---
title: "It's a Living"
year: 1980
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/it-s-a-living-1980"
media_type: "tv"
tmdb_id: 10122
imdb_id: "tt0080233"
status: "Ended"
seasons_count: 6
episodes_count: 120
runtime_minutes: 30
community_rating: 6.0
vote_count: 13
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# It's a Living (1980) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/it-s-a-living-1980

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

"It's a Living" is an American sitcom set in a restaurant. The show premiered on ABC in 1980 and initially aired until 1982. It was created by Stu Silver, Dick Clair, and Jenna McMahon. The series was produced by Witt/Thomas Productions, later in association with Golden West Television and Lorimar-Telepictures. After its initial run, new episodes of the series aired in first-run syndication from 1985 to 1989. The show is set in a restaurant at the top of the Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A lighthearted sitcom about waitstaff atop Los Angeles' Bonaventure Hotel."

### Why Watch
- Comedy set in a high‑rise restaurant
- Shows 1980s Los Angeles hotel backdrop
- Created by veteran sitcom writers

### Caveats & Content Note
- Series had a split broadcast run
- Humor may feel dated to modern viewers
- Tone & Suitability: The series offers family‑friendly humor suitable for general audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: lighthearted, workplace, 80s, sitcom

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Fawesome | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads | None |
| **Canada (CA)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Tubi TV | Apple TV Store |

## Filler vs. Essential Episode Classifier

- **Total Tracked Episodes**: 100
- **Crucial Mytharc Episodes**: 8 (8%)
- **Character Core Episodes**: 92 (92%)
- **Side Quest / Filler Episodes**: 0 (0%)

## Creative Credits

- **Created by**: Dick Clair, Jenna McMahon, Stu Silver
- **Networks / Studios**: ABC, Syndication

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Barrie Youngfellow** as *Jan Hoffmeyer Gray*
- **Marian Mercer** as *Nancy Beebe Miller*
- **Gail Edwards** as *Dot Higgins*
- **Paul Kreppel** as *Sonny Mann*
- **Crystal Bernard** as *Amy Tompkins*
- **Richard Stahl** as *Howard Miller*
- **Sheryl Lee Ralph** as *Ginger St. James*
- **Ann Jillian** as *Cassie Cranston*
- **Louise Lasser** as *Maggie McBurney*
- **Earl Boen** as *Dennis Hubner*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: When did the series originally air?
It premiered on ABC on October 30, 1980 and ran until June 11, 1982.

### Q: Was there a later run of new episodes?
Yes, new episodes aired in first‑run syndication from September 28, 1985 to April 8, 1989.

### Q: Where is the show set?
The sitcom takes place in a restaurant on the top floor of the Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles.

### Q: Who created It's a Living?
The series was created by Stu Silver, Dick Clair and Jenna McMahon.

### Q: Which production companies were involved?
It was produced by Witt/Thomas Productions and later in association with Golden West Television and Lorimar‑Telepictures.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*