Alice is a classic American sitcom that aired from 1976 to 1985 on CBS, spanning nine seasons and 202 episodes. The series, based on the 1974 film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, follows the life of a single mother navigating the challenges of work and personal life while maintaining her strong-willed personality and sense of humor.

Plot Overview

Alice Hyatt (Linda Lavin), a recently widowed woman, moves to Phoenix, Arizona, with her young son, Tommy (Philip McKeon), hoping to start a new life. She takes a job as a waitress at Mel’s Diner, run by the grumpy yet good-hearted Mel Sharples (Vic Tayback). Alongside fellow waitresses—sassy and outspoken Flo (Polly Holliday) and sweet but scatterbrained Vera (Beth Howland)—Alice faces daily mishaps, workplace drama, and heartfelt moments, all while pursuing her dream of becoming a singer.

Highlights

⭐ Endearing Characters: Alice is a strong and relatable protagonist, while Flo’s famous catchphrase, “Kiss my grits!”, became a pop culture sensation.
⭐ Comedy & Drama Blend: The show balances humor with real-life struggles, tackling topics like single parenthood, gender roles, and financial hardships.

⭐ Memorable Supporting Cast: Vic Tayback’s portrayal of Mel, the tough but secretly caring boss, adds depth to the show’s dynamic.
⭐ Longevity & Impact: Running for almost a decade, Alice was a significant part of 1970s and 1980s television, inspiring a spin-off (Flo) and earning multiple awards.

Criticism

📌 Formulaic Episodes: Like many sitcoms of its time, Alice often relied on recurring jokes and predictable storylines.
📌 Flo’s Departure: Polly Holliday’s exit in season 4 left a noticeable gap, as her character was one of the show’s most beloved.