On May 22, 1995, the finale episode of “Blossom” aired. When the show premiered on January 3, 1991, audiences were immediately charmed by the precocious videographer, Blossom Russo (Mayim Bialik), and her loquacious best friend, Six (Jenna Von Oy). Twelve million viewers tuned in once a week to watch Blossom navigate teenage life while contending with her overprotective father, Nick Russo (Ted Wass), and her older brothers, Joey (Joey Lawrence) and Tony (Michael Stoyanov). With a host of celebrity guests, Blossom’s colorful fashions and many “very special episodes” dealing with hot-button issues, “Blossom” is now a much-cherished 1990s classic.
Creator Don Reo (“Golden Girls,” “Rhoda” and “M*A*S*H”) was inspired by his friend, Dion DiMucci, to create the “Blossom” series. He marveled at how his rockstar friend was a doting father to his three daughters. He decided to create a sitcom about an overprotective yet “cool” dad. When he pitched the show to NBC executives, the teenage protagonist was modeled after Holden Caulfield. However, a female TV executive suggested he instead make his lead character a girl. Blossom was born!
Although hilarity often ensues on the show, “Blossom” addresses many serious topics. Blossom’s eldest brother is a recovering drug addict and her mother abandoned the family. The show begins with Blossom getting her first period. Embarrassed to talk to her father about it, Blossom gets advice from Phylicia Rashad. Rashad was the first of many celebrity guest appearances. Throughout the five-season run of “Blossom,” everyone from Alf and Mr. T to Will Smith popped up on the show.
“Blossom” appealed especially to teenagers. Young girls identified with Blossom and her talkative sidekick, Six. They also fell in love with Joey Lawrence. In 1991, MediaWeek rated “Blossom” as the most popular show for viewers between the ages of 12 to 17. Young girls coveted Blossom’s style so much that, in the summer of 1993, an official Blossom fashion collection was sold in stores. Meanwhile, Joey Lawrence of “Whoa!” fame became one of the hottest teen idols of the day.