On this day, February 10, 1983, the short lived sitcom Amanda’s premiered on ABC, starring the legendary Bea Arthur in her first television role after the success of Maude. Despite high expectations, the show lasted only one season with 10 episodes, making it one of the lesser known entries in Arthur’s iconic career.
Amanda’s was an American adaptation of the British sitcom Fawlty Towers, with Bea Arthur playing Amanda Cartwright, the no nonsense owner of a struggling seaside hotel. The series attempted to bring the same brand of chaotic humor and witty banter that made Fawlty Towers a classic, but it failed to connect with audiences and was canceled after just a few months.
Though Amanda’s was short lived, it remains an interesting part of Bea Arthur’s television legacy. Just two years later, she would find massive success with The Golden Girls, securing her place as one of television’s most beloved comedic actresses. Amanda’s was one of several failed attempts to create an American version of Fawlty Towers. Other adaptations also struggled to capture the magic of the original British series.
80s insight: The early 1980s used sitcoms to explore cultural differences through lighthearted comedy.
Amanda’s was an American adaptation of the British sitcom Fawlty Towers, with Bea Arthur playing Amanda Cartwright, the no nonsense owner of a struggling seaside hotel. The series attempted to bring the same brand of chaotic humor and witty banter that made Fawlty Towers a classic, but it failed to connect with audiences and was canceled after just a few months.
Though Amanda’s was short lived, it remains an interesting part of Bea Arthur’s television legacy. Just two years later, she would find massive success with The Golden Girls, securing her place as one of television’s most beloved comedic actresses. Amanda’s was one of several failed attempts to create an American version of Fawlty Towers. Other adaptations also struggled to capture the magic of the original British series.
80s insight: The early 1980s used sitcoms to explore cultural differences through lighthearted comedy.
