It's a Living
Overview
Set against the backdrop of a bustling restaurant atop the Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles, It's a Living blends humor and heart in its portrayal of a group of waitresses navigating the ups and downs of their careers and personal lives. Premiering on ABC from October 30, 1980, to June 11, 1982, the sitcom enjoyed a resurgence with new episodes in syndication from September 28, 1985, to April 8, 1989. Created by Stu Silver, Dick Clair, and Jenna McMahon, the show was produced by Witt/Thomas Productions, later collaborating with Golden West Television and Lorimar-Telepictures.
Episodes
-
1
Pilot
The story begins with the naive Vicki pondering an upcoming date with a pilot. As she prepares for the evening, her anxiety grows, particularly about...
-
2
The Intruder
With her husband and kids off enjoying a camping adventure, Lois invites Jan to stay the night, concerned about a recent string of burglaries plaguin...
-
3
Roomies
Vicki's aspirations of moving into her new apartment take a hit when the current tenants decide to stay put. In response to her sudden housing dilemma...
-
4
Fallen Idol
Vicki is anxious about her father’s upcoming visit, particularly how he will respond to her revealing work attire. But her concerns quickly fade whe...
-
5
The Lois Affair
Following a heated dispute with her husband, Lois unexpectedly encounters her former high school boyfriend, who is eager to rekindle their past romanc...
-
6
Super-Mom
Jan is determined to fund her daughter’s ballet lessons, leading her to take on a side gig creating invitations. Unfortunately, this additional wor...
-
7
Cassie's Punctured Romance
Cassie hesitates to fully commit to her current boyfriend, as the idea of love makes her uneasy. In an effort to win him over, she enlists the help o...
-
8
Up On the Roof
When a fire ignites in the hotel beneath the restaurant, the team must maintain their composure while managing the chaos. Their task is made even har...
-
9
Making the Grade
Jan finds herself in a difficult situation after she agrees to go on a date with her economics professor. When she decides to end their relationship,...
-
10
Our Man Barry
Dot and Vicki find themselves romantically involved with the same guy, creating tension at the restaurant. Meanwhile, Nancy enforces a strict diet pl...
-
11
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Lois discovers that her daughter’s assignment to invite her to discuss the challenges of working mothers came about because of an essay portraying ...
-
12
Kids
Jan and Lois find themselves in a heated discussion after Lois's son comes across an adult magazine. Their differing views on how to handle the situa...
-
13
You're Not Old, You're Fired
Nancy receives shocking news when she is let go from her job as a hostess at the restaurant. However, the real shock comes from the underlying reason ...
-
1
Boys of Summer
The restaurant crew catches a contagious enthusiasm for baseball when a local team takes over the dining area. As the players bring their competitive...
-
2
All My Son
Sonny is taken aback when an old acquaintance unexpectedly reenters his life, revealing she's had him on her mind for the last decade. His shock deepe...
-
3
Of Mace and Men
Following a harrowing mugging, Maggie and her fellow waitresses take matters into their own hands by arming themselves with mace for protection. When...
-
4
The Wedding
During a wedding reception at the restaurant, the groom's attention is suddenly diverted when he catches sight of an ex-girlfriend, Cassie, standing ...
-
5
Second Time Around, Almost
Jan's former husband makes a surprising return, rekindling feelings she believed had long vanished. As they reconnect, buried emotions resurface, chal...
-
6
Off the Top
The staff receives devastating news that the restaurant has been sold and will be converted into a gym. This revelation forces everyone to confront ...
-
7
Mann is Mann
Sonny's life takes an unexpected turn when his brother Buddy arrives for a visit and decides to stay. As Buddy settles in, he quickly becomes an intr...
-
8
Jealousy or Mildred Fierce
The girls, particularly Nancy, rally together to support Dennis as he struggles to cope with the departure of his wife. They put in considerable effo...
-
9
Young Love
A tender romance ignites between Jan, a 33-year-old woman, and Maggie's younger brother, who is just 23. As they navigate the complexities of their ag...
-
10
The Garden of Countess Natasha
As Dot's latest production premieres, the staff struggles to find any positive feedback to offer her. Their silence becomes a heavy burden, leaving Do...
