My Favorite TV Show: The Golden Girls

by Jenna Khakoo


As we return to our hometowns for the holidays, we are reminded of the simple luxuries the come with living at home. In my case, a fully stocked fridge, real food, my cat, walls that are semi-soundproof, my car, the list goes on. One thing that is a particular at-home treat: real television.

Throughout my college experience — I’m on my third year, I’ve lived comfortably without TV because I have the Gift of Netflix — Shoutout 1X to my dad. While Netflix supplies me with endless bad movies and old television shows that I didn’t even know I wanted to watch (example: Gossip Girl), it lacks probably the most important show of all time. That’s right, I mean The Golden Girls. 

  

The Golden Girls came into my life the same way most of my illiterate-sounding, millennial slang. I heard about it. Thought it was funny. Tried watching it almost ironically. It became a normalcy in my life. Can’t stop, won’t stop. 

Like all shows, it takes getting to know these characters to truly appreciate the fabulousness that is Blanche, Sophia, Dorothy and Rose (from left to right). So let me give you a quick lowdown on who these women are. 

Blanche Devereaux:

You could say Blanche is the “Flirty One.” She frequently goes on dates with men, is vain in her appearance and quite sexually liberated. She’s also famous for lying about her age. What’s really dope about this (there’s that illiterate slang) is that a show made in the 1980s about four old ladies freely discusses sex from a female perspective in a positive way. Sure, Sophia calls Blanche a prostitute a few times, but it’s all in good nature. Blanche was the OG reclaimer of the word “slut.” 

Sophia Petrillo: 

“Picture it (date) (location) (ridiculous story about Sophia’s life).’ This is Sophia’s catchphrase. Although the oldest Golden Girl, she’s Dorothy’s mom, she’s probably the spunkiest. Sophia has a knack for insults, and she lacks a censor. Sophia's superlative would probably be the “Funny One.” However, she’s definitely the maternal figure of the show. 

Dorothy Zbornak: 

Full of endless wit and sarcasm, Dorothy is the “Smart One” or the “Sensible One.” She’s definitely more down-to-earth, but if you think this means she doesn’t get into some crazy shenanigans, then you’re wrong! Dorothy is funny, loving and so supportive of her roommates. Also, her glares are legendary.

Rose Nylund: 

Ah, Rose, my favorite wildcard. Rose commonly tells bizarre stories about her childhood in a town called St. Olaf, Minnesota. She’s simple, and humorous and kind-hearted. Rose doesn’t always get it, which makes her the recipient of many sarcastic comments and annoyed glares. But, nothing really brings her down. I think we can all relate to this. College continually gets me down, but here I am, still kicking (everything’s fine). Rose is full of surprising stories, talents and experiences. 

Some other notable things about my favorite TV show. 

The list goes on...

1. It was written by a woman about women for women
2. It’s won a few Emmy’s, as has each of the show’s stars
3. Estelle Getty is younger than Bea Arthur, who plays her on-screen daughter 
4. The show actually deals with some pretty heavy/relevant issues, like AIDS, homelessness, race, death and sexuality. All of these being pretty taboo for the mid-1980s (and even today…).
5. The show embraced aging, and showed real, older women. It’s pretty rare to see old women characters whose purpose isn’t “loving grandmother” or “senile old lady.” These women are complete, complex and well-written. 

I could ramble on about The Golden Girls for hours, but in closing, this is a show about friendship. It’s about four women who have created a family filled with love and support (Yo, Texas Spirits does this sound familiar!!!). The Golden Girls is a show about women supporting women, and I’m so here for it. 

You can catch my favorite ladies on the Hallmark Channel sometime after 10:00 p.m.