List of the Facts of life episodes - wikipedia List of the Facts of life episodes The following is a list of episodes for The Facts of Life, which ran for nine seasons from 1979 to 1988 on NBC. There were 201 regular episodes and three television movies ( Paris, Down Under, Reunion ). Two of the movies, Paris and Down Under, were originally broadcast as TV movies, but in syndication, they were split into four 30 - minute episodes, bringing the total number of syndicated episodes to 209. Contents 1 Series overview 2 Episodes 2.1 Season 1 : 1979 -- 1980 2.2 Season 2 : 1980 -- 1981 2.3 Season 3 : 1981 -- 1982 2.4 Season 4 : 1982 -- 1983 2.5 Season 5 : 1983 -- 1984 2.6 Season 6 : 1984 -- 1985 2.7 Season 7 : 1985 -- 1986 2.8 Season 8 : 1986 -- 1987 2.9 Season 9 : 1987 -- 1988 3 Movie specials 3.1 The Facts of Life Goes to Paris 3.2 The Facts of Life Down Under 3.3 The Facts of Life Reunion 4 Notes 4.1 References 5 External links Series overview Season Episodes Originally aired First aired Last aired 13 August 24, 1979 ( 1979 - 08 - 24 ) June 11, 1980 ( 1980 - 06 - 11 ) 16 November 19, 1980 ( 1980 - 11 - 19 ) June 3, 1981 ( 1981 - 06 - 03 ) 24 October 28, 1981 ( 1981 - 10 - 28 ) May 5, 1982 ( 1982 - 05 - 05 ) 24 + movie September 25, 1982 ( 1982 - 09 - 25 ) May 4, 1983 ( 1983 - 05 - 04 ) 5 26 September 21, 1983 ( 1983 - 09 - 21 ) May 9, 1984 ( 1984 - 05 - 09 ) 6 26 September 26, 1984 ( 1984 - 09 - 26 ) May 15, 1985 ( 1985 - 05 - 15 ) 7 24 September 14, 1985 ( 1985 - 09 - 14 ) May 10, 1986 ( 1986 - 05 - 10 ) 8 24 + movie September 27, 1986 ( 1986 - 09 - 27 ) May 9, 1987 ( 1987 - 05 - 09 ) 9 24 September 26, 1987 ( 1987 - 09 - 26 ) May 7, 1988 ( 1988 - 05 - 07 ) Episodes Season 1 : 1979 -- 1980 The first season begins with ten main characters : housemother Edna Garrett ( Charlotte Rae ), headmaster Steven Bradley ( John Lawlor ), teacher Emily Mahoney ( Jenny O'Hara ), and seven students : Blair Warner ( Lisa Whelchel ), Cindy Webster ( Julie Anne Haddock ), Molly Parker ( Molly Ringwald ), Nancy Olsen ( Felice Schachter ), Natalie Green ( Mindy Cohn ), Sue Ann Weaver ( Julie Piekarski ), and Tootie Ramsey ( Kim Fields ). O'Hara's character was dropped after the fourth episode. No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production code `` Rough Housing '' Nick Havinga Story by : Brad Rider and Glenn Padnick Teleplay by : Brad Rider August 24, 1979 ( 1979 - 08 - 24 ) 101 The Drummonds visit Mrs. Garrett ( Charlotte Rae ) at Eastland School and during the Harvest Queen competition, Blair ( Lisa Whelchel ) makes a comment about tomboyish competitor Cindy not being feminine enough and even tries to insinuate that she 's a lesbian. Cindy ( Julie Anne Haddock ) decides not to attend the Harvest Ball, until Mrs. Garrett helps her with her self - image. Note : This was the show 's first episode, but is not the pilot. The cast of Diff'rent Strokes guest star only for this episode. The actual pilot episode, used to sell the show to NBC, was the Diff'rent Strokes first season finale, `` The Girls ' School ( aka ) Garrett 's Girls ''. `` Like Mother, Like Daughter '' Jim Drake Jerry Mayer August 31, 1979 ( 1979 - 08 - 31 ) 102 Blair is upset that she might get a reputation for being easy when her multiple - divorcée mother visits for Parents Night and flirts with the headmaster, Steven Bradley ( John Lawlor ). Notes : This episode features the second verse of the season 's theme. Pam Huntington played Monica Warner ( Blair 's mother ) in this episode only. In 1981, as the show airs its third season, Marj Dusay replaces Huntington in a recurring role as Monica. `` The Return of Mr. Garrett '' Jim Drake Martin A. Ragaway September 7, 1979 ( 1979 - 09 - 07 ) 103 Mrs. Garrett accepts her ex-husband's ( Robert Alda ) proposal of remarriage, but changes her mind when she discovers he has been teaching the girls how to gamble. `` I.Q. '' Jim Drake Jane Gould & Shelly Landau September 14, 1979 ( 1979 - 09 - 14 ) 104 Mr. Bradley administers I.Q. tests ; Nancy ( Felice Schachter ) and Sue Ann ( Julie Piekarski ) are not happy with the results. Note : Jenny O'Hara makes her final appearance on the show and as a main cast regular. After this episode, the show was put on a three - month hiatus. 5 5 `` Overachieving '' Lee Lochhead Jerry Mayer March 12, 1980 ( 1980 - 03 - 12 ) 105 Tootie 's father ( Robert Hooks ) thinks Mrs. Garrett 's influence over his daughter is holding her back as Tootie ( Kim Fields ) has aspired to open a beauty salon. Note : Jenny O'Hara is dismissed from the show. This episode features the third and final verse of the season 's theme song. It was the fifth produced for the first season. This episode aired on a Wednesday night. 6 6 `` Emily Dickinson '' Lee Lochhead Jerry Mayer March 14, 1980 ( 1980 - 03 - 14 ) 106 Blair plagiarizes an Emily Dickinson poem about beauty, but must come clean when Mr. Bradley submits the poem to a competition and it wins third prize. 7 7 `` Dieting '' John Bowab Martin A. Ragaway March 21, 1980 ( 1980 - 03 - 21 ) 108 Sue Ann goes on a crash diet after hearing Blair imply that a boy wo n't like her because of her weight. 8 8 `` The Facts of Love '' John Bowab Rowland Barber and Jerry Mayer April 4, 1980 ( 1980 - 04 - 04 ) 111 To the chagrin of Mr. Bradley, Mrs. Garrett holds a sex education class and Blair gets into a compromising situation with a boy and has to make a tough decision. 9 9 `` Flash Flood '' John Bowab Jerry Mayer April 11, 1980 ( 1980 - 04 - 11 ) 112 Blair and Tootie rush to the stables to protect the animals when a flood hits Peekskill. When Mr. Bradley rescues the girls, Blair develops a crush on him. 10 10 `` Adoption '' John Bowab Migdia Chinea Varela April 25, 1980 ( 1980 - 04 - 25 ) 109 The girls get an assignment to make a family tree, but Natalie ( Mindy Cohn ) does n't want to do it as she is adopted. Blair then noses into Natalie 's business when she arranges for her to talk to her birth mother by phone. 11 11 `` Running '' John Bowab Warren Murray May 2, 1980 ( 1980 - 05 - 02 ) 110 Mr. Bradley pits Cindy and Sue Ann against each other in a track competition. Note : This is the final episode to air on a Friday night. NBC moved the series on Wednesday nights for the final two episodes of the season and during the retooling for the second season. 12 12 `` Molly 's Holiday '' Gary Shimokawa Story by : Albert Lewin and Skip Usen Teleplay by : Albert Lewin June 4, 1980 ( 1980 - 06 - 04 ) 107 Molly ( Molly Ringwald ) finds out her parents are getting divorced. She and the girls devise a scheme to bring them back together, but Molly 's father visits, bringing his new girlfriend with him. 13 13 `` Dope '' John Bowab Jerry Mayer June 11, 1980 ( 1980 - 06 - 11 ) 113 Blair gets Sue Ann into a clique known as `` The Group '', whose members are marijuana smokers. Although Blair insists she does n't smoke, Sue Ann is pressured into trying. Helen Hunt appears in this episode. Season 2 : 1980 -- 1981 The main cast is reduced to five main characters : Mrs. Edna Garrett ( Charlotte Rae ), Blair Warner ( Lisa Whelchel ), Natalie Green ( Mindy Cohn ), Tootie Ramsey ( Kim Fields ), and new girl Jo Polniaczek ( Nancy McKeon ). Mr. Parker ( Roger Perry ) is a recurring character as the school 's new headmaster. The casting will stay the same through season 4. No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production code 14 `` The New Girl : Part 1 '' Bob Claver Jerry Mayer November 19, 1980 ( 1980 - 11 - 19 ) 201 A new student, Jo Polniaczek ( Nancy McKeon ), arrives at Eastland and Mrs. Garrett has the streetwise Jo try to make friends with the snobbish Blair. Jo wants to do something rebellious, daring the girls to come along so she hotwires a van and takes them to a bar, but then they run into trouble when a good looking guy there reveals himself to be an undercover cop. Gary Coleman appears in this episode. Notes : Nancy McKeon becomes a main cast member as Jo Polniaczek in the series. John Lawlor, Felice Schachter, Julie Anne Haddock, Julie Piekarski, and Molly Ringwald are no longer series regulars. Schachter, Haddock and Piekarski become recurring characters in seasons 2 and 3. Ringwald makes a recurring character appearance in the next episode, which became her fourteenth and final episode. Eastland is the backdrop of the first scene of the opening titles from the second season premiere to the third episode of season five. 15 `` The New Girl : Part 2 '' Bob Claver Jack Elinson November 26, 1980 ( 1980 - 11 - 26 ) 202 After wrecking the school van and being thrown in jail, the girls are put on probation. They must work in the cafeteria to pay off their damages, in lieu of expulsion from Eastland. 