Picture this: take the classic '70s sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter, flip it upside down, and transport that Brooklyn high school classroom to Manhattan. Swap out the lovable juvenile delinquents, the Sweathogs, for a group of über-smart overachievers, but keep the same hilarious teacher in charge—only this time, it's Howard Hesseman's Charlie Moore stepping in for Gabe Kaplan's Mr. Kotter. Now, you've got the basic premise of the beloved '80s sitcom Head of the Class.
What Was Head of the Class Really About?
Back in 1986, actress Robin Givens, who played Ashley Garrett before she became known as Mike Tyson's wife, gave a pretty spot-on description of the show to the Santa Cruz Sentinel. She explained, "We’re a bunch of genius kids who are super-smart but totally clueless about life outside the classroom. The show tackles real-life issues that kids face, but with a sense of humor: things like academic pressure, figuring out how to socialize, and discovering who you really are. School is supposed to prepare you for life, but sometimes that can be a real shock. I remember dealing with kids who were drinking and partying, and I realized I didn’t know as much as I thought I did. I was all about academics, but I had no social life. At 15, you're not really dating; you're just trying to figure out how to fit in. And that's tough when you're a brainiac surrounded by other brainiacs. The real world? That's a whole other story."
The Show's Evolution and Howard Hesseman's Role
When Head of the Class first premiered on ABC in 1986, it was supposed to be all about Howard Hesseman's character, Charlie Moore. Howard had just wrapped up his run on the hit ensemble comedy WKRP in Cincinnati, so the idea was to build the show around him. But as the seasons rolled on, the focus shifted more and more to the students. This change in direction moved the show away from its original concept, and by the time the fourth season ended, Howard decided it was time to move on. In the fifth and final season, comedian Billy Connolly stepped in as the new teacher, Billy McGregor.
Read also:Shelley Duvall A Life Beyond The Spotlight
Howard Hesseman: A Star With Perspective
In the early days of the show, Howard was pretty pumped about the series' success. He told The Press Democrat, "I feel like the show connects with two generations. It makes both younger and older viewers feel good. It really captures what life is all about. But honestly, I don’t know that much about what the public likes." Despite his laid-back attitude, Howard was often seen as a father figure on set—a label he wasn’t exactly comfortable with. "They might think of me that way because I’m twice their age," he joked. "But I don’t give advice. I prefer to see it as a free and open exchange among fellow professionals."
Ready to dive deeper into the lives and careers of the talented cast members? Scroll down to learn more!
