50 Years of Happy Days: A Visual History of an American Television Classic - Hardcover

by Brian Levant (Author), Fred Fox (Author), Henry Winkler (Foreword by)

Peek behind the curtain into the making of Happy Days, the ultimate American sitcom, in this detailed season-by-season history written by two of the show's longest-serving writer-producers.

One of the most successful TV shows of all time, Happy Days drew in 30 million viewers weekly at its peak and launched the careers of stars like Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, and Robin Williams. Now, just in time for its 50th anniversary, tune in for exclusive access, as writers Brian Levant and Fred Fox Jr. chronicle life on set and examine the evolution of a television show that made history.

Featuring new interviews with the creators, cast, and crew of the show and a foreword by The Fonz himself, explore rarely-seen photographs and personal anecdotes on a season-by-season journey behind the scenes.

A PHOTOGRAPHIC TREASURE TROVE: This coffee-table art book includes stunning, full-color photos of candid moments between cast and crew, lovingly preserved scenes from the show, exclusive shots that capture the energetic set, and a look at some of the vintage collectibles that brought the sitcom into fans' homes.

REVELATIONS ABOUT THE CREATIVE TALENT BEHIND THE SCENES: Explore the strategies and big gambles that fueled one of the most successful shows of all time, as told by the individuals who made it happen.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS: Gather anecdotes straight from Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Anson Williams, Marion Ross, Ted McGinley, and a host of Hollywood royalty who worked as a team to change the landscape of television forever.

NOSTALGIC GUIDE TO A SPECIAL PLACE AND TIME: Take a deep dive into the in-world lore that will bring to life the 1950s Milwaukee of Richie and Joanie Cunningham, Potsie Weber, Ralph Malph, and, of course, Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli.

Author Biography

Director, writer, and producer Brian Levant has been at the creative helm of some of the biggest franchises in family entertainment. He was the showrunner of Happy Days, Mork & Mindy, and The Bad News Bears series. Levant's feature directing credits include Beethoven, Jingle All the Way, The Flintstones, and Are We There Yet?. He won the Cable Ace Award as Best Director in a Comedy Series for his long-running Leave it to Beaver revival.

Fred Fox Jr. began his entertainment career on the writing staff of Laverne & Shirley. He went on to write and produce on Happy Days, Family Matters, Webster, and The New Leave it to Beaver. Fred co-wrote the book for Merry Go Round and worked on a children's book with the legendary Ray Bradbury. Fox is the author of Through Francesca's Eyes. Fox served as showrunner for the International Emmy Award-winning series, My Secret Identity.

Since his breakout role on Happy Days as Arthur "The Fonz" Fonzarelli a half-century ago, Henry Winkler has never left the public's eye as a producer, director, author and performer. He is a three-time Emmy Award winner, including his 2018 award for his work on HBO's hit series Barry. He is also the author of 39 children's books, including the Hank Zipzer series, as well as his 2023 best-selling autobiography, Being Henry. His recent acting work has included films with Wes Anderson, Adam Sandler, and Pixar.