50 Years of Happy Days

Happy Days premiered on ABC as a mid-season replacement series in January 1974, when the Watergate investigation was in full swing and Americans were still recovering from the trauma of the Vietnam war. Set in 1950s Milwaukee, the warm-hearted comedy, created by Garry Marshall, provided a much-needed antidote to the roiling real-life concerns of everyday Americans, taking us back to a simpler time, and it remains a fan favorite to this day. Introducing the tight-knit Cunningham family—parents Howard and Marion, their kids Richie and Joanie, and Richie’s extended circle of friends—viewers embraced the show and its stars, especially once Henry Winkler’s soon-to-be iconic cool guy, Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli, zoomed into the spotlight on his motorbike. In this special commemorative issue to mark the sit-com’s 50th anniversary, we look back at how the series came together, relive magical moments with Ron Howard, Marion Ross and others—including the fashion, music and that famed jump-the-shark episode—delve into the spinoffs (Laverne & Shirley! Mork & Mindy!), our favorite perfectamundo sayings, and other nostalgic series. Happy Days are here again! Ayyy!