On this day April 23, 1986, the final episode of the TV sitcom Fast Times aired after just one short season. Based on the 1982 film Fast Times at Ridgemont High, the series tried to bring the high school comedy to the small screen with a new cast and a toned down approach for network television.
The show ran for only 7 episodes and starred a young Patrick Dempsey and Courtney Thorne Smith, both of whom would go on to much bigger roles in the 90s. Ray Walston reprised his role from the movie as Mr. Hand, but the show struggled to capture the original film’s edgy spirit and cult charm. Even thought it was cancelled quick, Fast Times gave early exposure to future stars and remains a curious entry in the list of 80s movie to TV adaptations.
Fun fact: The series was developed by Cameron Crowe, who also wrote the original film, but even his involvement couldn't save it from early cancellation.
Trivia question: What actor from the original Fast Times at Ridgemont High film reprised his role as a teacher in the short lived TV adaptation?
The show ran for only 7 episodes and starred a young Patrick Dempsey and Courtney Thorne Smith, both of whom would go on to much bigger roles in the 90s. Ray Walston reprised his role from the movie as Mr. Hand, but the show struggled to capture the original film’s edgy spirit and cult charm. Even thought it was cancelled quick, Fast Times gave early exposure to future stars and remains a curious entry in the list of 80s movie to TV adaptations.
Fun fact: The series was developed by Cameron Crowe, who also wrote the original film, but even his involvement couldn't save it from early cancellation.
Trivia question: What actor from the original Fast Times at Ridgemont High film reprised his role as a teacher in the short lived TV adaptation?
