Back in 1976, the gay rights movement was relatively new, and a gay character on TV was practically unheard of.  But it was on this day in that year that a “new girl in town” named Alice (played by Linda Lavin) had a new show on network television and little did we know that it would be history in the making.  See on September 29th, 1976, during the first season of the hit sitcom, a former football player, and long-time friend of Mel (played by Denny Miller) would waltz into Mel’s Diner and gain the attention of Alice only for her to find out he was gay.

This was an episode about coming out, understanding, and acceptance.  This show was way ahead of it’s time, and I’m still thankful today for the producers who did not cave in and aired this controversial hit.

Take a look at some of it here.