16 `` Double Standard '' Asaad Kelada Linda Marsh & Margie Peters December 10, 1980 ( 1980 - 12 - 10 ) 204 Blair is upset when her childhood friend Harrison Andrews asks Jo to the country club cotillion instead of her, but she later discovers his true intentions. 17 `` Who Am I ? '' Lee Lochhead Linda Marsh & Margie Peters December 17, 1980 ( 1980 - 12 - 17 ) 205 Tootie falls for an African - American boy, but becomes conflicted when he comments that she only hangs out with white girls. 18 5 `` Cousin Geri '' Asaad Kelada Ann Gibbs & Joel Kimmel December 24, 1980 ( 1980 - 12 - 24 ) 206 Blair 's cousin Geri ( Geri Jewell ), a comedian who has cerebral palsy, visits. This episode marks Jewell 's first appearance in the series. 19 6 `` Shoplifting '' Lee Lochhead Sally Sussman December 31, 1980 ( 1980 - 12 - 31 ) 203 For Mrs. Garrett 's upcoming birthday, the girls want to buy her a shirt, but they miss the sale ; Jo decides to steal the shirt. When Mrs. Garrett returns the shirt, she finds it was stolen. 20 7 `` Teenage Marriage : Part 1 '' John Bowab Jerry Mayer January 7, 1981 ( 1981 - 01 - 07 ) 207 Jo receives an unexpected visit from her boyfriend Eddie ( Clark Brandon ), who has gone AWOL from the Navy, and surprises her with a marriage proposal. 21 8 `` Teenage Marriage : Part 2 '' John Bowab Jerry Mayer January 14, 1981 ( 1981 - 01 - 14 ) 208 Mrs. Garrett and the girls try to stall Jo from getting married, so they can contact Jo 's mother. 22 9 `` Breaking Point '' John Bowab Linda Marsh & Margie Peters January 28, 1981 ( 1981 - 01 - 28 ) 210 Blair gets heavily involved in a campaign for student council president, but loses and becomes vice president. Things take a serious turn when her former opponent Cynthia ( Denise Halma ) commits suicide because her parents are getting a divorce as well as her long struggle with depression. Jo comments on how her friend Gloria committed suicide at her old school. To honor Cynthia 's memory Blair and the girls decide to set up a suicide hotline to help kids who want to kill themselves. 23 10 `` Sex Symbol '' John Bowab Story by : Sally Sussman Teleplay by : Linda Marsh & Margie Peters and Ann Gibbs & Joel Kimmel and Sally Sussman February 4, 1981 ( 1981 - 02 - 04 ) 211 Natalie has a study session with a boy she meets at a school dance. When rumors spread throughout the school that they do more than just study, she receives a barrage of requests from other boys, while her friends question her newfound popularity, which she starts encouraging. 24 11 `` The Secret '' John Bowab Story by : Jerry Mayer and Robyn Knapton Teleplay by : Jerry Mayer February 25, 1981 ( 1981 - 02 - 25 ) 212 Jo has won an award, but when her recently paroled father ( Alex Rocco ) wants to attend, Jo tries to hide that fact from her friends. 25 12 `` Bought and Sold '' John Bowab Story by : Linda Marsh & Margie Peters and Susan Haven & Philip Ross Teleplay by : Linda Marsh & Margie Peters March 4, 1981 ( 1981 - 03 - 04 ) 213 Blair is selling Countess Calvet cosmetics and uses Natalie as a walking billboard. Todd Bridges and Zsa Zsa Gabor guest star. 26 13 `` Pretty Babies '' Bob Claver Ann Gibbs & Joel Kimmel March 11, 1981 ( 1981 - 03 - 11 ) 214 A top fashion photographer is coming to Eastland to find the new face of the ' 80s, and Blair is positive she is it but the photographer surprises everyone by choosing Tootie. When she goes to New York for her photo shoot, she discovers that it proves costly. 27 14 `` Free Spirit '' Bob Claver Ann Gibbs & Joel Kimmel March 18, 1981 ( 1981 - 03 - 18 ) 215 Mrs. Garrett 's son, Alex, visits Eastland. He brags about his life as a musician socializing with famous people such as Carly Simon, Donna Summer, and Neil Diamond, which attracts Natalie 's affections, but Blair is suspicious. 28 15 `` Brian and Sylvia '' John Bowab Jack Elinson March 25, 1981 ( 1981 - 03 - 25 ) 216 Tootie and Natalie go to Buffalo to visit Tootie 's uncle Brian ( Richard Dean Anderson ) and aunt Sylvia ( Rosanne Katon ), who are an interracial couple. Sylvia has received a job offer in New York City, but Brian does not want to move. 29 16 `` Gossip '' Lee Lochhead Paul L. Friedman & Gayle MacDonald June 3, 1981 ( 1981 - 06 - 03 ) 209 Tootie 's gossiping causes a rift between Blair, Jo, and Nancy, that almost costs Mrs. Garrett her job. Season 3 : 1981 -- 1982 Linda Marsh and Margie Peters join Jerry Mayer as producers. Jack Elison and Jerry Mayer were the executive producers. No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production code 30 `` Growing Pains '' Asaad Kelada Linda Marsh & Margie Peters October 28, 1981 ( 1981 - 10 - 28 ) 302 After feeling excluded by the other girls for being the youngest, Tootie experiments with alcohol. Note : Starting this season, Kim Fields began wearing braces. 31 `` Fear Strikes Back '' Asaad Kelada Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert November 4, 1981 ( 1981 - 11 - 04 ) 306 Natalie is assaulted on the way back from a Halloween costume party, and is afraid to go outside following the experience. 32 `` A Baby in the House '' Asaad Kelada Story by : Jerry Winnick Teleplay by : Stuart Wolpert & Deidre Fay and Jerry Winnick November 11, 1981 ( 1981 - 11 - 11 ) 308 Former Eastland student Alison visits Blair and friends. She was a model student with a `` perfect '' life but is now a teenage mother. When she leaves, she forgets her baby Emily, and the girls have to take care of the infant in Alison 's absence. 33 `` A Friend in Deed '' Asaad Kelada Linda Marsh & Margie Peters November 18, 1981 ( 1981 - 11 - 18 ) 307 Blair 's mother visits and tells her she is getting plastic surgery, but Blair discovers she has a more dire condition : breast cancer. Note : This is Marj Dusay 's first episode playing Monica Warner. 34 5 `` Front Page '' Asaad Kelada Mike Mayer & Larry Swimer November 25, 1981 ( 1981 - 11 - 25 ) 309 After her essay gets trashed by her journalism teacher, Jo writes an article that places the teacher at a drug bust and Natalie, the editor - in - chief, must make a hard decision as to whether to publish the article or not. 35 6 `` Give and Take '' Asaad Kelada Linda Marsh & Margie Peters December 2, 1981 ( 1981 - 12 - 02 ) 303 After losing her pension, Mrs. Garrett takes a second job at a Howard Johnson 's. This takes a toll on her mood and her Eastland work, so she must choose between the two. 36 7 `` Sweet Sorrow '' Asaad Kelada Linda Marsh & Margie Peters December 9, 1981 ( 1981 - 12 - 09 ) 310 Blair and Jo participate in a class study in which they each pair up with a boy in a pretend marriage. Jo becomes attracted to her assigned partner, but feels conflicted because of her loyalty to her boyfriend Eddie. 37 8 `` From Russia with Love '' Asaad Kelada Story by : Jerry Mayer & Emily Mayer Teleplay by : Jerry Mayer December 16, 1981 ( 1981 - 12 - 16 ) 301 Natalie 's weekend plans are threatened when her overbearing Ukrainian grandmother Mona ( Molly Picon ) visits. 38 9 `` Dear Me '' Asaad Kelada Lloyd Turner & Howard Liebling December 23, 1981 ( 1981 - 12 - 23 ) 311 The girls are going camping with some boys from Bates Academy, but Tootie makes an excuse not to go by presenting a phony love letter. 39 10 `` Cousin Geri Returns '' Asaad Kelada Ann Gibbs & Joel Kimmel December 30, 1981 ( 1981 - 12 - 30 ) 305 Blair fears that her cousin Geri is being set up for a fall when Geri begins dating Eastland 's attractive French teacher. 40 11 `` Legacy '' Judi Elterman Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert January 6, 1982 ( 1982 - 01 - 06 ) 312 Blair learns that her late grandfather, whom she idolized, was a supporter and benefactor of the Ku Klux Klan. 41 12 `` Green - Eyed Monster '' Asaad Kelada Story by : Bill Shinkai Teleplay by : Linda Marsh & Margie Peters January 13, 1982 ( 1982 - 01 - 13 ) 313 Natalie wants the lead role in a school play, and she is not about to let anything or anyone stand in the way, including her best friend, Tootie. 42 13 `` The Americanization of Miko '' Asaad Kelada Stephen W. Spears & Bill Shinkai January 20, 1982 ( 1982 - 01 - 20 ) 314 Miko ( Lauren Tom ), a Japanese student, begins adopting Western cultural values ; her father ( Mako ) objects to this, wanting her to return to Japan. 