Since NBC was still the lowest rated network, and was struggling to survive, executive producers and programmers for NBC came up with an idea not to drop the #74 ranked show, but to renew it. There were many problems with the show such as light weight scripts, too many cast members, stereotyping ethnicity's, and more. The first major overhaul on the show had to do with the writers. All the writers were fired and Linda Marsh, and Margie Peters took over. Margie Peter's noted that the show in it's first season seemed very stereotypical because of Tootie rollarskating around everywhere, 'which at the time was very popular with African American culture.' The next problem had to do with the dress code, the school uniforms were haltertops and short shorts, even in the dead of winter. Margie Peter's ordered to cut the rollarskating bit, and suggested new 'realistic' school uniforms.
The most drastic change had to do with the cast members. John Lawlor (Steven Bradley) was the first to go, "It's show business for me, but for some of the girls I think it was a bit of a jolt." The next to be axed was Nancy Schacter (Nancy Olson), who ironically was also the first to be hired. The next decision was between Lisa Whelchel (Blair Warner), Julie Piekarski (Sue Ann Weaver), and Julie Haddock (Cindy Webster); the three 'pretty' girls. There were two too many, Piekarski and Haddock were fired. And lastly, Molly Ringwald left the show to start her movie debut. Now that casting was cut complete, the ensemble of Charlotte Rae, Lisa Whelchel, Kim Fields, and Mindy Cohn were ready to begin a second season, however, there was room for one more. Nancy McKeon was hired as a tomboy character, Joanna Marie Polniaczek, to spice up the predictable cast.The Facts of Life had a simple premise.
In the first season Charlotte Rae, as Mrs. Garrett, took over as housemother, she was then promoted, in the second season, to school dietition. The set changed from the school dorm to the school cafeteria. Blair and Jo didn't ever get along, and to prove a point they stole the school cafeteria van with Natalie and Tootie, and got themselves on probation, where they were put under the supervision of Mrs. Garrett. The second season included many well known guest stars like Gary Coleman, Zsa Zsa Gabor, and Ja'net DuBois. Since the show jumped from #74 to #26 writers and producers tried to get NBC to spin-off some more shows, like in this season, "The Parkers," based off of the episode Brian and Slyvia.
