Happy Days: Season 3 (DVD)

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People generally think that "Happy Days," which debuted as a mid-season ABC replacement show on January 15, 1974, was inspired by "American Graffiti." It's easy to think that, because Ron Howard and Cindy Williams were among the stars of George Lucas's 1973 film and both appear in this iconic sitcom, which ended its long run in 1984. But the idea actually stemmed from an episode of "Love American Style" which was written by "Happy Days" creator Garry Marshall. Titled "Love and the Happy Days," the third-season comedy sketch starred three actors who would go on to become regulars in "Happy Days": Marion Ross as Marion, Ron Howard as Richie, and Anson Williams as Potsie. Richie's siblings Joanie and Chuck were also in the segment, but cast with different actors who would go on to play those roles in Marshall's half-hour sitcom.

"Happy Days" went on to become a phenomenal success. Though the show received only nine Emmy nominations over 11 years and won just once (for editing), it was a big hit with viewers. "Happy Days" climbed to #1 in the Nielsons its fourth season and remained in the Top-30 in all but one year of its run. Leather-jacketed Fonzie's "He-e-e-ey!" and "Sit on it" became popular catch-phrases, and after the show ended, Fonzie's jacket was put on display in the Smithsonian alongside Dorothy's ruby slippers and Archie Bunker's chair. More recently, both Ron Howard (Richie Cunningham) and Henry Winkler (Fonzie) were named by Entertainment Weekly and TV-Land as two of the Top-100 TV Icons.

After a slow-starting first season that eventually saw Marshall jettison Chuck's character, the show hit its stride in Season Two. But by Season Three, the fans were clamoring for more Fonzie, and Marshall obliged. This is the season that has Fonzie moving into an apartment above the Cunningham's garage and becoming "part of the family." It gets a little schmaltzy at times and over-the-top hokey other times, just as there are too many instances when you feel that audience reaction is driving the episodes. Still, this season of "Happy Days" is entertaining, and it's weathered the years pretty well.

Here's a listing of the 23 episodes, which are housed on four single-sided discs:

1) "Fonzie Moves In"-Fonzie and his bike become permanent fixtures at the Cunninghams'.

2) "The Motorcycle"-Ralph (Donnie Most) fears for his life after he accidentally demolishes Fonzie's treasured bike.

3) "Fearless Fonzarelli, Part 1"-Shades of shark-jumping, here's where it all started, the pandering to the public's insatiable appetite for more Fonzie "cool." Fearing he's losing his cool, Fonzie decides to attempt a record 14-garbage can jump with his bike on TV.

4) "Fearless Fonzarelli, Part 2"-All shook up, Fonzie is tended to by the Cunninghams on their couch, but gets so demanding they'd like to throw him in front of his bike.

5) "The Other Richie Cunningham"-Richie asks Potsie to pretend to be him when Mr. Cunningham sets him up with a blind date.

6) "Richie Fights Back"-Fed up with bullies, Richie takes a few martial arts lessons from Arnold (Pat Morita) at the Drive-In, but it's Fonzie who teaches him how to take the toughs to school.

7) "Jailhouse Rock"-This episode features an over-the-top Officer Kirk, who uses small-town power to "ground" all the teens in Milwaukee. Not one of the most believable episodes. No wonder Richie and friends want to protest.