43 14 `` The Marriage Brokers '' Alejandro Rey Mitch Markowitz January 27, 1982 ( 1982 - 01 - 27 ) 315 To the girls ' delight, Mrs. Garrett 's handsome visitor ( Norman Alden ) is more than a friend and Blair investigates how serious their relationship is. 44 15 `` Starstruck '' Asaad Kelada Story by : Marvin Braverman Teleplay by : Marvin Braverman and Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert February 3, 1982 ( 1982 - 02 - 03 ) 316 Tootie gets the thrill of her life when pop - star idol Jermaine Jackson invites her to his concert and tearfully begs Mrs. Garrett to take her to the show, but she ends up heartbroken in Jackson 's dressing room. Note : Jermaine Jackson appears as himself in this episode. 45 16 `` The Four Musketeers '' Asaad Kelada Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert February 10, 1982 ( 1982 - 02 - 10 ) 304 The girls must decide what their living arrangements should be when the end of their probationary period gives them an opportunity to go their separate ways. 46 17 `` The Affair '' Asaad Kelada Migdia Chinea - Varela February 17, 1982 ( 1982 - 02 - 17 ) 318 Natalie is devastated when she sees her father ( Norman Burton ) kissing another woman in a New York City restaurant. 47 18 `` Runaway '' Asaad Kelada Bernard Burnell Mack February 24, 1982 ( 1982 - 02 - 24 ) 317 Determined to prove her maturity, Tootie goes to New York City unaccompanied to meet with friends at a theater. A teenage prostitute ( Tammy Lauren ) teaches her a harsh reality. 48 19 `` New York, New York '' Asaad Kelada Peter Noah March 3, 1982 ( 1982 - 03 - 03 ) 319 Blair and Jo visit old friends in New York City, where they find that things have changed considerably. 49 20 `` Kids Can Be Cruel '' Asaad Kelada Jerry Mayer March 17, 1982 ( 1982 - 03 - 17 ) 320 A vengeful Natalie is determined to get even with insensitive Blair, but she unwittingly entangles an innocent victim in her scheme. 50 21 `` Mind Your Own Business '' Selig Frank Jerry Jacobius & Steven Gore March 24, 1982 ( 1982 - 03 - 24 ) 321 Natalie institutes nine rules of privacy after she learns that Blair peeked in her diary. 51 22 `` The Academy '' Asaad Kelada Jerry Mayer March 31, 1982 ( 1982 - 03 - 31 ) 322 Jo coerces Blair into a date with a military cadet, but Blair is in for a shock when she learns that the boy is a juvenile delinquent from New York City. 52 23 `` Jo 's Cousin '' Asaad Kelada Linda Marsh & Margie Peters April 14, 1982 ( 1982 - 04 - 14 ) 324 Jo visits her relatives in New Jersey, where she helps her 14 - year - old tomboy cousin Terry ( Megan Follows ) transform from a little girl to a young lady. 53 24 `` Read No Evil '' Dolores Ferraro Story by : Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert and Hendrik Van Leuven Teleplay by : Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert May 5, 1982 ( 1982 - 05 - 05 ) 323 Natalie loses her job as the newspaper 's editor when she decries the school 's new book - censorship policy. Season 4 : 1982 -- 1983 Every episode in this season is directed by Asaad Kelada. No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production code 54 `` Ai n't Miss Beholden '' Asaad Kelada Stephen Neigher September 29, 1982 ( 1982 - 09 - 29 ) 403 Jo 's future at Eastland is in jeopardy when she learns her scholarship funds are drying up due in part to budget cuts related to the early 1980s recession, and that Blair may be her only chance to stay. 55 `` The Source '' Asaad Kelada Peter Noah October 6, 1982 ( 1982 - 10 - 06 ) 404 Natalie is under pressure to reveal her source for a controversial article on a schoolmate 's secret abortion she has written for the school newspaper. 56 `` The Sound of Silence '' Asaad Kelada Kimberly Hill October 27, 1982 ( 1982 - 10 - 27 ) 401 Tootie 's sudden personality change and slipping grades are the result of a hearing problem. Blair 's cousin Geri visits to comfort Tootie. 57 `` The Oldest Living Graduate '' Asaad Kelada John Markus November 3, 1982 ( 1982 - 11 - 03 ) 407 Eastland 's oldest living graduate, Marie Thornwell ( Amzie Strickland ), a wealthy eccentric, decides to leave her money to Eastland, until Jo inadvertently changes her mind. 58 5 `` Different Drummer '' Asaad Kelada Dianne Messina & Lou Messina November 10, 1982 ( 1982 - 11 - 10 ) 408 Blair thinks she is doing a good deed by tutoring a mentally disabled young man, but the student misinterprets her good intentions after Blair pushes him too far. 59 6 `` Dearest Mommie '' Asaad Kelada Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert November 17, 1982 ( 1982 - 11 - 17 ) 409 Natalie gets an opportunity to write a column for a newspaper in New York and gets into an argument with her mother ( Mitzi Hoag ) over how it could affect her schoolwork. Her mother eventually reveals the name of Natalie 's biological mother. 60 7 `` A Woman 's Place '' Asaad Kelada Story by : David Chambers and Ruth Bennett Teleplay by : David Chambers November 24, 1982 ( 1982 - 11 - 24 ) 410 Jo lands a new job as a mechanic with her boyfriend as a colleague, but a problem develops when she gets promoted to supervise him. 61 8 `` Daddy 's Girl '' Asaad Kelada Howard Meyers & Paul Haggis December 1, 1982 ( 1982 - 12 - 01 ) 402 Blair 's close relationship with her father ( Nicolas Coster ) is tested when a tax audit uncovers her father 's questionable accounting. 62 9 `` The Big Fight '' Asaad Kelada Jerry Mayer December 8, 1982 ( 1982 - 12 - 08 ) 406 A friend invites Natalie to watch his match at Stone Military Academy. He originally did the match to oblige his father, but learns that his father will not even show up. 63 10 `` For the Asking '' Asaad Kelada Nick Gore & Jerry Jacobius December 15, 1982 ( 1982 - 12 - 15 ) 411 Natalie boycotts the Sadie Hawkins dance claiming it 's wrong for a girl to ask a boy out ; she decides to go to the dance in the end. 64 11 `` September Song '' Asaad Kelada Bob Peete December 22, 1982 ( 1982 - 12 - 22 ) 405 Mrs. Garrett receives a marriage proposal from her elderly boyfriend Henry ( Murray Matheson ), who later hurts his back. The girls help take care of him. 65 12 `` A Royal Pain '' Asaad Kelada Jerry Mayer January 5, 1983 ( 1983 - 01 - 05 ) 413 Excitement reigns when royalty enrolls at Eastland, until Tootie accidentally discovers that the new student, a young princess, is a runaway who is getting ready to skip out again. Guest - starring Heather McAdam as Princess Alexandra ' Alex ' Lambarti 66 13 `` Magnificent Obsession '' Asaad Kelada Linda Marsh & Margie Peters January 12, 1983 ( 1983 - 01 - 12 ) 412 Jo is concerned by Blair 's infatuation with a boy who asks Blair to a dance, but leaves with another girl. 67 14 `` Under Pressure '' Asaad Kelada Sandra Kay Siegel January 19, 1983 ( 1983 - 01 - 19 ) 414 When Mrs. Garrett is diagnosed with high blood pressure, the girls do anything to shield her from stress. But their good intentions lead to a lie, a cover - up and big trouble. 68 15 `` Teacher 's Pet '' Asaad Kelada Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert January 26, 1983 ( 1983 - 01 - 26 ) 415 Jo learns that her favorite teacher ( Deborah Harmon ) is terminally ill. 69 16 `` Let 's Party '' Asaad Kelada Jerry Mayer February 9, 1983 ( 1983 - 02 - 09 ) 417 The girls learn a frightening lesson about drinking and driving when they join Tootie 's college - age brother ( Kevin Rodney Sullivan ) and his roommate for a night on the town. 70 17 `` Best Sister : Part 1 '' Asaad Kelada Linda Marsh & Margie Peters February 16, 1983 ( 1983 - 02 - 16 ) 418 Blair 's stepsister Meg ( Eve Plumb ), a nun, visits Eastland, and inspires Jo. 71 18 `` Best Sister : Part 2 '' Asaad Kelada Linda Marsh & Margie Peters February 23, 1983 ( 1983 - 02 - 23 ) 419 When Jo decides that she wants to become a nun along with Meg, Blair sees herself as the only one who can talk them out of it. However, Blair 's true feelings toward Meg come to the surface when Blair gets into another argument with Meg and Jo that ends with a violent outburst by Jo against Blair. 72 19 `` Guess Who 's Coming to Dinner ? '' Asaad Kelada Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert March 9, 1983 ( 1983 - 03 - 09 ) 416 Mrs. Garrett 's cooking instructor from Paris visits Eastland. Meanwhile, the girls try to deal with a squirrel that enters their bedroom. 73 20 `` Who 's on First '' Asaad Kelada Kimberly Hill March 30, 1983 ( 1983 - 03 - 30 ) 420 Natalie devotes all her time to her new beau, prompting a slighted Tootie into a deceitful course of action to regain her attention. 