who was Sean Hayes spota be Adam sandler?