Behind the Scenes with Kevin Hart, Jon Stewart & the Cast of The Facts of Life & Diff’rent Strokes

Jimmy teamed up with Norman Lear and Kerry Washington to recreate episodes of “The Facts of Life” & “Diff’rent Strokes” for their special “Live In Front Of A Studio Audience” on ABC tonight. A lot went into bringing those iconic shows back to life, so here’s an exclusive behind-the-scenes look with the cast: Jennifer Aniston, Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, Snoop Dogg, Ann Dowd, Kevin Hart, Kathryn Hahn, John Lithgow, Allison Tolman, Gabrielle Union, Damon Wayans, Jon Stewart and the legendary Norman Lear.
SUBSCRIBE to get the latest #Kimmel: bit.ly/JKLSubsc...
Watch Mean Tweets: bit.ly/KimmelMT10
Connect with Jimmy Kimmel Live Online:
Visit the Jimmy Kimmel Live WEBSITE: bit.ly/JKLWebsite
Like Jimmy Kimmel on FACEBOOK: bit.ly/KimmelFB
Like Jimmy Kimmel Live on FACEBOOK: bit.ly/JKLFacebook
Follow @JimmyKimmel on TWITTER: bit.ly/KimmelTW
Follow Jimmy Kimmel Live on TWITTER: bit.ly/JKLTwitter
Follow Jimmy Kimmel Live on INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/JKLInsta...
About Jimmy Kimmel Live:
Jimmy Kimmel serves as host and executive producer of Emmy®-nominated “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” ABC’s late-night talk show. “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is well known for its huge viral video successes, with over 11 billion views and more than 15 million subscribers on the show’s KZbin channel. Some of Kimmel’s most popular comedy bits include “Celebrities Read Mean Tweets,” “Lie Witness News,” “Unnecessary Censorship,” “Halloween Candy KZbin Challenge,” and music videos like “I (Wanna) Channing All Over Your Tatum.”

[@mdpeach]

Watching these shows last night really did something to my spirit. Seeing Damon Wayans on tv again was great! Thank you Jimmy!

[@down2marsgirl315]

I agree! It was nice seeing him. I hope he Starts back acting more after this

[@mickael486]

Why can't I find this on Hulu?

[@ANGELSLVME]

I loved My Wife and kids!

[@Tojoj22]

I love family shows!

[@louiselaliberte9816]

Hart saying "Watchu talkin' 'bout Willis?!" is everything.

[@AlexTheeGr8t]

Ann Dowd was an outstanding Mrs. Garrett. Oh, and Katherine Hahn as Jo 👍

[@ashleytucker9472]

She really was!

[@milesdylan7175]

Gabrielle as Tootie with those braces Kevin as Arnold jumping in Mr. D's lap PRICELESS 👍🏾😂👏🏾 but those ol'skool Alfonso Ribeiro commercials 🤣😁😭

[@n.v.1173]

I’m a 80’s kid and love my shows still watch them all. Thank God for KZbin!!! 💃🏻🥰♥️👍🏼

[@johnpauljones9244]

Jimmy Kimmel, I just can't thank you enough for the amazing thing you have done. You have brought back such amazing memories, not to mention, shows, back to our vernacular. The Facts of Life, taught us, how to be better people, and how to be good girlfriends/friends. Different Strokes taught us, no matter what your skin color, there's a story there, one that transcends all of us. God only knows we need this more than ever. 💖💖💖😘👍

[@suzyirvin2684]

I used to watch both these shows loved em still do

[@gloworm106]

I love how Will always makes jokes about his good buddy Jason in interviews. In this case about how "old" Jason looks.

[@addyb3068]

Hi Jimmy Kimmel love the recreations I watched them all. Hopefully, you will do Sanford and Son and Maude next.

[@farrellmcnulty909]

I'd always enjoyed "Jo vs Blair", so I was looking forward to this, but Will Arnett and Jason Bateman really took the Facts of Lilfe to the next level. Favorite moments - both in "Facts" are Jo and Blair exchanging insults and "Gob and Michael Bluth" really enjoying themselves. I also really loved it when Jennifer Aniston and Katherine Hahn trying (in vain) to hold their laughter.

[@debbiedoodiedandi]

You could tell they had a lot of fun making this and they all did a great job!

[@lauriecook8719]

I watched live, and still can’t get enough of things like this KZbin. Thanks Jimmy Kimmel and Norman Lear!

[@doglady9334]

Ann Dowd looks EXACTLY like the original character!

[@WendyDahling3]

She sounded like her too! She did an amazing job.

[@doglady9334]

@@WendyDahling3 she is profoundly talented.

