Updated 8/1/25

Much of the 1980s sitcom scene was indisputably dominated by The Facts of Life, which came with its own strong pedigree as a spinoff to the other revolutionary series, Diff’rent Strokes. Eastland School housed a charismatic cast of characters since day one, though the coolest and toughest of them all was the motorcycle-riding Joanna Marie “Jo” Polniaczek. Her arc with Blair beautifully proved people’s ability to come together and form lasting bonds, no matter their background – and this after the two got off on the wrong foot. Nancy McKeon was recruited for the vital role of sparking renewed interest in the show, a crucial move that proved very fruitful. But when it came time for a cast reunion, McKeon was nowhere to be seen with her former roommates and classmates; instead

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