How to watch

Set in 1950s and 1960s Milwaukee, Happy Days follows Richie Cunningham, his family and his effortlessly cool friend Arthur 'The Fonz' Fonzarelli. The show became a ratings juggernaut for ABC, and its success led to several spin-offs. Laverne & Shirley followed two brewery workers, Mork & Mindy introduced Robin Williams as an alien who first appeared in a Happy Days dream episode, and Joanie Loves Chachi sent Richie's sister and Fonzie's cousin to Chicago.

🕐 Release Order

Release order shows how one hit sitcom became the center of a TV universe.

1. Happy Days (1974–1984)
2. Laverne & Shirley (1976–1983)
3. Mork & Mindy (1978–1982)
4. Joanie Loves Chachi (1982–1983)

The shows overlapped on air for years, with frequent crossovers. Because Happy Days and its retro spin-offs are set in the past, while Mork & Mindy takes place in the then-present day, the story order differs slightly.

📖 Story Chronology

Chronologically, the 1950s and 1960s shows come first, with Mork & Mindy's late-1970s Boulder setting coming last.

1. Happy Days (1974–1984) — late 1950s to mid-1960s
2. Laverne & Shirley (1976–1983) — late 1950s to 1960s
3. Joanie Loves Chachi (1982–1983) — mid-1960s
4. Mork & Mindy (1978–1982) — late 1970s

Which Order Should You Choose?

Start with Happy Days and add Laverne & Shirley once it premieres in Season 3, since the two shows share characters and crossovers. Mork & Mindy is a great standalone comedy, but watch Mork's first Happy Days appearance before diving in. Joanie Loves Chachi is optional.

🔗 Related Guides

• Cheers Watch OrderGuide
• American Graffiti Watch OrderGuide
• Grease Watch OrderGuide

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