-
11
Falling in Love Again
After her husband's passing, Maggie finds herself overwhelmed with remorse as she embarks on a new relationship with a man, marking her first date sin...
-
12
Horsing Around
When Jan catches wind of an insider tip from a jockey dining at the restaurant, she and Maggie dive into the world of betting. Their newfound enthusia...
-
13
Strange Bedfellows
Dot finds herself in the hospital sharing a room with an overly optimistic roommate, whose incessant cheerfulness is hard to ignore. Meanwhile, the ho...
-
14
A Farewell to Arm
As Jan prepares for the most important date of her life, she unexpectedly finds herself trapped at Maggie's garage sale. Amidst the clutter and chaos...
-
1
Harassed
Having just moved to the bustling city, Amy finds herself unsettled when she begins receiving a string of menacing texts from an unknown stalker. Thi...
-
2
Cassie's Cowboy
Cassie finds herself captivated by a wealthy cowboy, but her enchantment takes a turn when she discovers that genuine affection is a prerequisite for...
-
3
Amy Big Girl Now
Amy is taken aback when her father unexpectedly arrives in California, intent on bringing his daughter back to Texas and away from her burgeoning cit...
-
4
Desperate Hours
A group of armed militants from a developing nation seizes control of a bustling restaurant, holding the patrons and staff captive. As panic ensues, t...
-
5
I Write the Songs
Sonny believes he has landed a fantastic opportunity with a record label and decides to leave his restaurant job dramatically.
-
6
Jan's Engagment
Jan finds an unexpected spark with a charming fan repair technician who captivates her heart. Their connection develops rapidly, taking her by surpris...
-
7
From Russia with Love
During a trip to California, a Russian man decides to defect and hides himself in Cassie's locker, insisting that he has fallen for her. As Cassie di...
-
8
The Prom Show
As the night of the prom approaches at the restaurant, disaster strikes when the scheduled performers fail to arrive. In a pinch, Dot steps in to le...
-
9
The Wedding Show
As Jan and Richie prepare for their big day, their plans face a setback when the judge is a no-show, casting doubt on their wedding. Meanwhile, unexp...
-
10
Hail to the Chef
The restaurant is buzzing with excitement as news spreads of a potential presidential visit. While the staff eagerly prepares for the event, everyone ...
-
11
Eleven Angry Men and Dot
Dot finds herself on jury duty, emerging as the lone juror who refuses to vote in favor of a conviction. Back at the diner, Nancy and the rest of the...
-
12
Gender Gap
When a lawsuit for gender discrimination is filed against the restaurant, Nancy is compelled to bring on a difficult new waiter. His overbearing atti...
-
13
Jealous Wife
Cassie’s brief encounter with a charming stranger feels like a fantasy come true. However, her bliss quickly turns into a distressing ordeal when th...
-
14
The Doctor Danny Show
While out on a date, Nancy experiences a hernia, prompting her doctor to recommend immediate surgery. However, her deep-rooted fear of hospitals leads...
-
15
Jewel Heist
When a royal princess arrives for a visit, a group of terrorists sets their sights on her lavish diamond necklace. Meanwhile, Dot inadvertently comes...
-
16
The Jerks
The girls find themselves stuck at work, tasked with taking inventory late into the evening. As the hours drag on, they each share a tale of their mo...
-
17
Oddest Couple
In search of a fresh start, Cassie moves in with Sonny, hoping for a short-term solution to her housing woes. However, their unexpected living arrang...
-
18
Dot's Puppy
Following the passing of her beloved cat, Dot adopts a boisterous puppy that brings both joy and chaos into her life. Meanwhile, Sonny makes the surpr...
-
19
Dinner with Deedee
Jan dreads the upcoming visit from a former friend who has consistently excelled in all areas, leaving her feeling inferior. As the day approaches, s...
-
20
Jump
Cassie confronts a customer about his persistent habit of not tipping, only to find out he’s an IRS agent who has come to audit her. Simultaneously,...
