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The impetus for this reunion came after the unexpected success of live remakes of classic sitcoms, including Diff’rent Strokes and The Facts of Life. Norman Lear, the iconic creator of these shows, reached out to the original cast, expressing amazement at the renewed interest in their work. While Lear had always recognized the enduring popularity of his creations, he was taken aback by how strongly the younger generation resonated with The Facts of Life.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the original cast members found themselves conversing via Zoom calls and discussing the prospects of reviving the show. This sentimentality and nostalgia fueled their discussions, and a writer was eventually brought on board to explore new storylines and possibilities.