74 21 `` Help from Home '' Asaad Kelada Jerry Mayer April 6, 1983 ( 1983 - 04 - 06 ) 421 Jo has been accepted at Langley College along with Blair, but does not tell anyone because she does not plan to attend due to her family 's financial situation. However, when she takes a trip home for the weekend, she learns that her entire family knows about her acceptance, and are counting on her to do well. 75 22 `` Take My Finals, Please '' Asaad Kelada Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert April 27, 1983 ( 1983 - 04 - 27 ) 422 In spite of Mrs. Garrett 's opposition, the girls settle in for an all - night study session. As the hours slip away, every imaginable distraction impedes their preparation for final exams. 76 77 23 24 `` Graduation '' Asaad Kelada Kimberly Hill and Linda Marsh & Margie Peters May 4, 1983 ( 1983 - 05 - 04 ) 423 424 Blair and Jo finally achieve a common bond when their graduation from Eastland causes a flood of preparations and overreactions from their parents and friends. Mrs. Garrett, Natalie and Tootie are reassuring and calm during the hectic last - minute graduation preparations and Blair and Jo see how much more they learned at Eastland than just academics. Season 5 : 1983 -- 1984 Blair and Jo start college, and Mrs. Garrett quits Eastland and opens her own gourmet food shop and catering business. Blair, Jo, Tootie, and Natalie all move in with her. Pamela Segall joins the cast this season, beginning with the episode `` Just My Bill ''. Her final appearance is in the episode `` Seems Like Old Times '', and her character is dropped following that episode. No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production code 78 79 `` Brave New World '' Asaad Kelada Linda Marsh & Margie Peters September 21, 1983 ( 1983 - 09 - 21 ) 501 502 Blair and Jo start at Langley College while Mrs. Garrett leaves Eastland to open her own gourmet shop called Edna 's Edibles, with help from her son Raymond ( Joel Brooks ). The girls wonder what their housing situation will be. Note : This is the final episode to feature Eastland Academy as the main setting of the show. 80 `` Gamma Gamma or Bust '' Asaad Kelada Story by : George Tricker & Neil Rosen Teleplay by : George Tricker & Neil Rosen and Andy Borowitz September 28, 1983 ( 1983 - 09 - 28 ) 503 Blair is nominated to pledge the Gamma Gamma sorority at Langley. Jami Gertz makes the first of four appearances as Blair 's sorority sister Boots St. Clair. Note : This was the last episode of the Eastland backdrop in the opening credits. This was also the last episode showing Mindy Cohn and Nancy McKeon 's scenes from the two previous seasons. 81 `` Just My Bill '' Asaad Kelada Dianne Messina & Lou Messina October 12, 1983 ( 1983 - 10 - 12 ) 505 Jo 's in love, but resentment develops when her guy turns out to be wealthy. Note : Edna 's Edibles was marked the season 's new backdrop at the beginning of the opening credits until the 3rd episode of the show 's 7th season. Mindy Cohn and Nancy McKeon were marked new original scenes in the opening credits of this episode. Starting this episode, Pamela Segall joins the on - and - off regular blockage as Kelly Affinado. 82 5 `` What Price Glory ? '' Asaad Kelada Alan Spencer October 19, 1983 ( 1983 - 10 - 19 ) 506 Tootie discovers that her boyfriend Jeff, a school athlete, has problems reading. Note : Geri Jewell guest stars as Blair 's cousin, comedian ' Geri Tyler '. 83 6 `` The Halloween Show '' Asaad Kelada Jerry Mayer October 26, 1983 ( 1983 - 10 - 26 ) 507 The girls have a Halloween party, but Mrs. Garrett appears to be possessed, and a customer disappears without explanation. 84 7 `` Advance Placement '' Asaad Kelada Bob Myer & Bob Young November 2, 1983 ( 1983 - 11 - 02 ) 510 Although Natalie is still a junior in high school, she gets an opportunity to enroll in a course at Langley and develops an ego that puts a strain on her friendship with the other girls. 85 8 `` I 'm Dancing as Fast as I Can '' Asaad Kelada Jim Geoghan November 9, 1983 ( 1983 - 11 - 09 ) 509 Blair and Jo take Mrs. Garrett to a male strip club for her birthday, where they discover Blair 's boyfriend Cliff ( Woody Brown ) on stage. 86 9 `` Small But Dangerous '' Asaad Kelada Andy Borowitz November 16, 1983 ( 1983 - 11 - 16 ) 508 Mrs. Garrett and the girls deal with a sudden outbreak of vandalism of the store and discover a young girl may be responsible. They are surprised at the reasons for her actions. Note : Pamela Segall 's second appearance as Kelly. 87 10 `` Store Games '' Asaad Kelada Story by : Andy Borowitz and Howard Meyers Teleplay by : Andy Borowitz November 30, 1983 ( 1983 - 11 - 30 ) 512 A competing store takes a big bite out of Mrs. Garrett 's business so the girls investigate and discover the store has been copying Mrs. Garrett 's recipes, and they try some tactics to fix that. 88 11 `` The Second Time Around '' Asaad Kelada Linda Marsh & Margie Peters December 14, 1983 ( 1983 - 12 - 14 ) 511 Jo gets excited when it looks as though her parents ( Alex Rocco and Claire Malis ) might be reconciling and getting back together. 89 12 `` The Christmas Show '' Asaad Kelada Jerry Mayer December 21, 1983 ( 1983 - 12 - 21 ) 515 The girls prepare to go their separate ways for Christmas vacation. 90 13 `` The Chain Letter '' Asaad Kelada Bob Myer & Bob Young December 28, 1983 ( 1983 - 12 - 28 ) 504 Mrs. Garrett 's shop is threatened with closure by the health department because of constant neglect by the girls. After she decides to fire them, they rally together to try to prove to her they will not disappoint her again. 91 14 `` Next Door '' Linda Day Milt Rosen & Glenn Padnick January 4, 1984 ( 1984 - 01 - 04 ) 513 Mrs. Garrett and the girls befriend a little boy whose single mother ( Jean Smart ) does not have time to take care of him. 92 15 `` Crossing the Line '' Mark W. Travis Andy Borowitz January 11, 1984 ( 1984 - 01 - 11 ) 516 Tootie is at odds with Natalie over the latter 's desire to date Tootie 's cousin and confronts her own views on race and wonders if she is racist herself. Recording date : December 13, 1983 93 16 `` All or Nothing '' Asaad Kelada Bob Myer & Bob Young January 18, 1984 ( 1984 - 01 - 18 ) 518 Jo is elected to the Langley board of regents and learns quickly about the politics of the financial decisions they make and who could be hurt by them. 94 17 `` A Death in the Family '' Asaad Kelada Linda Marsh & Margie Peters February 1, 1984 ( 1984 - 02 - 01 ) 519 Natalie 's father dies from a sudden heart attack ; she has difficulty coming to grips with his death. 95 18 `` Big Fish / Little Fish '' Asaad Kelada Linda Marsh & Margie Peters February 8, 1984 ( 1984 - 02 - 08 ) 520 Mrs. Garrett and the other girls help Natalie who is still reeling from her father 's death. Meanwhile, Blair is realizing she is not the `` big fish '' she used to be. 96 19 `` Star at Langley '' Asaad Kelada Andy Borowitz February 15, 1984 ( 1984 - 02 - 15 ) 521 When a famous movie star enrolls at Langley, Blair becomes jealous of the attention she lavishes on Cliff. 97 20 `` Dream Marriage '' Asaad Kelada Jerry Mayer February 22, 1984 ( 1984 - 02 - 22 ) 522 Blair receives a marriage proposal and she dreams of what her life might be like in the future, in the year 2000. 98 21 `` Mother and Daughter '' Norman Cohen Jerry Mayer February 29, 1984 ( 1984 - 02 - 29 ) 517 Tootie and her visiting mother ( Chip Fields, Kim Fields ' real - life mother ) discover how big the gap is in their relationship. 99 22 `` All by Herself '' Judi Elterman Story by : Bob Myer & Bob Young and Cheri Eichen & Bill Steinkellner Teleplay by : Bob Myer & Bob Young March 14, 1984 ( 1984 - 03 - 14 ) 514 Geri ( Geri Jewell ) gets a chip on her shoulder about her abilities when she asks Blair to assist her in a fundraising for a school for disabled children. Note : This episode marks Geri Jewell 's final appearance. 100 23 `` Seems Like Old Times '' Asaad Kelada Linda Marsh & Margie Peters March 21, 1984 ( 1984 - 03 - 21 ) 524 Eddie, Jo 's former boyfriend, returns to rekindle their relationship but harbors a devastating secret. Note : This is the 100th episode of the series. This is Pamela Segall 's final appearance in the series. She was dismissed after this episode. 101 24 `` Joint Custody '' Asaad Kelada Bob Myer & Bob Young May 2, 1984 ( 1984 - 05 - 02 ) 523 Mrs. Garrett 's son, Raymond, who also owns the building where the shop is located, visits with his wife, Doris ( Kim Darby ). It becomes apparent that the couple is headed towards divorce unless Edna and the girls can save their marriage. 