On this day March 19 1984 the sitcom Kate & Allie premiered on CBS. Starring Susan Saint James and Jane Curtin the show followed two divorced women who decided to live together while raising their children as a modern family.
Kate & Allie ran for six seasons with 122 episodes and became a hit for its witty dialogue and portrayal of independent women balancing work family and friendship. The show was praised for its realistic approach to single parenthood and changing family dynamics in the 80s.
80s insight: Jane Curtin won two Emmy Awards in 1984 and 1985 for Most Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Allie making her one of the few actresses to win back-to-back Emmys.