-
21
America's Sweetheart
Dot's romance with a cartoonist captures media attention when he bases a new comic strip character on her. As the story unfolds, Dot must navigate the...
-
22
Mann Act
Sonny reflects on his life as he faces the consequences of his romance with a gangster's girlfriend. The mobster has discovered their secret and is se...
-
1
The Roof Show
On a night when the staff is eager to clock out early, the majority finds themselves unexpectedly stranded on the roof. This leaves Amy, Nancy, and Ho...
-
2
The Bar
Amy is struggling with feelings of isolation, so her friends decide to cheer her up by taking her to a singles bar. Unfortunately, as the night unfold...
-
3
The Reunion Show
Excited for her high school reunion, newlywed Jan looks forward to reconnecting with her former boyfriend, who still has feelings for her, just as s...
-
4
Surprise
As Jan's birthday approaches, Amy is preoccupied with a troubling thought: she suspects that Richie is cheating on Jan with Ginger. Instead of planni...
-
5
Nancy's Sister
Nancy is less than thrilled about her sister Gloria's arrival, and her discomfort escalates when she suspects Gloria has her sights set on Howard. As ...
-
6
Night at the Iguana
While en route to Las Vegas, Sonny and the girls find themselves stranded when their vehicle fails. They decide to stay at a peculiar hotel managed by...
-
7
Family Feud
When Dot's mother and Jan's father arrive for a visit, they unexpectedly form a strong connection, leading to a surge of past relationships surfacing...
-
8
The Dot and Howard Show
Following a night out at a social gathering, Dot and Howard embark on a string of dates that leads their friends to believe that their bond has evolv...
-
9
Farewell, My Sonny
A hotel is set to hold a thrilling murder mystery event, but the atmosphere quickly shifts when Sonny is unexpectedly implicated as the main suspect i...
-
10
Critic's Choice
When a longstanding adversary and notorious food critic of Howard checks into the hotel, it jeopardizes both his career and his blossoming romance wit...
-
11
Richie's Sculpture
Richie's latest sculpture receives rave reviews, and he happily consents to showcase it at the restaurant. However, his triumph takes a hit when Jan s...
-
12
Sonny's Oil (a.k.a.) The Oil Show
Sonny discovers a lucrative oil reserve, and with the assistance of a dubious financier, he attempts to persuade the girls to join him in his oil ven...
-
13
Nancy's Birthday Party
Nancy subtly suggests her birthday is approaching, anticipating a celebration in her honor. In the meantime, Jan and Richie are at odds with each othe...
-
14
The Evictables
After receiving guidance from Jan, Ginger finds herself kicked out of her apartment for neglecting to pay rent in an attempt to prompt her landlord to...
-
15
Ginger's Baby
Ginger agrees to care for a friend's baby, only to find herself unexpectedly left alone with the infant when her friend leaves her stranded. Desperat...
-
16
Bachelor Party
Howard’s unsuspecting niece arrives for a visit and quickly strikes up a romance with Sonny. This budding relationship is something Howard is resol...
-
17
Amy's Rusty
Struggling with the pressure of being single, Amy decides to reconnect with a former boyfriend in hopes of rekindling their romance. At the same time,...
-
18
Dot's Priest
Dot feels a mix of unease and curiosity when she learns that an ex-boyfriend is on the path to becoming a priest. As he embraces his new calling, she ...
-
19
The Dickie Doodle Show
Jan Murray stars as a retired host of a beloved children's program whose fan club gathering coincides with Nancy's important meeting with a vice pres...
-
20
The Howie Show
In a surprising turn of events, island locals come to pay homage to their revered figure, Howard, whom they view as a deity. At the same time, Nancy t...
-
21
The Dot Quits Show
Dot decides to leave her job to pursue a career as a full-time unemployed actress. In the meantime, Sonny begins crafting a musical inspired by Attil...
-
22
The Two Guys Show
Ginger finds herself torn between two boyfriends, contemplating the pros and cons of each relationship. Meanwhile, Howard is busy evaluating job offer...
-
23
A Romantic Comedy
Jan and Richie plan for a cozy, romantic night at the hotel, but their intimate evening faces constant disruptions from the restaurant staff. As they ...