102 103 25 26 `` The Way We Were '' Asaad Kelada Jerry Mayer May 9, 1984 ( 1984 - 05 - 09 ) 525 526 As the girls prepare for their summer vacations, they look back on the past, as seen in clips from previous episodes. Blair and Jo ultimately get into a major argument, so Natalie and Tootie try to patch things up between the two. Season 6 : 1984 -- 1985 Mrs. Garrett ( Charlotte Rae ) was absent from several episodes in season 6 per Rae 's request for reduced appearances. No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production code 104 `` The Summer of ' 84 '' Asaad Kelada Linda Marsh & Margie Peters September 26, 1984 ( 1984 - 09 - 26 ) 605 Mrs. Garrett and the girls return home to tell each other about their respective summer vacations. John Astin ( Mackenzie Astin 's real life father ) appears in this episode as Mrs. Garrett 's summer love. 105 `` A Slice of Life '' `` Slices of Life '' Asaad Kelada Jerry Mayer October 3, 1984 ( 1984 - 10 - 03 ) 604 Jo decides to take her mother 's incredible pizza recipe and create a business from it. The business succeeds but at a price. 106 `` Love at First Byte '' Asaad Kelada Bob Myer & Bob Young October 17, 1984 ( 1984 - 10 - 17 ) 606 In order to complete an experiment for school, Natalie tricks Jo and Blair into joining a computer dating service. 107 `` My Boyfriend 's Back '' Asaad Kelada Bob Myer & Bob Young October 24, 1984 ( 1984 - 10 - 24 ) 601 Tootie is dismayed when Jeff returns from college and seems to have outgrown her. Note : Nancy McKeon does not appear in this episode. This is her first absence in the season. This is also the first taped episode of this season. 108 5 `` Cruisin ' '' John Bowab Paul Haggis October 31, 1984 ( 1984 - 10 - 31 ) 609 The girls take Blair 's father 's car and go cruising in downtown Peekskill. Notes : Kim Fields removed her braces in this episode. Nancy McKeon returns after her first absence from the previous episode. This is also the first and only episode that premiered without a laugh track and live audience. Due to that reason, this episode was filmed in single - camera format for the only time. 109 110 6 7 `` Taking a Chance on Love '' Asaad Kelada Gail Honigberg November 7, 1984 ( 1984 - 11 - 07 ) 607 608 Jo falls in love with her photography instructor Sam Hall ( Kristoffer Tabori ). 111 8 `` E.G.O.C. ( Edna Garrett on Campus ) '' John Bowab Janis Hirsch November 14, 1984 ( 1984 - 11 - 14 ) 610 Mrs. Garrett feels out of place when she decides to go back to college and joins Jo and Blair in one of their classes. 112 9 `` Dear Apple '' John Bowab Story by : Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert Teleplay by : Paul Haggis November 21, 1984 ( 1984 - 11 - 21 ) 611 Jo thinks about her friendship with Blair with the aid of a talking computer. 113 10 `` Talk, Talk, Talk '' John Bowab Bob Myer & Bob Young November 28, 1984 ( 1984 - 11 - 28 ) 614 Mrs. Garrett and the other girls assist Jo when she must fill a midnight to six a.m. shift at the Langley College radio station. 114 11 `` Smile '' Asaad Kelada Story by : Mark Miller Teleplay by : Linda Marsh & Margie Peters December 5, 1984 ( 1984 - 12 - 05 ) 602 Natalie 's odd behavior after losing a coveted newspaper position confuses her new boyfriend. Note : This is Nancy McKeon 's second and final absence in the series. This is the second episode filmed for the season. 115 12 `` The Rich Are n't Different '' John Bowab J.P. Duffy December 12, 1984 ( 1984 - 12 - 12 ) 613 Blair takes Jo to small claims court over a broken wristwatch. 116 13 `` Christmas in the Big House '' John Bowab Jerry Mayer December 19, 1984 ( 1984 - 12 - 19 ) 615 As a result of a mix - up, the girls perform a Christmas show in a prison instead of a home for boys like they planned. 117 14 `` Me and Eleanor '' John Bowab Paul Haggis January 2, 1985 ( 1985 - 01 - 02 ) 616 Tootie writes and performs a play about Eleanor Roosevelt. Note : Mackenzie Astin marks his first appearance as Andy Moffett in this episode. He is credited as a guest star in four other episodes ( 16, 18, 21, 24 ) in the season and departs after the twenty - fourth episode. Starting in the seventh season, he is added as a on - and - off regular and becomes a main cast member in the eighth and ninth seasons. 118 15 `` Working it Out '' Asaad Kelada Linda Marsh & Margie Peters January 9, 1985 ( 1985 - 01 - 09 ) 603 Blair 's rebellious behavior after breaking up with Cliff has everyone questioning her, especially Mrs. Garrett. 119 16 `` Jazzbeau '' Ellen Chaset Falcon Rick Lombardo & Patrick Cleary January 16, 1985 ( 1985 - 01 - 16 ) 617 Natalie and Tootie reminisce about a former jazz legend they met while working at a resort in the Poconos after learning he recently died. 120 17 `` Two Guys from Appleton '' John Bowab Paul Haggis January 23, 1985 ( 1985 - 01 - 23 ) 618 An old boyfriend of Mrs. Garrett 's arrives in Peekskill with his college - age son, Kevin. Note : Ryan Cassidy marks his first appearance as Kevin Metcalf in this episode. He is the guest star in episodes 18 -- 19, 21, 24 in the season and departs the series after the twenty - fourth episode. 121 18 `` With a Little Help from My Friends '' John Bowab Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert January 30, 1985 ( 1985 - 01 - 30 ) 619 Blair is torn between her friends ' concern and her new boyfriend who has let his addiction to cocaine affect him. Note : This is the first episode that marks Mackenzie Astin as a guest star. He is the guest star in episodes 21 and 24 along with Ryan Cassidy. 122 19 `` Gone with the Wind : Part 1 '' John Bowab Kimberly Hill February 13, 1985 ( 1985 - 02 - 13 ) 621 The girls spend Spring Break in Florida when a hurricane hits. Note : Charlotte Rae was absent in this episode. This is her first absence in the season. She was absent in the five following episodes. Michael Damian makes his first appearance as Flyman. 123 20 `` Gone with the Wind : Part 2 '' John Bowab Kimberly Hill February 20, 1985 ( 1985 - 02 - 20 ) 622 While staying at Natalie 's grandmother 's in Florida, the girls each find new relationships. Note : This is Charlotte Rae 's second absence in the series. 124 21 `` Man in the Attic '' John Bowab Paul Haggis February 27, 1985 ( 1985 - 02 - 27 ) 623 Kevin moves into the attic and quickly becomes a nuisance to the girls. Note : This is Charlotte Rae 's third absence in the series. 125 22 `` The Last Drive - In '' John Bowab Paul Haggis, Kimberly Hill and Stuart Wolpert March 13, 1985 ( 1985 - 03 - 13 ) 624 The girls pile into Mrs. Garrett 's car and spend the evening at the local drive - in, which is about to close for the last time. Note : This is Charlotte Rae 's fourth absence in the series. 126 23 `` Sisters '' John Bowab Bob Myer & Bob Young March 20, 1985 ( 1985 - 03 - 20 ) 625 Jo and Blair become concerned when Jo 's father and Blair 's mother appear to be getting very close. Note : This is Charlotte Rae 's fifth absence in the series. 127 24 `` It 's Lonely at the Top '' John Bowab Jerry Mayer March 27, 1985 ( 1985 - 03 - 27 ) 626 Blair learns the hard way when she tries to take over and run Edna 's Edibles `` her '' way. Note : This is Charlotte Rae 's sixth absence in the series. This is also Ryan Cassidy 's final appearance on the show. After this episode, he was quietly dismissed. Mackenzie Astin also marks his final guest star appearance in this episode before returning in season seven. This is the final episode taped for the sixth season. 128 25 `` Bus Stop '' Judi Elterman Story by : Brian Pollack & Rick Shaw Teleplay by : Kimberly Hill May 8, 1985 ( 1985 - 05 - 08 ) 620 When Natalie graduates from Eastland, she shocks her mother and her friends by deciding not to go to college. Note : Charlotte Rae returns in this episode after her six - episode absence. 129 26 `` The Interview Show '' John Bowab and Stuart Wolpert Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert May 15, 1985 ( 1985 - 05 - 15 ) 612 A former student who is planning on writing a book on Eastland interviews Mrs. Garrett and the girls. Season 7 : 1985 -- 1986 Mrs. Garrett ( Charlotte Rae ) was again absent from several episodes per Rae 's request for reduced appearances. Starting this season, Mackenzie Astin, who plays Andy Moffett, and George Clooney, who plays George Burnett, receive billing in the opening credits. No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production code 130 `` Out of the Fire... '' John Bowab Paul Haggis September 14, 1985 ( 1985 - 09 - 14 ) 701 The girls come back from summer vacation to find Edna 's Edibles and their home suffered a major fire. Note : Starting this season, Mackenzie Astin as Andy Moffett becomes a recurring character. The Edna 's Edibles backdrop is used only for the first three episodes in this season. 