THE GOLDEN GIRLS to Debut on TV Land 3/16

TV Land will debut the Emmy(R) Award-winning comedy "The Golden Girls" on Saturday, March 16, it was announced today. Marathons will launch on Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17, from 3-11pm, followed by a week-long primetime tribute to each of the characters. Then, fans take over the air! Viewers can go online now* and choose their favorite episodes on TV Land's Facebook Page, then watch the results on Friday, March 22 from 7-10pm. After launch week, the show will settle into its regular timeslot of 7pm, Monday through Saturday, and 5pm on Sundays. Fans of "The Golden Girls" can keep up with the series on Facebook and TV Land's Tumblr, which will be posting fun activities like tips for throwing the best viewing party and character "sass-offs" all week long and beyond!

The show revolves around Dorothy (Bea Arthur), Rose (Betty White), Blanche (Rue McClanahan) and Sophia (Estelle Getty), four single women "of a certain age" who live together in Miami, years after being widowed or divorced. Rose's endearing innocence, Dorothy's sharp wit and cynicism, Blanche's man-eating ways and Sophia's no-holds-barred approach to life make "The Golden Girls" ready for laughs. Though they don't always get along, these women remain loyal "pals and confidants" through every life-changing moment.

"That 'classic' sitcom Style mixed with daring comedy is what makes 'The Golden Girls' so timeless," TV Land President Larry W. Jones remarked. "We're thrilled to have the show join the TV Land family, where 'timeless' reigns supreme." Added Jaclyn Cohen, Executive Vice President, Program Strategy and Acquisitions, TV Land, "'The Golden Girls' has been a beloved hit for nearly 30 years and the fans still love those ladies. TV Land is the perfect home for them."

"The Golden Girls" ran in primetime for seven seasons from 1985 to 1992 on NBC and garnered over 30 awards in that time, including 11 Emmy(R) Awards and four Golden Globe(R) Awards. Each of the program's four stars won an Emmy for outstanding performance in the series.

The premiere of "The Golden Girls" on TV Land will mark the second show on the network to star Betty White, who can currently be seen on TV Land's hit original sitcom, "Hot in Cleveland," with co-stars Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Lee ves and Wendie Malick. The show, now in its fourth season, is all-new beginning on Wednesday, June 19 at 10pm ET/PT, kicking off with a LIVE episode.

*Voting closes at 11:59pm ET on Wednesday, March 20.

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