Different Times for Different Strokes

This show is more known for the sad end for many stars of the show rather than the stories told in the show. 

The show debuted in 1978 and was an instant success. It starred Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, Conrad Bain and Charlotte Rae. The child stars had top billing, which is rare on television. 

In 1979, it created an equally popular spin-off called The Facts of Life. Charlotte Rae was able to leave the show and create her own show that turned out to be just as successful. 

Different Strokes featured shows about bullying, drugs, and the usual sit-com stuff about friends and feuding siblings. 

Sadly the real life stories of the stars overtook the fame of the show.