[@PRLIBRE_SOBERANO]

The brilliance of great minds working together: Magic THX for this 🙌🏼

[@andrewweisneck1102]

Wasn't Arnold's goldfish, Abraham black in the original show?

[@nicoleh.6059]

Yes. That's what I was thinking.

[@walking-dead-junkie1624]

It was sad to see the only actor alive today from DS was Todd Bridges.

[@LadyDayK87]

My favorite from the show 🥰❤

[@bcranford714]

Dudley and Sam is still alive

[@andrewweisneck1102]

Why didn't they have somebody play Dana Plato's character Kimberly Drummond on Diff'rent Strokes?

[@nicoleh.6059]

I know, right? They chose an episode that Dana Plato (Kimberly) wasn't in, for some reason. (On the original series, she had missed some episodes.) They could have chosen an episode that had all three kids in it. Plus, it would have been interesting if they would have chosen an episode with Willis' girlfriend, Charlene, and had Janet Jackson do a surprise appearance.

[@roshelltannen9698]

For the record Jason Bateman looks great. Jimmy Kimmel is a genius. Norman is from my hometown. Thank you Mr. Lear.

[@bsing2u]

I watched all the remakes and they are awesome. Hope there is more 🤞🤞

[@t.kuykendall517]

Different Strokes was funnier. When Kevin sat on John's lap and he kissed him on the head and when he got in the bed with Damon, it was too cute.

[@sahej6939]

But Facts of Life was better

[@t.kuykendall517]

@@sahej6939 Nope. No one was better than the other. One was just funnier.

[@treefiddy5424]

Just cringe tbh

[@Hello-xp5wz]

Jimmy, thanks!

[@yosecho]

is this the official rebirth of awesome sitcoms from the awesome 70s and 80s decades?

[@JoeHollywood22]

They have done this before. The first time was All in the Family & The Jeffersons. Both were fantastic!!

[@kendrick8749]

Is there any show today with a theme song? Catch phrases? Why did the internet come and take over smh. Life was so simple and warm with these classic shows.

[@nicolekavanagh3378]

This looks like everyone had a great time making this. I am so excited to watch this!

[@treefiddy5424]

U missed it

[@kiracaine]

Kevin Hart as Arnold is a slap in the face cause we know how emotional Kevin is with his height. But I'm LIVING for this moment Perfect Casting! Absolute Genius...Damon Wayans as Willis and Gabrielle Union as Tooty 😅

[@masonldn8647]

What Kevin is doesn't qualify as height

[@MsKylea]

It was the catchy theme songs that we still know today. Fun fact: Robin Thicke's mom and dad sang the lyrics for Facts of Life. His dad Alan sang for Different Strokes.

[@SonofTuscon99]

No way!

[@iheartdates]

Alan Thicke was the dad everyone wanted when I was a kid. Growing Pains was AWESOME! Robin Thicke who??? 😆 It was all about Alan Thicke, Kirk Cameron, and baby Leonardo DiCaprio.

[@SonofTuscon99]

@@iheartdates Leo was in Growing Pains?

[@deathbeforedecaf7755]

@@SonofTuscon99 He was during the last season. He played a homeless student Mike brings home as a young to be teacher and the Seavers end up taking in

[@SonofTuscon99]

@@deathbeforedecaf7755 that’s so cool!

[@nevrtrumpr5962]

Great job! Loved it! 5 stars!!

[@jennllanis]

0:03 Jen in Rachel green finale outfit! omg

[@shreesth54]

My childhood best show ,diff rent strokes great days ...

[@pongunz1997]

Why y'all hating on kevin like he wasn't the perfect person for this

[@1talldaddy]

you're right,it might have sounded crazy when they announced it.but when you actually watch it he actually pulled it off.

[@debbiedoodiedandi]

He was GREAT! He committed to it, and it paid off

[@victorvargas1911]

where can i see these when its all set and done i need to this bring back so many memories being an 80s baby these were the classics before you had cable these were the shows on channel 5 best ever .

[@pamelatimmins1055]

That was all so funny, I loved both shows growing up.

[@RobertMcMurrer]

I hope they do more of these. I would love to buy these on blu ray but can’t find them.

[@andrewweisneck1102]

The next ones they could do could be: Sanford And Son / Archie Bunker's Place What's Happening!! / Chico & The Man Maude / Alice Three's Company / Too Close For Comfort One Day At A Time / Welcome Back Kotter Family Ties / Married With Children Silver Spoons / Gimme A Break Barney Miller / Fish

[@christophersantiago6845]

I definitely see a Three's Company happening out of all of those.

[@eraynawoodward2616]

Are those Norman Lear shows? Besides Bunkers Place, I'm not sure that they are. I could be wrong, and I would love Sandford and Son!

[@debbiezatterberg5481]

This is Fantastic!!!

