It’s rare that a television show is so popular that its third season is picked up before the second season even airs. But Netflix’s Grace and Frankie, starring comedic geniuses Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, is just that good. If you haven’t tuned in yet, here’s everything to know before the upcoming seasons are released.
1. It’s a buddy comedy about middle-aged women
Grace and Frankie is a show about friendship. For years, their relationship was combative, but after their husbands leave them, they move in together and begin to rebuild a life together. The show depicts the humor, strength and resiliency that characterizes the best of friendships among women. And, from the looks of it, the caustic yet loving relationship that Grace and Frankie have closely mirrors Tomlin and Fonda’s real-life dynamic.
I feel bad, but I really dont have the heart to tell Frankie her new vase is ugly….#GraceAndFrankiepic.twitter.com/bUJ3ry2kDd
— Jane Seymour Fonda (@Janefonda) August 26, 2015
2. Grace and Frankie’s ex-husbands have a secret
The reason why their husbands left them? To date each other, of course.
When someone suggests you take a break from marathoning. #GraceandFrankiepic.twitter.com/Mz1Qlzjp8i
— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) October 28, 2015
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3. This isn’t the first time that Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda have worked together
35 years ago, they co-starred alongside Dolly Parton in the classic workplace comedy, 9 to 5. It was ahead of its time in depicting the lives of women, particularly with regards to their experiences of harassment and discrimination at the office. And in 2009, a musical adaptation of the beloved film opened on Broadway.
4. Season 1 premiered in May 2015
It was received so positively that, less than a month after its premiere, Netflix renewed the show for its second season.
More binge viewing ahead! @GraceAndFrankie picked up for a second season!!!! #NETFLIXpic.twitter.com/oKcaC9AEr1
— Jane Seymour Fonda (@Janefonda) May 27, 2015
5. The showrunner co-created Friends
Grace and Frankie was created by Marta Kauffman and Howard J. Morris. If Kauffman’s name rings a bell, it’s because in the ’90s, she co-created sitcom classic Friends with David Crane. Kauffman is currently the main creative force behind Grace and Frankie, and given her résumé, it’s no shock that the show is such a success.
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6. The show has been a focal point in discussions about the gender pay gap
Tomlin and Fonda are undoubtedly the stars of Grace and Frankie. So when they found out that Sam Waterston and Martin Sheen — who play the ex-husbands and have far less screen time than the titular characters — were being paid the same amount as them, they weren’t pleased. But what surprised them even more was the fact that thousands of their fans joined the fight, signing a petition that asked Kauffman, Morris and Netflix to pay the actresses more money. Over 36,000 people signed the petition before Tomlin and Fonda announced that they were handling the situation privately.
7. Lily Tomlin’s performance has been highly praised
Though she didn’t win the Emmy she was up for this year, her performance just received a Golden Globe nomination! Stay tuned to see if she’s a winner come January.
Congratulations @LilyTomlin !!! 2 @goldenglobes Nominations today AND @GraceandFrankie Season 3 announced! 🙂 !!
— Jane Seymour Fonda (@Janefonda) December 10, 2015
More: 2016 Golden Globes nominations are in — and there are a few surprises
8. Season 2 is coming in 2016
No release date has been set, but you can be assured that there’s a lot more Grace and Frankie coming your way soon!
.On set with @LilyTomlin Learning lines, and laughing of course. #GraceAndFrankie#NETFLIX#Season2pic.twitter.com/jcPYLOe0gW
— Jane Seymour Fonda (@Janefonda) July 23, 2015
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