Picture it: NBC, Saturday, Sept. 14, 1985.

It was the start of what would become one of the most popular sitcoms on television — “The Golden Girls.”

The show starred starring Bea Arthur (Dorothy), Estelle Getty (Sophia), Rue McClanahan (Blanche) and Betty White (Rose).

Blanche: I never had to pay a penny in backtaxes. I have a way with auditors. The last time I was audited I even got money back from the government.

Sophia: Blanche, it’s not a refund when the auditor leaves two twenties on your nightstand.

It remains a popular sitcom 30 years after its debut, airing daily on The Hallmark Channel, and regularly on TV Land and Logo.

I’m not sure when “Golden Girls” became one of my most favorite shows. I remember watching first-run episodes with my grandmother. But it wasn’t until I was older (somewhere in the late 90s) when I became hooked on the show in reruns on Lifetime.

“Golden Girls” tackled some edgy — for the 80s — topics, including gay rights, gay marriage, racism, AIDS, teen pregnancy, artificial insemination, and the show focused on issues senior citizens face.

Oh, and lots of sex.

Rose [about Miles]: He makes me feel foolish. I don’t even feel comfortable telling him St. Olaf stories.

Dorothy: I want to know exactly what he said to make you feel that way.

One particular episode — “Not Another Monday” — discusses suicide, in which Sophia’s friend Martha is tired of the pain and suffering and being alone. She considers suicide, but Sophia helps her reconsider.

The episode “Old Friends” is another example of how a comedic television show brought serious issues to light.

“And I’m Sister Blanche. We’re… uh, going… door to door collecting lingerie for… needy sexy people.” — Blanche

Sophia becomes friends with Alvin, who suffers from Alzheimer’s.
In the same episode, Blanche accidentally gives Rose’s favorite teddy bear.

 

When she tries to get the bear back, the little girl Blanche gave the bear to holds it for random. Rose outsmarts the kid to get the bear back!

Blanche: I don’t really mind Clayton being homosexual, I just don’t like him dating men.

Dorothy: You really haven’t grasped the concept of this gay thing yet, have you?

Blanche: There must be homosexuals who date women.

Sophia: Yeah, they’re called lesbians.

The series ran for only seven seasons and recorded just 180 episodes, but its lasting impact remains strong.

Its well thought out script, hilarious jokes and serious topics make it one of the best shows still on TV. It’s more relevant today than ever.

Dorothy: What happened?

Blanche: She shot my vase.

Dorothy: What are you doing shooting, are you crazy?!

Rose: I heard a noise, I thought it was robbers.

Sophia: I lived eighty, eighty-one years, I survived two world wars, pneumonia, a stroke and two operations. One night I’ll belch and Stable Mabel here will blow my head off!

And it’s funnier than any show on tv now — 30 years after it debuted!

“Golden Girls” shows us that getting old can be a blast — as long as there is cheesecake.

Thank you for being a friend.