Watch Alice (1976)

Alice is an American sitcom television series that aired on CBS from 1976 to 1985. The show was based on the 1974 movie Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, which was directed by Martin Scorsese. The series starred Linda Lavin as Alice Hyatt, a recently widowed mother of one who moves to Phoenix, Arizona, to start a new life.

Alice Hyatt is a single, working mother who leaves her home in New Jersey after she loses her husband in a trucking accident. She packs up her son, Tommy (played by Philip McKeon), and moves to Phoenix, where she dreams of becoming a singer. Alice's car breaks down in the middle of Arizona, forcing her to seek the help of a roadside diner called Mel's Diner.

Mel's Diner is owned by Mel Sharples (played by Vic Tayback), a gruff and sarcastic man who has a soft spot for Alice. Alice winds up getting a job as a waitress at Mel's Diner, and becomes friends with the other waitresses, Vera (Beth Howland) and Flo (Polly Holliday). Vera is a timid and skittish woman who lives with her neurotic mother, and Flo is a tough-talking, catchphrase-spouting waitress who was spun off into her own series, Flo.

Throughout the series, Alice navigates the ups and downs of being a single working mother, dealing with Mel's temper, and juggling her love life. Alice is pursued by various men throughout the series, including local rancher, Earl (played by Charles Levin), and singer, Travis Marsh (played by Tommy Lee Jones). However, Alice's main love interest is Tommy's basketball coach, David Kane (played by played by Geoffrey Lewis), who becomes Alice's on-again, off-again boyfriend throughout the series.

The show explores themes of friendship, family, and the struggles of the working class. Alice's life is far from perfect, but she remains determined to make the best of it. Her relationship with her son, Tommy, is a cornerstone of the show, and the two share a strong bond. Tommy is a teenager throughout the series, and his coming of age is often a major part of the show's storylines.

The show was a hit with audiences, and its catchy theme song, "There's a New Girl in Town," became a popular tune of its time. Alice was also notable for its depiction of working-class women and the camaraderie between the show's female characters. The series enabled the female characters to showcase their strengths and vulnerabilities, and was particularly progressive in its representation of the hardworking women of the service industry.

In conclusion, Alice was a groundbreaking sitcom that resonated with audiences throughout the 1970s and 1980s. The show portrayed the struggles of working-class individuals in a relatable and authentic manner, and its characters remain beloved by fans to this day. Linda Lavin's portrayal of Alice Hyatt was a tour-de-force, and the show's cast of supporting characters added depth and heart to the series. Alice was a classic television show that continues to be celebrated for its humor, heart, and engaging storylines.

Alice (1976) is a series that ran for 9 seasons (200 episodes) between August 31, 1976 and on CBS