131 `` Into the Frying Pan '' John Bowab Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert September 21, 1985 ( 1985 - 09 - 21 ) 702 After deciding to rebuild the shop with a new business, Mrs. Garrett and the girls must find a contractor they can afford. Note : George Clooney as George Burnett starts his recurring character run in this episode. 132 `` Grand Opening '' John Bowab Bob Bendetson & Howard Bendetson September 28, 1985 ( 1985 - 09 - 28 ) 703 Mrs. Garrett and the girls find that the grand opening of their new business, Over Our Heads, is n't quite so `` grand ''. Note : This is the last episode of the Edna 's Edibles backdrop in the opening credits. In the next episode, Over Our Heads become the series ' new backdrop. 133 `` Teacher, Teacher '' John Bowab Story by : Cheri Eichen & Bill Steinkellner Teleplay by : Bruce Ferber & David Lerner October 5, 1985 ( 1985 - 10 - 05 ) 705 After doing a stint of student teaching, Jo becomes torn between becoming a teacher or working at a corporation developing educational software. Irene Tedrow and Joyce Bulifant guest star as Jo 's coworkers at the elementary school. Note : Over Our Heads is marked the season 's new backdrop at the first scene of the opening credits in this episode until the show 's series finale. Recording date : August 27, 1985 134 5 `` Men for All Seasons '' John Bowab Fredi Towbin & Larry Strauss October 19, 1985 ( 1985 - 10 - 19 ) 704 A controversial calendar of the Langley men 's swim team puts Mrs. Garrett and the girls in hot water when they refuse to stop selling it. 135 6 `` A New Life '' John Bowab Linda Elstad October 26, 1985 ( 1985 - 10 - 26 ) 706 Blair learns that her mother is pregnant and wants to have an abortion, but Blair insists she keep the baby. 136 7 `` Doo - Wah '' John Bowab Bob Bendetson & Howard Bendetson November 2, 1985 ( 1985 - 11 - 02 ) 709 Andy gets the girls involved in a singing / songwriting contest where the winners get to sing back - up on pop - star, El Debarge 's new single. El Debarge and Siedah Garrett guest - star. 137 8 `` Come Back to the Truck Stop, Natalie Green, Natalie Green '' John Bowab Michael Maurer November 9, 1985 ( 1985 - 11 - 09 ) 708 Natalie, trying to get writing ideas by travelling around the country, comes up with a wild one while waiting for a bus at a small diner. Charo appears in this episode. 138 9 `` Born Too Late '' John Bowab Bob Brush November 16, 1985 ( 1985 - 11 - 16 ) 710 Tootie must deal with Andy when she learns he has a crush on her. 139 10 `` 3, 2, 1 '' John Bowab Paul Haggis November 23, 1985 ( 1985 - 11 - 23 ) 711 Jo and Blair are assigned to work at the campus TV station, but they end up arguing over the content of news stories and editorials. 140 11 `` We Get Letters '' John Bowab Story by : Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert Teleplay by : Susan Beavers November 30, 1985 ( 1985 - 11 - 30 ) 707 Mrs. Garrett 's old friend ( Anne Jackson ) visits and reveals a secret about Edna and the friend 's late husband. 141 12 `` Ballroom Dance '' John Bowab Story by : Carlo Allen Teleplay by : Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert December 7, 1985 ( 1985 - 12 - 07 ) 712 Jo decides she wants to learn how to ballroom dance. 142 13 `` Christmas Baby '' John Bowab David Lerner & Bruce Ferber December 14, 1985 ( 1985 - 12 - 14 ) 715 Blair 's mother goes into labor on Christmas Eve -- six weeks before she 's due. 143 14 `` Tootie Drives '' John Bowab Story by : Paul Haggis and Stuart Wolpert Teleplay by : Paul Haggis December 21, 1985 ( 1985 - 12 - 21 ) 713 Tootie drives everybody crazy when she gets her driving permit and wants help learning how to drive. 144 15 `` Stake - Out Blues '' John Bowab Jake Weinberger & Michael Weinberger January 11, 1986 ( 1986 - 01 - 11 ) 716 The girls do n't want Mrs. Garrett to worry when the police plan a stakeout at the shop to catch criminals selling counterfeit bus passes. 145 16 `` The Agent '' John Bowab Jack Elinson January 18, 1986 ( 1986 - 01 - 18 ) 717 In order to boost the career of an aspiring comic, Tootie stages a performance where Jim McCawley, the talent coordinator for The Tonight Show, shall be in attendance. 146 17 `` The Reunion '' John Bowab Racelle Friedman February 1, 1986 ( 1986 - 02 - 01 ) 719 George takes Jo to his high school reunion where he passes her off as a duchess to impress a girl he once admired. 147 18 `` Concentration '' John Bowab Martha Williamson February 8, 1986 ( 1986 - 02 - 08 ) 718 Blair learns a valuable lesson when she becomes trapped in an elevator with her baby sister Bailey and a concentration camp survivor ( played by Nehemiah Persoff. ) 148 19 `` Atlantic City '' John Bowab Paul Haggis February 15, 1986 ( 1986 - 02 - 15 ) 721 The girls travel to Atlantic City to see Flyman, Jo 's fling from spring break. Michael Damian makes his third and final appearance as Flyman. 149 20 `` The Lady Who Came to Dinner '' John Bowab Story by : Patrick Cleary Teleplay by : Bart Lindsay & Robert Billson February 22, 1986 ( 1986 - 02 - 22 ) 722 After a misunderstanding about Blair 's birthday wishes, the party performer herself ( vaudevillian Betty Kean ) ends up staying with the girls. Note : Mindy Cohn is absent for the first and only time. This is Charlotte Rae 's fourth absence in the season and overall her tenth absence in the series. This is also George Clooney 's last episode as a recurring character. He made four guest star appearances in season eight, and was dismissed before the ninth season began. 150 21 `` The Candidate '' Valentine Mayer Michael Maurer March 1, 1986 ( 1986 - 03 - 01 ) 723 Blair and Natalie go head - to - head when Natalie learns a big political secret about the current mayor. 151 22 `` Big Time Charlie '' Steven Robman Bob Myer & Bob Young March 29, 1986 ( 1986 - 03 - 29 ) 720 Jo 's father goes on an extravagant shopping spree after winning $300,000. in a magazine contest. Also, Natalie returns from Florida with the wrong suitcase, losing Tootie 's new camera in the process. 152 23 `` The Graduate '' John Bowab Barry Vigon May 3, 1986 ( 1986 - 05 - 03 ) 724 In part one of the season seven finale, Mrs. Garrett returns for Tootie 's graduation in time to learn what she and Natalie plan to do about their own futures. Note : This is Mackenzie Astin 's final episode as a recurring character. Starting in the eighth season, he becomes a series regular. 153 24 `` The Apartment '' John Bowab Jane Anderson May 10, 1986 ( 1986 - 05 - 10 ) 725 In the conclusion of the season seven finale, Natalie and Tootie move into a new apartment and quickly learn that living on their own is not all it 's cracked up to be. Note : This is Charlotte Rae 's last episode as a main cast member. Rae made her final appearances in the eighth season two - part premiere `` Out of Peekskill Part 1 '' and `` Out of Peekskill Part 2 ''. Season 8 : 1986 -- 1987 Mrs. Garrett ( Charlotte Rae ) remarries and leaves the series after the two part season premiere. Her sister, Beverly Ann Stickle ( Cloris Leachman ), moves in to care for the house and business. George Burnett, played by George Clooney, becomes a recurring character. No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production code 154 155 `` Out of Peekskill '' John Bowab Michael Maurer, Richard Gurman and Paul Haggis September 27, 1986 ( 1986 - 09 - 27 ) 801 802 Mrs. Garrett becomes reacquainted with Dr. Bruce Gaines ( Robert Mandan ), a man she met when she was serving in the Peace Corps. He proposes marriage to her, and she accepts. Her sister, Beverly Ann Stickle ( Cloris Leachman ), comes to the wedding in her Winnebago recreational vehicle. In spite of a scare at Depressed Person 's Cliff, Mrs. Garrett and Bruce are married, and they rejoin the Peace Corps, leaving for Africa. Beverly Ann takes over Edna 's duties at Over Our Heads in her place. Notes : Starting this season, Cloris Leachman and Mackenzie Astin becomes the series ' main cast regulars. Charlotte Rae made a guest star appearance and departs the series after this 2 - parted one hour season opening. 