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minnick27 t1_j6mxwcp wrote

Reply to comment by Blackash99 in Cindy Williams Dies: ‘Laverne & Shirley‘ Star Who Appeared In ’American Graffiti’ & ‘The Conversation’ Was 75 by MarvelsGrantMan136

It was created as its own show and the pilot went unsold so they used it for an episode of Love, American Style. So I'd say introduction is more appropriate

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tfresca t1_j6myxbv wrote

I think spin off is more accurate as if it hadn't been a hit as an episode they wouldn't have gotten a show. You could call it a backdoor pilot.

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minnick27 t1_j6nw7dy wrote

I don't know if the episode was a hit or not. It aired almost 2 full years before the series aired. I think it was the success of American Graffiti that had them say "we own this show that's similar in tone and stars the same guy."

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flibbitydoo2 t1_j6ntw5w wrote

I remember watching that pilot on Love American Style on a Friday when I was a young kid. I think it was a year or two before Happy Days actually premiered.

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