50 Years of Happy Days

Happy Days premiered on ABC as a mid-season replacement series in January 1974, when the Watergate investigation was in full swing and Americans were still recovering from the trauma of the Vietnam war. Set in 1950s Milwaukee, the warm-hearted comedy, created by Garry Marshall, provided a much-needed antidote to the roiling real-life concerns of everyday Americans, taking us back to a simpler time, and it remains a fan favorite to this day. Introducing the tight-knit Cunningham family—parents Howard and Marion, their kids Richie and Joanie, and Richie’s extended circle of friends—viewers embraced the show and its stars, especially once Henry Winkler’s soon-to-be iconic cool guy, Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli, zoomed into the spotlight on his motorbike. In this special commemorative issue to mark the sit-com’s 50th anniversary, we look back at how the series came together, relive magical moments with Ron Howard, Marion Ross and others—including the fashion, music and that famed jump-the-shark episode—delve into the spinoffs (Laverne & Shirley! Mork & Mindy!), our favorite perfectamundo sayings, and other nostalgic series. Happy Days are here again! Ayyy!

HAPPY DAYS

HAPPY DAYS are here again! • The Cunninghams and company kept us rocking — and laughing! — around the clock. Hop on Fonzie’s motorcycle and travel back with us to 1950s Milwaukee as we celebrate all we love about the timeless sitcom on the 50th anniversary of its premiere.

The making of a FAMILY CLASSIC • How a sitcom about a post-war Milwaukee clan found its way into the hearts of viewers — with a little help from a guy named Fonzie.

Before Happy Days • Garry Marshall was always a hit-maker.

The LAUGH FACTORY • Meet the hardworking, talented actors — and a few guest stars — who helped keep big smiles on our faces throughout the sitcom’s impressive 11-season run.

Be our guest

LIFE with the Cunninghams • Inside the loves, laughs and magical Milwaukee moments of Happy Days’ run on ABC.

The SPIN OFFS • The fun didn’t end in the Cunningham’s living room. Happy Days became the basis for several other shows, including a star-making hit about an alien from Ork.

I found MY THRILL! • From the songs to the fashion and beyond, Happy Days captured — and set — trends for decades.

DÉJÀ VIEWING • Happy Days proved that nostalgia could score big on the small screen, helping to influence a whole genre of rear-view television, from the flower-power ’60s vibe on The Wonder Years to the totally tubular ’80s antics on The Goldbergs.

Joanie Loves Tchotchkes • And really, who doesn’t? Here’s a roundup of fun franchise-themed gifts you can grab to celebrate your love of everyone’s favorite TV sitcom.

Perfectamundo Phrases • A glossary of Happy Days’ most memorable sayings

50 Years of Happy Days

PHOTO CREDITS