156 `` Ready or Not '' John Bowab Jane Anderson October 4, 1986 ( 1986 - 10 - 04 ) 803 Beverly Ann and the girls are concerned that Tootie is getting much too serious about her new boyfriend Rudy. 157 `` Another Room '' John Bowab Story by : Katherine Green Teleplay by : Michael Maurer & Martha Williamson October 11, 1986 ( 1986 - 10 - 11 ) 805 Fed up with having no privacy, Jo considers moving out, until Beverly Ann suggests remodeling the attic into a room, but Jo has concerns about the construction costs. 158 5 `` Off - Broadway Baby '' John Bowab Martha Williamson November 1, 1986 ( 1986 - 11 - 01 ) 807 Beverly Ann and the girls head for New York City, when Tootie decides to audition for her first Broadway show. However, when she arrives, she quickly learns that she has plenty of competition working against her. 159 6 `` The Little Chill '' Valentine Mayer Phil Doran & Douglas Arango November 8, 1986 ( 1986 - 11 - 08 ) 808 Three of the girls ( Cindy, Nancy, and Sue Ann ) who used to live in the Eastland dormitory with Blair, Tootie, and Natalie return for a reunion and Jo feels left out because she never knew them very well. 160 7 `` The Ratings Game '' John Bowab Ross Brown November 15, 1986 ( 1986 - 11 - 15 ) 809 Blair 's computerized date - rating system is the focus when she makes a bet with Jo dealing with whether or not the system really works. However, when Beverly Ann accidentally erases a computer disk, Jo tampers with some of the ratings. 161 8 `` The Wedding Day '' John Bowab Story by : Shirley Brown Teleplay by : Ross Brown and Michael Poryes November 22, 1986 ( 1986 - 11 - 22 ) 811 Jo offers to marry an immigrant so he can stay in the country. Note : George Clooney 's character George Burnett appears in this episode and three others this season. Episode # 15 A Star is Torn is his last appearance. 162 9 `` Fast Food '' Marian Deaton Michael Maurer November 29, 1986 ( 1986 - 11 - 29 ) 810 Natalie hires Blair as an employee at the Mexican restaurant Señor Sombrero, where she is assistant manager. 163 10 `` Where 's Poppa ? '' John Bowab Micki Raton and Irma Kalish & Phil Doran & Douglas Arango December 6, 1986 ( 1986 - 12 - 06 ) 804 Blair is distraught after her father pleads guilty to charges of insider trading. 164 11 `` Write and Wrong '' John Bowab Jane Anderson & Ross Brown December 13, 1986 ( 1986 - 12 - 13 ) 806 A furious Natalie is determined to identify and sue the plagiarist who sold her short story to a magazine. Vaudeville comedienne Billie Bird appears as Andy 's grandmother. 165 12 `` Seven Little Indians '' John Bowab John Boni January 3, 1987 ( 1987 - 01 - 03 ) 812 On a dark and stormy night, the girls and their friends are stalked by a mysterious killer. Maurice LaMarche appears as `` Rod Sperling '' in this The Twilight Zone - ish episode. 166 13 `` The Greek Connection '' John Bowab Sara V. Finney & Vida Spears January 10, 1987 ( 1987 - 01 - 10 ) 813 Assigned by the newspaper to investigate Pledge Week at Langley College, Natalie crashes the rush party of the sorority Tootie wants to join. Penelope Ann Miller guest stars. 167 14 `` Post-Christmas Card '' John Bowab Matt Gellar January 17, 1987 ( 1987 - 01 - 17 ) 815 As a post-Christmas gift, Natalie gets her first credit card and promptly goes on a spending spree. 168 15 `` A Star Is Torn '' John Bowab Martha Williamson January 31, 1987 ( 1987 - 01 - 31 ) 816 Cinnamon ( Stacey Q ), who bested Tootie in the audition for a Broadway rock musical, arrives. She claims that she has been replaced in the show, but it is not the real story. Note : George Clooney marks his final appearance on the show, billed as a special guest star. 169 16 `` A Winter 's Tale '' John Bowab Bob Underwood February 7, 1987 ( 1987 - 02 - 07 ) 814 The girls go to a ski resort. Doug Savant guest stars as an engaged young man falling in love with Blair. 170 17 `` Cupid 's Revenge '' John Bowab John Boni February 14, 1987 ( 1987 - 02 - 14 ) 817 Romantic perversity occurs when all the girls ' old boyfriends happen to show up just before the Valentine 's Day dance. 171 18 `` ' 62 Pick - Up '' John Bowab Phil Doran & Douglas Arango February 21, 1987 ( 1987 - 02 - 21 ) 819 A flashback to the early 1960s, replete with teen idols, beatniks, and girl groups. Bobby Rydell and Fabian guest star. 172 19 `` Boy About the House '' John Bowab Austin and Irma Kalish February 28, 1987 ( 1987 - 02 - 28 ) 818 When Andy 's foster parents ' marriage dissolves, Beverly Ann decides it is time to adopt him. Jay Johnson ( ventriloquist ) appears in this episode 's sub-plot. 173 20 `` Ex Marks the Spot '' John Bowab Story by : Katherine Green & Richard Gurman Teleplay by : Michael Maurer & Michael Poryes March 7, 1987 ( 1987 - 03 - 07 ) 820 Beverly Ann 's ex-husband, Frank Stickle ( Dick Van Patten ), comes to visit, and he has a heart attack. Lois Nettleton guest stars. 174 21 `` Younger Than Springtime '' John Bowab Lawrence H. Levy March 21, 1987 ( 1987 - 03 - 21 ) 821 Jo is unhappy that Blair is playing matchmaker for Jo 's lonely father, but she is really upset with the final results. 175 22 `` This Is Only a Test '' Valentine Mayer Ross Brown & Martha Williamson April 18, 1987 ( 1987 - 04 - 18 ) 822 Blair discovers that even she can not buy admission to law school if she does not pass a four - hour admissions test for which she has not studied. 176 23 `` Rites of Passage : Part 1 '' John Bowab Matt Geller & Racelle Friedman May 2, 1987 ( 1987 - 05 - 02 ) 823 After her commencement speech is rejected, Jo refuses to make a speech at all, but then learns that her grandfather ( Sheldon Leonard ) has come all the way from Poland to hear it. 177 24 `` Rites of Passage : Part 2 '' Marian Deaton Michael Poryes May 9, 1987 ( 1987 - 05 - 09 ) 824 Summer offers a variety of options for everyone, especially Jo, who is offered a tempting job far away in Los Angeles. Season 9 : 1987 -- 1988 Pippa McKenna, played by Sherrié Austin, is introduced as a recurring character. No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production code 178 `` Down and Out in Malibu : Part 1 '' John Bowab Martha Williamson September 26, 1987 ( 1987 - 09 - 26 ) 903 Jo is stranded in Malibu for the summer and gets a job housesitting for Richard Moll. 179 `` Down and Out in Malibu : Part 2 '' John Bowab Ross Brown October 3, 1987 ( 1987 - 10 - 03 ) 904 Richard Moll has the girls put in prison when he sees what has happened to his house. 180 `` Rumor Has It '' John Bowab Michael Poryes October 17, 1987 ( 1987 - 10 - 17 ) 901 Things get interesting in Blair 's law class when a rumor goes around campus about her and the professor. 181 `` Before the Fall '' John Bowab R.J. Colleary October 24, 1987 ( 1987 - 10 - 24 ) 905 Natalie lands a freelance assignment from the local newspaper to do an undercover article on Langley 's ROTC, which may lead to more assignments. But she must face her fears when the job entails skydiving from an airplane. Dennis Haysbert has a small role as a drill sergeant. 182 5 `` Sweet Charity '' John Bowab Phil Doran & Douglas Arango November 7, 1987 ( 1987 - 11 - 07 ) 907 Jo goes looking for a job only to find one in the least likely place, and it is up to Blair to save the community center from going under. 183 6 `` Up from Down Under '' John Bowab Austin and Irma Kalish November 14, 1987 ( 1987 - 11 - 14 ) 910 Pippa McKenna, a teenage girl from Eastland 's Australian sister school Colunga Academy, enrolls at Eastland. Notes : Sherrie Krenn marks her first appearance as Pippa McKenna in this episode, she is marked on / off regular in few episodes and then becomes a main regular in the thirteenth episode. This episode also features new opening credit sequences for Lisa Whelchel and Mackenzie Astin. 184 7 `` The More the Marrier '' Valentine Mayer Lawrence H. Levy November 21, 1987 ( 1987 - 11 - 21 ) 908 It 's winter carnival time and Tootie has her hands full when her boyfriend Jeff shows up. Natalie 's boyfriend Snake ( Robert Romanus ) is introduced. 185 8 `` A Rose by Any Other Age '' John Bowab Mark Tuttle & Barbara Berkowitz November 28, 1987 ( 1987 - 11 - 28 ) 902 Blair has the hots for her study partner but he is more interested in Beverly Ann. Meanwhile, Andy tries to get help with a bully. 