[@hulaGUNZ]

Kevin Hart wearing a Jon Lithgow suit at the end there :0

[@TheMonroemomma]

This looks absolutely hilarious!! And, ..... whoah..... that hot kiss from Jon Stewart. I felt that! lol

[@otisroseboro5613]

Great performances by everyone in this

[@keithchristy9026]

Alot of good memories of the 1980s

[@nevrtrumpr5962]

These were so fun to watch back then, and now! The guest appearances were great! I'd like to see Jimmy and Norman do "Good Times" in this format. Also I never knew Norman Lear was a fighter pilot in WW2! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@x3klynnx3]

They did do Good Times the last time they did this! They did Good Times and All in the Family!

[@JM-vj7we]

Wow thanks I have to find it! ☺️

[@Justin-du7mg]

I really enjoyed watching this amazing video from start to finish 🥰🙏💜🤖😁.

[@tmovies92]

snap, Agatha Harkness was able to find away to transfer herself to another sitcom lol.

[@ashleighwatson8303]

Man I love Jason Bateman lol

[@Visualhead_Spacer]

we miss sitcoms that actually has moral story...

[@davidjameson4597]

Snoop Dogg looked like Roger, from American Dad😂

[@christilb]

I think it’s pretty significant that Jen Aniston is the only one that didn’t talk at all about The Facts Of Life/participate in this video. You could tell by the performances that everyone else knew their characters and knew what to showcase in their portrayal.

[@catherinebateman6179]

Absolutely hilarious!!!’ Best idea ever so want to watch this sadly I don’t have Hulu I have Amazon , Netflix, Apple , Disney plus … please stream I’d pay for it like one time rentals

[@pongunz1997]

Who else was good to play the part besides Kevin this is some he didn't have to agree to he agreed to it for the love of the show and for the fact that it's funny because he fits the height frame

[@elizabethobrien5702]

I watched these two shows the other night 😂😂👍👏😻

[@lukejack9551]

What a great Christmas gift ❤️😍😍😍😍

[@mayflower7811]

This was amazing who else watched it last night

[@carlhall2563]

Can you do Sanford and son now?

[@faithful31us]

Wow Norman Lear!

[@claytonjones6119]

Hope they get todd bridges in like a cameo role cuz he’s come a long way from what her used to be

[@JaneDoe-ef3mx]

Omg!! How can we see this in the U.K?!

[@princesslilyfromtheisleoft2649]

This was so fun to watch. However, do wish they had Kimberly in the live show.

[@andrewweisneck1102]

In the original Facts Of Life episode Carl Price was called Rocky because he had zits not because he wore headgear. He was played by Arvid from Head Of The Class. It would have been perfect if Nancy McKeon (Jo) would have appeared also.

[@lenardpass2842]

I like this, very creative.

[@shreesth54]

Excited to see the recarnation

[@ShanKatOD]

And both themes were written by Alan Thicke!

[@gloworm106]

TIL!

[@beverleyreid7572]

This is AMAZING!!!

[@dannyburleigh1]

Bateman is only 52!! Heck I'm 54!! "What can you do!" That damned clock just keeps ticking like a Bastard! ⏰

[@MichaelSilverMedia]

Arnett and Bateman forever roasting one another

[@ashleighwatson8303]

I love their friendship lol

[@nightreaper1824]

I hope they had fun.

[@johnpauljones9244]

Fun fact: Allen Thick wrote the theme of Facts of Life, and his wife at the time sang it.

[@debbiedoodiedandi]

It's kinda crazy how many familiar theme songs Alan Thicke wrote. AND that's not even what he's known for!

[@StockyDude]

*Fun fact of life

[@user-ov9pv4yh9j]

LOOOOOVVEEE IT!!!

[@blpadge2]

Kathryn Hahn could have as big a hit with Facts of Life theme as she did with Agatha All Along. And Lisa Whelchel has not aged a day.

[@chesterxman]

Good casting, as Kevin Hart is about the same height as Arnold.

[@victoriaharris8543]

When is this coming on ?

[@boogiedownbronx73]

Kevin as Arnold so fkking funny

[@tonecoates5713]

Jimmy must got big 💰💰💰

[@masonldn8647]

Whoever is Snoop's manager needs to have a class for any wannabe agent /manager

[@davidhunternyc1]

This was such a fun evening! I loved it all. Ann Dowd was Mrs. Garrett but I kept thinking Aunt Lydia was going stone someone. My only issue was with Jennifer Anniston. Her plastic surgery and botox froze up her facial expressions. The original Blair, Lisa Welchel, looked amazing and would've done a better job.

