7.9/10
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The Golden Girls 

Trailer
0:53 | Trailer
Four previously married women live together in Miami, sharing their various experiences together and enjoying themselves despite hard times.

Creator:

Susan Harris
Reviews
Popularity
238 ( 44)

Episodes

Seasons


Years



7   6   5   4   3   2   1  
1992   1991   1990   1989   1988   1987   … See all »
Won 4 Golden Globes. Another 36 wins & 88 nominations. See more awards »

Videos

Photos

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Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Bea Arthur ...  Dorothy Zbornak / ... 177 episodes, 1985-1992
Betty White ...  Rose Nylund 177 episodes, 1985-1992
Rue McClanahan ...  Blanche Devereaux 177 episodes, 1985-1992
Estelle Getty ...  Sophia Petrillo 177 episodes, 1985-1992
Learn more

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Storyline

The Golden Girls is based on the lives and interactions of four older women who have all been divorced/widowed, and are now roommates. Dorothy's main goal during the series is to find a companion she can relate to while her mother Sophia adds her comical outlook and frequents "Picture This" stories. Rose's St. Olaf-ness makes her a little corny but lovable. One thing that changes nearly every episode is whom Blanche is courting. Written by John W. Hale

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

Meet four outrageous women who know when it comes to a good laugh, there's nothing like experience! (season 1)

Genres:

Comedy | Drama

Certificate:

PG | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Stories abounded that the exclamation point seen on the back of the front door was carved into the wood by Bea Arthur prior to the filming of the first episode. It has been stated by the creators that the story about Arthur carving it was not true, rather that it was just a flaw/mark in the wood and has no significance. See more »

Goofs

In the first episode that Michael appears, Dorothy says that he is 29, but later when he is to marry Lorraine, he is 23 and she is 44. Then when he comes a third time, he doesn't mention his child at all when she kicks him out of the house. See more »

Quotes

Dorothy: Ma, I DON'T snore.
Sophia: Please! I had to turn you away from the window so you wouldn't inhale the drapes!
See more »

Alternate Versions

Most syndicated and cable versions in the USA and Canada, in addition to being cut by 1-2 minutes, use a 25-second version of the 1986 opening sequence on most episodes, or an extended version of said sequence in a small number of episodes. The 1985 and 1989 openings are usually replaced. See more »


Soundtracks

Thank You For Being A Friend
Written by Andrew Gold
Sung by Cynthia Fee
See more »

User Reviews

The Best Sitcom EVER!!!!
13 January 2006 | by Arctic_WizardSee all my reviews

The sweet Betty White, the glamorous Rue McClanahan, the sharp Bea Arthur and the hilarious Estelle Getty join forces to star in this unforgettable, nostalgic, utterly hilarious, warm, family comedy that entwines every feeling and emotion that us humans experience and covers it with verbal and visual comedy.

After her husbands death, Blanche Deveraux (Rue McClanahan), a sexy, Texas southerner, advertises for two roommates to live in her smart, Floridian bungalow. After several candidates, she receives grief-councilor Rose Nyland (Betty White), an adorable, naïve widow from St. Olaf, Minnesota and Dorothy Zbornak (Beatrice Arthur), a recently divorced substitute high-school, literature teacher, from New York City. The three live together until in the pilot episode where Dorothy's witty, Sicilian mother, Sofia Petrillo (Estelle Getty) appears, after her nursing home 'burnt down'. Together, the four women live together, accompanied by sex, cheesecake, gossip, arguments and every other element that makes true friendship.

If I was ever asked what five things I'd take with me onto a tropical island – it'd be the three Golden Girls series I have on DVD, my TV and my DVD Player. The Golden Girls remains my forever favorite sitcom, simply because its true – its not fake. Its totally and utterly believable.

Herb Edelman also made frequent appearances as Dorothy's sleazy ex-husband, who left her for an air hostess. As did Harold Gould as Rose's major love interest. Equipped with its famous guest appearances, including Tony Jay, Anne Haney, Polly Holiday, George Clooney, Paula Kelly, Nancy Walker, Lloyd Bochner, Murray Hamilton, Deborah May, Jeanette Nolan and Leslie Neilson. Not to mention the Special Guest Appearances – people as themselves – including Burt Reynolds, Alex Trebek and Merv Griffin this is also another key factor.

I actually wrote to my two favourite Golden Girls' Betty/Rose and Rue/Blanche back in 2004 who BOTH sent back beautiful signed photos personally addressed to me. I was so happy. Since I purchased the first three series of amazon.com (I live in the UK, but own a DVD player – which, thank God, plays American DVDs), I've also grown to like Dorothy. If Bea Arthur is reading this, I am planning to write to her as well, but due to the constant worry of my upcoming GSCE's – I just haven't had time. Please, bare with me! I'd also right to Estelle but sadly due to her suffering with the dreadful Alzheimer's Disease, I can't.

My own personal top five favorites would have to be: (NOT in order)

1. The Operation 2. The Actor (Dorothy – life on stage: You're a dirt bag!) 3. Pilot 4. The Heart Attack 5. The Housekeeper

The cheerful opening theme tune 'Thank You For Being a Friend' sung by a lady who's name I don't know, helps create the sense of security and joy when watching. I can't recall a storyline that wasn't profound and funny at the same time. What more can I say? I love this programe, much better than 'The Nanny' (Another favourite American sitcom of mine) and 'Will and Grace' an overrated American comedy. I'm so pleased all three won award for their treasured portrayals. I now look forward to buying series four – due to release in February 2006, so a little while to wait.

A pure diamond of a show!


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Frequently Asked Questions

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Italian | Norwegian

Release Date:

14 September 1985 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

The Golden Girls See more »

Company Credits

Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

(180 episodes) | (180 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Stereo | Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1
See full technical specs »

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