186 9 `` Adventures in Baileysitting '' John Bowab Story by : Jeri Barchilon & Michele Gendleman Teleplay by : Jeri Barchilon December 5, 1987 ( 1987 - 12 - 05 ) 912 Blair 's baby sister Bailey gets lost while in the girls ' care ; Tootie gets her engagement ring. 187 10 `` It 's a Wonderful Christmas '' Valentine Mayer Marily Anderson & Renee Orin December 12, 1987 ( 1987 - 12 - 12 ) 909 Beverly Ann feels unwanted at Christmas and wonders what it would be like if she had never come to Peekskill. 188 11 `` Golden Oldies '' John Bowab John Boni January 2, 1988 ( 1988 - 01 - 02 ) 906 The girls imagine what their lives will be like decades in the future. Bill Macy appears as Jo 's `` ex-husband. '' 189 12 `` A Thousand Frowns '' John Bowab Harvey Weitzman and David DiGregorio & Arnie Wess January 9, 1988 ( 1988 - 01 - 09 ) 911 Jo meets Rick Bonner ( Scott Bryce in his first of four appearances ) at a community center while trying to find Andy a male role model. Rick is turning 30, and believes he will die soon, as no men in his family have lived longer than his upcoming age. Note : This is Sherrie Krenn 's last episode as a recurring character, becoming a main cast member for the rest of the season. This is also the final episode showing the eighth season cast scene at the end of the opening credits. 190 13 `` Something in Common '' John Bowab Michael Poryes January 16, 1988 ( 1988 - 01 - 16 ) 917 Jo 's dad comes for a visit and finds Rick has more in common with him than he likes. Meanwhile, plans are made to close Over Our Heads and convert it into living spaces for Pippa and Andy. Notes : Kim Fields is absent for the first and only time in this episode. Sherrie Krenn continues the season as a main cast member in this episode. A new ninth season cast photo set around the piano is seen at the end of the opening credits and continues the rest of the season. 191 14 `` Peekskill Law '' John Bowab Mark Tuttle January 23, 1988 ( 1988 - 01 - 23 ) 918 Blair gets involved in a big law case but the lawyer ends up being her ex-professor. 192 15 `` A House Divided '' John Bowab Mark Tuttle January 30, 1988 ( 1988 - 01 - 30 ) 913 Natalie and Tootie plan the perfect evening with their boyfriends, only to have the two end up fighting and causing the girls to take sides. 193 16 `` The First Time '' Marian Deaton Ross Brown February 6, 1988 ( 1988 - 02 - 06 ) 915 Natalie loses her virginity with her boyfriend, Snake. Note : Lisa Whelchel is absent for the first and only time in this episode. The producers originally wanted Whelchel 's character to lose her virginity but Whelchel refused to take part in this episode due to her religious beliefs. 194 17 `` Let 's Face the Music '' John Bowab Phil Doran & Douglas Arango February 13, 1988 ( 1988 - 02 - 13 ) 916 A slip - up at a beauty parlor turns Jo 's hair blond and Blair 's hair green, causing problems at a fund raiser. Later, in a fantasy sequence Pippa 's band and the girls perform at the event. 195 18 `` Less Than Perfect '' Valentine Mayer Martha Williamson February 20, 1988 ( 1988 - 02 - 20 ) 914 Blair gets into a serious car accident when she falls asleep at the wheel, and she is devastated when it results in a large cut across her forehead. Note : The ninth season cast piano scene from the opening credits was taken during the filming break of this episode. 196 19 `` Till Marriage Do Us Part '' John Bowab Ross Brown February 27, 1988 ( 1988 - 02 - 27 ) 922 Rick proposes to Jo and after some thought and reflection she accepts, becoming the first of the girls to get married. 197 20 `` Present Imperfect '' John Bowab Kathy Lette March 5, 1988 ( 1988 - 03 - 05 ) 920 When Jeff 's grandmother ( Beah Richards ) gives Tootie an ugly pendant, Pippa loses it and then it gets damaged. Tootie then has to stand up to Jeff 's grandma to get her blessing. 198 21 `` On the Edge '' John Bowab R.J. Colleary March 12, 1988 ( 1988 - 03 - 12 ) 919 Jo finds herself in a tough spot when the suicide counselor decides she wants to die, and it is up to Jo to talk her out of it. 199 22 `` Big Apple Blues '' John Bowab Martha Williamson March 19, 1988 ( 1988 - 03 - 19 ) 921 Natalie moves to an apartment in SoHo, where she meets some eccentric characters. David Spade and Richard Grieco guest star. 200 23 `` The Beginning of the End '' John Bowab Austin and Irma Kalish April 30, 1988 ( 1988 - 04 - 30 ) 923 When Blair discovers that Eastland Academy is in dire financial straits, she decides she has to make a tough decision about her future ; she uses her trust fund to buy the school and save it from closing -- and Eastland admits male students for the very first time. Juliette Lewis, Mayim Bialik, Seth Green, Meredith Scott Lynn and Kathleen Freeman appear in this two - part finale. Note : This is part one of the two - part series finale, with less focus on the core group and the introduction of many new characters in what seems to be the set up for a spin - off that never happened. It is also the 200th episode of the show and Mackenzie Astin 's final appearance. 201 24 `` The Beginning of the Beginning '' John Bowab Austin and Irma Kalish May 7, 1988 ( 1988 - 05 - 07 ) 924 Blair faces her first challenge as headmaster of Eastland as she helps a student who is trying to get expelled. Note : This is the conclusion of the series ; the girls end up going their own ways : Blair is at Eastland, Tootie is off to acting school in London, Natalie has moved to Soho to pursue her writing career, and Jo 's husband returns from his European tour to start their married lives. Movie specials The Facts of life goes to Paris The Facts of Life Goes to Paris is a two - hour TV movie that aired on September 25, 1982. The Facts of life Down under The Facts of Life Down Under is a two - hour TV movie that aired on February 15, 1987. The Facts of life reunion The Facts of Life Reunion is a two - hour TV movie that aired on November 18, 2001. Although Charlotte Rae had left the role of Mrs. Garrett in season eight and was replaced by Cloris Leachman as Mrs. Garrett 's sister Beverly Ann, Rae returned as Mrs. Garrett for this production. Nancy McKeon was unable to reprise her role as Jo due to scheduling conflicts with her then - starring role in the Lifetime crime drama series The Division. Notes Jump up ^ I.Q. is the last episode to feature Jenny O'Hara as Eastland teacher Miss Emily Mahoney. Jump up ^ Last episode to feature Mr. Steven Bradley, Molly Parker, Sue Ann Weaver, Cindy Webster and Nancy Olson as main cast regulars. Jump up ^ Molly Parker ( Molly Ringwald ) makes a return appearance in this episode, but it is her last in the series. ^ Jump up to : Felice Schacter, Julie Piekarski and Julie Ann Haddock make return guest appearances as Nancy, Sue Ann, and Cindy, respectively. Jump up ^ Felice Schacter makes a returning guest appearance as Nancy Olson. Jump up ^ Roger Perry appears as the new Eastland headmaster, Mr. Charles Parker. Jump up ^ Julie Piekarski and Julie Ann Haddock make their final guest appearances as Sue Ann Weaver and Cindy Webster. Jump up ^ Felice Schacter guest - stars as Nancy Olson. Jump up ^ Final guest appearance by Felice Schachter as Nancy Olson. Jump up ^ `` Gamma Gamma or Bust '' is the first episode to feature Edna 's Edibles as the show 's new setting. Jump up ^ `` Advance Placement '' marks Roger Perry 's final guest appearance as Mr. Parker. Jump up ^ Felice Schachter, Julie Ann Haddock, and Julie Piekarski reprise their roles as Nancy Olsen, Cindy Webster, and Sue Ann Weaver. References Jump up ^ https://i.imgur.com/F5NXCW8.jpg Jump up ^ https://i.imgur.com/8QfEGWJ.jpg External links Fuller, Todd. `` The Facts of Life : Episode Guide ''. Sitcoms Online. `` The Facts of Life at TV.com ''. The Facts of Life Episodes List of The Facts of Life episodes TV movies The Facts of Life Goes to Paris ( 1982 ) The Facts of Life Down Under ( 1987 ) The Facts of Life Reunion ( 2001 ) Related Characters Diff'rent Strokes ( 1978 -- 1986 ) Hello, Larry ( 1979 - 1980 ) Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_The_Facts_of_Life_episodes&oldid=854648190 '' Categories : Lists of sitcom television series episodes The Facts of Life ( TV series ) Hidden categories : Episode list using the default LineColor Talk Contents About Wikipedia Italiano Edit links This page was last edited on 12 August 2018, at 21 : 23 ( UTC ). Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution - ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia ® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. About Wikipedia

Question: the last episode of the facts of life
Answer: "The Beginning of the Beginning"