-
24
Manhandling
Chaos ensues when Ginger purchases Jan’s car, sparking tension among friends. Meanwhile, Amy enlists Dot to play matchmaker with a charming new staf...
-
25
Nancy's Shrink
During a session with her therapist, Nancy reflects on her connections with her team members. As she explores her feelings, she gains insight into th...
-
1
Till Death Do Us Part
Sonny is head over heels and eager to tie the knot, but there's a catch: his fiancée must arrive at the church punctually. At the same time, Howard i...
-
2
Her Back to the Future
While the team gets ready for a wedding celebration, Nancy drifts into a strange slumber and experiences an unusual dream. In this vision, she finds h...
-
3
No, My Darling Daughter
As Ellen prepares for her date with a high school senior, the waitstaff can’t help but fret over her safety. In a parallel storyline, Howard approa...
-
4
Sweet Charity
Dot is set to direct a children's production of "Little Red Riding Hood," but when the cast comes down with chicken pox, the restaurant crew steps in...
-
5
Killing of Sister Dot
Dot is ecstatic when she lands a role in a soap opera, but her excitement quickly turns to dread upon discovering that her character is facing an unti...
-
6
The Date Show
Nancy believes she has the perfect remedy for Howard's struggle with his mid-life slump. Determined to lift his spirits, she insists that he join her ...
-
7
Search and Strike
Nancy’s week is taking a turn for the worse as hotel management pressures her to investigate the lockers of the waitresses. Meanwhile, Howard insist...
-
8
The Vegas Show (1)
During his stay at the hotel, vocalist Jack Jones forms a bond with Nancy and extends an invitation for her to join him in Las Vegas for an extended w...
-
9
The Vegas Show (2)
Driven by jealousy, Howard tracks Nancy to Las Vegas, where he is shocked to discover her at a blackjack table, flirting with a smooth-talking lounge...
-
10
The Sonny's Mother Show
Sonny is filled with anxiety as he anticipates his mother's arrival. She has held a grudge ever since he chose to pursue a career as a lounge singer r...
-
11
Strictly Personal
Dot's excitement quickly fades when the reactions to her personals ad fall short of her expectations. Instead of the heartfelt connections she envisi...
-
12
A Pen Pal for Your Thoughts
Amy receives unexpected news from her prison pen pal: he’s about to be released. However, the bombshell doesn’t stop there; he expresses his desir...
-
13
Twelve Angry Women
Sonny finds himself in hot water when he unintentionally riles up a group of feminists at a local café. Meanwhile, Dot embarks on a new relationship...
-
14
Skin Deep
When Nancy catches Howard chatting and laughing with a significantly younger woman, she starts to contemplate the idea of getting a facelift. This e...
-
15
Everyone's a Critic
As the curtain rises on her highly anticipated play, Dot is overwhelmed with anxiety, knowing her journalist boyfriend has been tasked with critiquin...
-
16
Take Back Your Mink
Richie strikes it rich, allowing Jan to flaunt a luxurious mink coat. Yet, as his newfound fortune seems to shine bright, questions arise about wheth...
-
17
The One About the Tattooed Lady
Nancy receives an unexpected visit from her cousin Grace, and she quickly realizes that Grace has transformed her appearance with an array of tattoos ...
-
18
Daddy's Little Girl
Jan dreams of bringing her divorced parents back together, but her aspirations hit a snag when she learns that her father is now engaged to someone n...
-
19
Ginger's Grandmother Show
Ginger is surprised when her grandmother arrives at her home, expressing frustration over her son’s decision to take away her driving privileges. I...
-
20
Dot's Hope
When Dot's friend arrives in Hollywood, chasing dreams of stardom, Dot helps her land a job at a local eatery, scrubbing dishes.
-
21
The Amy and Louie Show
Sonny is filled with jealousy when Amy decides to accept a date, but it’s not with him; instead, she chooses his buddy Louie. At the same time, Ging...
-
22
Ginger and the Senator
Ginger's enthusiastic support for her preferred senator takes an unexpected turn when a candid photo of her perched on his lap becomes a sensational h...
