Fame (1980s)
By Kari Croop,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Classic teen series is dated, but it once broke new ground.
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What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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Fame (1980s)
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Based on 1 parent review
a fantastic show about the teachers and students of a prestigious music high school
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What's the Story?
Blending elements of straight drama, music, and dance, FAME follows a group of gifted students -- including singer Coco (Erica Gimpel), dancer Leroy (Gene Anthony Ray), and composer Bruno (Lee Currieri) -- during their time at New York's prestigious High School of Performing Arts, where they're learning the skills they need to succeed. Based on the Oscar-winning movie of the same name, the series allowed several of the film's young stars to reprise their roles (re-casting some others and even altering a few controversial characters) and gave Debbie Allen a much more prominent role as a no-nonsense dance teacher. In later seasons, Janet Jackson, Nia Peeples, and Michael Cerveris (a future Tony winner) joined the cast.
Is It Any Good?
This TV series is a far cry from Fame the movie, which offered a gritty, honest portrayal of what it was like for teens growing up in New York City in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Whereas the film captured the raw emotions of teens who were grappling with heavy issues -- including homosexuality and teen pregnancy -- the small-screen version is much tamer, focusing on the positive aspects of the characters' lives and reserving serious topics for occasional "issue" episodes. It also fails to replicate the film's vibrancy when it comes to the musical performances, which are typically lip-synched or played over a montage. But Fame was undeniably entertaining -- and popular -- for its time, earning eight Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes.
For today's kids, Fame will seem seriously dated -- from the legwarmers the students wear to class to the mimeograph used in the central office to make copies. But that isn't to say they won't like it. The best thing about it, by far, is the fact that parents don't have to worry about iffy content and can actually feel good about their teens -- and even some older tweens -- watching. And that kind of makes it feel kind of modern.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether the characters' stories on Fame are still relevant to today's high schoolers. Teens: Which of these characters, if any, do you relate to? Do any of the characters' problems seem outdated to you? Does the plot play to any stereotypes?
How does this series compare to the 1980 film version? How about the 2009 remake? Do you think Fame could make it as a TV series today?
What message does the show send about fame? Is it easy to get? How much work does it take? Is fame any easier to come by in modern-day society -- and does that mean you don't have to work as hard to get it?
How do the characters in Fame demonstrate perseverance and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 7, 1982
- Cast: Debbie Allen, Gene Anthony Ray, Lee Curreri
- Network: Syndicated
- Genre: Drama
- Character Strengths: Perseverance, Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: December 10, 2022
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