It turns out that the famous TV programming block from the 1990s, “TGIF,” didn’t actually stand for “Thank God it’s Friday.” According to producer Jim Janicek, who created the block, it actually meant “Thank Goodness it’s Funny.” The block aired on ABC from the late 1980s to the early 2000s and featured beloved shows like “Boy Meets World,” “Family Matters,” “Sister Sister,” and “Full House.”
Janicek revealed that the name was chosen to make Friday nights more entertaining, as they were typically considered a tough time slot for TV shows. Despite initial concerns about the acronym being similar to TGI Friday’s restaurant, ABC executives decided to go with “TGIF.”
During the heyday of the programming block, Friday nights became a highlight for many families, including Janicek’s own childhood memories of watching TV after dinner with his family. The popularity of “TGIF” eventually waned, with the network deciding to move on to other programming.
Looking back, actor Rider Strong, who starred in “Boy Meets World,” described the “TGIF” block as a massive success. It brought laughter and joy to households across the country and became a beloved part of television history.
Vocabulary List:
- Producer /prəˈdjuː.sər/ (noun): A person responsible for overseeing the production of a show or film.
- Programming /ˈprəʊ.ɡram.ɪŋ/ (noun): The act of planning and scheduling shows for broadcasting.
- Acronym /ˈak.rə.nɪm/ (noun): An abbreviation formed from the initial letters of other words.
- Highlight /ˈhaɪ.laɪt/ (noun): An outstanding part of an event or period.
- Popularity /ˌpɒp.jʊˈlær.ɪ.ti/ (noun): The state of being liked or admired by many people.
- Beloved /bɪˈlʌv.ɪd/ (adjective): Deeply loved or cherished.
How much do you know?
What does "TGIF" stand for according to producer Jim Janicek?
Which TV network aired the "TGIF" programming block?
Which show was NOT part of the "TGIF" programming block?
What was the main aim of naming the programming block "TGIF"?
When did the "TGIF" block air on TV?
Which actor described the "TGIF" block as a massive success?
The acronym TGIF was initially a concern due to its similarity with TGI Friday's restaurant.
The "TGIF" block became less popular over time.
Friday nights were not traditionally considered a tough time slot for TV shows.
Jim Janicek, the producer, had a different interpretation for TGIF than "Thank Goodness it's Funny."
Rider Strong was not a part of the TV show "Boy Meets World."
ABC executives initially rejected the name "TGIF" for the programming block.
The "TGIF" block aired from the late 1980s to the early .
Jim Janicek created the "TGIF" block to make Friday nights more .
The "TGIF" block featured shows like "Boy Meets World" and "Full ."
Rider Strong starred in the TV show "Boy Meets ."
According to Rider Strong, the "TGIF" block brought to households across the country.
Friday nights were a highlight for many families during the of the "TGIF" block.
