Copyright hellomagazine
Despite being a product of its time in terms of its commentary on female rights and marital dynamics, the classic 1950s sitcom The Honeymooners remains a touchstone of American culture and the growth of TV as a household medium. Along with the pioneering I Love Lucy, the show had a dedicated fanbase at the time as an initial ratings smash, although it's hard to believe now that only 39 episodes of the main show were ever aired. It also made stars of its four leads, Jackie Gleason, Art Carney, Joyce Randolph and, of course, Audrey Meadows. The actress earned her first brush with fame in 1951 when she was cast as a regular on The Bob and Ray Show before being hired to play Alice Kramden, the long-suffering wise-cracking wife of bus driver Ralph Kramden, on The Jackie Gleason Show. She replaced the originator of the character, Pert Kelton, in 1952 on the sketch show. As the bit's profile grew, especially as more characters were added in, it evolved past The Jackie Gleason Show and was greenlit as its own half hour sitcom, which began airing in 1955. Only a single season was aired, however, continuing until the following year, although the characters were brought back several times over the years.
