On this day July 21 1981, the final episode of Flo aired on CBS, bringing an end to the short-lived but memorable spinoff of the hit series Alice. The show followed Florence Jean Castleberry, better known as Flo, after she left Mel’s Diner to return to her hometown of Cowtown Texas and open a roadhouse called Flo’s Yellow Rose.
Portrayed by Polly Holliday, Flo was already a fan favorite thanks to her no nonsense attitude and famous catchphrase "Kiss my grits." The series gave her center stage and surrounded her with a quirky new cast of characters, including her mother Velma, her friend Fran, and various locals who added flavor to life in a small Texas town.
Flo debuted to strong ratings in its first season but struggled to maintain its early success in the second. Despite its short run, the show left a lasting impression thanks to Holliday’s standout performance and the unique Southern charm of its setting. In total, Flo aired 29 episodes over two seasons before wrapping in the summer of 1981.
80s insight: Flo was one of several spinoffs in the early 80s that tried to give breakout TV characters a spotlight of their own. Though it did not last, the show captured a unique slice of Southern life and showed how a strong character could carry her own story.
Portrayed by Polly Holliday, Flo was already a fan favorite thanks to her no nonsense attitude and famous catchphrase "Kiss my grits." The series gave her center stage and surrounded her with a quirky new cast of characters, including her mother Velma, her friend Fran, and various locals who added flavor to life in a small Texas town.
Flo debuted to strong ratings in its first season but struggled to maintain its early success in the second. Despite its short run, the show left a lasting impression thanks to Holliday’s standout performance and the unique Southern charm of its setting. In total, Flo aired 29 episodes over two seasons before wrapping in the summer of 1981.
80s insight: Flo was one of several spinoffs in the early 80s that tried to give breakout TV characters a spotlight of their own. Though it did not last, the show captured a unique slice of Southern life and showed how a strong character could carry her own story.
