Laverne and Shirley

Laverne and Shirley was a hit ABC sitcom with a seven year run of new episodes, from 1976 to 1983. A hipper, younger adaptation of the basic scenario in The Odd Couple, the show starred Penny Marshall as spunky, irresponsible Laverne DeFazio and Cindy Williams as the prim, emotional Shirley Feeney. The program also featured the memorably goofy characters Lenny and Squiggy, played by Michael McKean and David Lander.

The program was the first spin-off of Happy Days, which also spawned Joni Loves Chachi and Mork and Mindy, among others. The LaVerne and Shirley characters had their debut on Happy Days episode #49—A Date With Fonzie—is which the pair go on a date with Fonzie and Richie Cunningham. The show is originally set in Milwaukee, WI, (like Happy Days), but relocates to Burbank, CA, in Season 6.