The Golden Palace

"The Golden Girls" was a consistent winner from 1985 to 1992 on NBC, but Beatrice Arthur's departure and a slow decline in ratings killed the series. Or did it? By the fall of 1992, CBS thought they would strike while the iron was still somewhat warm by bringing the rest of the core cast (Rue McClanahan, Betty White and Estelle Getty) back with a new series and a slightly new situation. The three actresses were still the same characters and still in Miami, but McClanahan had sold her home and bought a hotel in the city. Naturally she brings White and Getty with her and comedy was supposed to follow. The trio just never had the chemistry or comedic/dramatic timing that they all shared with Arthur. The series also brought in hotel workers Cheech Marin and Don Cheadle (a complete unknown at the time who has become one of the best character-actors of the last few years, making the largest impressions in Steven Soderbergh films like "Out of Sight" and "Traffic"). The new additions, along with familiar faces like Herb Edelman and Harold Gould, ended up creating a helter-skelter group that always seemed to be chasing the magic of the old series. In the end, the Friday night time slot and anemic ratings doomed the program mercifully after one season and only 24 episodes. 2.5 out of 5 stars.

The Golden Palace was not that bad. However the Golden Girls had already run it course. Also one flaw that could not be ignored was Dorothy's absence. Perhaps if she had remained with the show, then it may have survived for a couple more seasons. However it could never have had the same impact on audiences as its predecessor.

This show is currently playing in Living TV in the UK, i've been taping. Anyway this show is very good and very funny. Maybe it was ended as a combination that Bea Arthur was right- that THe Golden Girls outstayed it's welcome. But Dorothy is a noticeable absence. There are still 3 girls- But Sophia strictly wouldn't be counted as a golden girl- she's a main character but the other three are the ones always still dating and fighting- Sohia's just pure comedy, Anyway- no one else can be sarcastic to Rose as Dorothy can- which is noticeably misses- but this show is just as funny- and may as well just be thought of as another season of the Golden Girls- tohugh the tune and title chagned- between scenes it plays those little melodies and all still. They should someday have either a reunion golden girls episode- or a full theatrical Movie or something

This show is great.

I didn't know what to expect from this show, especially since Beatrice Arthur was one of my favourite actresses on "The Golden Girls". This spin-off though, definitely does have its charms.

It's a shame this show did not continue longer as some of the episodes are really funny and enjoyable. The new supporting cast adds some variety to the show, and the three remaining Girls are still as comical as before.

If you compare "The Golden Palace" to "The Golden Girls" you may be disappointed, but if you'd like to see the ongoing adventures of three wonderful characters, you will enjoy this show.

If this series had not been a sequel to the incredibly popular Golden Girls, it might have had a decent run. Unfortunately, the original series was just too beloved, too hilarious, and too perfect to continue without Bea Arthur in the form of The Golden Palace. I loved what someone posted - it would have been like the Beatles continuing without John Lennon.

Therefore, it's very hard to take The Golden Palace on its own merits, which are good ones. The show has a good premise. The GGs take over a Miami hotel, managed by Rowland, who is played by no less than Don Cheadle. The chef is Cheech Marin. Bea Arthur makes a couple of guest appearances, as does the character of Miles. Rue McClanahan, Betty White, and Estelle Getty all retain their wonderful characterizations, and if the show isn't as funny as The Golden Girls, it's still pretty funny. Yet it only ran one season, not even picked up by some affiliates because it was felt you can't toy with perfection.

The Golden Palace had all the ingredients for a good TV series except one. It wasn't the Golden Girls.