[@WendyDahling3]

I couldn’t agree more. She was so stiff and uncomfortable to watch. It was almost as if she’d never seen The show before. She played Blair as just bitchy and mean which to me was so off base. Yes, Blair was a snob and sometimes clueless but she still was bubbly and didn’t want to be cruel. Jennifer Anniston just stood out in the worst way as everything else was so funny and well done!!!

[@eddietowers5595]

I say similar words of Snoop Dogg as Isaac Hayes said for Nat King Cole, but in my own words, Snoop Dogg is laid back before laid back was cool.

[@mrsbrownsugarsweetz]

He has 6 mask under that black one and some how it keeps burning through 🤣🤣🤣🤣now I gotta go boil this shoulder. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@fc-qr1cy]

0:50 that is what you call 99 years young.

[@gushollahbackatya1765]

RIP Mr. Norman Lear...

[@robdilauro4344]

It's funny that Mrs. Garrett is technically sort of a much kinder, softer version of Aunt Lydia from The Handmaid's Tale who also loves her girls lol.

[@andrewweisneck1102]

Gabrielle Union looked exactly like Tootie (Kim Fields) from back in the day but she should have worn the roller skates.

[@nicoleh.6059]

Tootie wasn't wearing roller skates in that episode or during that season. She only wore roller skates in Season 1.

[@thethree60five]

Looks like it was Hilarious!!! the preview was last night.

[@bellalife]

It’s important to remake these for our children. I think they would be more prone to watch these then the old ones. Excited 😆

[@DavidOkutinyang-td4jt]

Nope! I'm of the newer generation and the old ones are better than these BY FAR!

[@darcy5823]

Anyone know why the daughter in Different Strokes isn't represented? I'm not looking for facts on the actors tragic life, I'm taking about the character.

[@marylhere]

She just wasn’t in this episode. These are the original scripts. Except for Arnold saying Willis’ friend always smells of weed. That I believe was Kevin Hart.

[@nicoleh.6059]

For some reason, they chose an episode that didn't include Kimberly (Dana Plato). I know that she was absent for some of the episodes, but they could have picked one that had all three kids in it. I'm glad that Todd Bridges at least acknowledged her, as well as the other actors, in his speech.

[@latinoheat5169]

Sad Gary Coleman and Dana Plato tragic young Death. Glad Todd Bridges still Lives ⭐

[@ericndunguthuo1304]

It's sad what happened to the old Arnold

[@lisaboyle72]

What’s funny is Jason was on a show from those days

[@NewMessage]

But who's playing Abraham the goldfish?

[@Roy-G-Biv]

Why aren’t some of the original cast members in this? Or maybe they are?!?

[@damianlatimer6472]

Some were they just didn't play the parts

[@audbertovelez130]

dope dope dopper

[@JaimeJaquezTwin]

Agatha All Along

[@theonlinechristianminister]

Everybody please don't let this moment pass please make the best decision of your life right now by allowing God to come into your life by you praying to God everyday for his help in every decision of your life everyday and in every situation of your life everyday for I guarantee if you do this everyday then your life will get better, you will have more peace, you will be more successful, you will have more happiness, and all your dreams will come true that’s because when you pray to God then God will make all good things possible for you and you must not forget to read the “Holy Bible” everyday and a great place for you to start in the holy Bible is (Psalms 1) and everyday after that read a chapter in Psalms till you finish all the chapters in Psalms then after that start on (Proverbs 1) then everyday after that read a chapter in Proverbs till you finish all the chapters in Proverbs and after that read every chapter of the Holy Bible until you finish it for it will change your life in the most amazing way

[@anahata2009]

Um . . . Did Lithgow just compare this to Shakespeare? Why, sir, for my part I say the gentleman had drunk himself out of his five senses.

[@davidhunternyc1]

Good one. Yea, that was funny. Life is but a walking shadow vs. What ya talkin' about Willis.

[@yourface8698]

Kevin Hart looks so much like Arnold.

[@_thechef_7786]

as a person, with the name Willis, I am not super happy with the return of a show that has followed me my entire life... that is what I am talking about. - Willis

[@tiara891ify]

Gabby needed more screen time lol

[@l.t.9245]

No loooord, lol

[@ger5565]

Shoulda found a way to include Matt.

[@sabahbubbler]

Looks its gonna be a new boys fight dvd

[@nibora7953]

It’s pretty sad that Lisa Whelchel is older then Jennifer Aniston, but yet she looks younger and way better then Jennifer. That’s probably why Jennifer didn’t participate in this interview 😄

[@atKR1S]

Kevin Hart couldn’t shave for this? C’mon 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@hungrynelly2669]

Ann Dowd as Mrs. Garrett is confusing me. Are they related?

[@peace.404]

Please remake good times!

[@nicoleh.6059]

They already did, a couple of years ago.