TV LAND AWARDS

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

The 2011 TV Land Awards took place not in California, but for the first time in New York City. The show was aired last night and honored the casts of The Cosby Show, Welcome Back Kotter, The Facts of Life and Family Ties. Huge stars like John Trevolta, Michael J. Fox, and Meredith Baxter (who still looks great!) were on hand to celebrate. Regis Philbin was also present to accept the Legend Award. The Music Icon Award was given to Hall and Oates who performed some of their greatest hits.

As the many stars of these shows were reunited on stage, I thought back to the days when we all sat in front of our little TV’s to watch Vinnie Barberino and the sweat hogs learn life's lessons from Mr. Kotter. It made me wonder how many kids today will never know the pleasures we enjoyed in shows like I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners, The Dick Van Dyke show and so many more. There was no bloodshed, sex, serious crime, or tragic death on these shows, yet we couldn’t wait for the next episode.