The TV Show It’s a Living was must-see television back in the day. Focused on five four waitresses working at the fictional Above the Top Restaurant on the top floor of the iconic (and real-life) Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles, each episode was a comedy of errors. Centered around the lives of young women making a living on tips and so/so wages surrounded by somewhat swanky digs, each 22-minute episode was filled with hijinks and hilarity.
Wasn’t ready for primetime
It’s a Living initially aired on ABC and debuted in the fall of 1980. It originally starred Susan Sullivan (Lois), Barrie Youngfellow (Jan), Ann Jillian (Cassie), Gail Edwards (Dot), Wendy Schaal (Vicki), Paul Kreppel (Sonny), and Marian Mercer (Nancy). The show was canceled in 1982 after its second season but found life again in syndication with a change in the cast (the addition of Crystal Bernard and later Sheryl Lee Ralph). It’s a Living aired for six seasons and encompassed 120 episodes.
Thanks to YouTube, I’ve been revisiting the somewhat nostalgic yet memorable sitcom and can see its underappreciated charm. The cast, even with the lineup changes, remains funny and relatable with their 80s style and banter. The getup that the waitresses had to wear during the first season would be considered disco attire now, and nothing like what expensive restaurants currently observe. Think Hooters but with leotards and a skirt.
Some of the situations the restaurant employees found themselves in included one small city girl moving to the big city and possibly losing her virginity, a fire where they all had to keep the customers calm, and a Maury you-are-not-the-father moment. Just to name a few.
The most iconic theme song
However, the best thing about It’s a Living is the theme song, which never changed during its six-year run.
Life’s not the French Riviera
Believe me, Life’s not a charity ball.
It isn’t all a great, big bed of roses
It’s not like showbiz
But the main thing I suppose is…
Sung as if it were part of a Broadway number, once you hear the theme song, it will stick with you for days.
[ Read: A Generation X Guide to Watching YouTube ]
Memories, light the corners of my mind
I remember watching It’s a Living during its syndication run, and Sheryl Lee Ralph was my favorite character. I enjoyed watching the inner workings of the back of the house. The girls make the salads while discussing their dating dilemmas and shooing off Sonny, who would certainly catch a sexual harassment case if It’s a Living were set in the present day. Hearing the specials and the soup of the day used to make me hungry, and watching now, it has the same effect.
It’s a Living is a Gen-X throwback to ensemble sitcom casts with ever-changing characters. On a not-so-good day, take a look at the show on YouTube and escape to a simpler time. It works for me.
Do you remember It’s a Living? Who was your favorite character?
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