Although The Honeymooners only lasted one season from 1955-1956, it has its place in TV history as it is considered to be the first official spin-off series. It was created based on a recurring comedy sketch on Jackie Gleason’s variety show Cavalcade of Stars about the lives of New York City bus driver Ralph Kramden and his wife Alice. Their friends Ed Norton and his wife Trixie were often around, getting into trouble with them. It has been said to have inspired the iconic sitcoms Married… With Children, The King of Queens and Roseanne. In honor of this classic sitcom, let’s learn some interesting facts about it!
Jackie Gleason originally didn’t want Audrey Meadows to play Alice
Reportedly, Meadows auditioned for Alice and Gleason turned her down, saying that she was “too young and too pretty.” She returned the next day with a new outfit, hairstyle and no makeup. Gleason didn’t even realize it was the same woman and immediately hired her. What a difference a day makes!
Only one star received residuals from the series
Audrey Meadows was the only star to request residual payments in her contract from the advice of her two brothers, who were attorneys. The network agreed because they never imagined the show would remain on the air in reruns for so many years. Smart lady!
Fans sent gifts to liven up the Kramdens’ apartment
The Kramdens’ apartment was supposed to look dreary and depressing but fans didn’t realize this. They often sent decorations in the mail to liven up the place.
Jackie Gleason almost sued a famous cartoon for copying his idea
The Flintstones has some heavy inspiration from The Honeymooners and Gleason quickly noticed. He wanted to sue the show but famously his publicist asked him, “Do you want to go down in history as The Man Who Killed Fred Flintstone?” So, he decided not to.
