You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have the hit show that became a staple of the NBC 80s television line up. The Facts of Life was a female-centric spinoff of the popular show Diff’rent Strokes. It ran for nine seasons and became a cultural touchstone. This special Behind Closed Doors offers an inside look at the show that gave us Tootie, Blair, Natalie, Jo, and of course Mrs. Garrett. Cast members and the creatives behind the series—including the casting director, producers, writers, and its longtime director—offer a peak and how the show came together. From its initial concept, to its early unwieldly cast, to the painful decision to whittle that cast down, the early days of the series were tumultuous and success was by no means a given.

Gary Coleman soared to success as the diminutive star of classic eighties sit-com, Different strokes. His chubby cheeks, sharp wit and trademark catchphrase captured the hearts of millions. But at the height of his fame he was plagued by health problems and when his career stalled he hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons. He gained a reputation as a notorious hot head and a series of highly publicized arrests followed. Then, on May 28th, 2010 Gary Coleman died in mysterious circumstance after an incident at his home in Utah. World renowned forensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter scrutinizes all evidence to reveal why this much loved star died.

On May 8, 1999, the world was saddened by the news that actor Dana Plato, died in Moore, Oklahoma. As a child star in Eighties TV show ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ Dana had captured the heart of America playing everyone’s favourite older sister, Kimberley Drummond. It seemed nothing could stop her. But after riding high on the show’s success, her career dwindled and Dana suffered a series of crushing lows including the loss of her beloved adoptive mum as well as a marriage breakdown. As Dana’s life continued to unravel, she turned to alcohol and drugs to deal with her problems becoming a Hollywood pariah. Dana was found dead in her RV at the age of just 34. She had died of a multidrug overdose and her passing was originally reported as accidental but the autopsy report would later rule this death as suicide. There are those that remain convinced that the young mother with so much to live for would never take her own life. So what really happened? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyze every detail of Dana’s autopsy, toxicology report and personal testimonies to find out more about her last days and whether Dana Plato really meant to commit suicide?

Drugs, crime, and death; the downward spiral of the child cast of Diff’rent Strokes is one for the ages. The once adored child actors Gary Coleman, Dana Plato, and Todd Bridges were brought to fame at an early age for their roles in the 80’s TV show. However, their individual endeavors after the show were defined by drug addiction, financial struggles, and arrests. Dana Plato robbed a dry cleaners, Gary Coleman divorced his parents and had anger issues, and Todd Bridges was a drug addict. Plato’s suicide in 1999 and Coleman’s death in 2010 have left the nation wondering how these beloved child actors could succumb to such a tragic turn of events.

Toledo, OH officers assist a woman who was hit by a vehicle while officers in Fontana, CA investigate a report of indecent exposure. Officers in Berkeley County, SC search for suspects who fled on foot and Daytona Beach, FL officers respond to a crash with injuries.

Lee County, FL officers respond after a vehicle nearly drove through a restaurant while officers in Coweta County, GA rescue a man from his submerged vehicle. Richland County, SC officers search for two suspects who fled from a stolen vehicle and officers in Fontana, CA investigate an assault with a deadly weapon.

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On Patrol: First Shift is the only place to catch what you missed — exclusive updates on stories, candid interviews with the officers on shift, and answers to your questions about On Patrol: Live.

A Live Series following Law Enforcement Officers On Patrol across the country – all live and in real time.

A Live Series following Law Enforcement Officers On Patrol across the country – all live and in real time.