-
23
Healings, Nothing More Than Healings
Sonny quickly earns hero status when he saves a man from choking by expertly performing the Heimlich maneuver. At the same time, Nancy and Howard find...
-
24
The No Guys Show
Ginger finds herself in a dilemma when her ideal boyfriend proposes marriage, but she feels unprepared to commit. Torn between her love for him and he...
-
25
The Waiting Game
During a visit from a journalist, the waitresses engage in a deep conversation about their experiences in the service industry. As they share their in...
-
26
Tune In, Tune Out
Jan senses that her romance with Richie has become monotonous, so she decides to add some excitement by borrowing a blonde wig from Dot. However, the ...
-
1
Pistol Packin' Mama
Roommates Ginger and Amy find their friendship hanging by a thread when Ginger uncovers that Amy has a firearm in their shared apartment. Ginger, who ...
-
2
The Nancy and Roscoe Show
Nancy's commitment to Howard faces a challenge when she develops feelings for Roscoe, Howard's former naval comrade. As tensions rise, Nancy grapples...
-
3
The Jan's Pregnant Show
Richie's dream of relocating to North Dakota takes an unexpected turn when Jan reveals she's expecting a baby. This shocking announcement forces Rich...
-
4
Never Trust Anyone Under 40
Louie decides to surprise Sonny for his 40th birthday with a festive party, but the event inadvertently makes Howard feel older than his years.
-
5
The New Guy Show
Ginger finds herself in an unexpected situation after reaching out to a wedding photographer for a date. At the same time, Sonny's agent surprises hi...
-
6
Rear Window
Dot's penchant for observing her neighbors takes a dark turn when she becomes embroiled in a suspected murder of a woman nearby. As she spies on the ...
-
7
You Do Voodoo
Jan is determined to prevent a developer from constructing a mini-mall in her community, rallying her neighbors to fight back. Meanwhile, Ginger disc...
-
8
The Amy and Bobby Show
Amy begins a relationship with a guy who intends to lead her on a journey toward redemption. At the same time, Howard inadvertently purchases some tre...
-
9
Dot Casts Off
Dot embarks on a new journey as a casting assistant, but she faces a challenging situation when she must audition a close friend. Balancing her profes...
-
10
A Very Scary It's a Living
Dot lands a role in a horror flick and decides to prepare by binge-watching a series of slasher movies. This obsession triggers a terrifying dream se...
-
11
The Ginger's Mother Show
When Ginger's ambitious and accomplished mother comes to town, Ginger feels apprehensive about revealing her job as a waitress. She worries that her ...
-
12
Mike Fright
Sonny becomes uneasy when a new interim employee proves to be quite effective, overshadowing him in the process. As the newcomer wins over colleagues...
-
13
He Never Sang for His Father
Sonny is thrilled when his attractive hairdresser decides to move in with him. However, their romantic plans hit a snag when his father unexpectedly ...
-
14
Just Say Yes
Amy finds herself torn about how to respond to Bobby Lee's Valentine's Day gift, which is the key to his hotel room. As she wrestles with her feelings...
-
15
Wedding, Wedding
Amy and Ginger make the exciting choice to host a joint wedding ceremony at the restaurant. As they plan their special day, they navigate the intrica...
-
16
The Dark at the Top of the Top
Nancy initially supports the innovative concepts brought forth by the new hotel manager. However, her enthusiasm quickly fades when she discovers that...
-
17
My Little Red Book
Sonny stumbles upon a mysterious little black book, which opens the door to unexpected adventures and introduces him to a captivating woman who ignit...
-
18
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Phil pairs Sonny with a fresh duet partner to boost his music career, while Dot seeks the help of a matchmaker to find a suitable spouse. As the two ...
-
19
A Very Special It's a Living
Jan unexpectedly goes into early labor, putting both her and her baby's lives at risk. Amid the chaos, she experiences a surreal dream where she enco...
-
20
The Sonny and Dot Show
Feeling isolated and down, Dot and Sonny decide to linger at the restaurant after hours. In the quiet atmosphere, they share their feelings and find ...
