Fan Fest News

News for Fans, By Fans!

A Reboot of ‘The Facts of Life’ is in Early Development

“You take the good. You take the bad. You take them both and there you have The Facts of Life!”

The reboot revolution rolls on, and next on the docket is the classic 1980s sitcom The Facts of Life.

Last week, Deadline announced that the 80s sitcom was being strongly considered for a reboot and was even in the very early stages of development at Sony Pictures TV.  The outlet reports that Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way, a company which he runs with Jennifer Davisson, is in negotiations to produce along with Jessica Biel’s Iron Ocean Films company. Sony Pictures TV declined to comment, however, Deadline also reports the series is currently seeking a writer for the project.

The news of a reboot in the works came just days prior to news breaking that Charlotte Rae who played Mrs. Garrett on the series had passed away at the age of 92 after a battle with cancer.

The Facts of Life followed the lives of four girls, Blair (played by Lisa Whelchel), Tootie (played by Kim Fields), Natalie (played by Mindy Cohn) and Jo (played by Nancy McKeon) as well as Mrs. Edna Garrett (Rae), their housemother. The series followed the lives of the girls from school through adulthood and focused on every day teenage issues such as drug use, peer pressure, sex and others.

The series ran from 1979 through 1988 and spanned nine seasons. Throughout its run, The Facts of Life was nominated for three Emmys including a lead actress nom for Rae. The series which was created by Dick Clair and Jenna McMahon originated as a spinoff from another popular sitcom Diff’rent StrokesDiff’rent Strokes is where Rae first originated her Mrs. Garrett role.

It’s too early in the process to know exactly what a Facts of Life reboot would entail, but if the series was remade with the right story and focus, the general concept of the series has the potential to be a hugely relevant show for today’s society.

What do you think about a Facts of Life reboot potentially in the works? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.